Understanding Human Psychology

When I first received an email from a senior stakeholder about a task I had to deliver, my immediate reaction was overwhelm. The scope seemed too vast, the expectations too high, and I found myself questioning—had I committed too much? Doubts crept in, and the weight of the responsibility felt heavier by the minute.   At first, I kept overthinking, trying to solve everything in my head. But when I finally sat down with my team and discussed the task, something shifted. As we broke the problem down together, the path forward became clearer. What initially seemed complicated now had a structure, and I could see exactly how to approach it.   By the time the meeting happened, I was prepared. And to my surprise, everything went smoothly. The very thing I was overthinking had now turned into a well-managed discussion. Looking back, I realized that stepping back and seeking support was the key.   We often believe we must figure everything out on our own, but that’...

Many times in a coaching journey, I see a familiar look on my coachee’s face—the unspoken “Why is my coach telling me to take action?” They hear me say that certain actions will need to be taken, that we’ll evaluate them each time we meet—maybe once a fortnight, maybe once a month. And they wonder, Why? Won’t change just happen on its own? And honestly? They’re not wrong. Change will happen. Life moves forward, things shift, and we evolve—whether we plan for it or not. But here’s the thing: when you take action with intention, when you make purposeful choices instead of waiting for change to unfold on its own, you take control of your direction. That’s when you tap into your personal power—your ability to shape the outcome, rather than just being carried along by it. I often hear, “It will happen anyway.” Yes, it will. But wouldn’t you rather be the one steering the ship instead of drifting wherever the waves take you? Change is inevitable, but purposeful change is a choice. This doesn...

  Ever noticed how tasks feel easier when you have a friend by your side? Science backs this up! A fascinating 2008 study from the University of Virginia explored this concept using a simple yet powerful experiment. Participants were asked to estimate the steepness of a hill, first alone and then with a friend standing next to them. The results? When people stood alone, they perceived the hill as steeper and more challenging. But with a friend by their side, the hill appeared less daunting. The longer they had known their friend, the less steep the hill seemed! ( https://uvamagazine.org/articles/jack_needs_jill_to_get_up_the_hill ) This study highlights an essential truth—having social support alters our perception of difficulty. It’s not just about emotional encouragement; our brain literally sees the challenge differently when we’re not facing it alone. No wonder workplace collaboration is such a game-changer! Working with colleagues whom you are comfortable with—those who ha...