Self-Reflection (from the archives)

The process of understanding yourself can be challenging.  Sometimes we aren’t honest with ourselves.  Sometimes we don’t see the whole picture.  Sometimes we see exactly what is there, but fight against it.  That being said, it is important to do your best.  Only when you know what makes yourself tick, will you be able to…

Perfectionism and other excuses (from the archives)

There are so many excuses that keep us from moving forward: “I want to make sure it is just right,” or “I need more time to develop skills,” or “The timing isn’t quite right.”  These excuses hide our fear of change and of stepping outside our comfort zone.  We try to protect ourselves against all possible negative outcomes before…

Let’s ban burnout! (from the archives)

“I’m so burned out!” “I’m exhausted.” and “I just need to make it to the weekend.”  These should be red flags, but are often just the response to “How are you doing?”  Burnout is rampant for so many people.  How do you avoid it? How do you recover? Take care of your health.  Now, I…

Finding Balance – a neverending journey (from the archives)

Balancing work and life is extremely challenging.  I want to say that again.  Balancing work and life is extremely challenging!  I am repeating myself because, as I troll through Facebook and self-help spheres, it seems like if you just do a few simple things, you will get it and be forever blissful.  Poppycock!  (Sorry for the outmoded expostulation.  Just…

Fight or Flight Explained: Understanding how your natural instincts can help (or harm) your career (from the archives)

As human beings, we have natural instincts that help us to survive.  The primal part of the brain (the brainstem, to be technical about it) takes care of these instincts.  You know the brainstem is working because you don’t have to think “breathe in, breathe out” all day to remember to move oxygen through your body.   A…

Why’s it so hard to say no? (from the archives)

Stop! You can say No!! It’s been a long time since I’ve written something new. Why’s that, you ask? Well, I’ve been taking care of some basics. But it’s really hard to slow down because it requires me to say “no” to a lot (and I wasn’t always successful). Why is saying “no” so hard?…