You want to learn how to bounce back from adversity and leap towards opportunities. Easy as pie, right? Except that, like baking a pie, building resilience isn’t always easy. Good news! Like baking a pie (or quiche, or another layered dish that you love to eat), you can cultivate resilience by following a series of...Read More
When I was a kid, I watched a lot of musicals. In the movie musical South Pacific, the leading lady sings about being a cockeyed optimist. My grandma has always described herself as a cockeyed optimist, too – someone who is determined to see the bright side of everything. As an adult, I wonder, “Is...Read More
It’s the last minute of the big basketball game. I watch a player set up for a 3-point shot. He misses. His face crumples, and he slumps onto the floor. I’ve seen him miss that shot in practice, but that time he fought for the rebound. Why did he bounce back in practice, but assume...Read More
I hear the blaring alarm clock at the homeless shelter. It’s time for me to get up and prepare breakfast for the residents. I know that I should pop up and help, but I want to fake sleeping so I can rest longer. I know what I should do, but I’m tempted to act otherwise!...Read More
The client said, “I was livid with my boyfriend and he had no idea why. He was late for lunch, and I was ravenous. I blamed him for both my hunger and my rage. I grew increasingly frustrated when he appeared oblivious to my distress. The nerve!” Hoping someone will read your mind – or...Read More
Our current administration must cast the tie-breaking vote between the two senior class presidential nominees. Tristan is someone I can’t stand. As we discuss pros and cons for each person, I fire off every infraction and insult I’ve witnessed Tristan commit. When we discuss the other nominee, Helene, I scour my memory for every positive...Read More
I feel fatigued, tingly, and thirsty. I think to myself, “I’m sick!” As I obsess over these symptoms, I fail to notice good stuff happening, like my boyfriend stroking my hair, or my friends laughing merrily as we watch the Super Bowl together. Due to the Negativity Bias, we tend to pay more attention to...Read More
When I wake up and look out the window, I notice storm clouds. I feel my throat tighten and my face get hot, and think, “I don’t deserve a rainy day!” I feel foolish for harboring anger towards the impervious sky. I try to deny the irrational feeling, swallowing hard as my muscles tighten. Silently...Read More
Want to transform your growth year (a self-development-focused gap year) dreams into reality? You’ve come to the right place. In our Growth Year blog series, you’ve learned how to Be Strategic, how to Be Realistic, and how to Be Intentional. Your final key skill to learn is Be Prepared. With this last tool in your...Read More
Read on if you’re leaning towards taking a growth year (a personal growth-oriented gap year). If you’ve been following our Growth Year series (you can get started here), you’ve learned how to Be Strategic (see Blog #1), how to Be Realistic (check out Blog #2), and you’re looking to make your next move. You’ve identified...Read More
