positive psychology

Need More Emotional Bounce? Try Mental Hygiene

Published on January 21, 2017 at 8:42 pm

    Thanks to the American Dental Association, everyone knows excellent dental hygiene requires brushing and flossing twice a day. We know this daily practice prevents cavities. But not many of us know that daily mental hygiene can build and strengthen emotional resilience.  Career decisions, transitions, and job-hunting require extra emotional bounce. One can ward off job related doldrums by practicing emotional hygiene. Everyday, ... View Article »


Stuck? Practice Flexible and Accurate Thinking

Published on April 25, 2016 at 1:26 pm

Check your thinking against three common thinking errors. 1. Tunnel Vision. Do you tend to have tunnel vision? Check yourself. Are you focusing too much on the details and not enough on the big picture? Do you see the bigger picture? Have you missed anything? Ask others “What am I missing?” 2. Personalizing. Some of us (myself included) tend to ... View Article »


How Gratitude Works at Work

Published on February 29, 2016 at 7:27 pm

In 2014, Mark Zuckerberg, set a goal to write a daily handwritten (or emailed) thank-you note. Obviously, Mark was making an effort to take better care of others but he was also taking care of himself. Research indicates that people who practice gratitude report significant benefits:     Lower blood pressure and stronger immune systems; more positive emotions such as ... View Article »


Building Confidence

Published on June 22, 2015 at 2:08 pm

Just a few words about building confidence: Confidence ebbs and flows according to the emotional weather we experience. It’s a good daily practice to center yourself first thing in the morning. Invest 3 -5 minutes to focus on your breath and set some intentions for the day. Centering yourself as a daily practice establishes strong emotional roots that will serve ... View Article »


What is positive psychology? How can it help you if you are going through a rough patch.

Published on September 3, 2014 at 2:49 pm

  Positive psychology is “not just the study of disease, weakness, and damage; it also is the study of strength and virtue…Psychology is not just about illness or health; it also is about work, education, insight , love, growth, and play. And in this quest for what is best, positive psychology does not rely on wishful thinking, self-deception, or hand ... View Article »


Build Authentic Self-Confidence

Published on July 12, 2014 at 4:42 pm

How would you feel if someone you know and loved constantly talked to you this way? “How could you do that?” “You’re so stupid!” “What the hell is wrong with you?” “You’re an idiot!” “When will you learn?” In my career consulting practice, I sometimes observe clients refer to THEMSELVES in these harsh ways. Paradoxically, I’ve noticed the same clients ... View Article »


Human Moments are Healthy

Published on March 17, 2014 at 3:19 pm

Fifteen years ago when Flip phones were cool, Ed Hallowell, MD was beginning to look at email and voice mail with a skeptical eye. Certain patients (Ed is a psychiatrist) were reporting feelings of alienation, anxiety and isolation because of the growing presence of electronic communication in their lives. One manager was not invited to an important meeting, another was ... View Article »