It looks like a lot of mental anguish can be reduced by disciplined categorisation. Does this problem fit within your circle of control, circle of influence, or circle of concern? Circle of concern, I suppose. Ok well I can see your problem right away, you're trying to control something you have no control over and … Continue reading Anguish circles →

Can we adjust the settings on this 'life' game so I can have an easier time? I'm not enjoying all the adversity any more and would like to go back to a nice, warm, cosy existence. ... If only it were that easy.

Philip in universe 27B has a knack for asking tough questions. The thing is, I don't think he's trying to be helpful, I think he just likes to make people sweat. So he asks things like: Now, how are we going to get by on just one salary? Whether as the Philip in universe 221B … Continue reading Questions and suggestions →

Pain is a great motivator. Pain will get you moving and taking action. The trouble is when you're making decisions just to avoid the short term pain. For example if you're sure medicine is not your calling then by all means quit. But if you're quitting just because this last essay is tough then you're … Continue reading Pain decision →

I would hazard a guess that most people who attend a funeral walk away from it with a new perspective on life. What really matters, how short life can be, how you would like to leave this mortal plain. What follows might be a renewed vigour to pursue those goals that have been gathering dust … Continue reading Death aligned →

Were the events of the past week random? Or is there a greater meaning to them? Depends on how you like to identify. The christians will say it was part of God's plan, the atheists will say there is no pattern, it's merely random events. Some books talk of how the teacher only presents themselves … Continue reading Week meaning →

When buying big adult purchases it shouldn't matter the behavior of the sales people. The decision should be entirely based on logic.But we're only human and when the competition is fierce, the winning company is the one with the sales people who showed empathy and patience, who communicated the technical in an easy to understand … Continue reading Soft skills sales →

"I have to convince them. I have to come prepared for a fight. I need to think of arguments to trap them intellectually" I think this train of thought will inevitably lead to anxiety. Because deep down we know we can't control another human being. But if I'm to interpret Tao philosophy correctly, I think … Continue reading Have to convince em →

You're in a hospital waiting room consoling your loved one, telling them: "Everything is gonna be alright" You can tell they don't believe you and you can't blame them. You can't tell the future, you don't know that it's going to be alright but it's what you say when you're in such a shit situation. … Continue reading It’s gonna be alright →

"Let me know how I can help." That's what people say when you're in a time of crisis but polite conditioning kicks in and secretly you think - I won't ask for help unless I'm desperate. Because they live miles away, or they're broken themselves, or you could conceivably get by without the awkwardness of … Continue reading Helping hangups →