Mary Jaksch

Mary Jaksch is an author, Zen Master, and psychotherapist who likes dancing tango in skimpy dresses. Her blogGoodlife Zen focuses on personal growth for intelligent people. Get her FREE eBook Overcome Anything: Finding Light after Darknessclick here. Mary is also Chief Editor of Leo Babauta’s blog Write to Done

Posts by Mary Jaksch

How to Start Running – Without Feeling Like a Failure

Do you sometimes wish you were fitter? And maybe slimmer? I do. In fact, I’m determined to lose 7 kg in four weeks and get really fit. But how to get fit in a hurry – without spending hours at the gym? One of the fastest ways to get fit is to start running. It can…

How to Recognize Imminent Danger: 7 Essential Safety Rules

Danger lurks everywhere. I’m not talking about health risks or economic downturns, I’m talking about human predators. Most people are good human beings, but there are some who are not. They are dangerous and hunt for victims. The good news is that you can keep yourself safe by following seven simple safety rules. I’m a 4th…

How to Ditch Meekness and Walk Tall

Are you a meek person? If so, your life may be ruled by others, and it’s time to ditch meekness. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? But it’s not. Because meekness is a habitual response to the challenges of life. And it takes time and effort to change ingrained habits. The root of meekness is low self-esteem. When our…

Resilience: The Key to Surviving Anything

Have you ever seen bamboo shoots in a storm? I have. I remember huddling in a hut in Thailand watching a raging typhoon sweep through the mountains. The clump of bamboo outside the window was completely flattened by the raging winds. The wind was so strong that it lifted the roof right off the hut…

Are You Sabotaging Your Plan to Exercise More?

You know exercise is good for you, right? But regular exercise is like pushing water uphill. You do it for a couple of days – and then try and forget about it, because it’s just too hard. Sounds familiar? People who exercise regularly swear by it. They enjoy it. They can’t stop talking about it…

Know Your Strength for More Success: Are you a Connector, a Maven, or a Salesman?

In his book “The Tipping Point”, Malcolm Gladwell describes three different types of people, Connectors, Mavens, and Salesmen. Which are you? Connectors are people specialists. . The following questions will help you decide whether you are a Connector: Do you know a lot of people? Do you like people? Do you tend to remember peoples’ names? Do you enjoy going…

How to Use the Art of Positive Realism for Maximum Success

Do you want to dream big AND actually achieve your goals? The mindset of positive realism may be the answer. Being positive and being realistic are two ends of the mindset spectrum. I’m sure you’ve experienced that when optimists and realists discuss a project, there is often a clash of perspective. The optimist is a visionary and…