Patterns

A family overcoming generational karma

How Karma Tumbles Through Generations: Changing Generational Karma- A Look at Elon Musk’s Family

By Sylvia Lafair | March 1, 2025 | Comments Off on How Karma Tumbles Through Generations: Changing Generational Karma- A Look at Elon Musk’s Family

Summary: Generational karma is a powerful force. It’s the set of unconscious patterns—beliefs, behaviors, and emotional responses—that tumble through families until someone finally decides to stop the cycle. We see it in our own lives, but it’s especially fascinating when examined in high-profile families. Dear Dr. Sylvia, Everything seems so upside down at the moment.…

Read More
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…

Read More
Transforming lights headed for a target

Transforming Triggers into Pathways for Work and Personal Growth

By Sylvia Lafair | February 18, 2025 | Comments Off on Transforming Triggers into Pathways for Work and Personal Growth

Summary: Do you ever sidestep discomfort, avoiding situations that unsettle you? Yet, these moments—your emotional triggers—are key to profound self-discovery and growth. By confronting and understanding your triggers, you can transform them from sources of distress into valuable teachers. Dear Dr. Sylvia, Yesterday, at my semi-annual review with my boss, he told me, and I…

Read More
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…

Read More
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…

Read More
Pattern-aware leader with colorful thoughts coming out of the head.

Become a PAL (Pattern Aware Leader) in 2025: How to Release Outdated Patterns and Lead Like Never Before!

By Sylvia Lafair | January 2, 2025 | Comments Off on Become a PAL (Pattern Aware Leader) in 2025: How to Release Outdated Patterns and Lead Like Never Before!

Summary: Ready to kick off the new year by becoming the leader you were always meant to be? One who doesn’t just manage the team—but inspires, empowers, and creates a culture that thrives? It’s time to step into your new role as a PAL—a Pattern Aware Leader! This isn’t just about leading with authority; it’s…

Read More
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…

Read More
Girl sitting in a bubble above the ocean

3 Ways To Stop Destructive Patterns From Ruining Your Career

By Sylvia Lafair | December 5, 2024 | Comments Off on 3 Ways To Stop Destructive Patterns From Ruining Your Career

Avoid falling into the same rabbit holes of doubt Dear Dr. Sylvia, Why, oh why is it so hard to change destructive patterns? From my time in the Total Leadership Connections program, I know that I can fall into the same rabbit hole again and again. For me, It’s the Persecutor/Bully Role. When I am…

Read More
A man and his son are smiling for the camera.

Fathers, Sons and The Power of Acknowledgement

By Sylvia Lafair | June 13, 2024 | Comments Off on Fathers, Sons and The Power of Acknowledgement

Summary: This is in honor of Father’s Day. It explores how men help boys grow to be the best they can be. It’s never too late to use the power of acknowledgment. Then, father-son relationships become a solid base for health and well-being. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I have heard you say many times that women…

Read More
A series of heads that are all in different colors.

Fatal Flaws Are Patterns That Keep Us Stuck in Childhood Muck

By Sylvia Lafair | June 4, 2024 | Comments Off on Fatal Flaws Are Patterns That Keep Us Stuck in Childhood Muck

Summary: Childhood is a critical period of development where individuals learn and internalize behaviors, beliefs, and coping mechanisms. These early experiences significantly shape our adult personalities. This includes the fatal flaws that may hinder our success and happiness. A fatal flaw is a character defect that leads to significant challenges or failures in life. Understanding…

Read More