What words come to mind when you hear the phrase “people-pleaser?” The title is usually associated with people who are kind and helpful. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a people-pleasing person as someone who has an emotional need to please others, often at the expense of his or her own needs or desires. In the Dreaded […]
Have you ever experienced someone driving recklessly on the freeway, changing lanes, and almost causing an accident? We have and admit to hoping there’s a highway patrol officer around the bend, ready to turn their siren on and issue a costly speeding ticket. We call our desire to see a police officer stop the careless […]
Many of us stay in the Dreaded Drama Triangle (DDT) roles during our life more than we’d like to admit. What most of us don’t realize is that our true self—that part of us we call our Creator essence and the primary role in TED* (*The Empowerment Dynamic)® —is right beneath the surface waiting to […]
The simple act of asking for support or help can become a huge issue for anyone stuck in the Dreaded Drama Triangle (DDT). As recovering Rescuers, we (David & Donna) have both struggled with asking for help at times. When we are stuck in the Rescuer role, we believe our job is to help others […]
It may be one of the most common things we say to ourselves: “I will be happy when…” How do you complete that sentence? You may say you will be happy when you have a new home, better job, a different body shape, a new relationship, or a dream vacation. Unfortunately, this is backward thinking. […]
There is a leadership story that illustrates being trapped in repetitive tasks. The story goes like this: There was a hermit who would cut enough wood each summer to heat his forest cabin through the winter. One day, he heard on his shortwave radio that an early winter storm was heading his way. He rushed […]
Most of the self-help books and advice blogs these days include this advice: “You must learn to set healthy boundaries.” If you are anything like us, the idea of setting boundaries sounds like a good idea—and many days it is so much easier to say “yes” just to keep the peace than it is to […]
Working with people stuck in a Victim Mindset can be exhausting and infuriating. When they have a problem, they often prefer to complain or blame, rather than focus on a solution. They cope with life by thinking there is some force outside of them that prevents them from taking charge of their life. We are not writing […]
The central role of TED* (*The Empowerment Dynamic)® is that of a Creator. There are two primary actions of a Creator. The first is owning your power to choose your response to life’s challenges, regardless of the circumstances. The second is taking responsibility to create outcomes. The Creator is your true essence that forms who […]
Occasional negative self-talk is normal. And, sometimes being skeptical or critical helps you thoroughly investigate an issue. It is when your internal negative self-talk is a constant habit that it can do harm to yourself and those with whom you live and work. A negative internal dialogue happens when: You constantly think or say what […]