Changing your life fast or slow? Which is better?
People seem to be split into two groups when making changes. Some like to dive right in and turn their lives upside down in one go. Others prefer to start slowly, and focus on long-term...
realistic thinking
Practical hints to cut clutter in your wardrobe
Most of us gravitate towards wearing our favourite clothes out of habit. The problem is we then ignore the bulk of clothes we’ve bought. Why not slim down how much stuff you’re hanging on to?...
How can naïve optimists learn to be more realistic?
Expecting everything to always work out for the best may seem a pleasant way to live. Naïve optimists trust that all will be well without their input, regardless of the circumstances. But if your beliefs...
Total control of life is an illusion, but don’t panic!
Everyone likes to think they control their own lives. That we’re not just tossed about at the whim of unknown forces. But do you really believe you’re in total control of your life? If you...
What you believe is true isn’t always right
Adults tend to leap to conclusions without enough evidence to back them up. If they’re not careful, these assumptions can lead to bad decisions. Are you aware that what you believe is true isn’t always...
Break free of your childhood conditioning
You may think you’ve escaped the unspoken rules that operated in your family when you were a child. But that’s often not the case. Imagine you come home after many years’ absence overseas. Suddenly you’re...
Worry seems rewarding but it’s magical thinking
Nobody likes how worry makes you feel – panicky, tense and out of control. So why do we keep worrying? Part of the answer is, that in a peculiar way, worry seems rewarding. Weird, right?...
Do you think worrying is useful? Think again
Do you think worrying is useful? Is the stress is causes really worth it? Many people think so, but they often don’t realise there are better ways to deal with issues. Learn from the experience...
Be proactive: test your worries to see if they’re valid
Sarah was unaware of the sheer number of her worries. Her brain continually circled round dozens of “what ifs.” But she was so busy worrying, she avoided facing up to her fears. Are you like...
Challenge negative self-beliefs: be kind to yourself
Do you hold a poor opinion of yourself? Do you exaggerate your faults and feel terrible about small lapses? Challenge negative self-beliefs to see if they’re really valid. In the process, be kind and reach...
Change self-imposed rules into more helpful advice
Do you do things you don’t want to, just to keep the peace? Do you agree with others so they won’t ridicule your opinions? What makes you act against your own interests like this? Perhaps...
Focus on real problems, not useless worries
Worriers often worry about things that are unlikely to happen. In contrast, non-worriers focus on the problems most likely to happen. In addition, they take note of how serious the consequences might be. That allows...
Want to get rid of dread? Banish worry
Worriers are often filled with dread all day. Sometimes it’s just an uneasy sense that something bad is going to happen. But often they can’t put their finger on exactly what’s worrying them. Others churn...
Use mindfulness to learn new ways of reacting
Sometimes complete strangers may cause you to feel strong emotions. They may evoke some event or person from your past without you realising. Use mindfulness to learn new ways of reacting to these strange emotions....
Why worriers see the world as full of danger
We all worry about different things. What stresses me doesn’t stress you. But it’s true that worriers see the world as full of danger. Some people love giving speeches; others would rather die. Some people...
Are you expert at self-deception and wishful thinking?
Are you good at facing reality? Can you accept tiresome truths even if you don’t like them? Or are you expert at self-deception and wishful thinking? Most of us kid ourselves about reality at times....
