Conflict Resolution Plan: What to Do Before a Confrontation

A woman calming down with papers in front of her illustrates a conflict resolution plan

Do you have an unresolved conflict in your life? What’s the best way to approach it without making the situation worse? In Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Difficult People, Renée Evenson emphasizes the importance of creating a conflict resolution plan before engaging in challenging conversations. She provides practical strategies to help readers navigate tense situations with empathy and composure. Read on to discover how you can develop a robust conflict resolution plan and improve your communication skills when things get tense.

Sherlock Holmes’s Observation Skills: How to See Like He Sees

Sherlock Holmes's observation skills on display as he investigates a letter in a Victorian-era drawing room

How does Sherlock Holmes notice pertinent details? What if you could develop similar abilities? In Mastermind, Maria Konnikova explores the foundations of Sherlock Holmes’s observation skills. She reveals how keen awareness and conscious control of our mental processes can enhance our ability to pick up on crucial details in our environment. Read on to discover practical strategies for sharpening your own observational prowess and avoiding common pitfalls that cloud perceptions.

How to Not Jump to Conclusions: Use Your Imagination

A kid with several thought bubbles over his head illustrates how to not jump to conclusions by using your imagination

Do you find yourself making assumptions only to find out later that you were wrong? What if you approached problems more like Sherlock Holmes? In Mastermind, Maria Konnikova explores how to not jump to conclusions and instead think more creatively like the famous detective. She offers insights into why we tend to make hasty decisions and assumptions and provides strategies for engaging our imagination to solve problems more effectively. Read on to discover how you can cultivate Holmes-like thinking and approach challenges with a fresh perspective.

Clarify the Problem: How to Get to the Heart of the Issue

A magnifying glass magnifying the word "problem" illustrates how to clarify the problem

Have you ever found yourself in a heated argument, unsure of what the real issue is? How can you effectively clarify the problem when emotions are running high? In Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Difficult People, Renée Evenson offers strategies to navigate conflicts. She emphasizes the importance of understanding both perspectives and agreeing on the core issue before seeking solutions. Read more to learn how to clarify the problem in a way that prevents misunderstandings and promotes effective problem-solving.

Why Talking About Your Experiences Can Help You Heal

A group of people sitting in a circle in a room talking about their experiences

What are the benefits of talking about experiences? How should you handle it if you receive negative feedback? While it can be difficult to open up about personal experiences, Bruce Feiler argues that there are five major benefits to doing so. By becoming vulnerable, you can overcome loneliness, receive support, get feedback, and more. Here’s why you should open up about your experiences, as described in the book Life Is in the Transitions.

Emotional Regulation for Parents: The Mindfulness Strategy

A mother holding a jar of angry emotions as emotional regulation for parents

Are you overwhelmed as a parent? What are key strategies for emotional regulation for parents? It can be hard to get your point across to your kids when you’re angry and stressed. No matter how hard the job can be, you need to regulate your own emotions to set an example for your children. Here’s how parents can use mindfulness to regulate themselves in times of stress.

Sherlock Holmes: Deduction Leads to a Logical Explanation

Sherlock Holmes's deduction skills are at work while he looks thoughtfully while wearing a Victorian-era suit and hat

How does Sherlock Holmes always solve the case? What can we learn from his legendary deduction skills? In Mastermind, Maria Konnikova explores the art of Sherlock Holmes’s deduction process. She reveals how his methods can improve our everyday decision-making and problem-solving abilities. Konnikova offers practical strategies to enhance logical thinking and avoid common mental pitfalls. Read on to enter the world of Holmes and unleash your inner detective.

The RAIN Meditation for Parents: Accepting Your Emotions

A mother meditating with her baby in her lap

How helpful is meditation for parents? What’s the RAIN meditation? Hunter Clarke-Fields says that developing a mindfulness practice and increasing your self-awareness can help minimize your stress and emotional outbursts. However, she emphasizes that difficult emotions are natural—for parents and children—and you shouldn’t feel any shame for having them.  Continue reading to learn how meditation can change your life as a parent.

Propose a Solution: A Key Step in Conflict Resolution

A person proposes a solution by putting a piece of paper on a conference room table as others look on

Is it hard for you to find common ground with difficult people? What if you had the skill to propose solutions that benefit everyone involved? Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Difficult People by Renée Evenson helps people navigate challenging conversations. She emphasizes the importance of collaborative problem-solving and provides strategies for proposing solutions that consider everyone’s needs. Keep reading to discover practical tips on how to propose a solution effectively and create win-win outcomes in your interactions with others.

How to Cope With Emotions That Accompany Grief

A woman sitting on a bed looking sad and stressed who is learning how to cope with emotions

Do you struggle to cope with emotions? How can you overcome the emotions that arise with grief? Bruce Feiler’s book Life Is in the Transitions deals with overcoming major life changes called “lifequakes.” When changes happen, it’s normal to grieve the life you used to have. However, learning how to handle those emotions is an important part of moving forward. Here’s Feiler’s advice for learning to cope with fear, sadness, and shame.