Historically both elementary and secondary schools have existed primarily to support analytical intelligence commonly referred to as “book smarts." And, while this is a very good thing, more and more studies are finding that this is not the entire recipe for a well-rounded and intelligent individual. Enter Social and Emotional Learning (or SEL for short). Social and Emotional Learning, defined as life skills which include how to interact with others and manage one’s own emotions, is slowly finding its way into classrooms across the world and making a BIG impact as mentioned, for example, in an article¹ by Daniel Goleman: "The data sh

Life can be hard when you’re a Blue. You’re overly sensitive, you invest your whole heart into relationships, and people are inevitably disappointing at times. You’re worry-prone and guilt comes very easy to you. Your mind is probably going a million miles a minute, and you’re not necessarily thinking about rainbows and butterflies. It’s no wonder Blues are so hard on themselves! Blues, you need a break. We are here to offer some advice to help you go a little easier on yourselves until your overall relationship with yourself is much more positive. Keep reading to learn what you can do to ease your burden, and hopefully life will

I learned I am a Blue personality before I took the test on a dating site where I met my wife. In an attempt to help people find someone compatible (or maybe it was just a great way to start a conversation), the dating site had the Color Code test. This was my first introduction to the Color Code and began my journey, where I have discovered three (actually many more) things about being a Blue. 1. I’m Motivated by Intimacy I learned I am a Blue before I even took the test. I only had to read the description, “motivated by intimacy” to know that was me. I want to know people. I hate the “How’s the weather?” type conversation. I wan

As a true Yellow, I’ve enjoyed a great many relationships throughout my life. Connections are easy. Long-term commitment is harder. Perhaps that is why I’ve had so little conflict in my interactions with others. I find it easy to get along with most people and easy to walk away from those I don’t. It takes a lot to offend me, and when I get offended, I forgive without a thought. So imagine my surprise when I found myself with a full-fledged enemy — my mother-in-law. I’m almost embarrassed to admit that my first and only adversary was a figure so cliché. We find ourselves in frequent disagreement. Feelings are often hurt and pride

There are numerous ways to increase your effectiveness as a leader. You could work on improving your own efficiency. You could learn how to think more strategically. You could work on developing specific emotional intelligence talents. You could get more time management training, etc., etc. But, in reality, does anything really matter more than your success in helping the people you lead to grow, collaborate and achieve on a higher level? If that's true, one of the best ways to "move the needle" in your own leadership efforts can be to simply have a personalized plan for the individuals you work with. That's why I've

If there are any Reds out there who haven’t been frustrated with a Blue at some point or another, we would be shocked. Reds and Blues are very different personalities. Reds are insensitive, while Blues are too sensitive. Reds want to get the job done and Blues want to get the job done perfectly. Blues go on about their feelings and Reds get to the point. Get the picture? Reds, we know it can be frustrating for you to maintain and/or foster relationships with Blues, but odds are there are several Blues in your life you want to maintain your relationship with. So instead of getting fed up with the process, listen closely. We’re here to pro

Blues, we want your goal for today to be to let go! Do you find yourself regularly piling too much on your own and/or others’ plates? Then please see above! When you go to make your to-do list tomorrow, allow yourself to leave a few items unchecked without beating yourself up. When you ask your kids to get a job done, don’t yell at them for not doing it according to your unrealistic standards. Ask yourself on any given day if your expectations are too high, and if they are, take it down a notch! We promise your life will be easier! :) — The Color Code Team  

Parenting is difficult, challenging and frustrating, but it’s also wonderful and rewarding. It’s especially great when our kids show their strengths. Of course, between the day-to-day hustle and bustle it may be hard to notice all the great things about our children. Each of our children have strengths and limitations, and although the limitations are frustrating, the strengths are beautiful. Today we want to focus on highlighting some strengths children with Blue personalities have in the hopes that by recognizing their strengths, you can foster more gratitude as a parent. Here we go!

The other day I came across some literature of ours that says: “One Blue man finally gave up worry in his eighties. He told me he had worried needlessly all his life and it had cost him dearly. Most of what he worried about never happened, yet he had robbed himself of enjoying the present moment for so many years. He said that he finally woke up one day and said to himself, ‘No more! If it hasn’t happened to me by now, chances are it won’t ever happen. So let it go!’ And he did. He had paid his debt in time and energy and was finally free simply to be.”

As humans, we seem to thrive on to-do lists of sorts. We make to-do lists for our days and bucket lists for our lives. We set New Year’s resolutions, we have planners and organizational apps. You may feel like you don’t need another list, but the Blues out there may find this is one that adds value to their life and their journey of becoming a better or happier person. Five Things Blues Should Do Before They’re 30   1. Create something uniquely personal Blues usually struggle to believe in their own creative talents. They are so self-doubting and demanding of themselves that they often hide their skills and abilities because th