What does Robert Frost's poem have to do with Hebb's rule and classical conditioning? Funny you should ask. Let me explain... Habits, good and bad, can be thought of as classically conditioned responses to stimuli. What does that mean? It means that when you smell food, your brain is triggered to find and eat the … Continue reading Two paths diverged: How we break habits
Tag: behavior change
Speaking My Truth
Ryran keeps telling me that I have to write a book to explain what has changed in me over the past year. He talks to other political figures and business leaders who complain about going to functions alone because their spouses are very uncomfortable in social situations. I get it. People who are naturally social … Continue reading Speaking My Truth
Which Weeds Are You Watering?
Which weeds are you watering? Notice the wording of the question. It doesn't ask if you are watering weeds. The question assumes that you are watering weeds. It doesn't imply that you should or shouldn't be watering weeds. That is up to you to figure out. The question simply asks for awareness of, and self-reflection … Continue reading Which Weeds Are You Watering?
Four Tips for Riding the Wave of “13 Reasons Why”
If you haven't seen or heard of 13 Reasons Why, chances are you haven't talked to enough teenagers over the past few weeks. This series, based on the book by Jay Asher, has become a powerful force in the lives of our young people. They are watching it, reading it, and talking about it. It is up … Continue reading Four Tips for Riding the Wave of “13 Reasons Why”
Ignorance Is Bliss, … Until It Isn’t
Do you remember the last time you tried to learn something new? Chances are you went through a typical process: you realized that what you were doing wasn't working and you needed to do something different, you struggled for a while, and then finally it all came together. The realization that you got it, that … Continue reading Ignorance Is Bliss, … Until It Isn’t
Confirmation Bias: The Power of Our Beliefs
Why take the time to figure out what we believe? Whether we are aware of them or not, our beliefs about a specific area can greatly impact the assumptions that support those beliefs and the values we hold that are based on those beliefs. Our beliefs guide our thoughts and behaviors. We tend to look for or create situations that … Continue reading Confirmation Bias: The Power of Our Beliefs
When you assume, you make…
When you assume, you make... We all know how that statement usually ends, but do you know why assumptions are so important to our daily lives? The assumptions we hold about ourselves, others, and the world can make or break our efforts to live an authentic life and be the best version of ourselves that … Continue reading When you assume, you make…
Being Gentle with Emotions
Is "sangry" a word? It depends on who you ask. My Gordon students and I decided that if "hangry" could be an adjective and "Google" could be a verb, then "sangry" should have a place at the table too. I needed this word a few days ago. I just could not figure out how I … Continue reading Being Gentle with Emotions
Dynamic Values: Figuring Out What You Want
It's pretty easy to set a goal. There are strategies for how to set the best kind of SMART goals. There are even techniques for monitoring your progress. The hard part seems to be staying on track after the initial excitement and motivation wear off. Linking Values and Goals Figuring out what you really want can … Continue reading Dynamic Values: Figuring Out What You Want
Do your routines have you stuck in a rut?
What is the difference between a routine and a rut? From my perspective, a routine is a productive way to accomplish a common task. The word rut brings up feelings of being stuck in an unproductive habit. The good news is that we can use our knowledge of routines to figure out how to get … Continue reading Do your routines have you stuck in a rut?