A surprisingly large number of people do not know how to accept a compliment. They have a mind-set that says something like, “I cannot possibly deserve positive feedback - anyone who pays me a compliment must be misguided, lying or feeling sorry for me”. But, is this really true? Of course not! You not only have the right to accept compliments and feel good about yourself, but also the responsibility to accept a compliment that someone is giving you, graciously.
It seems that there really is more than a little truth in the old adage 'laughter is the best medicine'. Scientific studies around the world are continuing to prove that, apart from making us feel good, laughing actually does us good as well – and can actually significantly increase our life span. Pre-school children laugh or smile between 300 and 400 times a day. By the age of 35, this drops to about 18 times. Why have we lost our sense of humour, and what can we do to put more laughter into our lives?
“Spare the rod, spoil the child” and “No hiding equals no discipline” are familiar adages that offer advice with biblical roots - but are no longer treated as gospel. Indeed, there is no hiding from the fact that research proves corporal punishment is not the most effective method of instilling discipline in children. There are two highly effective alternatives to punishment – positive and negative reinforcement.
Article as it appeared in Wellness magazine. By Natasha Liviero
From the shape of our legs to the size of our breasts, most of us are guilty of viewing our bodies in a less than sterling light!
Article as it appeared in Weigh-Less magazine. By Natasha Liviero
Conflict usually leads to poor choice of communication, making the battle worse. However, conflict in itself is not bad when managed in a positive manner. People are a package deal. Reasonable conflict facilitates better understanding of each other, ultimately enhancing the relationship.
Article as it appeared in Vroukeur magazine. By Carien Grobler (Translated into English)
The word "criticism" sounds negative and unacceptable in a world where everyone says you should focus on the positive. It can however be positive, writes Carien Grobler.
Article as it appeared in Woman's Value magazine. By Lee Curry
Confident people find the working situation easier, and experience greater success. If you want to enjoy the benefits of being confident at work, then this is a useful article to read.
Practical, do-able advice which anyone can apply to their own life – with positive, tangible results.
Understanding that you have the right to ask for what you want is the key to becoming a more assertive person. Assertiveness helps you feel better about yourself and your self-control in everyday situations, and increases your chances of having honest relationships. But, how can we be assertive without being selfish – and what is the difference between the two?
Conflict occurs when the goals, needs or opinions of one person clash with those of another. Unchecked, this conflict can escalate into full-blown hostility and even violence. When viewed constructively, however, conflict can actually become a valuable and productive growth experience. What skills can we develop to help us handle conflict situations correctly, ensuring a positive outcome for both parties?
Learning to identify the different communication styles - and recognising which one we use most often in our daily interactions with friends, family and colleagues - is essential if we want to develop effective, assertive communication skills. But how can we tell the difference between the styles, and is there a time and place for each one in certain situations?
