The drone of uniformly delivered content to rows of kids locked into desks is the initiation into formal learning that many of us come from. A system designed to output little industrial cogs who are themselves uniform. This is a system that is unfortunately devoid of passion and builds a habit for learning that places the student in the position Read More …
I failed my driver test 5 times. You might be thinking “Wow. He must be a terrible driver.” the truth is I’m a very good driver. When I did pass I had a faultless exam, which my examiner told me was extremely rare. Failure can shut you down or it can move you forward. If you see it as a Read More …
Meeting resistance, obstruction, defensiveness, or down right obstinance can be intimidating. Strong views and strong emotions can easily trigger an emotional reaction in you and those reactions can be uncomfortable. Often it seems easier to simply avoid these types of conflict and do your best to cope with the problem you’re dealing with than move into an emotionally charged space. Read More …
There are many ways to enjoy the things you do. Not all enjoyment involves a smile on your face or laughter in your heart. Though some of the best kinds certainly do. Some of my other favourite kinds of joy: Tongue Sticking Out Joy. I don’t mean mischief, but that kind of enjoyment where you’re concentrating so hard your tongue Read More …
Is a politician who changes their view “thoughtful” or a “flip-flopper”? If your partner changes their philosophy, are they “growing” or “not the person I fell in love with”? If a friend changes sides in an argument have they been convinced, or are they a traitor? Change is scary. Humans like the people around them to be constant, consistent. We Read More …
Do I agree with everything I write? No. Some things I agreed with as I wrote them. For some my thoughts and feelings on the topic changed weeks later and some as soon as they were done. Many I still agree with now and some I never agreed with. Writing is art. It has the power to not only express Read More …
When I was a young boy I remember truly revering my father. He was intelligent and wise, he read to me, shared insights into the world around me. He read me the hobbit, introduced me to Narnia, he taught me how to play cards, play chess, and got me hooked on strategy games. My dad introduced me to computers when Read More …
“You are so smart!” “You have a natural talent!” “You do that so effortlessly!” It can feel wonderful to receive praise but with these types of compliments you may be programming you to avoid risk and seek approval. Carol Dweck in her book Mindset outlines a series of studies of both adults and children that demonstrate how praising someone’s intelligence, Read More …
In a recent conversation with my friend Guy Windsor, he shared a useful thought with me. When you put your work out into the world there are three basic kinds of response you may get: 1. Positive and supportive. “What a great article/book/art piece you’ve shared. This is what I have been looking for.” 2. Critical and supportive. “What you Read More …
What are you avoiding doing right now? So often we shy away from our biggest blocks and challenges even when we know that energy in those places could make a significant and positive impact in our lives. I suggest you make an avoidance list: 1. Document all the things you are currently wrestling with. What things most cause you to Read More …