What are some effective ways we can overcome “situational happiness” and instead begin to develop our own deeper sense of “emotional independence,” despite what our current life situation may look like. Emotional independence is a process in which we learn how to exercise greater control and will-power over our internal states. The opposite of emotional [...]

Having supportive family and friends can sometimes make all the difference in our success. Supportive social networks provide personal accountability, which motivates and inspires us to stay dedicated to our goals. Without these supportive social circles, it can become incredibly more difficult to make the changes we need to succeed in our lives. It can [...]

Everyone experiences a little bit of social anxiety depending on certain situations, but when we find that this anxiety impairs our ability to function in many everyday activities, then it may be time to seek out solutions such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Social anxiety is a general or specific fear regarding social situations. Almost everyone [...]

Some biologists say that between 15-20% of the animal kingdom are sitters. They are defined as having a passive temperament – “slow-to-warm up” to their surroundings, and “often sitting on the sidelines observing.” The other 80% of animals are rovers. The have a more aggressive temperament, making them more engaged with their environment and motivated [...]

Positive-thinking isn’t for everyone. For me, it often feels like a chore. I feel as though I need to constantly monitor every thought that goes through my head, then ask myself, “Is this positive? Am I sending out ‘good vibes’?” It takes up a lot of unnecessary energy to always be positive – and I’m [...]