Bob picks apples for a living. The thing is, Bob hates picking apples. But he decides to be the best possible apple-picker he can be, hopefully earning him a promotion one day. And one day, Bob does get that promotion. Now he’s no longer picking apples. Now he’s managing other people who pick apples. Now he […]
Using “Then What” Thinking to Overcome Anxiety
What’s the worst that could possibly happen? You either avoid this question or you tackle it head-on. When you’re feeling anxious about some life change or new undertaking, it can be useful to consciously consider the Worst Case Scenario. Suppose you fear certain social situations, such as business meetings. Regarding your next business meeting, what […]
Take the Home Tour . . . or Don’t
You buy a new home and fill it with stuff. Then what? Then you invite over everyone you know and force them to “take the tour,” which requires them to comment on how clever and shiny the various objects you have accumulated are. The downside is you’re required to return the favor when that person […]
Is Time Really Money?
Suppose you worked half as much as you currently do, and made half what you currently make. Where would you cut back? Would you downsize your house, your car? Would you eat out less, save less, get rid of cable? Whatever the case, think of all the free time you would suddenly have. What kind […]
Is Email Really Worth It?
Email represents a major step forward in human communication, and has made all of our lives much more convenient and efficient. Right? Twenty years or so ago when email started to take over the world, it seemed to promise a new era of time-saving correspondence. If you wanted to communicate with someone on the other side of […]