learned helplessness

How we learn helplessness – and how to overcome it

October 19, 2018April 5, 2021
Development, Empowerment, Expectations

In the 1960s, psychologist Marty Seligman inadvertently stumbled upon a finding that can have a profound impact on our happiness and success. Seligman found that if you subject animals to a painful or adverse experience, then they may fail to avoid that experience in future – even when it’s quite… Read More »How we learn helplessness – and how to overcome it

Apollo 13 and the power of the counterfact

September 22, 2015April 10, 2021
2 Comments
Happiness, Resilience

In Apollo 13, Flight Director Gene Kranz overhears two NASA directors discussing the low survival chances for the crippled spacecraft. “I know what the problems are Henry,” one of them says. “This could be the worst disaster NASA has ever experienced.” “With all due respect Sir,” Kranz intervenes, “I believe… Read More »Apollo 13 and the power of the counterfact