Assertiveness, Agreeableness, and the Double Bind of Leadership Perception

Have you ever been told you're either "too nice" or "too assertive" to succeed in achieving a goal? This post explains the slippery slope between being assertive enough to succeed but not too assertive to burn bridges. Agreeableness is often considered the opposite of assertiveness, but actually isn't. And I explain the double bind especially women face when it comes to finding the right balance.

Oct 226 min read

What a Shame! Or Guilt?

It's been a while, so let’s talk emotions once more! But instead of focusing on more basic emotions like anger or fear, which can be...

Nov 16, 20216 min read

About the Fear of Being Single...

Single this V-Day, and not liking it? Or in a relationship but scared that they'll break up? You might have an actual fear of being single.

Feb 12, 20216 min read

FEATURED POST

📣 NEW BLOG POST 💬

Too nice? Or too bossy? Ever felt like no matter how you communicate, you’re either “too much” or “not enough”? 😤 Especially at work? You’re not alone.

This week’s post dives into the psychology of assertiveness — that sweet spot between warmth and strength — and why it’s especially tricky for women and anyone who doesn’t fit the old-school “leader” mold.

Find out how to speak your mind without losing your heart by combining assertiveness, agreeableness and cognitive empathy 💪❤️ (6-min read).

And whether you’re the quiet one learning to step forward, or the outspoken one learning to steady your tone; this one’s for you. Assertiveness isn’t about being calculated or combative; it’s about communicating needs clearly, respecting both your boundaries and others’, and creating real mutual understanding (well - adding some empathy in there does that trick 😉).

Love,
Valli

#assertiveness #leadership #communication #psychology #confidence #boundaries #newblogpost #phdreadings #psychologywins #womeninleadership

📚 BOOK OF THE MONTH 📚

Anatomy of the Spirit by @carolinemyss ✨

I wish I had read this book ten years earlier — before I had to learn, the long and hard way, that every illness, injury, or recurring pain is really a message from the body. A signal pointing to something deeper the body wants us to feel, release, or understand emotionally so it can finally heal.

This book is for everyone who’s been dealing with chronic or unexplained issues that doctors can’t quite pin down — and who’s open to complementing traditional medicine with emotional and energetic insight.

We know by now that the body keeps the score and stores our experiences — but what if we could also use that awareness to heal physically? Caroline Myss explains this beautifully, mapping the connection between our energy centers, emotions, and organs, and showing how restoring inner balance can restore outer health.

Even if you’re not deeply into spirituality, don’t let the title scare you off — it’s not about divine contracts or lofty ideas of destiny, but about understanding your body’s language. You can use it as a practical, compassionate guide to reconnecting with yourself on every level. 🌿

#bookofthemonth #healingjourney #energyhealing #anatomyofthespirit #selfgrowth #bodywisdom #mindbodyconnection #spiritualpsychology

Been a bit quiet here but . . . 🎓 After years of research, growth, and a few existential crises… I officially finished my PhD!
But while this chapter ends, my mission continues: helping people understand and love themselves, lead with empathy, and build a better world - day by day.
Grateful for every part of the journey so far. Excited for what’s to come 🤍

#PhDGraduate #PurposeDriven #EmpathyInAction #NewChapter

We’re back with a …

📚PICK OF THE MONTH📚

„Playing Big“ by Tara Mohr is an empowering and practical book - written for women - who are ready to stop holding themselves back and start stepping into their full potential. 🦹🏼‍♀️💪🏼 @tarasophiamohr

It dives into why we often “play small” and gives hands-on tips to help us push past fear, tackle self-doubt, and achieve real goals. I especially loved the part about calling out my inner critic and discovering my inner mentor as an alternative, wiser guide to lead me forward. The visualization exercise really worked and has a lasting impact. Overall, it’s a motivating and relatable read that leaves you feeling ready to step into your own power- to truly play big. Perfect for the New Year Resolutions!
#2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ #gogetit #playingbig #stepintoyourpower

Accepting of the days where motivation doesn’t come from inside but grateful to rely on surroundings, people and coffee art to give the needed nudge to at least start. ☕️🪽#motivationneeded #fridaymood #coffeeshopcorners #londoncoffeeshops #latteart #pegasus #coffeeart #workmood #workfeomanywhere

„What is good leadership, today?“ …as you can see on the last slide, there’s no easy answer. As a leader, you’re still your own person so your own energy levels, feelings and desires matter - but at the same time, you’re responsible for other humans, groups and organizations. But I’m continuing my Management research path to find ways to live a healthy and successful balance between doing what feels right for oneself while managing own emotions and behaviors to lead others effectively, to be a leader - and person - others look up to and aspire to become themselves.
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I was able to present some of that last week in Vienna as part of the #FOODFORTHOUGHT session of the annual Paper and Packaging Conference #papcon. Had so much fun presenting on transformational leadership behaviors and answering panel questions with my fellow session speakers! #stepbystep #wecanmakeachangetogether

There is just one thing I need ✨ #itstime #sparkleseasonhasbegun @oxfordstreetw1 @theofficialselfridges

Finally found some time to read again so here is a 📚 BOOK OF THE MONTH 📚 recommendation - for April. Boundary month was inspired by - as always - personal experiences and this book 📖

If you’re struggling with saying no to people or events, fear being disliked by those who matter and even those you are not really close to you, and just think that you should learn how to set better boundaries for yourself without wanting to hurt or disappoint any friends, family members, partners or coworkers (and even your bosses!), I can recommend this book. Also, it goes both ways, and you learn to understand the boundaries others set - when they cancel on you, limit the time you receive or the amount of information you receive. So I found it helpful both ways!
Learn how to do more for YOU and prioritize your own needs over societal expectations or “politeness” #SELFCARE - but also learn who may be worth having lower boundaries with, how to not hurt your loved ones in the process and how to come to acceptance if your own journey means leaving some unhealthy relationships or situations behind.
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#selfcareisnotselfish #workonyourself #helpothers #selfhelp #bookofthemonth #selfishnessisnotonlybad

📢 NEW BLOG POST 📢

Let’s talk difficult emotions again! Feeling guilty for partying too hard instead of preparing for that important presentation at work? Or ashamed for posting super drunk pictures on social media despite your boss seeing those posts? There is a psychological difference between feeling guilty 😐 versus ashamed 😶. While we cope with one in pretty ineffective ways (🙈🤬🤥😫), the other one could even have some beneficial outcomes (🙏🛠💌💬). Find out which is which, what the differences are and why avoiding one of those negative feelings may be better for you and everyone around.
Have fun reading this ~6min read. 📖
xx, Valli
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#staycurious #blog #psychology #phdblog #phdlife #shame #guilt #emotions #newpost #vallidated

📣 NEW BLOG POST💬

*Happy Valentine's Day, No One!* Single this Valentine's Day, and not liking it? Or with your Partner, but always scared that they might just leave you? Find out if that feeling is more than just normal V-Day related romantic pressure, or if you're full on scared of being single. (6min read)

And, whether you’re single or not this Sunday, and scared of that or not - spread love in any way you can! To friends, family, neighbors, strangers... it will reach them even if you’re standing 2 meters away.
Love, Valli
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#vday #valentines #single #relationship #standards #dating #fearofbeingsingle #newblogpost #phdreadings #psychologywins

You decide what’s important to you - and how much effort you put into achieving it. #mondaymotivation
#qotw #quotes #elonmusk #followyourcalling #againstallodds

Quote from yesterday‘s Christmas movie - but I thought it’s a good one and I’ll take it to heart ♥️
Happy holiday week everyone!
xx Valli
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#qotw #quote #quoteoftheday #quitting #confidenceboost #quittingisnotalwaysbad #noimposterthoughts #inspiration #mondaymotivation

DO IT!
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#qotw #quotes #courage #bolddigger #passion #itstartswithonestep #happymonday #dosomethingboldthisyear #trustyourinstincts #yougotthis

Don’t let your comfort zone stop you from going after your dreams - after all, they know the way!
#onwards #greatnessawaits #nextyeariscoming

People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing, so sometimes focus more on what makes you enjoy your work or days and do more of that 🤩👯‍♀️ And if the things you previously enjoyed are not allowed right now wherever you live, it may be time to look for some new things you find enjoyable and that are FUN 🧩🛼🧘
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#quote #qotw #funtimes #motivation #passion #noregrets #finishtheyearstrong

We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives. But, as we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.
– John F. Kennedy
This doesn’t need any added caption, so I’m just gonna say: Happy Thanksgiving everyone! 🦃
#thanksgiving #givingthanks #turkeyday #appreciationday #gratitude #putitinwords #putitinaction

Found this decorating my favorite department store in Germany 🤍✨ #payattentiontowhatyoudream #payattentiontowhatyoulove #happyhumpday

That’s why perspective-taking and empathy are so important - for understanding, learning, and growth. Practice it from time to time and you’ll see a difference in yourself and your relationships!
xx
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#qotw #quoting #mondaymotivation #empathy #latestblog #blogging #learning #understanding #inspo #perspectivetaking

📣 NEW BLOG POST 📣

Empathy for vulnerable people in risk groups motivates us to use face masks and keep our distance, so that we help to prevent the spread of the Corona Virus, according to a study that has just been published in the Psychological Science journal. But empathy is not just important in times like these - in organizational research empathy, as a part of general emotional intelligence, has been shown important for all kinds of good outcomes.
Did you know there are two different kinds of empathy, though, and that they may affect us all in very different - and not always positive - ways? 💭
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#newpost #blog #phdblog #research #empathy #emotionalintelligence #leadershiptraits #practiceempathy

📣 NEW BLOG POST 📣
Since it's time for Halloween (and we probably all won't be able to celebrate it in a much enjoyable way), let's at least talk about some haunting individuals who live among us. Narcissists, machiavellians, and even psychopaths. What are these three personalities that make up the “dark triad” of fatal flaws of human nature? What behaviors are typical for them, how do we recognize them? And why do people with these traits exist in the first place? Check it out - if you dare 😈
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Oh, and H A P P Y H A L L O W E E N 🎃🧛🏼‍♀️👹🦇🧙‍♀️
xx, Valli

#blogpost #newpost #personality ##darktriad #narcissism #machiavellianism #psychopathy #psychology #fatalflaws #halloweenmood #phdblogger

Sometimes it’s good to be scared! If you don’t let it stop you from going after it. You all know the expression: courage is not the absence of fear, But rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear.
Be extra courageous this Halloween! 🎃 👻
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#qotw #quoteoftheweek #halloween #ghosts #fearless #courage #scary #motivation #inspiration #quotes #halloweenquote

📚PICK OF THE MONTH📚

„The Conquest of Happiness“ starts out by taking you through 9 causes of unhappiness, followed by 8 causes of happiness. Whereas it is no wonder to read about envy or fear of public opinion as causes of unhappiness and the family as well as affection for happiness, it might surprise you to find the gratification of all desires as well as excitement as sources of unhappiness, whilst work and effort can be found under the "happiness" chapters. The Book was first published in 1930, so be aware of the rather old language of the piece. 👴🤪

Sneak peek from chapter V on „Fatigue“ (One quote I 100% stand behind): "It is amazing how much both happiness and efficiency can be increased by cultivating an orderly mind, which thinks about a matter adequately at the right time rather than inadequately at all times."

Enjoy reading and stay curious!!
xx Valli

#books #recommendation #psychology #pickofthemonth #bertrandrussell #happiness #unhappy #fearofpublicopinion #sins #envy #competition #fearofboredom #love #affection #resignation #effort #classicpiece

We’re often focused way too much in ourselves. But, on a good note, this is human, and applies to all of us. “Spotlight effect” is this bias called where we think others are focused way more on what we say, do and look like than they actually are. So very often, those around us are focused way more on themselves than on us. We can make use of that by attributing unkind actions or words not to our own wrongdoing of any kind, but rather that it is simply a mirror of the others’ character, current mood or state of mind. So, shrug it off, because it’s usually not even about you personally! 🤷🏼‍♀️
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#qotw #quoteoftheweek #donttakeitpersonal #staypositive #surroundyourselfwithgoodpeople #happymonday #blogger #phdthreats #spotlighteffect

Step by step 👣... because at certain times, we’re simply not at our best, not able to do the great stuff we‘d like or we know we could do. This year has taught me something already: it’s okay to enjoy the moment and focus on the things that matter the most in the time being. As long as you keep taking little steps towards your goals, and don’t forget where (or who) you want to be some day.

And don‘t for one second believe that you are not meant to do great things! ☝🏼
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#qotw #quote #littlesteps #destinedforgreatness #keepmoving #allowyourselftime #stressingoutwontmakeitbetter #impostercure #positivepsychology #phdjourney

I‘m in the pursuit of happiness ... are you?
📢 NEW BLOG POST
Very „trendy“ right now and everybody is trying to figure out how to be happy all the time. But what does it even mean, being happy? Let’s see what scientific psychology says about that ... and what the Ancient Greeks thought 😌 Enjoy Reading! And good luck in your own journey to happiness 😋😚 xx, Valli
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#blog #post #newpost #happiness #pursuitofhappyness #happy #psychology #wellbeing #satisfaction

All the stress and anxiety in life comes from fear of loss, or loss aversion. We fear what we could lose more than we value what we could gain, it’s a cognitive bias all of us experience. Remember that you can never lose anything without gaining something. To avoid misery, concentrate on what you can gain, and take a calculated risk. 🎢
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#qotw #quotes #fear #loss #gain #winning #risk #takingrisks #excitement #livefearlessly #hope #optimism #goforit

And these depend on the situation. Your attitude towards the things and people around you determines the world you live in. Some tasks require a more realistic, some a more positive attitude. Higher-order priorities deserve more effort while low-priority tasks and situations sometimes require us to scale and save some energy for the stuff that matters. Got after what you want!
Love, Valli xx
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#qotw #quoteoftheweek #quote #motivationmonday #effort #attitude #newweeknewchance #yougotthis

Courage and strength go hand-in-hand. It takes courage to start again after you have failed, and to try again and come back stronger for it. It takes courage to face the world alone after being rejected, and rejection can happen in many ways. It takes courage to do the right thing when nobody's watching, because that’s when our true character develops and we decide who we are. _______________________________________
#courage #mut #bolddigger #strength #character #qotw #quotes #weeklymotivation #motivationalquotes #haveagoodweekeveryone

It is almost August and Corona-related “break time” is over. Time to start inspiring again. Reminder to self: Never forget your purpose and never loose your belief that what you do matters and that it is right.
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#qotw #quoteoftheweek #monday #positivity #purpose #drive #passion #inspiration #believeinyourself #happymonday

Don’t hold yourself back this week.
Don’t constrain yourself to what you think you cannot be, and will never be. You can work to be anything you want to, and don’t let anyone else, or your inner doubter, tell you otherwise.
#mondaymotivation #qotw #quoteoftheday #gogetit #hustlehard #believeinwhatyoucanbe #knowwhatyouwanttobe #yougotthis

𝙷𝚊𝚋𝚒𝚝𝚜:
If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you first develop the habit in little matters. 🧩
𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜:
What you habitually think largely determines what you will ultimately become. 💭
𝙱𝚎𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚘𝚛𝚜: When you pick the right small behavior and sequence it right, you won’t have to motivate yourself to have it grow. It will just happen naturally, like a good seed planted in a good spot, watered in the right amount. 🌱
𝙷𝚊𝚋𝚒𝚝𝚜, 𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜, 𝙱𝚎𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚘𝚛𝚜: little pieces of a puzzle that, when combined and repeated, make up what and who you are.
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#happymonday #happyjune #happysummerseason #firstdayoftheweek #firstdayofthemonth #perfecttimeforachange #unleashyourpotential #habits #thoughts #positivethinking #positivespeaking #littlechanges #whatdoyouwanttodo #sendingenergyandlove

NEW BLOG POST 💬

Jealous Much? Sex Differences in Romantic Jealousy. 🤔Are women or men more jealous?
🤔Are we jealous in different situations? 🤔Do we differ in our jealousy based on different factors of a „potential threat“? 🤔Who forgives what more easily? 🤔Why do we even get jealous in the first place?
One thing is sure: both sexes get jealous, with an equal intensity💩But there are still a few differences in the situations in which and reasons for why we do. Have fun reading and understanding the opposite sex a bit better 🤷🏼‍♀️ xx Valli
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#blog #newpost #jealousy #forgiveness #sexdifferences #battleofthesexes #womenarefromvenus #menarefrommars #evolutionarytheories #explainsalot

Something to think about 💭
Examining one’s self is the most important task one can undertake, for it alone will give us the knowledge necessary to answer the question ‘how should I live my life’. As Socrates said: “…once we know ourselves, we may learn how to care for ourselves, but otherwise we never shall.” Why was it so important for him?
Because he believed that all human beings naturally strive after happiness, and everything we do we do because we think it will make us happy. It’s what we want in the end. We therefore see what we think will bring us such happiness as ‘good’, and those things we think will bring us suffering and pain as ‘bad’. But, if we have a wrong understanding of what is good for us (maybe because we listen to what other people have to say about that), then we will spend our lives chasing after things that will not bring us happiness even if we attain them - because we don’t know ourselves well enough to know for ourselves what really would make us happy. © Sokrates
#qotw #quoteoftheday #selfknowledge #sokrates #understandyourself #knowthyself #oldguys #thoughtsoftheday #happymonday

Every day is not like the other.
I’ve had good days, just as I’m having not so good days. It’s okay to take additional time for things that make you happy when you need it, because you know you will make up for it during productive times.
Your worth is not measured by your productivity - your impact in this world comes from spreading kindness, hope, inspiration, affection, optimism and love. Both during good and bad times, because it’s easy to be kind when you’re happy, but the real strength test is being kind when you could need some kindness yourself.
Next time, when you blame yourself or are frustrated for not being productive enough, remember this: you are not a machine 🖨 Your value comes from so many other things 🦸🏾 Don’t let no one tell you otherwise, especially not yourself! 🙅🏼‍♀️ Happy Father’s Day (in Germany) 💙
Valli
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#spreadkindness #youarenotamachine #procrastination #kindness #hope #affection #inspiration #optimism #gratitude #acceptyourself #benicetoyourself #andtoothers

If you want to be happy, be 🐝
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#qotw #quoteoftheweek #happiness #bee #makethebestoflife #takethosechances #withhumor #selfirony #stayhumble #gratitude #optimism #positivity #notjustanemptyquote

For me, it’s usually dinner, a good movie afterwards, or a workout with a friend. Sometimes I order a burger 🍔 But there is always SOMETHING good about each day, even the rainy, boring and isolated ones.
I hope you find your slice of goodness today! 🎡
xx Valli
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#qotw #quoteoftheweek #positivity #optimism #gooddays #baddays #lifeisarollercoaster #butwechoosetorideit #happyweek #motivationtuesday #phdblogs

NEW POST 📢 Read about the Big Five - I’m talking personality traits, not safari animals in Africa. But just like them, they leave their footprints 🐾 ... all over you! Your behavior, thoughts, emotions, life events and pretty much anything depends on your individual personality traits. Partly determined by genetics, partly by socialization processes. This is the major framework used in research: The 5 dimensions NEUROTICISM, EXTRAVERSION, OPENNESS, AGREEABLENESS and CONSCIENTIOUSNESS. Hey, laziness is a personality trait so it’s technically not your fault 😉🦥 Have fun reading!
Valli xx
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#newblogpost #checkitout #personality #character #traits #bigfive #agreeableness #extraversion #conscientiousness #openness #neuroticism #footprints

May‘s 📚PICK OF THE MONTH📚: Interactions with people are the major source of emotional turmoil, but it doesn’t have to be that way. If we accept a few certain facts about ourselves and us humans in general (e.g. that we are all narcissists, we are all wearing a mask, we are all emotionally driven to a large extent) we can totally control it for the better. Or at least understand others, which will make us calmer and happier selves. Enjoy it. It’s only 600 pages. 😛🤓 Valli xx
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#books #growth #pickofthemonth #mayishere #stillinlockdown #stillbored #readabook #humannature #robertgreene #booklovers #psychology #irrationality #emotionality #empathy #roleplaying #conformity #narcissism #envy #grandiosity #defensiveness #shortsightedness #covetousness #selfsabotage #repression #aimlessness #aggression #denial

Right now is the time of personality development without appearance taking away too much of your attention - enjoy this time, knowing that appearances will matter again soon. Are you happy with yourself even on a day when nobody sees you? Work on forging your thoughts, emotions, values, attitudes, empathy, sympathy, strengths and weaknesses into a valuable person for yourself and your loved ones around you. Each part will add to the puzzle that is the best version of YOU.
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Have a good and constructive Monday 🧩💚 Love, Valli xx
#quoteoftheweek #happymonday #qotw #selfdevelopment #bestself #personality #appearences #impact #malleableself #keepstrivingtobebetter #keepstrivingtobenetter #emotions #thoughts #values #beliefs #strengths #weaknesses #puzzle

Time for my daily dose of caffeine! ☕️ As I’m taking my last coffee break before the weekend, I came across this gem.💎My conclusion? 🄻🄸🄵🄴 🄸🅂 🅆🄰🅈 🅃🄾🄾 🄸🄼🄿🄾🅁🅃🄰🄽🅃 🅃🄾 🄱🄴 🅃🄰🄺🄴🄽 🅂🄴🅁🄸🄾🅄🅂🄻🅈!🤡 —> it’s one of my favorite quotes and I try to remind myself of that a lot. It takes away a lot of the pressures and expectations we set for ourselves. Try it out - and share your trial-and-errors to make someone smile🤗 After all, what goes around, comes around. 🔁 (Okay now I’m throwing around with quotes. I will stop myself here.) #nobodysperfect #andweshouldntbe #andwedonthavetobe #sowhydowestrivetobe #liftyourspirits #happycoffeetime

🔈 NEW BLOG POST: Self-defeating behaviors: myth or reality? *celebrate my 10th Vallidated Post with me* 🥰🥳
Read about different kinds of self-defeating behaviors, why some of them are a myth but some actually happen, and how to recognize them when your emotions take over control. •~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•
#blog #newpost #vallidated #defeat #tradeoffs #emotions #coping #selfhelp #selfdefeat

Monday motivation: No matter if you go, run or sprint - it beats staying where you are. This is not limited to physical activity, it equally applies to mental, spiritual, intellectual and emotional growth. It’s the secret of getting closer to your own goals, getting ahead in life and getting away from bad things and people. Happy Monday and take another step today 🤗👣 Lots of persistence, Valli xx
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#mondaymotivation #qotw #quoteoftheweek #everystepcounts #startmoving #startgrowing #startreading #startworking #starthustlin #startconnecting #startcommunicating #startunderstanding #startacknowledging #startthanking #startapologizing #startloving #startlettinglightin #startnow

Turn your face towards the sun and the shadows will fall behind you ❤️ (except maybe those of your phone)

Remember when it’s cloudy, rainy or even dark - the sun is always there and will eventually come out. Until then, to get you through some rough times (which we all have because that’s just life!), there are quite a bit of little things you can do to make it all better - little by little, one step and moment at a time. Go for a walk by yourself when the sun comes out, buy yourself some flowers if no one else does it, collect postcards or quotes that make you happy, print some pictures of times when you were happy like on vacation or with friends, or or call your friends to help you through it. These are all things that work from home, too 😉🦠 I promise, many people will help if you just ask them, but if you always say “I’m fine” they cannot always know what you’re going through if they’re not telepathic or suuper empathetic. Do the things you used to like, because chances are, you will like them again but you need to give yourself a chance to.
Stay strong! xx Valli
#badtimes #goodtimes #thatswhatfriendsarefor #callme #afterraincomesshine #weatherthestorm #walks #talks #selfcare #lookoutside #openthewindow #danceintherain #itwillgetbetter

Choose joy 🤗 Everyday, in everything you do, for it doesn’t matter what you do but how you do it. You can train our mind to enJOY working and cooking and sports and phone calls or you can keep letting little things and the hardships of life distract you. I would rather not start classes again this week and have a few more days off, and I would rather go outside to meet with friends and eat out in restaurants. But I tell myself that I chose this PhD because I enJOY working on my own time schedule, I appreciate the chance to work remotely during these times and be with my family, and I am happy that I get to catch up with friends I don’t regularly see because now seems the time to do this. So #choosejoy this Easter 🐣 and of you forget what it is, just look into a child’s eyes when you give them a chocolate bunny 🐰 or drop flowers off at your neighbor’s door. Lots of joy, Valli xx
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#qotw #quoteoftheweek #happymonday #enjoythesetimes #theywontlastforever #ifyoucantgooutsidegowithin #happyeaster or, in French: #JOYeusespâques

🔈 NEW BLOG POST: How Humor and Laughter work for and against us.
Read about different kinds of humor and laughter, perfect for today. Humor is what gets us through many troubling times so share some of it with others (virtually that is) and crack a smile 😁😸🙊😄 •~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•
#blog #newpost #vallidated #humor #aprilfools #laughyourwaythroughlife

And right now there is a high demand for some humor to get through these weird times. I heard from many friends how they are trying to make the most out of this. I also heard from many who are lucky enough to not have lost their jobs, a loved one, or their sanity yet. I hear of sharing toilet paper, virtual FaceTime with old friends who love far away, buying groceries for elderly neighbors, adults moving back in with their parents. I’m proud of us for growing closer together and mastering these times as one world! Keep it up and find a bit of laughter and humor this week - especially on Wednesday 😉 (maybe someone will reveal this whole thing was a big 2020 fools year so far ...)
Lots of 🥰, Valli xx
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#qotw #quoteoftheweek #almostapril #keepsmiling #humorme #together #wearebetter #wecandothis #stayathome #blog #vallidated #aprilfools #2020fools

🆕POST‼️
Ever wonder why you’re eating all of the corona quarantine supplies in a day? Why you go out for a tinder date despite the advice to stay at home? Or why trying a diet right now will not only leave you hungry but angry as well, combining to the well-known phenomenon of being hangry? We have quite a few of basic human drives within us that guide our emotions and actions more than we would think - and often more than we want. Explore some more about these visceral drives in my newest blog post... because, let’s be honest, what else is there to do right now?!😛🥴 Stay Safe and stay sane everyone! 😘 xx, Valli
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#newpost #blogger #visceraldrives #lust #hunger #desire #pain #hangry #explained #explainingyouremotions #staysafe #health #quarantinedistraction #corona

Right now is that time. Make time for yourself, do all the things you often cannot do because you feel like others might judge you - you have the once in a lifetime opportunity to stay to yourself without needing excuses not to meet with friends, to go to events or to be outside. Let’s hope this situation is over soon but until then, see the silver lining and do all the things you otherwise couldn’t do that easily. Learn to spend time with yourself because this is the soil we all need to grow. Make use of being in a tech-Savvy time and place and keep up the contact with your friends, even if you might rather want to hug them right now - but this hug is not worth older people and sick people dying.
PS:
I am posting this #quoteoftheweek with a bit of delay, with everything going on I was so busy figuring out what the best course of action might be - staying here in London or going home, going to classes and meetings or skyping in, seeing my friends or staying in. We are all in this together now, so the choices we make more directly than ever impact those around us. Let’s all play our part in this! I’ll keep you entertained with interesting research 😉 xx and stay safe! Valli
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#qotw #oprahquote #quote #blogger #alonetime #socialdistancing #stayinside #berespectful #responsibility #selfgrowth #timeforlearning #growth #rejuvenation and #health #letsbeatcorona

Why don’t we all try??
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It’s still early enough to try ... and not just make it a resolution for next year 😌
#loveyourself #foryou #youllalwayshaveyou #😘

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TRAIN OF THOUGHT

Assertiveness, Agreeableness, and the Double Bind of Leadership Perception

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ABOUT ME

Hi, my name is Valli! I am originally from Germany but in September 2019 I started my PhD studies at London Business School. Now I am finally done, and ready to take on the world as expert in emotional intelligence and leadership! Get to know me better by clicking the picture or follow me on Instagram @vallidated.

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„Playing Big“ by Tara Mohr is an empowering and practical book - written for women - who are ready to stop holding themselves back and start stepping into their full potential. 🦹🏼‍♀️💪🏼

It dives into why we often “play small” and gives hands-on tips to help us push past fear, tackle self-doubt, and achieve real goals. My favorite part is the introduction of the “Inner Mentor” — a wiser, calmer version of yourself you can consult instead of the anxious voice of self-doubt. It’s such a powerful reframe: growth through gentleness, not pressure. The visualization exercise really worked and had a lasting impact on me and my decision-making process.

Overall, it’s a motivating and relatable read that leaves you feeling ready to step into your own power - to truly play big.

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Assertiveness, Agreeableness, and the Double Bind of Leadership Perception

What a Shame! Or Guilt?

About the Fear of Being Single...

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Follow me on Instagram

Assertiveness, Agreeableness, and the Double Bind of Leadership Perception

What a Shame! Or Guilt?

About the Fear of Being Single...

The Art(s) of Empathy

Fatal Flaws in Human Personality - The Dark Triad

The Pursuit of Happiness

Jealous much? Sex Differences in Romantic Jealousy

ABOUT ME

MY PICK OF THE MONTH

WATCH

SUBSCRIBE

MY PICK
OF THE MONTH