If you have a clear goal and the motivation to pursue it, it’s usually wrong to quit when the going gets tough and the goal seems to be elusive. Not only do you deprive yourself of something that may be attainable with a little extra effort or a fresh way of thinking, but you also…
One of the great societal gifts provided in most countries is the right of free speech. It allows for the free exchange of ideas, the broadening of perspectives, and the ability to project yourself as a unique human being. By exercising this right, we are able to learn from what others have to say and…
There is a consistent body of research demonstrating that being involved with others is associated with emotional health, and the impact upon personal mental health is even greater when that involvement includes helping others. Involvement in helping others is not only a form of increased socialization, but there are reciprocal benefits. When you do good…
Some preseason games have already been played, and it is only a few short weeks until the games that count begin. Football season will soon be upon us in America. For many of us, football has replaced baseball as our national pastime – perhaps because it’s easier to fit watching 16 games into our busy…
Like many of you, I am on Twitter and find it to be a really helpful source of information. There is one thing I don’t like about it, however. The people in one’s network are called your Followers. I’ve always felt that Participants would be a better name because your so-called followers who re-tweet the…
I’ve been carrying one of my favorite football quotes around with me for about 50 years. Although I’m no longer certain who said it, it was a quarterback whose offense just came out on the field after the opponent’s punt pinned their team back near their own end zone. Despite the seemingly dismal situation, as…
In working with people, I sometimes find them to be reluctant to express themselves with confidence in social situations. Some are hesitant to apply for a jobs or leadership positions in organizations or to advocate for their beliefs. In holding themselves back, they often cite a lack of confidence or a feeling that what they…
Emotionally Ignoring is a good skill to know. When you emotionally ignore someone or something, you don’t totally ignore the person or situation; you just don’t take it personally or allow yourself to needlessly get upset. There are three types of situations where emotionally ignoring is particularly useful: when trying to create a behavior change…
One of the earliest podcasts that I recorded for The Mental Health Gym website dealt with a concept that I developed and call Competent Person’s Disease. I consider it as an “addiction to 2nd place.” People who have Competent Person’s Disease are – as the name implies – very capable, and this results in people…