Psychology Archives

Embrace Negative Emotions to Be Happier in Life

What is the problem with avoiding negative emotions? How do negative emotions—paradoxically enough—contribute to happiness? Modern culture pressures us to reject negative emotions and replace them with positivity. However, even experiences that we deem positive carry with them a negative element. Therefore, we cannot really experience happiness without also experiencing potentially negative emotions. Here is why happiness requires that you embrace negative emotions.

Surrounded by Idiots: The Blue Personality Type

What are the traits of a Blue-dominant person? For what reasons would you seek out a Blue personality? In Thomas Erikson’s book Surrounded by Idiots, Blue personalities are described as meticulous, knowledgeable, and cautious. You would seek out a Blue-dominant person at work if you needed to make sure something is organized and done right the first time. Continue below to learn all about the Blue personality type.

The Importance of Practice in Sports: 3 Key Advantages

Can practice override innate ability? What role does practice play in sports performance? While practice alone cannot determine outcomes in sports (there’s also a strong genetic component), its importance cannot be underestimated. Practice builds sport-specific wisdom, allows you to react quickly, and makes you “unconsciously competent.” Keep reading to learn about the importance of practice in sports success.

Surrounded by Idiots: The Red Personality Type

What does it mean to have a “Red” personality type? What kinds of traits do they possess? In the book Surrounded by Idiots, Red personalities are considered to be extroverts, leaders, and competitive. Red personality types also like to stay busy and are happy to take risks—they’re the people you go to when you need to solve a problem. Continue reading to learn more about the Red personality type, according to communication expert Thomas Erikson.

The 10,000-Hour Rule and the Promise of Mastery

What is the 10,000-hour rule? Is it true that a lot of practice can override talent? The phrase the 10,000-hour rule has become a popular way to express the idea that enough practice is a virtual guarantee of expertise. It epitomizes the idea that practice (nurture) can overcome innate ability (nature). Here’s what the science has to say on the matter.

Can We Control Our Emotions?

Can we control our emotions? And if so, to what extent? Starting in childhood, we’re socialized to believe we should be able to control our emotions. The truth is that we can regulate only a small fraction of our thoughts and emotions—most of them are subconscious and beyond our control. Here is why we actually exert less control over our thoughts and feelings than we think we do.

Why We Get Stuck in Cycles of Negative Thinking

Is your mind overwhelmed by negativity? Do you often find yourself slipping into the vicious cycle of negative thinking? People don’t choose to get stuck in cycles of negative thinking—they’ve simply developed unproductive strategies of processing negative thoughts. There are two types of strategies that can turn into a vicious cycle of negative thinking: fight strategies and flights strategies. Keep reading for examples of each strategy.

Surrounded by Idiots: Review, Background, and Context

Are you thinking of reading Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson? What kind of impact and reception did the book have when it was released? Surrounded by Idiots is a guide to understanding yourself and the people at work who just aren’t like you. Bestselling author and communication expert Thomas Erikson asserts that there are four personality types, and we all fall into one or more of these categories. Continue reading for our Surrounded by Idiots review.

Surrounded by Idiots: The Green Personality Type

What does it mean to have a Green personality? Why would it be a good idea to go to a Green-dominant person for advice? In the book Surrounded by Idiots, Green personality types are described as being introverted, dependable, and caring. At work, you would call on a Green-dominant person if you needed advice from someone down-to-earth and calming. Here’s everything you need to know about the Green personality type.

Seeking Validation From Others Won’t Make You Happy

Do you seek validation from others—whether that be online or in-person? Why is that setting an impossible goal? In a world that is focused on social media and external validation, many people have started to seek happiness through the approval of others. The problem is that other people’s opinions are out of your control and if you rely on them for happiness, then you don’t control your own happiness levels. Continue below for an in-depth look at how seeking external validation can affect you.