I was at an 'Off the Ball' showing recently and Paul Howard was being interviewed by Brian O'Driscoll and the topic of permission came up. The way Drico asked the question was in the form of likening it to asking neighbours for permission to extend one's house. I thought this was a fairly innocuous comment … Continue reading BOD asking permission →

I heard that Stephen King writes 6 pages a day.  It doesn't matter what mood he's in, it doesn't matter how tired he is, it doesn't matter if it's Christmas Day, Stephen King will write 6 pages.  He set himself a standard and he sticks to it no matter what.  I believe that this mindset … Continue reading No matter what →

I’ve noticed that when returning home and visiting old relations, be they family or friends, a clash of identities takes place. There is the pull to fall back into the old childhood habits and familiar methods of interaction. And there is the presence of the current self. The version of you that has grown up … Continue reading Identity clash →

I’m full but there is still food on my plate. I should really stop eating but I’d feel guilty about throwing out my leftovers. So despite no longer being hungry I finish my plate. Because for some reason waste is shameful. Maybe it stems from the industrial economy’s need for efficiency or maybe it has … Continue reading Cleaning my plate →

"You're right to be afraid, getting rejected sucks" There's something very reassuring to hear you're not crazy and that you have a legitimate reason to be scared.  Knowing that your feelings are appropriate can remove a lot of anxiety and put you in a much better position to face that fear. 

Learning by doing v learning by listening Which is better? It depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want to show how well you listened? Or how much real life experience you have?

"Why aren't they standing up for me?" Liam thought to himself.  The school bully had invited himself into the lunch group and had started publicly picking on Liam.  Liam sat there looking to his friends to say something.  They didn't.  The bully was building up steam whilst Liam sat there quietly taking it and Liam's … Continue reading Why aren’t they standing up for me? →

There is no universal barometer of fear. Everyone has a unique set of fears that are shaped and morphed by their experience over a lifetime. Your fear of dogs may seem trivial to others but it’s terrifying to you. And your mate’s fear of mud may be laughable to you but it scares the life … Continue reading Universal barometer of fear →

What are the odds that the biggest complainers have the worst luck?

In this day and age it's common for employees to use the printer for personal use, but the reason the usage never gets out of hand is shame.  Shame can be a great way to keep people in line at the workplace. The boss doesn't even need to be present for it to work. The potential … Continue reading Workplace shame →