My aim is to inspire people around the world one blog post at a time.
This is the place to nourish your mind, heart, body and soul.
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch your own business. Maybe you want to escape the rat race and find peace in simple living. Maybe you want to improve your health. Whatever your dream is, it is valid!
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Dreams without action are just dreams. But taking action doesn’t necessarily mean quitting your job and burning the ocean. Small steps matter. It is the ability to plug away consistently at something over time that is the key. Small steps add up. You’ll get there!
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If you keep building slowly and consistently with passion each day, adding value that matters to you, then the growth will take care of itself. The keys to achieving success are patience and avoiding complacency.
The Prisoner’s Dilemma
One of the fascinating insights from Game Theory comes from Professor Robert Axelrod, whose work reveals profound truths about cooperation, conflict, and human behaviour.
The "Prisoner's Dilemma" is a classic example of game theory, in which two individuals must decide whether to cooperate or betray each other.
It illustrates why two rational individuals might not cooperate, even if it appears that it is in their best interest to do so.
Two criminals are arrested and interrogated separately in the traditional Prisoner's Dilemma. Each can betray the other by testifying that the other committed the crime or remain silent.
If both betray each other, they each serve two years in prison.
If one betrays while the other remains silent, the betrayer goes free while the silent accomplice serves three years.
If both remain silent, they each serve only one year.
The catch is that the best collective outcome arises when both cooperate, but the best individual outcome happens if one betrays while the other cooperates.
Why You Are Guaranteed To Get Your Ass Kicked
A famous quote by the 26th US president, Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt, often gets tossed around when discussing courage and perseverance.
It's from a speech he gave in 1910, called "Citizenship in a Republic," but most people remember it as "The Man in the Arena."
He says:
"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error … “
We live in a world of critics—people who love pointing out our mistakes and delight in telling us how we could have done things better.
But the truth is that those critics don't count.
How Different Are The Seven Generations Alive Today?
So, be honest, have you ever rolled your eyes when you heard someone say, "Back in my day ..." or "The children of today ... "?
Have you ever said these things?
Mmmm, I thought so.
So, how about we stroll through the seven generations alive today and see what we can learn?
As each generation brings its unique perspective, values, and quirks to the table, shaping the world in its own way, differences emerge, and with them, perceptions are formed.
Perceptions that are not always accurate.
The Stories We Tell Ourselves
Most of us like to think we are unique or special in some way. And yet, we often avoid telling others our raw, unfiltered life stories.
Stories that would reveal our complex, multi-faceted, imperfect selves if we did.
Stories that would leave us with a permanent vulnerability hangover, especially if they are stories that demand that we reveal our hidden emotions.
Instead, we seek to explain our lives in ways that we and others can understand and appreciate within a framework of acceptable societal norms.
Ways that limit our exposure to possibly being misunderstood, embarrassed or judged. Ways that demand we take a risk and perhaps fail.
Mindset Matters … Way More Than You Think
In 1945, the world record for running one mile (1600m) was 4 minutes and 1.3 seconds, set by Gunder Hagg of Sweden.
And that's where the record got stuck for the next nine years, seemingly unbreakable to many.
Finally, on 6 May 1954, in Oxford, England, Roger Bannister became the first person to break the 4-minute barrier in a time of 3 minutes and 59.4 seconds.
But this isn't the exciting part.
What is fascinating is that soon after Bannister's historic feat, other runners were inspired to follow suit, and they did so quickly.
How was this possible?
Why Are You So Defensive?
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you acted in a way that seemed out of character? Maybe you avoided confronting a problem or reacted in anger when you felt hurt.
These are all examples of psychological defence mechanisms at work—the shields we unconsciously use to protect ourselves from uncomfortable feelings, thoughts, or situations.
So, why do we do this? Why do our minds employ such complex mechanisms to shield us from reality?
Well, it all comes down to survival, both physical and emotional.
Evolutionarily, our brains are wired to keep us safe and ensure our well-being. However, not only external threats trigger these defences; internal conflicts and distressing emotions can also prompt their activation.
So, let's delve into some of the most common psychological shields and explore how we use them in our lives.
It’s Time to Take a Pill (But Not a Chill Pill)
In life, there's this idea that sometimes we need to take a "Red Pill".
The metaphorical "red pill" derives from the iconic scene in the movie "The Matrix," where Neo is offered a choice between a red pill, symbolising truth and awakening, or a blue pill, representing ignorance and conformity.
This allegory has since been appropriated to describe confronting harsh realities, even when they challenge one's beliefs or comfort.
Therefore, the red pill concept is about stepping out of a comfortable but unrealistic way of thinking—a symbol for facing harsh truths even if they're tough to handle.
Four Types of Men - Which Do Women Prefer?
Understanding the various types of men and their associated characteristics can offer valuable insights into their behaviour and what you can expect from a relationship with them.
These classifications of men often stem from social and evolutionary psychology, cultural norms and societal expectations.
So, let's delve into the different kinds of males and explore why women may prefer one type over another.
First off, we have the alpha male. This term originates from the study of animal behaviour, particularly in wolf packs where the alpha male is the dominant leader.
In human society, alpha males are typically confident, assertive, and ambitious.
They're natural leaders who command respect and admiration from others. Alpha males tend to be outgoing, competitive, and goal-oriented, often excelling in positions of power and authority.
They're decisive decision-makers, not ones to waver or second-guess themselves.
You May Be Smarter Than You Think
Most people are familiar with the concept of Intelligence Quotient (IQ).
IQ (Intelligence Quotient) tests have been the litmus test for intelligence for the last Century.
But IQ tests can inaccurately measure an individual's intelligence and cause problems, including low confidence, unrealistic expectations, and a generally flawed understanding of a person's potential.
After conducting the most extensive online intelligence study on record, a Western University-led research team has concluded that measuring one's intelligence quotient or IQ by a singular, standardised test is highly misleading.
So, is there a way to look at intelligence differently?
I Was Happy For Awhile
Have you ever felt delighted? Not just for a few fleeting moments here and there.
No, I'm talking about a long-term, deep sense of fulfilment. A feeling that makes you say, "Life is so worth living. I'm glad to be who I am, and I am grateful to be alive".
And you feel and say this every day and mean it.
Mmm, I thought so.
You are not alone. You may be surprised how many people don't feel deep-rooted happiness.
The question is, why is this?
Let's start by looking at the biology of happiness.
The brain releases several neurotransmitters, often referred to as "happy chemicals," that contribute to feelings of pleasure and well-being …
Are You a Puppet on a String?
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you feel like you're being manipulated emotionally but can't quite put your finger on it?
Emotional manipulation is a subtle yet powerful tool individuals use to control, influence, or exploit others.
A manipulator may be somebody who's insecure and tries to boost themselves up by putting others down or making them feel guilty.
It may also be someone who is super controlling and uses manipulation to keep people in line or get what they want without considering how it affects them.
Sometimes, a manipulator is just really good at reading people and knows how to push their buttons to get what they want.
They could even be your friend, family member, partner, or coworker.
Let's take a closer look at some common emotional manipulation tactics …
His Brain … Her Brain … Different Wiring
According to American author, John Gray, “Men are from Mars”.
They're logical, analytical, and solution-oriented beings with a penchant for problem-solving and a distaste for emotional melodrama.
In contrast, “Women are from Venus” and from the moment you set foot on Venusian soil, a tidal wave of emotions will sweep you away.
According to Gray, women have an uncanny ability to understand and empathise intuitively with the feelings of others.
And yet, despite their seemingly insurmountable differences, men and women are drawn to each other like moths to a flame.
So, are men and women truly wired differently?
Who Will Cry When You Die?
Have you ever asked yourself, "Who will cry when I die?"
In Robin Sharma's book Who Will Cry When You Die? Life Lessons from the Monk Who Sold His Ferrari", he delves into the essence of living a meaningful life and leaving behind a lasting legacy of love and contribution.
In today's fast-paced world, it's too easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, chasing after success, wealth, and status.
We often find ourselves misled into focusing our energy and effort on things and people that ultimately don't matter much in the grander scheme.
Through a collection of short, insightful chapters, Sharma offers profound insights and actionable advice to help individuals live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
Here are ten key lessons from the book …
A World Without Ethics
Imagine you're faced with a dilemma.
It could be as simple as deciding whether or not to cheat on a test or as complex as making a corporate decision that could impact thousands of lives.
Ordinarily, your decisions should be based on a combination of factors like your rational thought processes and the values and ethics you subscribe to.
But what happens if this fails?
Let us look at examples of companies who have got things wrong and the devastating consequences that can result when ethical considerations are sidelined in favour of short-term gains or competitive advantage.
An Introvert in a World Built for Extraverts
In Susan Cain's illuminating book, "Quiet: The Power of Introverts," she refers to "The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking".
Introverts and extroverts are personality types that describe how people gain energy and interact with the world around them.
Introverts tend to recharge by spending time alone or in small groups. They often prefer quieter, more introspective activities like reading, writing, or spending time in nature.
On the other hand, extroverts gain energy from being around other people and engaging in social activities. They tend to be gregarioius, talkative, and enjoy being the centre of attention.
So with this in mind, grab your favourite cosy spot and settle in as we explore the book's key themes with supporting examples that celebrate the power of introversion.
Stupidity is Universal and Dangerous
"Remember, when you are dead, you do not know you are dead. It is only painful for others. The same applies when you are stupid." - Ricky Gervais
Imagine a world where stupidity isn't a random occurrence but a predictable force governing human behaviour.
It sounds bizarre, right?
Well, that's precisely what Professor Carlo M. Cipolla, an Italian economic historian, dared to propose back in 1976.
He published an essay describing the fundamental laws of what he perceived as the greatest existential threat to humanity: stupidity.
The Tyranny of the Top Floor
Ah, the allure of the top floor.
The pinnacle of corporate success is where CEOs reside in corner offices with panoramic views, and executives make high-level decisions that shape the company's future.
Many young professionals dream of working at a large company's head office and are ambitious and impatient in pursuing this.
But behind the glossy facade of corner offices and executive perks lies realities that few fully comprehend until they've experienced it firsthand.
I call it the "tyranny of the top floor".
The Boardroom Psycho
Imagine a world where the boardroom is a battleground, and the players wear suits instead of armour.
In "Snakes in Suits: When Psychopaths Go to Work," authors Paul Babiak and Robert D. Hare offer a chilling glimpse into this reality—one where psychopathy infiltrates the corporate landscape and leaves a trail of manipulation and destruction in its wake.
Contrary to popular belief, psychopathy is not solely confined to the criminal underworld.
While some psychopaths may engage in criminal behaviour, many others operate within legal boundaries, holding positions of power and authority in society.
You’re Biased and I’ll Prove It
Bias is a word that often carries negative connotations, suggesting unfairness, prejudice, and discrimination.
But bias is inherent in all of us, rooted in our cognitive processes, social conditioning, and lived experiences.
While biases can indeed lead to unfair treatment or distorted judgments, they also serve as adaptive shortcuts that help us navigate the complexities of the world around us.
So, let's explore the nature of bias, why it exists, and how it manifests in our everyday lives. We can do this by looking at twelve of the most common biases (there are many more) that influence human behaviour.
Everyone’s Entitled To My Opinion
So, surprise, surprise … we all have opinions.
Some are as harmless as debating the best flavour of ice cream, while others touch on more substantial matters like climate change, moral justice, or various scientific theories.
But what exactly constitutes an opinion, and how much weight should we assign to them?
Let's begin by taking a trip back to ancient Greece, where the wise philosopher Plato noted that opinions are beliefs that lack the certainty of knowledge.