Blogs

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Become a PAL (Pattern Aware Leader) in 2025: How to Release Outdated Patterns and Lead Like Never Before!

By Sylvia Lafair | January 2, 2025

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…

Bullseye on 2025 representing a hitting New Year Resolutions

How to Be Your Best Self in 2025: Don’t Waste Your New Year Resolutions

By Sylvia Lafair | December 30, 2024

Summary: Ah, the New Year. The time when we all gather ‘round and try to figure out how we will turn into superheroes overnight. You know, with those resolutions that promise to transform us into versions of ourselves that could probably bench-press a car and perform ballet in our sleep. But here’s a thought: what…

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…

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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From Glimmer to Glow: How the path to flow state transforms your life

By Sylvia Lafair | December 19, 2024

Dear Dr. Sylvia, I know this sounds delusional. However, I want to change my career. I want to make the shift now. Let me explain. I am a lawyer and work in a prestigeous law firm. Hiwever, the dream to be a lawyer was my father’s desire for me. I was such a “good child”…

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

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…

A crown representing how overachievers can be one-uppers

From One-Upper to Creative Collaborator

By Sylvia Lafair | December 12, 2024

Transforming the Workplace Super Achiever Dear Dr. Sylvia, I work with the most annoying super achiever. That is to say, she always has a better response, a more thoughtful comment, and a “great” way to handle conflict (even though she creates much of the chaos at work). In addition, my team and I need help…

An open book with lights in the middle of the pages to indicate powerful storytelling

The Essence of Powerful Storytelling

By Sylvia Lafair | December 10, 2024

How to Get Your Point Across at Work Storytelling is one of the most effective ways to communicate ideas, influence perspectives, and inspire action. However, it can also offend or alienate your audience when not handled with care. The secret to powerful storytelling lies in the balance between conveying your message and maintaining sensitivity. Dear…

Girl sitting in a bubble above the ocean

3 Ways To Stop Destructive Patterns From Ruining Your Career

By Sylvia Lafair | December 5, 2024

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…

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

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…

A red sign sitting on top of a wooden table.

Gratitude is the Heart of Thanksgiving: Wishing You a Day Filled with Joy

By Sylvia Lafair | November 27, 2024

Dear All, As the season of giving thanks arrives, it’s a beautiful reminder to pause, reflect, and cherish the moments that make life truly meaningful. Thanksgiving is more than just a feast or a holiday tradition. It’s an opportunity to connect deeply—with ourselves, our loved ones, and the world around us. The Power of Gratitude…

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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