Discovering the Power of Artificial Motivators

3 people climbing a mountain with the person on top helping the other 2

Alright, listen up guys, let me share something really surprising with you: the idea of artificial motivators, something that’s not truly sincere but still pushes you forward. I used to think we should always be absolutely sincere with what drives us. I’ll tell you a story to illustrate this. Once, I set myself a goal […]

The Journey of Growth: Lessons from Musicians, Athletes, and Soldiers

boy and girl playing the violin

In our recent exploration of personal growth and resilience, we delved into the world of musicians, athletes, and soldiers. Their experiences offer valuable lessons in perseverance, grit, and the power of steadfast faith. As we conclude this lesson series and prepare to venture into new territories, it is essential to recognize that the path we […]

Resilience in Difficult Relationships

road with the word resilience on it

Understanding the Phases of Connection, Disconnection, and Rejuvenation Introduction: Relationships can be complex, and couples often find themselves at a point where they enter an unwanted phase of cohabitation. This is a critical juncture where many couples lose motivation and struggle to maintain their connection. However, recognizing the importance of continual effort and seeking personal […]

A Lesson in Resilience 

Image of person who looks like Christ as a sheep herder

Once upon a time, in a land far away, there lived a wise and compassionate teacher named Christ. He walked upon this difficult planet, spreading His teachings and guiding people towards love and righteousness. However, His path was not an easy one. On His very first day, He encountered people who were resistant to His […]

Building Emotional Intelligence Part 3

words emotional intelligence in circle around other things like stress, management, relationships

(Read Part 1 and Part 2) How then do we take all that we know about emotion and properly utilize emotions to make informed decisions? Well that is somewhat a trick question as emotions should rarely form the basis for making decisions. Let me explain. In Stephen W. Owen’s talk entitled “Be Faithful, Not Faithless” […]

Building Emotional Intelligence Part 2

drawing of head with thoughts inside

(Read Part 1 HERE). After I have successfully narrowed down and identified my emotions; where do I go from there? How then do I effectively manage such emotions? While utilizing the emotion/feelings wheel may offer a simple formula toward managing emotions… I will introduce a few more tools that can be utilized. Our first tool […]

4 Steps of Inquiry

4 Steps of Inquiry, Man thinking

One of the most intriguing and well known forms of therapy is cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT. 4 questions we should all consider at times to better understand our own thoughts.

Self-Worth, Self-Esteem, and Self-Confidence

young boy

One of my favorite lessons I learned as an undergraduate student at BYU-Idaho was a lesson taught in my abnormal psychology class. My professor taught us the difference between self-worth, self-esteem, and self-confidence. He asserted that many of us may confuse the concepts or interchange them without really recognizing it. However, to best apply the […]

Meaning and Situational Depression

man feeling depressed with hands on head sitting down

In my clinical internship at the BYU-Idaho Counseling Center I had the unique opportunity to assist students struggling with a variety of different issues. Perhaps one of the number one epidemics facing undergraduate students is anxiety and depression. Students begin to learn very quickly that adjusting to life can be complicated as they learn to […]

The P.I.E.S.S. of Self-Care

image is pie with parts of self care listed

What is self care? Self care includes areas of physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual and social. The best self care is to live life in a way that doesn’t leave you depleted.

“Let God Prevail” – How To Be A Tool In God’s Hands

downtown street where you have to "let god prevail"

I remember one of my earliest conversations with God when I was still a young man walking the streets of Detroit.  I remember I was studying principles that involved learning how to be a tool in the hands of God and wanting to be able to do miracles with the power of God.  I was […]

But My Situation is Different

Man thinking

Just like you, I am NOT a drug or alcohol addict.  So why does everyone else keep saying I am?!?!? How to tell if you have a drug or alcohol problem.

Pray and ask, “Father are you pleased?”

man praying with scriptures

“Father, are you pleased?” (I had the following ponders as I reviewed this week’s Come Follow Me  lesson) Have you ever worked on a project for a while, with a lot of heart, but felt like you didn’t get anything worthwhile done, and possibly feel like you went backwards? This is how I felt after […]