Essam Attia, Author at Insights

Overcoming Blame Game: Fostering Healthy Communication in Personal Life

Essam Attia — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 10:21:12 +0000

John and Sally are working on a project together. An issue is flagged by their direct manager, and suddenly, both are pointing fingers at each other! There are no real winners in wars. The same goes for blame games.

When it comes to personal relationships, blame games tend to focus too much on finding fault rather than thinking of a solution. A pillar of personal relationships is healthy communication — without it, everything becomes shaky and inevitably falls to the ground.

This article will explore the complex concept of blame and the psychology behind it. It will also emphasize the importance of healthy communication and constructive conflict resolution in your personal relationships. All that whilst providing tips and insightful remarks that should get you on the track of living a more fulfilling life.

Understanding the blame game

Blame is a distinct moral judgment that is both cognitive and social, which regulates social behavior and is essentially dependent on social cognition. It’s putting the responsibility or the fault of something that went wrong on someone.

People engage in blame games for various reasons. Sometimes it’s shifting the personal guilt to someone else. Other times, pointing blame gives a sense of clarity in times of confusion.

Based on a study by researchers Neil Malhotra and Alexander G. Kuo from Stanford University, results showed that citizens blamed officials for natural disasters like hurricanes. When things go vague, and it’s nobody’s fault, in need of assurance and a set structure, people will place the blame on the first potential scapegoat they can find.

At times, the blamed person is at fault. They were behind the issue at hand. But is engaging in the blame game the right approach to fix the situation? Why should you avoid blaming someone?

Getting involved in blaming, not to mention chronic blame, can be detrimental to your own well-being. Blame can stimulate resentment, hence hindering a person from getting into a positive headspace that is supposed to lead to thinking of an actual strategy to help with the existing problem. “Pointing fingers” can also affect your road of growth and development. It’s not easy to find time to reflect on the situation and analyze your weaknesses and areas of improvement when you’re busy blaming others for problems.

But it doesn’t just stop on the personal level. Blaming others has a massive negative impact on your relationships with other people. As mentioned above, it opens the door for resentment and hatred. No one likes to be attacked or pointed at.

Blame can also break the trust between a person and their partner in a romantic relationship. If you’re constantly blamed by your partner, there’ll be a point where you stop and think, “Am I actually doing that? Or is it the other side’s perception that is faulty?”

Self-reflection and awareness

One of the keys to overcoming blame and maintaining healthy communication with others is self-awareness and self-reflection. Instead of instantly blaming someone, you can ask yourself questions like:

“What can be the other narrative rather than my current perception of the situation?”
“Is there anything I could have done differently that would’ve eradicated part of the issue?”
“Am I reading the incident wrong here?”

Developing a habit of asking these questions is beneficial, for they open a person’s eyes to repetitive patterns that might normally go unseen. They also curb the primitive temptation in us as humans to just throw responsibility for something that went wrong on someone else. Additionally, self-awareness and reflection have been found to aid in recovering from external trauma and healing psychosomatic wounds.

Taking responsibility for actions

There’s nothing better than communicating with someone without worrying you’ll have more than your share of responsibilities, blame, and finger-pointing. A responsible person is someone who can be trusted and depended on. Whether it’s a romantic relationship or not, taking responsibility paves the way for a strong connection and relationship between you and others.

Below are a few tips and exercises to help you improve responsibility and accountability:

Develop an eye for excuses

Part of self-reflection is noticing patterns. When you notice a pattern of giving excuses for a certain behavior, you need to have a self-set-down and think, “Now that I’m aware I subconsciously create excuses for this, what can I actually do to help the situation effectively?”

Even if the solution and the action to be taken are not sorted out immediately, you’ll still be aware that this is just an excuse and not a real reason. This will make you less likely to blame someone else when things go south.

Practice compassion towards yourself

It might be hard to hold yourself responsible all the time when you’re beating yourself up for every single error or mistake. The harsher your own reaction is, the more difficult it will be to admit mistakes. We all make mistakes. Accept it when it happens, and treat yourself kindly. Always remind yourself it’s better to focus on what can be done to improve the situation.

Speak up and maintain ownership

This one is pretty self-explanatory. Do not hold your thoughts to yourself. Speak your thoughts and communicate them. Express your opinion when you think a change is necessary or see something that needs to be flagged.

Empathy and compassionate communication

“Because if it’s not love…if it’s not love, then it’s the bomb that will bring us together,” said Morrissey, lead singer of the English rock band The Smiths. If it’s not kindness and empathy that you share when it comes to personal relationships, then your communication with others might easily fall into a hole of passive aggression, condescension, and unproductivity.

Implementing empathy in your communication with others opens the door for moving forward, positivity, and productivity. Scholars have found that empathy promotes many forms of prosocial behaviors, such as forgiving, volunteering, and assisting, and that it is negatively connected with behaviors such as aggressiveness and bullying.

Even though empathy is a long journey of self-discovery and an approach that has to be deeply rooted, some techniques that can be shared to strengthen your own sense of empathy are:

Putting yourself in the shoes of others
Being considerate
Taking a step back to reflect and evaluate

Active listening and open communication

If your actions can be referred to as your output, then listening would be one of your main sources of input. In order to correctly issue an “output,” the input needs to be received properly as well. This means that only by active listening and “seriously” listening to what the other person has to say can you communicate effectively and respond accordingly.

Many techniques can be implemented to enhance active listening, including:

Keeping eye contact
Asking questions
Giving visual cues and paying attention to them in return
Not getting distracted thinking about what to say next, even before the other person finishes speaking

Conflict resolution strategies

The best approach in the presence of conflict is communication. You cannot go wrong with replacing blaming with constructive communication. Talk with the other person and see their concerns. Negotiate with them and reach a mutually beneficial compromise: “I want 1…you want 3…what if we go for 2?” Reaching a win-win solution is ideal as well, whenever achievable.

In order to make the best out of these strategies, they should be tackled in harmony with other aspects of communication, such as empathy, active listening, and awareness.

In conclusion

Even though there are no winners in a blame game, a win still can be made out of the situation by shifting energy to work out the issue instead. By tackling problems, equipped by habits and aspects mentioned in the article, such as self-reflection, taking responsibility, and conflict resolution, you can achieve a better way of communicating with others, another essential step on the eternal road of happiness and satisfaction in life.

If you would like to see more resources on blame-related actions, check out the Personal Resilience Science Labs. The lab uses the research of the Institute for Life Management Science to produce courses, certifications, podcasts, videos, and other tools. Visit the Personal Resilience Science Labs today.

Photo by Freepik

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Dr. Megha Pushkarna: The Science Behind Happy Relationships | Sero Boost #26

Essam Attia — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 14:46:08 +0000

The line “When someone sees you as you really are and wants to be with you…that’s powerful.” from the 2000s masterpiece American drama TV show Six Feet Under is a strong take on the dimensions of relationships and having a partner. But what about nurturing that relationship between you and your partner? How to keep your relationship healthy and sparkling?

Meet Dr. Megha Pushkarna

Dr. Megha Pushkarna is a Counseling Psychologist with 14 years of experience using CBT as a modality to support her clients. She provides counseling services in the areas of anxiety, depression, marital dissatisfaction, grief/post-traumatic stress, psychometric assessment, family therapy, career counseling for adolescents and adults, and habit coaching.

Her passion for learning drives her to seek solution-focused interventions for short-term therapies. She is empathetic towards cross-cultural sensitivity and queer relations. She invests herself in her clients, helping them seek clarity and navigate through their concerns.

About the episode

In this episode hosted by Lu Ngo, Dr. Megha explained that happiness is subjective and varies for each person. It is a sense of well-being and fulfillment created daily through actions and mindset. She highlighted the misconception that happiness should be constant and derived from external factors, emphasizing the need to focus on what one can control and change.

Dr. Megha also discussed the importance of communication, accepting disagreements, and nurturing intimacy. She debunked misconceptions such as constantly pleasing each other, staying silent to avoid arguments, and relying on a partner for healing. She emphasized the need for trust, honesty, and continuous effort in maintaining a happy relationship while dispelling the notion that children alone can bring happiness to a relationship.

In addition, Dr. Megha stated that there are four main attachment styles: secure, anxious, avoidant-dismissive, and avoidant-fearful. Secure attachment is ideal, while anxious attachment leads to acting-out behaviors. Avoidant-dismissive attachment downplays the relationship, and avoidant-fearful attachment stems from fear and dependency.

Setting boundaries in a relationship is vital, said Dr Megha. It prevents manipulation and abuse. Absolute non-acceptance of abuse is essential as well. Clear boundaries contribute to healthy relationships.

Moving on, Dr. Megha provided insightful habits and relationship pillars that contribute to long-lasting fulfilling relationships, including but not limited to mutual respect, maintaining intimacy, and constant compliments.

Finally, Dr. Megha recommended a few practices that can keep your relationship on the road to steadiness and happiness, such as establishing a shared routine of daily walks or runs, sharing the load of household chores and responsibilities, and prioritizing uninterrupted time together without distractions.

In conclusion

Relationships are work and shouldn’t be taken for granted. By putting in the effort and working on aspects like communication, quality time, and intimacy, you can achieve a profoundly fulfilling and lasting connection!

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Amber De Vos, The Seduxe: Conquer Shyness & Social Anxiety in Dating and Relationship| Reloscope #26

Essam Attia — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 02:32:47 +0000

“Shyness is nice, shyness is nice, and shyness can stop you from doing all the things in life you’d like to,” Said Morrissey, lead singer of the prominent English rock band The Smiths, 40 years ago, and dating is no different.

Meet Amber De Vos, The Seduxe

Amber De Vos is on a mission to help Singles “go from clueless to coupled” by giving them effective strategies, advice, and actions to improve their overall dating and communication skills. She worked as a top New York City celebrity photographer for 12 years, has a BA degree in Anthropology, a passion for personal development, and has worked for over 4+ years as a matchmaker and dating coach, which has allowed her to create a unique style of coaching that helps her clients grow and discover the best version of themselves on their romantic journey.

About the episode

In this episode hosted by Aditi Kutty, dating expert and romance recruiter Amber De Vos delved into the meaning and evolution of relationships, acknowledging the shift from a time when relationships were driven by necessity to the present, where choices abound.

Amber shared precious insights on how to conquer shyness and social anxiety. She emphasized the significance of patience and empathy in the realm of dating, shedding light on the practical ways to interpret body language and create a safe space for shy individuals to express their interests.

The impact of virtual dating during the pandemic was also discussed. Amber shared some fantastic advice on navigating the world of online connections. She emphasized the importance of not judging potential matches solely based on their profiles, reminding everyone to dive into meaningful conversations and truly get to know each other.

The episode touched upon practical strategies for overcoming shyness and social anxiety, including the power of complimenting strangers. One tip that stood out was creating a “Greatest Hits” list to boost confidence. Amber underscored the role of music as a game-changer for elevating mood and mindset.

Finally, Amber emphasized the importance of self-appreciation, self-care, and finding a supportive community. A community that reinforces one’s positive qualities can definitely provide evidence and boost self-confidence!

In conclusion

Social anxiety and shyness can get in the way of entering the world of dating and relationships. Key answers start on the inside and extend to your community and surroundings. Doing breathing exercises, putting on the right music, and surrounding yourself with the right community will always come in handy!

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Vicky Liu, B Psych: Yoga’s Impact on Mental Health & Relaxation | Self-improvement Atlas #25

Essam Attia — Fri, 26 May 2023 02:38:14 +0000

Do you get enough time to relax? In a world where work and achievements are focused on and prioritized, it’s essential to give yourself adequate time to lay back down and chill to avoid burnout. So bring your journal, bring your yoga mat, and don’t forget mindful breathing!

Meet Vicky Liu

Vicky Liu is a certified Yoga and Meditation teacher with a background in Psychology. Her passion for human well-being grew as she worked in various fields and traveled around the world. As the founder of Evolve Yoga, she aims to offer individuals and workplaces a transformative inward journey focused on intention, acceptance, and mindfulness. Her goal is to create a non-judgmental space for people to reconnect with their true selves and build meaningful connections, promoting inner peace and collective flourishing.

About the episode

In this episode hosted by Aditi Kutty, psychologist Vicky Liu sheds light on the importance of practicing yoga regarding mental health and relaxation. She discussed how significant giving yourself to relax is to battle stress and anxiety.

Vicky said society is to blame for its tendency to promote “hustle culture” over mindfulness and relaxation. From Vicky’s POV, relaxation is the answer and is what should be prioritized instead.

Vicky openly discussed her own encounters and offered perspectives on the pervasive nature of “hustle culture.” She explained how these values can become ingrained habits, leading to feelings of guilt when taking a break or relaxing. She questioned the constant need to race and compete with others, prompting reflection on its purpose and impact.

But how does yoga fit into this grand scheme of relaxation? Vicky said yoga can help individuals explore their emotions and feelings in a nurturing way, release past trauma and energy, and find grounding and peace.

Moving on, the guest talked about practices and habits that help her stay relaxed in the modern busy life; Vicky suggested journaling as it allows people to be mindful of what they’re writing and the energy they release. She tackled various ways of journaling, such as writing or recording voice notes to effectively process your thoughts & emotions.

In conclusion

Dedicating time in your day to lay back and relax is not a luxury. It’s what keeps us moving forward the next day and the day after and the day after it. Be it journaling, yoga, or even just taking breaks to sit and reflect. Explore yourself and find your preferences!

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Prof. Piers Steel: Stop Procrastinating and Start Getting Things Done at Home | Room by Room #24

Essam Attia — Fri, 19 May 2023 04:30:26 +0000

Do you find yourself procrastinating when it comes to home organization? Do you struggle to stay motivated and productive in your daily tasks? Tune in to this captivating podcast episode with Dr. Piers Stee, and host Gabriella Joustra as they explore valuable insights and practical tips on how to overcome procrastination and maintain an organized lifestyle.

Meet Dr. Piers Steel

Dr. Piers is a distinguished professor of psychology and organizational behavior at the Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary. He holds a Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and has authored the critically acclaimed book, The Procrastination Equation: How to Stop Putting Things Off and Start Getting Stuff Done. With over 80 published research articles and countless citations, Dr. Piers’ work has been featured in renowned outlets such as the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Harvard Business Review.

About the episode

In the episode hosted by Gabriella Joustra, Dr. Piers explained the concept of procrastination and its adverse effects on people’s lives. He analyzed the reasons behind procrastination and identified how technology and modern lifestyles contributed to the problem. He also provided practical strategies on how to overcome procrastination and increase productivity.

The conversation then moved to the topic of motivation, with Dr. Piers explaining the different types of motivation and how they impacted behavior. He delved into the role of rewards and punishments in motivating people and provided tips on maintaining motivation over the long term.

Additionally, Dr. Piers discussed the concept of flow, highlighting its benefits and how people could cultivate this state of mind to improve focus and productivity. He also shared personal strategies for keeping his home and workspace organized, providing tips for overcoming the challenges of clutter and disorganization.

In the latter part of the episode, Dr. Piers answered audience questions on motivation, productivity, and procrastination, offering practical advice and engaging insights on how to stay focused and motivated and how to address the root causes of procrastination.

In conclusion

To overcome procrastination, establish well-defined objectives, divide tasks into smaller manageable steps, and acknowledge progress with rewards. Cultivate a productive setting, establish routines, practice self-awareness, discipline, and self-compassion, and prioritize personal values and passions. Gaining a state of flow, marked by intense focus, is achievable through deliberate practice. These tactics enhance productivity and fulfillment, proving valuable when faced with the temptation to procrastinate in the future!

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Dr. Rebecca Heiss: Overcoming Fear: Embrace Life to the Fullest | Sero Boost #22

Essam Attia — Fri, 05 May 2023 11:00:32 +0000

What is the intricate link between fear and happiness, and how does this connection manifest in daily life? Do all feelings of fear originate from the same place? Are there different kinds of fear?

Fear is a double-edged sword that, when used correctly, can unleash your potential leading to a more fruitful life.

Meet Dr. Rebecca Heiss

As an evolutionary biologist and stress expert, Dr. Rebecca Heiss is dedicated to helping people become self-aware and overcome their instinctual limitations – the ancient, often subconscious fears that hold individuals back from their optimal performance and happiest lives.

Her research has been designated “transformative” by the National Science Foundation, and it is waking up audiences around the world.

As an author of the newly acclaimed book Instinct, founder and CEO of the leadership 360-review mobile application, Icueity, and highly sought-after professional speaker, Rebecca has found her calling in helping others recognize the power of biological applications in their lives.

Rebecca lives in South Carolina with her dogs, Guinness & Murphy, and every day she tries to live her life motto: “Spread happy.”

About the episode

In this episode hosted by Lu Ngo, Dr. Rebecca Heiss defined happiness as the ability to be your authentic self, feel accepted by yourself and your community, and stay present in the moment. It is also looking back with nostalgia and forward with excitement.

However, Rebecca said that many people mistakenly believe that happiness is something external to them and try to chase it by achieving certain goals, leading to the hedonic treadmill where the goal always seems to shift.

Rebecca emphasized that happiness is an internal state of mind that requires introspection and self-awareness. Rather than being achieved through external factors or hard work alone, happiness is a subjective experience that can be attained by looking within ourselves.

Meanwhile, on managing stress and fear, Rebecca suggested a three-step approach to manage fear and stress better; When experiencing a stressful situation characterized by heart palpitations, sweating, fear, and worry, the first step is acknowledging it. The second step involves taking a deep breath, and the last step is to apply curiosity.

Finally, Rebecca held an insightful discussion about how the fear of the other is an instinctual response that stems from the ancestral environment, where people outside of the tribe were considered a threat to resources and survival.

However, this instinct can lead to subconscious prejudices and biases that keep individuals apart and hinder their ability to form meaningful relationships.

In conclusion

Fear and happiness are inseparable threads that weave through your lives in the grand tapestry of being human. It’s only natural for fear to arise in the face of uncertainties and obstacles, but you mustn’t allow it to snuff out the flame of your happiness.

To truly embrace joy, people must confront their fears head-on and open themselves up to the beauty of diversity. Authentic happiness resides deep within; you can uncover it through self-reflection, understanding, and the courage to challenge your fears.

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Kathryn Schertz, Ph.D.: Understanding Our Connection With Nature | Doing Well #18

Essam Attia — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 11:20:43 +0000

Mother nature. Have you ever thought of throwing it all behind your back and running to the woods? What is the healthy life balance between modern technologies and nature? How much of overall well-being is linked to how close one is to the natural world?

Meet Kathryn Schertz

Kathryn Schertz is a postdoctoral researcher in the Emotion & Self Control Lab in the Psychology Department of the University of Michigan. She completed her Ph.D. in the Environmental Neuroscience Lab at the University of Chicago. Kathryn is interested in how the natural environment influences cognition, emotions, behavior, and the mechanisms of these effects.

Current Projects: What People Think About While Visiting Natural Environments, The Relationship Between Thought Content and Visual Features, and How Interactions With The Physical and Social Environment Influence Crime Broader Impacts.

In an effort to help city-dwellers experience natural stimuli in their daily lives, she co-developed a web app called ReTUNE which generates ‘restorative’ walking routes that account for greenspace, noise levels, and crime. The app currently works for the Hyde Park/Kenwood/Woodlawn area of Chicago and is in the process of being expanded.

About the episode

In this episode hosted by Lu Ngo, Kathryn defined well-being as a state of balance where an individual is thriving and satisfied in various areas of life, such as physical and mental health, work, relationships, environment, financial security, and spiritual practices. She emphasized that having a satisfying life involves combining these factors that work together.

Kathryn also addressed some misconceptions about well-being, such as that well-being means being happy all the time and the idea that practices like meditation and yoga are the only ways to achieve well-being. Overall, Kathryn believes that well-being is a complex and individualized concept that involves finding balance and satisfaction in various areas of life.

Moving on, the conversation shifted to nature. Kathryn suggested that building a connection with nature can positively impact mental health and well-being. Research shows that spending time in nature, even for short periods, and noticing natural elements can help build this connection.

It is not necessary to spend a lot of time in nature, but simple activities such as listening to birds or smelling flowers can influence mental health positively. Access to natural spaces like local parks, oceans, and wild natural areas can help build the connection.

Last but not least, Kathryn mentioned that although some people suggest that the best way to connect with nature is to simply spend time outdoors, she thinks that technology can be a helpful tool in encouraging people to connect with nature in various ways.

For instance, there are apps that can help identify plants and provide information about them, allowing people to engage with their surroundings more deeply. Social media can also play a role in connecting people with nature.

In conclusion

Feeling connected to nature, even if one cannot engage with it often, is associated with feeling happier and having higher levels of well-being. Every individual wants to feel grounded and share a sense of belonging. Maintaining well-being is a long personal journey, and your connection with nature is certainly a good place to start!

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Darcy Boles: How to Maintain Work and Personal Balance While Working Remotely | Work in Progress #15

Essam Attia — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 11:20:46 +0000

Since the pandemic, the professional career world has undergone a remarkable transformation. The question of whether offices and companies’ premises were as needed as people thought they were was brought to the table. Many employees worked remotely during “The COVID-19 Era,” a new day came, things stayed in place, and the world did not fall apart.

But what are the different unexplored dimensions of remote work? What are some of the challenges that face the remote work world nowadays? How can you utilize your home to not only not stand in the way of doing your job but rather increase your productivity and secure a better work-life balance?

Meet Darcy Boles

Darcy Marie Boles is a Future of Work Thought Leader, Culture Architect & Remote Experience Designer. Her deepest why is that work doesn’t have to suck, and she has dedicated her career to ensuring that it doesn’t. Darcy was leading remote teams before it was “a thing.” She pulls her design architecture from global experiences and cultures from around the world, using positive psychology research to align company ecosystems with shared intrinsic values and experiences.

She believes that everyone has the power to create a better world and live the lives of the wildest dreams when building flexible workplaces that create a win-win for all stakeholders and now consults series A-C companies on how to make remote work, work. While she loves to travel, she spends most of her time in San Diego with her fiancé Dan, Golden Retriever Blanche, and a quiver of surfboards.

About the episode

In this episode, hosted by Tia Harmer, Darcy Boles talked about how many employees nowadays favor working from home (WFH) because it achieves autonomy. “People are saying, ‘Wait a second, I now have autonomy over my schedule; I have autonomy over how I spend my time that isn’t required of me to provide the results that need to get done for whatever job agreement I’ve made.’”

Moving on, Darcy provided tips to separate work and personal life while working from home. This includes but is not limited to the importance of utilizing intentional design for remote work environments and prioritizing self-care.

The episode also discussed the challenges of WFH, such as potential isolation or misconceptions about productivity people might have regarding remote work.

Finally, Darcy concluded that there’s a need for a cultural shift for communities to change their perception of work environments and employees’ need for work-life balance.

In conclusion

The world is changing, and working from home is one of the modern-world outcomes reshaping employers’ and companies’ perceptions of the workplace. They say an early bird catches the worm, and who knows, maybe incorporating steps for utilizing working from home is the new early bird!

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Nitasha Strait, Ph.D: Understanding the Effect of Lust on Romantic Relationships | Reloscope #15

Essam Attia — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 09:38:30 +0000

Lust is a timeless and intoxicating emotion that weaves its way into the fabric of human desires. It has intrigued and captivated minds for centuries. While often misunderstood and accompanied by controversy, lust holds a mirror to our deepest passions. It unveils a raw, untamed aspect of humanity.

Meet Dr. Nitasha Strait

Nitasha is the owner/CEO of The Better You Institute, LLC, where she is a licensed marriage and family therapist, certified sex therapist, and clinical supervisor specializing in couples and sex therapy. She got her start working in community-based programs throughout Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Here, she learned the power of family systems and attachment.

Nitasha realized how big of a gap or how much misinformation there often was in her client’s learned narratives about sex and sexuality and how greatly that impacted them daily with themselves and their loved ones. It has become her life’s mission to serve as many people as possible, helping individuals untangle sexual scripts that block them from getting what they want.

About the episode

In this episode hosted by Aditi Kutty, Dr. Strait started by discussing how lust and sexual desire impact romantic relationships. She discussed miscommunication in relationship expectations and the challenges that accompany it. She compared sexual and romantic desires and how they differ, their effect on relationships later on, and their chemical influences.

A crucial topic raised was sexual desire incompatibility, which Dr. Strait suggested could often be resolved through effective communication. On the other hand, compatibility in other aspects of the relationship can compensate for differences in sexual desire.

The episode touched upon the influence of cultural and societal expectations on sexual desire. Dr. Strait shared insights into individuals from backgrounds that repressed sexual desire. She drew from her experiences to observe how attachment styles impact sexual desire.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Strait emphasized the importance of understanding and accepting varying levels of sexual desire in relationships. She highlighted the need for a safe, open space to explore and express desires.

Finally, Dr. Strait emphasized the value of effective communication in romantic relationships and the power of self-reflection. She encouraged open conversations about desires, boundaries, and positive self-talk.

In conclusion

Sexual intimacy and lust contribute to the essence of a successful relationship. In order to achieve that, it’s important not to shy away from or avoid sexual communication, for communication is key. Understanding, acceptance, and openness are must-haves for a satisfactory sexual life!

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Joshua Hicks: Discovering Meaning in Life | Sero Boost #15

Essam Attia — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 09:38:26 +0000

Do you believe that each person has a life quest waiting for them to unravel? Or is it people who create their own journeys? Are concepts like purpose and meaning all the same, or does each impact a person’s life differently? How do our surroundings contribute to our sense of meaning?

Meet Joshua Hicks

Joshua Hicks is a professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Texas A&M University. He received his Ph.D. in personality and social psychology at the University of Missouri. His research aims to understand how people answer the “big” questions in life and how their answers influence their feelings and behavior. Specifically, his research examines the antecedents and consequences of the experience of meaning in life, authenticity, true self-knowledge and self-alienation, perceptions of free will, and mortality awareness.

Joshua has approximately 100 academic publications. His work has been featured in Scientific American, Washington Post, Vice Magazine, Greater Good Magazine, Prevention, and IAI TV. He has also been a featured guest on the podcasts Existentially Human and NPR’s Think.

About the episode

In this episode hosted by Lu Ngo, Joshua Hicks defined happiness as the experience of feeling secure, content, calm, and peaceful in various aspects of life. It involves the absence of worries and the ability to be true to oneself in specific circumstances.

He also debunked the common misunderstanding that happiness requires a constant display of loud laughter or a particular demeanor. Instead, happiness can manifest differently depending on the individual and the context.

Moving on, Joshua tackled the concept of meaning in life, which is complex and multifaceted. “It is important to examine our own lives and experiences to identify what gives them meaning, as this can vary from person to person.”

According to Joshua, many things in the world inherently have meaning and can provide meaning to individual lives. While most people actively construct meaning in their lives, sometimes significant experiences can provide meaning, too.

Joshua mentioned that having a clear purpose in life can also contribute to a sense of meaning, as purpose involves setting long-term goals that are intrinsic to the individual. However, the purpose is just one aspect of meaning, and there is much more to it than just having clear goals.

Finally, Joshua revealed that the most significant contributors to meaning in life are a sense of belonging to a community and having social connections. It is crucial to be altruistic, help others, and lead a morally good life since meaning is derived from social experience.

In conclusion

There is no pre-existing or predetermined meaning in life that one can discover. Instead, individuals are responsible for constructing and determining their own meaning in life. People can benefit from slowing down and recognizing the things that are truly meaningful in their overall life experience. By being mindful and reflective, individuals can identify what brings them a sense of purpose and fulfillment and actively pursue those things in their lives.

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