We live in a world of failed and successful social experiments. Repeating patterns tend to reveal deeper truths
The great German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said, “By seeking and blundering we learn.” How true this is. If we take the time to understand our mistakes, life is rich on so many levels. No individual is immune to error. When we examine why things didn’t work out as we hoped, can find new…
But before we find compassion for others, we need firm personal boundaries and strong self-respect
Compassionate people are happy people, and compassionate people understand that everyone is simply doing their best. They acknowledge there are those who do rotten things to each other, but we have no idea of the internal torment these individuals struggle with. This isn’t to say that we shouldn’t have rules in our society or that…
Self-regulation puts us firmly in the driver’s seat of our own life. But it isn’t easy
Recently, I was admiring a burst of tulips in the back garden. I commented on how striking they were. My husband commented on how they were ill-placed. Irritated by his lack of appreciation for the riot of colour, I grabbed a pair of scissors, snipped them off and announced he would no longer need to…
How do you deal with unhappiness at work? You find meaning and value in what you do
A recent study said 47 per cent of Canadians are unhappy in their jobs. Many cite lack of pay as the main reason but it’s not the only factor. Many find the work environment difficult or say their work lacks meaning. Of course, leaving a job isn’t necessarily a good thing. It can take significant…
Although he’s incredibly bright, he can require a bit of retraining daily and some consistent preparation before he goes to work
It’s January and a lot of us are talking about goal setting and getting healthy. But for many of us, stuff gets in the way of our priorities. Some of us want to avoid alcohol for a month as we renew our commitment to overall well-being. But we can easily be tempted to skip a workout,…
Perhaps some observations are just more obvious at this time of year. And perhaps it’s never too late to modify behaviour
As the ‘Ho ho ho’ spirit fades and the reality of a new year looms like an enormous new moon, I’m summoned back to the keyboard. Why not try one more time? an inner voice calls, lightly mocking my compulsion to seek somewhat new and beckoning pathways. Why not sketch out a template for personal…
Deanna Werklund of Emerging Teams Inc. talks about the science behind developing positive and productive teams
Deanna Werklund is president and CEO at Emerging Teams Inc. (Emergenetics International-Canada). What is Emergenetics and what does it do? Werklund: Emergenetics is a modern-day psychometric assessment that develops positive and productive teams. The Emergenetics profile identifies a person’s thinking preferences and behavioural styles. When a person increases their self-awareness, he or she can improve…
Organizational psychologist Laura Hambley talks about how to make workplaces and people more productive and engaged
Laura Hambley is an organizational psychologist based in Calgary. She is president and co-founder of Work EvOHlution, founder of Canada Career Counselling and president/founder of the Leadership Success Group. What is Work EvOHlution and what does it do? Hambley: Work EvOHlution helps leaders, teams and individuals thrive when working apart. We are a team of…
While boys bully using physical violence, girls bully by gossiping, manipulating others to exclude a victim, teasing or spreading rumours
The subject of bullying is widely publicized every time a severe case of bullying results in a killing or suicide. Citizens and parents express outrage and disbelief that such an incident could happen right in their school or neighbourhood. People are right to be outraged. This type of behaviour is potentially identifiable and preventable. Although…
Our stressful, crazy world can lead to insomnia and worse. But there are ways to cope
Insomnia could be called the 21st century disease. Falling asleep, staying asleep and getting enough sleep is ever more difficult, especially as one gets older – and everyone is getting older. Couple this with the increasing number of studies that show that lack of sufficient sleep is a major contributor to ill health. Now we…