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

A pattern of people lined up

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

Inside out cast together balancing leadership with 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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Want Less Stress, and Feel “SO ZEN”: How to Keep The Stress Hormone Cortisol in Check

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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Why Leaders Offer Help with Stress But Ignore Its Triggers: A Wake-Up Call

A man in chef 's hat and apron holding knife over turkey.

Summary: Stress is no stranger to the modern workplace. Deadlines, performance reviews, and balancing personal and professional lives create a pressure cooker environment. Many leaders recognize stress’s toll on their teams, offering perks like yoga classes, meditation apps, or flexible work hours. Yet, one crucial element often gets overlooked: the root causes of stress. The…

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Why Business Leaders Struggle to See How Family Patterns Show Up at Work — And Why It Matters

A man and boy shaking hands in front of a couch.

Summary: As a business leader, you juggle a multitude of responsibilities—strategizing for growth, inspiring teams, managing resources, and navigating conflict. Yet, a hidden element influences how you handle these challenges: patterns from your family of origin. These ingrained patterns shape your reactions to conflict, guide your communication style, and influence your decision-making processes. Despite their…

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How JUBLA (Judgment, Blame, or Attack) Will Make You Angrier and Keep You Feeling Like a Victim, And What to Do About It

A man in grey shirt and tie looking up at hands.

Summary: When things don’t go as planned, it’s all too easy to slip into patterns of judgment, blame, or attack (JUBLA). These behaviors, however, are toxic. Not only do they escalate conflict, but they also keep you locked in a cycle of anger, frustration, and victimhood. Learn to move from victim to explorer using pattern…

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