Marty Nemko's Blog, page 212

Finding a Business Idea: Some less obvious, lower-risk suggestions

A number of my clients are tempted to start a business, often because they’ve been laid off because of COVID and are having a tough time landing a decent job.

I tell them that the idea is the least important part; success is mainly about execution. Nevertheless, many of them remain eager to hear some ideas. My Psychology Today article today offers a buffet of what I often say.

The Art of Writing Quickly: Specifics, from idea-generation through polishing

A client wants to write a series of articles and he asked me how I do it. Perhaps you’ll find it of value to see what I told him. That's my Psychology Today article today.

Cleaning Out Your Home: Maybe a good idea but beware the psychological toll

I’ve lived in my home for 43 years and have never done a complete clean-out of all the stuff I’ll probably never use again. But one of the COVID lockdown’s silver linings is that I’ve now done it, as I did with my mom’s home after she died. 

Here are the psychological issues that came up for me. Perhaps you’ll find them of value, maybe even get motivated to do that clean-out that’s so easy to procrastinate. As I mentioned, I may have broken the world’s record for the longest procrastination: 43 years.

When to Ask and How: At work and in relationships

I’ve often encouraged my clients to ask for what they want, and I've cited this anecdote: An orientation leader at Harvard told the incoming freshmen, “Key to success at Harvard is to ask for what you want, and when they say no, ask someone else.”

That advice is often valid, but your chances of an ask working increase if a little nuance is added: My Psychology Today article today suggests when, in the workplace and in a relationship, the risk/reward ration favors asking, and when it doesn’t. Then I offer a polite and a more assertive approach to making your ask.

Dealing with Your Partner’s Differences From You: Warmth, materialism, diligence, neatness, and judgmentalness

Even when a couple is well-matched, differences usually remain. My Psychology Today article today describes five common differences and sample wording for how you might address each or at least start a conversation about it.

Stamp Collecting: An underconsidered hobby in the time of COVID?

My Psychology Today article today makes the case for stamp collecting, an oft-forgotten hobby be especially worthy of consideration in the time of COVID.

The Ear Worm: A mood stabilizer without side effects

An ear worm is a melody that stays stuck in your head. My Psychology Today article today argues that it's usually wise to savor rather than banish it. I explain why and offer 18 beloved loved melodies that are ripe ear worm material.

The Art of Accomplishment: What it really takes

Not everyone cares to become highly accomplished. My Psychology Today article today is  for those willing to make the commitment. It reflects what has most often worked among my highly successful clients and what I've learned from reading a number of biographies of the highly accomplished.

The "Uniforms" We Wear: Are you happy with yours

Before a person even says a word, we tend to judge him or her. Yes, we infer personality and perhaps intelligence merely on a person’s face and body, but also on hair, clothes, and body adornments. And you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.

Perhaps you’re already pleased with your costumes—professional and personal—but maybe my Psychology Today article today will motivate you to make a change or to confirm that you’re happy with the status quo.

Getting Intimate 8 questions to ask . . . and answer

Whether virtual or in-person, romantic or platonic, a new relationship or an existing one, many people crave more intimacy. My Psychology Today article today offers eight questions, asked when it feels right, that can deepen a relationship, sometimes quickly. Ask those questions of yourself and you might improve your self-knowledge and even generate action steps you want to take.