I find people’s behavior fascinating. The events and outcomes are a continuously changing kaleidoscope. Even more interesting is why people do what they do. What is the motivation that sparked the action?
I’ve asked the questions: (Imagine the tone of voice depending on whether or not the outcome was good.)
- “Why did you do that?”
- “What were you thinking when you did that?”
- “What made you do that?”
Some people say:
- “I wanted to.”
- “I didn’t know it would turn out this way.”
- “I didn’t know it would be so hard.”
- “It seemed like a good idea.”
Others respond:
- “It was good.”
- “I set a goal.”
- “I practiced until I knew I could do it.”
- “I wanted to.”
On the Fourth of July, we celebrate our independence from England. We also celebrate our freedom as country to make our own decisions for the common good. The idea of independence has evolved to those who believe they are free to think, do and say what they want without comment, criticism or consequence.
To make good decisions that can stand the test of comment, criticism and consequence, we are called to answer three questions:
“Is it good?”
- Will anyone suffer physically, mentally, emotionally, financially?
- Will the outcome help people, the community and the world?
“Can I do it?”
- Do I know what to do and how to do it?
- Where can I find out?
“Do I want to?”
- Personal desire is last, not first, when making a decision to do something.
- Is it fun, helpful, productive, kind?
These questions apply to all of us, young and old, men and women. Life challenges us to make good decisions. Answering three simple questions in the right ordersimplifies the process.
ABOUT DR. BETH PLACHETKA
THERAPIST FOR ADULTS AND ADOLESCENTS
As a licensed clinical social worker, therapist, speaker, adjunct professor in the School of Social Work at Aurora University and president of Safe Harbor Counseling in Sugar Grove, Illinois, Beth Plachetka, EdD, LCSW, MSW, MAEL brings 40 years of experience helping individuals, families and groups address and resolve psychological, social and interpersonal issues.
Dr. Beth’s expertise in assessing and strengthening relationships is applied in private practice counseling, school social work, teaching, and speaking engagements. As a therapist, Dr. Beth works closely with her clients to help them evaluate their progress and re-chart their course, so they can learn strategies, build confidence and identify support systems to gain the strength and confidence required for lasting change.
SPEAKER FOR ORGANIZATIONS
For organizations to succeed and thrive, strong workplace relationships must be respectful, collaborative and in line with the mission and goals. If professional relationships are poor, it leaves a negative impact on the organization and customers suffer.
Beth’s knowledge of the importance of relationships at work is supported by her dissertation that focuses on adult bullying in the school setting and by earning her doctorate in curriculum and instruction. Her deep practical knowledge to identify and realign workplace relationships in educational systems and faith institutions provides her with the expertise required to improve team productivity and professional relationships.
Presenting on a variety of topics related to bullying and mental health, Beth uses humor as well as effective and practical strategies to improve workplace culture, counteract the devastation of bullying and mitigate the symptoms that result from workplace bullying. Beth’s presentations reflect her years of experience as a teacher with clearly stated objectives, outcomes, activities and interactions that both inspire and educate.
With licenses and certificates in elementary education, school social work, clinical social work and educational leadership, her family fondly (at least she hopes it’s fondly) refers to her as “certifiable.”