Managing Stress

Parents as Leaders: Netflix’s “Adolescence” Reveals the Hidden Stress of Being a Leader at Home

By Sylvia Lafair | March 27, 2025 |

Summary: If you’ve watched Netflix’s Adolescence, you probably felt your heart twist a few times. I know mine did. The show brilliantly captures what it means to come of age in today’s turbulent world. There’s another layer quietly pulsing beneath the surface—the stress of being a leader as you parent your children. Dear Dr. Sylvia,…

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A man with gold he's manipulated out of people as a sociopath in business

How to Spot Manipulative Individuals

By Sylvia Lafair | February 20, 2025 | Comments Off on How to Spot Manipulative Individuals

Before They Take You for a Ride with Your Work and Your Money Summary: Have you ever met someone who seemed too good to be true, only to later realize they had manipulated, deceived, or even financially exploited you? If so, you encountered a “toxic friend.” In the workplace, these manipulative folks can be incredibly…

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Dog cowering from misdirected anger from owner

Misdirected Anger and Caring: Two Sides of the Same Coin in Leadership and Life

By Sylvia Lafair | February 11, 2025 | Comments Off on Misdirected Anger and Caring: Two Sides of the Same Coin in Leadership and Life

Summary: Have you ever lashed out at someone who doesn’t deserve it? Or overextended kindness in a situation where you need firm boundaries? These are two common behaviors in both personal and professional life—misdirected anger and misdirected caring. They may seem like opposites, but they stem from the same root cause: unresolved patterns that cause…

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A pattern of people lined up

How Patterns of Behavior Differ from Habits: What You Need to Know

By Sylvia Lafair | January 28, 2025 | Comments Off on How Patterns of Behavior Differ from Habits: What You Need to Know

Summary: Understanding the distinction between behavior patterns and habits is essential when examining personal growth and professional success. Although we often use these terms interchangeably, they represent two distinct concepts that impact how we navigate relationships, make decisions, and respond to challenges. Let’s delve into how patterns of behavior and habits differ and why recognizing…

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Football player making a touchdown

Stress Goes for a Touchdown

By Sylvia Lafair | January 23, 2025 | Comments Off on Stress Goes for a Touchdown

How Excellent Behavior Leads to Victory On and Off the Field Summary: As Super Bowl LIX nears, the NFL’s best will take the field, showcasing skill, strategy, and sportsmanship. The game will offer leadership lessons far beyond touchdowns, teaching us that character and excellent behavior often define true winners. Dear Dr. Sylvia, There is so…

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Inside out cast together balancing leadership with stress

Leadership Lessons from the Film “Inside Out Two”: What Happens When Old Memories Cause Stress

By Sylvia Lafair | January 9, 2025 | Comments Off on Leadership Lessons from the Film “Inside Out Two”: What Happens When Old Memories Cause Stress

Summary: Leadership often feels like a balancing act between managing the present and navigating the baggage of the past. For many leaders, old memories triggered by stressful situations can derail focus, cloud decision-making, and create internal turmoil. Don’t stay in adolescent reactions. Here’s how to release what no longer works. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I am…

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Cookies for holiday reflections

A Holiday Reflection: Finding Hope in the Season’s Honest Truths

By Sylvia Lafair | December 26, 2024 | Comments Off on A Holiday Reflection: Finding Hope in the Season’s Honest Truths

Summary: The holiday season is often wrapped in shimmering lights, cheerful music, and the promise of togetherness. Yet, for many, it brings a complex mix of emotions: nostalgia, joy, longing, and stress. This is a time to pause, reflect, and connect with the holiday season in our increasingly complicated world. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I keep…

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Girl holding Christmas trees in front of her eyes to celebrate the holidays

The Importance of Presence Over Presents

By Sylvia Lafair | December 24, 2024 | Comments Off on The Importance of Presence Over Presents

Summary: It’s easy to equate showing love and appreciation with giving physical gifts. Presents can be thoughtful and meaningful. However, something far more valuable cannot be wrapped or tied with a bow: your presence. Here are some things to think about. Dear Dr. Sylvia, When all the “oooh’s and ahhha’s” after unwrapping the special gifts…

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A man screaming with smoke emanating from his ears, illustrating a comical yet vivid depiction of overwhelming anger and frustration.

How to Break Free from Secondhand Stress: What It Is and Where It Comes From

By Sylvia Lafair | December 16, 2024 | Comments Off on How to Break Free from Secondhand Stress: What It Is and Where It Comes From

Dear Dr. Sylvia, Everyone has secondhand stress these days. It’s not that different than getting sick from someone smoking near you. I can be happy and positive, and then someone will enter the meeting with a frown and a bag full of negatives, and suddenly, my smile leaves, and I can feel that annoying knot…

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A woman sitting at the table with her head down.

Pouring from an Empty Pitcher : Finding Strength under Stress

By Sylvia Lafair | December 3, 2024 | Comments Off on Pouring from an Empty Pitcher : Finding Strength under Stress

I want to explore what giving means when you have nothing left. Let’s celebrate and honor those who pour water from an empty pitcher. I include actionable tips and insights for individuals and teams, from recognizing personal boundaries to creating a culture of support and celebration. The Metaphor of Pouring from an Empty Pitcher The…

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