January 30th, 2010

Interpersonal Expertise Tip: Collective Rejuvenating Via Genuine Relaxation and Fun

We live in a society that often encourages an “all work and no play” mentality, which often leaves both our personal and professional relationships neglected and stagnant.  So often, our relationships begin with a focus on enhancing each others’ enjoyment of  life and/or work only to “devolve” into ruts and routines.  This Interpersonal Expertise Tip focuses on how to set aside enough time and energy to energize our relationships – and rediscover the excitement and energy that brought us together in the first place.

Collective rejuvenation can be facilitated by committing to providing all parties with opportunities to experience genuine (not forced or faked) relaxation and fun.  We are not talking about get-togethers that only some people truly enjoy; everyone knows that some people only pretend to have fun at certain office parties or family reunions while others are genuinely enjoying themselves out of fear of punishment or rejection.  We are talking about experiences that allow everyone the chance to truly unwind and/or experience genuine “belly laugh” fun.  Here are some ways people have been able to promote collective rejuvenation: Read the rest of this Article »

January 14th, 2010

Self-Mastery Tip: Enhance Your Awareness/Attention/”Mindfulness”

Being more aware of what is happening within oneself, others and the surrounding environment can have a great impact on Self-Mastery.  The more you know about what influences you and how it does so, the more influence you will gain over your own thoughts, feelings and behaviors.

There are many ways in which to enhance awareness, including the following: Read the rest of this Article »

January 13th, 2010

Self-Mastery Tip: Cultivate Your Peace of Mind

There are many conflicts that most of us encounter in our daily lives; some are unavoidable, others are quickly resolved when we are in more clear states of mind.  There are many tried and true methods of cultivating a peaceful state of mind, even in the midst of challenging situations and times.  Here are a few ideas that have helped many people do so: Read the rest of this Article »

January 12th, 2010

Self-Mastery Tip: Optimizing Self-Esteem

Experiencing the extremes of low self-esteem (sometimes referred to as “self-doubt”) and over-blown self-esteem (sometime referred to as “arrogant pride”) can decrease our ability to relate to ourselves, others and our environment in realistic, effective and satisfying ways.  The more we can dwell in between these extremes, the more influence we have over our thoughts, feelings and behaviors.

Optimized self-esteem is brought about by affirming our strengths without overestimating them while understanding our weaknesses without underestimating our worth.  Here are some ways people are able to strike a balance between self-doubt and arrogant pride: Read the rest of this Article »

January 11th, 2010

Self-Mastery Tip: Enhancing Meaning and Purpose

The great psychologist Victor Frankl (who survived the Nazi death camps) said that we can handle and “what” in our lives if we have a strong enough “why.”  This shows how important it can be to connect what we do with something that is meaningful to us.  If we can connect our goals with an exciting meaning, purpose or mission, we tend to feel more energized to overcome the barriers to achievement of our most important aims on a day to day basis.

Meaning and  purpose can be enhanced by staying aware of how what we do connects with our broader objectives in life.  Here are some ways people have been able to stregthen meaning and pupose in their lives: Read the rest of this Article »