The Hero Within

Media

Living Storylines That Lead to Happier Outcomes

Carol S. Pearson Ph.D. on January 16, 2023

Best-selling fiction, theater, and film often employ plotlines that introduce us to archetypal patterns that address problems we and others face.

Best-selling fiction, theater, and film often employ plotlines that introduce us to archetypal patterns that address problems we and others face.

Fear

How Fiction Can Calm Your Worries and Fears

Carol S. Pearson Ph.D. on May 25, 2022

When a colleague told me to check out the "All Souls Trilogy" by a notable historian, Deborah Harkness, I was intrigued...

When a colleague told me to check out the "All Souls Trilogy" by a notable historian, Deborah Harkness, I was intrigued...

Self-Help

Discover and Live Your Authentic Stories

Carol S. Pearson Ph.D. on November 12, 2021

Have you ever been in a bookstore and suddenly felt a tug toward a certain book? I’ve come to trust that as everyday magic. C. G. Jung called this phenomenon “synchronicity”.

Have you ever been in a bookstore and suddenly felt a tug toward a certain book? I’ve come to trust that as everyday magic. C. G. Jung called this phenomenon “synchronicity”.

Motivation

The Power of Leadership Narrative Intelligence

Carol S. Pearson Ph.D. on June 28, 2021

This is the first of two posts that explore the role of archetypal narrative intelligence in linking motivation, action, and leadership outcomes.

This is the first of two posts that explore the role of archetypal narrative intelligence in linking motivation, action, and leadership outcomes.

Coaching

Leadership Lessons for Effectively Speaking Up

Carol S. Pearson Ph.D. on April 2, 2021

We can each further the human development so needed right now simply by speaking up to share our perspectives, all the while learning from others.

We can each further the human development so needed right now simply by speaking up to share our perspectives, all the while learning from others.

Wisdom

A Conspiracy Theory Vaccine?

Carol S. Pearson Ph.D. on November 10, 2020

I’m intrigued by how many conspiracy theories are gaining traction today, and wondering how so many fellow citizens can believe them.

I’m intrigued by how many conspiracy theories are gaining traction today, and wondering how so many fellow citizens can believe them.

Career

The Power of Story in a Time of Crisis

Carol S. Pearson Ph.D. on June 5, 2020

Today my country is experiencing a dual economic and health crisis. We are also in the midst of recognizing that achieving a positive outcome is up to leaders at every level.

Today my country is experiencing a dual economic and health crisis. We are also in the midst of recognizing that achieving a positive outcome is up to leaders at every level.

Relationships

Do What You Love and Make a Difference

Carol S. Pearson Ph.D. on April 1, 2020

Archetypal characters can help us think about what we truly love to do and how we want to benefit others.

Archetypal characters can help us think about what we truly love to do and how we want to benefit others.

Identity

Finding Yourself and Expanding Your Horizons

Carol S. Pearson Ph.D. on April 22, 2019

Western culture emphasizes individualism and, therefore, being authentic and true to who we are. Who we are, of course, is influenced by others, who also may be influenced by us.

Western culture emphasizes individualism and, therefore, being authentic and true to who we are. Who we are, of course, is influenced by others, who also may be influenced by us.

Intelligence

What Stories Are You Living

Carol S. Pearson Ph.D. on January 7, 2019

Developing narrative intelligence is a boon to individuation and growth.

Developing narrative intelligence is a boon to individuation and growth.

Education

Learning from Brands in Crisis

Carol S. Pearson Ph.D. on September 6, 2018

Many of us face a crucible or severe test at some point in our lives, but for the most part, it is thankfully not played out upon a public stage. Not so for companies and brands.

Many of us face a crucible or severe test at some point in our lives, but for the most part, it is thankfully not played out upon a public stage. Not so for companies and brands.

Humor

Need to Lighten Up?

Carol S. Pearson Ph.D. on June 15, 2018

When life feels like a drag and events are depressing, it is a good time to lighten up. For that, we can call on the Jester.

When life feels like a drag and events are depressing, it is a good time to lighten up. For that, we can call on the Jester.

Motivation

Are You a Warrior? And If So, What Kind?

Carol S. Pearson Ph.D. on April 23, 2018

Warriors generally are associated with two kinds of courage: (1) the ability to fight to protect themselves and (2) setting goals and developing the strength and skills.

Warriors generally are associated with two kinds of courage: (1) the ability to fight to protect themselves and (2) setting goals and developing the strength and skills.

Caregiving

Archetypal Remedies for #MeToo and #TimesUp

Carol S. Pearson Ph.D. on February 27, 2018

It is important to recognize that we are in the midst of a major unfinished revolution, so that behaviors persist in both men and women that are remnants from a patriarchal legacy.

It is important to recognize that we are in the midst of a major unfinished revolution, so that behaviors persist in both men and women that are remnants from a patriarchal legacy.

Environment

Ghosts, Zombies, Vampires, and the Apocalypse

Carol S. Pearson Ph.D. on February 9, 2018

Horror is today's most profitable film genre. Why do we like these movies, and what are they telling us?

Horror is today's most profitable film genre. Why do we like these movies, and what are they telling us?

Environment

Why Do People Think Such Nutty Things?

Carol S. Pearson Ph.D. on January 22, 2018

Fights over conflicting viewpoints, including those between young adults and their parents, are common in life.

Fights over conflicting viewpoints, including those between young adults and their parents, are common in life.

Family Dynamics

Brothers and Sisters

Carol S. Pearson Ph.D. on August 24, 2017

Most of us get little help in navigating sibling relationships or seeing how they affect us.

Most of us get little help in navigating sibling relationships or seeing how they affect us.

Creativity

Arrival

Carol S. Pearson Ph.D. on May 15, 2017

How the feminine saves the world.

How the feminine saves the world.

Identity

Finding Yourself in the New Tribalism

Carol S. Pearson Ph.D. on March 23, 2017

Neotribalism is a sociological term that describes the way many countries are splintering apart in response to a global society in which it is difficult to find our individual iden

Neotribalism is a sociological term that describes the way many countries are splintering apart in response to a global society in which it is difficult to find our individual iden

Politics

Making Lemonade: Part III

Carol S. Pearson Ph.D. on December 7, 2016

This is the last in a series of three blogs in which I offer an archetypal approach to understanding the forces at work both in the U.S. and around the world.

This is the last in a series of three blogs in which I offer an archetypal approach to understanding the forces at work both in the U.S. and around the world.