Emotional intelligence

How to talk to strangers

You’d hardly think we’d need instruction on how to talk to strangers, would you? Or would you? After all, haven’t we all grown up with the motto, “Don’t talk to strangers?” Of course, that’s meant to keep young and vulnerable people safe. And if you think about it, from an [...]

Emotional intelligence

Teach your kids how to develop a Growth Mindset

Why would you want to know how to develop a growth mindset? And what would having a growth mindset do for your children? Well, have you ever wondered why is it that some folks stall at the first hurdle and others pick themselves up and have another go? “It’s kind [...]

Emotional intelligence

Are you doing anxiety and depression?

Doing anxiety and depression?, I hear you ask… Yes, doing anxiety and depression! What am I missing? A recent study apparently gives us a clearer understanding of ‘how parents pass anxiety and depression on to their kids’. It describes the three areas of the brain which work together to control our [...]

Emotional intelligence

What connects our Olympic athletes and Maybelline?

So there’s a connection, is there, between our Olympic athletes and Maybelline? Keep reading… I wrote this article a few years ago… as you’ll notice from the references to the Rio Olympic Games, but I’m pretty sure my thoughts are as relevant now as they were then. Let me know [...]

Emotional intelligence

Let’s do it – maybe!

We don’t need motivation for the things we want to do… We’re already doing them!! So maybe the best way to get things done is to connect with the reasons why they’re important to us? Have affirmations had their day? A far more effective way to motivate yourself, isn’t to [...]

Emotional intelligence

Are you a failure?

Are you a failure? Good! Most people avoid failing, and at all costs, too. But maybe this TEDx talk by Keith Peters will remind us to think differently about failing. How on earth are we going to learn new skills, unless we’re willing to fail as we learn them? Failing isn’t the opposite [...]

Emotional intelligence, General

Did you make the right decision?

On a day when the results of the EU Referendum are announced, I ask, “Did you make the right decision?” And what did you base that decision on? Or are you still unsure of the right move, as so many of us are? Well… time will tell, I guess. Meanwhile, [...]

Emotional intelligence, General

I love being married

“I love being married. It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.” Rita Rudner OK, so let’s assume that it’s not our express intention of upsetting our partners. Actually, let’s go one step further. Let’s assume that we’d really [...]

Emotional intelligence, Health

How to be happy

Wanna know how to be happy? I know, I know… It’s not the first time I’ve posted a link to the Happy song, and with apology to those few who can’t stand listening to it, I hope it does indeed make the rest of us happy. Great video – Watch [...]

Brain, Emotional intelligence, General

Positive psychology? Are you sure?

Here’s a hilarious talk by Shawn Achor, psychologist, about positive psychology and what it can do for us.   What does positive psychology tell us about optimism and happiness? Here are a few points from “Pursuing Happiness: The Architecture of Sustainable Change”, by Sonja Lyubomirsky, 2005. You’ll find loads of references [...]