When the algorithm doesn't add up

[Jennifer L. Favell, Ph.D.]

Is your self-esteem in the tank? Of course it doesn't feel good to be in limbo, especially if you've had not only jobs but meaningful careers. Try not to spiral into blaming or becoming a victim. That is a path to self-defeat. If you're like me, it doesn't make a bit of sense when we hear that the economy is rising while unemployment continues to rise. But don't let that stop YOU! DO YOUR OWN MATH. Try this:

1. Identify the factors that give you esteem, boost your spirits and calm the chatter;
2. add in a Compassion-for-self factor;
3. weight each factor;
4. multiply each factor by its weight; add them all together.

5. Identify the factors that bring you down, squash your initiative, drain you;
6. weight each factor;
7. multiply each factor by its weight; add them all together.

8. Compare the two sums.

Look at where you are right now. If you're concerned by the comparison of your sums, what two things are you going to do today to change the balance? Do them.

9. Re-calculate the two sums tonight. Write down two things that you'll do tomorrow.

I'd like to know how this goes.

Kind regards,
Jennifer L. Favell, Ph.D.

[Don Lubach]

This is great, Dr. F! It's the first math problem I've tackled for awhile. I'll let you know the result.

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