Stress

A green sprout growing through cracked concrete on a steep San Francisco sidewalk, symbolizing how curiosity transforms stress into growth.

When Stress Clamps Down, Curiosity Blows the Doors Off

By Sylvia Lafair | July 17, 2025 |

Summary: You know that feeling, your chest tightens, your jaw clenches, and suddenly your to-do list feels like a personal attack. That’s stress! We all relate to stress. Instead of taking the meds, here is another way to pivot the stress factor and feel better faster. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I read your book “Invisible Stress…

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Silhouette of man speaking on colorful stage.

Charisma vs. Emotional Maturity: Why Leaders Need More Than Just Sparkle to Shine

By Sylvia Lafair | April 24, 2025 |

Let’s pull back the curtain and get real: Leaders who rely solely on charisma eventually hit a wall. The ones who rise (and stay risen) have something deeper, quieter, and far more powerful—emotional maturity. Dear Dr. Sylvia, Our CEO, a quiet and helpful leader, recently hired a new head of sales with minimal input from…

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Breaking the cycle of emotional patterns

Breaking the Cycle: How Patterns Shape Workplace Tension

By Sylvia Lafair | February 26, 2025 |

Lisa’s response to Greg wasn’t just a moment of emotional intelligence—it was a shift in a long-standing workplace pattern. If she had reacted with defensiveness, their conflict would have deepened, reinforcing a cycle of hostility. Instead, by stepping back and choosing curiosity over combat, she disrupted the dynamic. This is what pattern awareness is all…

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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 |

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 |

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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A green sprout growing and navigating through hard times

Facing Irrevocable Change and Navigating Tough Times

By Sylvia Lafair | January 13, 2025 |

Summary: Change, of course, is an inevitable part of life, but some changes hit us harder than others. These are the seismic shifts—the ones that feel irrevocable, reshaping the foundation of our world. Whether it’s losing a loved one, a significant career upheaval, or moments being caught in the extremes of climate change, that’s when…

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Business man pushing 7lbs of emotional weight off the edge of a cliff

How to Lose 7 Pounds of Emotional Stress in 7 Days

By Sylvia Lafair | January 7, 2025 |

Summary: Ah, stress. It’s like that unexpected guest who shows up, plants themselves on your couch, and refuses to leave until you figure out what they’re really there for. But here’s the kicker: what if stress wasn’t the villain we always make it out to be? What if we started this shiny new year by…

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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 |

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 |

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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Woman meditating against a red background.

Want Less Stress, and Feel “SO ZEN”: How to Keep The Stress Hormone Cortisol in Check

By Sylvia Lafair | November 25, 2024 |

Summary: Stress is a natural part of life, and our bodies are designed to handle it, at least in short bursts. At the center of this response lies cortisol, the primary hormone responsible for regulating stress. However, in today’s world of relentless deadlines, 24/7 connectivity, and mounting pressures, cortisol levels can remain chronically high, leading…

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