Procrastination is an interesting concept in our culture. Perceptions of procrastination range from being the topic of jokes to being associated with mental illness (Svartdal, Granmo, & Farevaag, 2018). But what is the truth about this ubiquitous behavior? As a college instructor, I deal with student procrastination every semester, often resulting in end-of-term complications. I’ve […]

Unconditional positive regard describes an essential attitude that person-centered therapists adopt toward their clients, promoting growth and personal change (Wilkins, 2000). As mental health professionals, therapists recognize that they must deeply value their client’s humanity while being undeterred by any particular client behaviors for a successful outcome (Mearns & Thorne, 1988). Typically, the client experiences

At one time or another, haven’t we all sought perfection? A perfect score on a test, a flawless presentation, or the ultimate date. While aiming for the best can be helpful, perfectionism as a trait can be damaging, putting us at risk of mental and physical illness (Thomson, 2019). Perfectionism is a complex characteristic that

For years, researchers have pondered the factors that influence how people make judgments about their wellbeing. However, until the late ‘80s, much of what we knew about wellbeing was based on a poor definition of the construct. This left much of the scientific community scratching its head and asking the same question: What is wellbeing

Many of us are aware of the importance of adopting a growth mindset and perhaps even believe we have done so already. But do we really know what we mean when we talk about moving from fixed thinking to the growth zone? Findings from research into the benefits of a growth mindset have been well

Wabi sabi and kintsugi have their historical origins in the aesthetics of the Japanese tea ceremony that upholds the Zen Buddhist values of purity, harmony, and tranquility. Both wabi sabi and kintsugi value the acceptance of imperfection. This article introduces the Japanese concepts of wabi sabi and kintsugi and explains how to apply them in

While difficult to define, perfectionism can drive impossibly high standards and have dangerous consequences. Maintaining that flawless veneer can put your mental and physical wellbeing at risk as you search for that perfect life (Thomson, 2019). The number of people experiencing perfectionism is rising dramatically, especially among the young (Curran & Hill, 2019). So, how

Success. Abundance. Prosperity. Intelligence. Talent. Skill. These are all potential products of a growth mindset. Why is it important to foster this mindset in children? A growth mindset can encourage a passion for learning and an ease in facing new challenges. Children with a growth mindset outperform those with a fixed mindset and are more

Broadly speaking, happiness and wellbeing are thought to be essential components for a successful and fulfilling life. In fact, in 2012, the United Nations proclaimed March 20th to be the International Day of Happiness to recognize the importance of wellbeing as a universal goal for all people. Indeed, recommendations to public policy outlined a more

Have you ever noticed how everything seems manageable when you’re in a good mood? Or how a problem doesn’t seem so serious after you’ve woken up from a good rest? Ever noticed how a phone call to a friend makes you feel so much better? The effects of our mental health are experienced in every