BLOG
stop playing-it-safe all the time and start living courageously
The Psychology of Playing It Safe
You're staring at the email draft about the job promotion, your cursor hovering over the "Send" button. The simple act of applying for the senior position has become a complex landscape...
From People-Pleasing to Authentic Living: Questions to Ask Yourself Before Saying Yes!
During my visit to my friends, their 4-year-old, Mary, couldn’t wait to show me her treasures. She proudly paraded her scooter, magician’s hat, and a seemingly endless collection of...
When Rejection Hits: Science-Backed Ways to Manage it!
A few years ago, I had an exchange with a friend who was organizing a professional conference for anxiety experts. It went something like this: Friend: "Patricia, I cannot put your name...
Susurros del corazón: Distinguishing gut feelings from emotional wisdom
Gut feelings appear in everyday life: When buying gadgets: You’re drawn to an expensive gadget that "feels right," but later realize it doesn’t meet your actual needs. When ordering...
Building Decision Agility: Reflective Questions for Making Values-Based Choices
You’re ready to make a change in your home; you’re envisioning a cozy sofa to make your living room a space for relaxation. You dive in enthusiastically, exploring every option:...
The Power of Openness: How to Live a More Fulfilling Life
Nikko steps into a small, cozy coffee shop nestled in a quiet corner of the city. The scent of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, mixed with the sweet aroma of pastries. Cold Play...
You need psychological flexibility in your everyday life
It was finally time to give road biking shoes a try. I’d heard all about the benefits—better pedaling efficiency, smoother movement, and that elusive “aerodynamic” feel that cyclists...
Table for one, the ultimate exposure
As I strolled down the narrow, sunlit street next to the Mediterranean in Naxos, Greece, I could feel the warmth of the sun, hear the light laughter of teenagers nearby, and breathe in...
Popular Anxiety Tips That Actually Make It Worse
1. "Just think positive!" The research conducted by Wood and colleagues found that while positive self-statements might be beneficial for individuals with high self-esteem, they can have the opposite effect on those with low self-esteem. When people with low...
Achieving your best: Goal-setting secrets from sports psychology
Today, I’m sharing with you a conversation with Dr. Mitchell Greene, Ph.D. In our chat, we dive deep into the psychology of goal-setting, attachment to goals, over-identification with one area of our life, peak performance, and mental resilience. When you’re taking a...
The difference between healthy and unhealthy perfectionism
Michael P. Twohig, Ph.D. is the co-director of the ACT Research Group, a licensed psychologist in the state of Utah, and a Professor of Psychology at Utah State University. In this episode, I chat with Michael about his research on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy...
How to align your decisions with your values when all choices seem wrong
In the middle of July, I received a voice message on WhatsApp from my cousin in São Paulo. “Can I talk to you?” he asked with a trembling voice. I pressed the green phone icon next to...
