Advice

Are You Suffering From Learned Helplessness?

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I was introduced to learned helplessness in my psychology studies many years ago, and it's one of several concepts that made a deep impression on me.  To sum it up simply, animals and humans exposed to situations where they have (or don't think they have) control eventually act helpless, even at times when they can restore control.  In short, people and animals can  be exposed to experiences that make them act and be helpless even when things change.

This is an incredibly important psychological finding because it's a reminder of how experiences – and approach to handling them – affects our ability to take control of our lives and deal with stress.  Many is the time I've witnessed people in the throws of learned helplessness, and I'm sure upon reflection you've seen it too.  In fact, chances are you've experienced it now and then yourself.

I also see it a lot in people's careers, especially in this economic climate.  I would go as far to say that I think learned helplessness is making the Great Recession far worse for many people.

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Why Local Politics Matter When You Relocate

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Right now there's a lot of talk about Arizona's recent immigration laws – as well as additional laws and policies following it.  To summarize as easy as I can:

  • The governor signed a bill that extended police power to detain/question people over citizenship with reasonable suspicion.  The interpretation of this – and some potential modifications – make it more complicated.  The law is quite controversial as it seems to invite profiling (though people I know in Arizona says it's less change than people may think).
  • A bill that would limit ethnic studies (and oddly lump it in with other things)
  • An education department policy on teachers with accents that could lead to teachers being fired or limited in teaching.  I find this ridiculous as I live in an area with tons of accents.

Yes, if you read about these laws, you'd get the impression that there's some racial and ethnic animosity here.  I sadly come to the same conclusion, am sure that this is going to be a giant political powderkeg, and that there will be much fallout in the future. 

But ask yourself this (before I turn this into a Frustration Friday), would you have heard of this if it wasn't national news?  I don't think you would.

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The Poison of Negativity

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It's hard not to be negative in the Great Recession.  Unemployment is insane (actual unemployment much higher).  Greece may destabilize the Euro for a decade.  Wall Street appears to be run by spoiled children.  You're not sure what to do with your career, and hope you can make ends meet, let alone live your dreams.

On top of all of this maybe you're unemployed, or your city or state are in the dumps, or your friends are facing career meltdown.

It's hard not to be negative.  It's hard not to rant or white or get angry, it's hard not to vent constantly because there's so much built up.

And for the sake of your career, I recommend you be bloody careful with your negativity.  Why?  Because Negativity in all its manifestations, from the screaming tearful rant to the mopey self-absorbed withdrawal, can poison your Network.

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