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.
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.
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.
The Power of Silence
“Speak only if it improves upon the silence” - Mahatma Gandhi
In a world filled with constant chatter and noise, there's value in the power of silence.
Sometimes, silence speaks volumes, especially in moments of heated conversation or conflict where it has real power. After all, arguing with someone who doesn't argue back is quite challenging.
For example, imagine you're at a family gathering, and tensions are rising. Voices are raised, emotions are raw, and it feels like the room is on the brink of exploding.
Tough Conversations
"Sometimes one conversation is all you're going to get, and the future will depend on how well you handle the discussion." - Dion Le Roux
Have you ever thought about how a single conversation can have a profound impact on the course of our lives?
This quote invites us to reflect on the power of pivotal dialogues - those moments when the outcome of a single exchange can shape our relationships, opportunities, and even our destinies. Whether it's a job interview, a critical negotiation, or a heart-to-heart discussion, the way we handle that one conversation can determine the path we take forward.
Why Are You Settling ?
"Our hearts know the truth, and our minds filter that truth to protect us from foolish impulsiveness. Sometimes, though, that filter is too strong, and so we sacrifice the possibility of life in full technicolour glory to forever stumble in trenches of black and white." - Dion Le Roux
Have you ever stood at a proverbial crossroads? Have you ever wondered which way to go? Have you ever been overwhelmed by the intuitive desires of your heart only to be challenged by the overpowering rationale of your mind?
And after contemplating the pros and cons for days or weeks, did you decide? More importantly, was your decision the right one?
Conflict and War
“Anyone can start a war, but that does not mean victory is guaranteed, and even the victors end up with some deaths and casualties.” - Dion Le Roux
At face value, the above quote serves as a poignant reminder of the profound complexities and unpredictable outcomes accompanying the pursuit of armed conflict.
But it also emphasises how this is equally relevant on a personal level. Have you ever been in a personal conflict you have regretted?
An Inconvenient Truth
"The truth is sometimes inconvenient, but it is still the truth." - Dion Le Roux
Imagine a world where reality confronts you, challenging everything you thought you knew. At that moment, you realise everything you previously believed about someone or something has been shattered.
You were confident you were right and had all the bases covered. And then suddenly, someone or something pulls the rug out from underneath you. It's uncomfortable, it's inconvenient, and it's downright hard to accept.
How do you deal with this? It isn't easy.