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Why Trying Harder Fails: The Myth of the Willpower Gap
By Joan Flora, Ed.D., PCC | Inner Sage Leadership Group By now, 80% of New Year’s resolutions have collapsed. The gym bag sits by the door. The meditation app sends another ignored reminder. The new planner is already half abandoned. Every January, we rediscover the same uncomfortable truth. We know exactly what would improve our…
If you want better communication, you need to understand emotional reactivity
If you want better communication in your school, you need to understand emotional reactivity, starting with your own. Reactivity is radio static. It distorts messages, escalates tension, and burns trust. In schools, it turns everyday conversations into crises, leaving leaders stuck responding to problems rather than solving them. Sounds bad, right? It’s a gift. When…
13 Common Thought Distortions That Haunt Us and How to Quiet Them
13 Common Thought Distortions That Haunt Us and How to Challenge ThemOur minds can play tricks on us, distorting reality and fueling stress, self-doubt, and overwhelm. These cognitive distortions are automatic, but once you recognize them, you can challenge them and regain clarity. 1. All-or-Nothing ThinkingSeeing things in black and white—if it’s not perfect, it’s…
Listening Under Threat: The Urge That Makes Listening Harder
By Joan Flora, Ed.D., PCC | Inner Sage Leadership Group Listening Under Threat Most leaders don’t struggle with knowing what to say in difficult conversations. What challenges us is the moment just before language arrives. The urge to clarify, reassure, or correct appears quickly when emotion enters the interaction. For instance, a colleague expresses frustration,…
Why Name it to Tame it Is the Best First Response to Strong Emotions
By Dr. Joan Flora, PCC Imagine you’re in a team meeting. Everyone is discussing next steps, but one colleague sits back, arms crossed, saying nothing. Afterward, you can’t stop replaying it: “Are they angry at me? Do they not respect my leadership?” The anxiety builds. The story in your head grows louder. But then you…
