Posts in the category “Acting Like a Grown-Up”
The Importance of Setting Good Expectations
Every negative emotion I’ve felt (or caused) can be traced back to violated expectations. Learning to set better expectations is a business superpower.
failurehappinesslearningsuccessRead post ›I Want Out: What to Do When We Feel Stuck and We Want to Start Over
What to do when we find ourselves feeling stuck or without a clear sense of direction. HINT: We don’t necessarily need to burn it all down and start over.
adulthoodfearhappinesspositivityworklifebalanceRead post ›The Learning Trap, or, how learning new stuff makes me act like a jerk.
We all hate that smug asshole who tries to force an opinion on us. So why is it so easy to BECOME that smug asshole when we learn new things?
judgmentlearningRead post ›How to Overcome All Your Fears Without Being Brave
Most of our fears are irrational, but we can overcome them with one simple technique. No heroics required.
fearphilosophyRead post ›No one is coming to save you. Are you going to save yourself?
It’s easy to wait for a hero to step in and rescue us. Turns out, though, there aren’t any heroes — we’re on our own. It’s on us to write a happy ending.
adulthoodidentityphilosophyRead post ›Completely Alone at a Table of Friends
It’s fun to be connected. To stay on top of the goings-on in the world. But what’s the price for cultural relevance? And is it worth the sacrifice?
entertainmentfearRead post ›Wizards and Assholes
When someone asks you for guidance, do you help him out? Or do you condescend to him and make him feel like an idiot?
mentorshipsuccessRead post ›Are You Growing Up? Or Just Growing Older?
Around the world and throughout history, there are rites of passage that propel children into adulthood. Our culture doesn't have one. Are we doomed?
adulthoodritesofpassageRead post ›Take Away Its Power
As a kid I was so scared of horror films I'd get scared just thinking about them. As I got older I learned to see how the movie ends to take away its power.
confidencemonstersRead post ›Your Taste Doesn’t Matter
Getting worked up because things that don’t affect me aren’t done my way is a shortcut to an extremely frustrating and deeply dissatisfying existence.
coffeejudgmentRead post ›