How to Grow Your Confidence
Some people seem to have the edge from birth and are naturally more confident than others, but confidence can be developed at any time.
What Does You Job Title Say About You?
We often overlook details that might seem inconsequential, but they are not. Taking a little time to sort out our thinking about this or that can be well worth the effort.
“I Hate It, But It’s OK”
Meeting bad behaviour with tolerance and understanding is one thing, making excuses so we don't have to deal with it another. In some cases we are wiser and kinder to excuse someone who treats us badly, but sometimes it is just and excuse to protect ourselves.
Start By Recognising Yourself
Eager to change who you are? You might be missing something.
Don’t Tell Me I’m Neurotic!
We all need to categorise people sometimes, it helps us think and navigate in our lives, but labels are for labellers. Things won't object to being labelled, but people should. When labels stick they can be a nuisance, and if I choose to wear a label somebody else has applied to me it probably won't reflect whom I am.
The Foundations of Resilience – Self Esteem
Self-esteem is much talked about but it doesn't mean much; it's more useful to understand what contributes to self-esteem.
The Sow’s Ear Effect
Telling yourself good stuff about yourself seems, intuitively, like a good idea. It is supposed to help you feel good, or better, about yourself, and to gradually build self-esteem. But this only works if the statements – or 'affirmations' – are believable. Far fetched inspirational statements seem like a good idea, but they can actually have the opposite effect.
Compliments First, Modesty Comes Later
Are you comfortable accepting compliments? If not, and you keep playing them down or rejecting them, they might stop coming. Modesty has Its place, but later.
Meaning Rules! How to Avoid Upset
Causal explanations – where we make automatic assumptions or explanations for events – can be very upsetting. Since it is the meaning we give to something can trigger an emotional response, we had best beware of meanings. It get worse, guess who is responsible for meaning?
The Foundations of Personal Resilience
Personal resilience relates to a person's ability to bounce back in the face of high demand, unwanted change, challenge, or adversity. It can be developed.