“the present moment is all you ever have.”

Access your inner self and experience the unity of "Being" through stillness of mind. No religion owns this idea, it's an open concept that encompasses the "eternal, ever-present One Life." Being lies at the heart of your essence and can be felt when you are fully present, living in the Now.

Key Concepts:
<ul>
 <li>Stillness of mind</li>
 <li>Unity of "Being"</li>
 <li>Open concept</li>
 <li>"One Life"</li>
 <li>Living in the Now</li>
</ul>

The Power of Being

“You can improve your life situation, but you cannot improve your life…It is already whole, complete, perfect.”

The constant thoughts in your mind can prevent you from truly experiencing the moment. Thinking does not mean being. 
 Engaging in tasks like planning, worrying, judging, and explaining creates tension and makes it seem like you are separate from everything else. This mental activity can lead to a false sense of loneliness and separation from the world. It's crucial to become aware of this to fully connect with reality and the present moment. 🧘‍♂️

Disconnecting thoughts from reality

“When you are present, when your attention is fully and intensely in the Now, Being can be felt, but it can never be understood mentally.”

The Power of Living in the Now 🌞
Our ego often distracts us with memories of the past and worries for the future, but true inner peace can only be found in the present moment. Take control of your thoughts, quiet your mind, and discover the wellspring of creativity and innovation within yourself. 🚀 
<ul>
 <li>Live in the moment and enjoy life's little joys 🌼 </li>
 <li>Don't let your past or future worries consume you 💭</li>
 <li>Embrace your inner stillness for clarity and innovative ideas 💡</li>
</ul>

The Power of Living in the Now 🌞

“The art of inner-body awareness will develop into a completely new way of living, a state of permanent connectedness with Being, and will add a depth to your life that you have never known before.”

Life is made up of moments, and the most important one is Now. Your mind can trick you into dwelling on the past or imagining the future, but Now is where true freedom and peace reside. Leave the mind behind, and focus on Now to fully experience life.
Why should you care about Now?
<ul>
 <li>The past is a memory, and the future is an illusion, only Now is real.</li>
 <li>The egoic mind wastes time and energy dwelling on the past or anticipating the future.</li>
 <li>By living in the present, you unlock true Being, free from the limitations of the mind.</li>
</ul>

The Power of Living in the Present Moment

Life’s journey is not just about achieving goals, it’s also about being present in the moment and embracing our inner being. If we let negativity consume us, it can hinder our overall happiness.
Ways to Combat Negativity:
<ol>
 <li>Address the situation at hand.</li>
 <li>Release any pain associated with it.</li>
</ol>
Remember, both inner and outer purposes are important and should not conflict with each other. Embrace the present and strive for personal growth simultaneously 🌞

The Purpose of Life

“When you live in complete acceptance of what is – which is the only sane way to live – there is no ‘good’ or ‘bad’ in your life anymore. There is only a higher good – which includes the ‘bad’.”

Focusing on the present moment can offer glimpses of the Unmanifested. It is found in stillness, in the gaps between sounds, and in the space between objects.
<ul>
 <li>The Unmanifested is found in stillness.</li>
 <li>The Unmanifested is in between sounds.</li>
 <li>The Unmanifested is in the space between objects.</li>
</ul>
✨ The Unmanifested: the no-thing between objects! ✨

Glimpsing the Unmanifested

Love can feel perfect, but relationships are not without friction. Until you let go of the ego and live in the Now, your relationships will never truly thrive.
Here's why:
<ol>
 <li>The ego causes dysfunction in relationships.</li>
 <li>Love and hate are interconnected.</li>
 <li>You can't avoid negative periods in relationships.</li>
</ol>
Eliminating your ego and living in the present can greatly improve your relationships. 🌟🧘‍♀️☮️

Mastering Relationships: Living in the Present

The concept of surrender is often misunderstood. It is not about showing weakness or giving up, but instead about accepting the present moment as it is without any labels or judgment. It's about acknowledging what is and yielding to the reality of Now. So let go of your inner resistance and fully embrace the power of acceptance 🌟.

Key takeaways:
<ul>
 <li>Surrender does not equal defeat or weakness.</li>
 <li>Accept the present moment without judgment or labels.</li>
 <li>Yield to the reality of Now.</li>
 <li>Embrace the power of acceptance 🌟.</li>
</ul>

Understanding the Power of Acceptance

<ul>
 <li>The "Power of Now" comes from being completely present in the moment and freeing your consciousness from mental noise.</li>
 <li>You can access a new dimension of consciousness by non-judgmentally observing your thoughts, emotions, and fears.</li>
 <li>Your thoughts - the ceaseless self-talk streaming through your mind - block the experience of being. "Watch the Thinker," the voice in your head, which abhors silence.</li>
 <li>Instead of focusing on your life situation, pay attention to the only "real" thing - what is true in this moment.</li>
 <li>Emotions are thoughts that reverberate throughout the body.</li>
</ul>

Summary

<ul>
 <li>The “egoic” mind exists in the past and future but cannot function in the Now.</li>
 <li>The “pain-body” is the emotional residue that negative experiences leave behind.</li>
 <li>Don’t let your outer purpose overshadow your inner purpose: to partake in the “light of Being.”</li>
 <li>In an enlightened relationship, you’re open to love and you accept your partner unconditionally.</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
 <li>Spiritual surrender calls for accepting what is and letting go of inner resistance.</li>
</ul>

Summary (Continued)

First published in 1999, Eckhart Tolle’s spiritual self-help book became – with a little help from Oprah Winfrey – a number one New York Times bestseller and cultural phenomenon

To make the journey into the Now we will need to leave our analytical mind and its false created self, the ego, behind. From the very first page of Eckhart Tolle's extraordinary book, we move rapidly into a significantly higher altitude where we breathe a lighter air. We become connected to the indestructible essence of our Being, “The eternal, ever present One Life beyond the myriad forms of life that are subject to birth and death.” Although the journey is challenging, Eckhart Tolle uses simple language and an easy question and answer format to guide us. A word of mouth phenomenon since its first publication, The Power of Now is one of those rare books with the power to create an experience in readers, one that can radically change their lives for the better.

philosophy

Philosophy

mindfulness

Mindfulness

mentalhealth

Mental Health

books

Books

meditation

Meditation

Eckhart Tolle is a teacher, author, and entrepreneur. He is a German-born resident of Canada best known as the author of The Power of Now and A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose. Tolle does not identify with any specific religion, but he has been influenced by multiple spiritual works.

Eckhart Tolle

The Power of Now

The quality of your relationships shapes your well-being and happiness.

According to the Harvard Study of Adult Development, conducted by Dr. Robert J. Waldinger and Dr. Marc Schulz, the strongest factor in determining happiness is not wealth or professional achievements, but rather, the quality of our relationships.
<ul>
<li>The research looked at two generations and collected data on thousands of people.</li>
<li>The most consistent predictor of well-being is not money or career success.</li>
<li>Relationships play a crucial role in our overall happiness and well-being.</li>
<li>Invest time and effort in building and nurturing meaningful relationships to lead a joyful life.</li>
</ul>

The Key to a Happy Life: The Power of Relationships 💗

<ul><li>Adolescence, ages 12-19 – During this period, people begin to form their identity, focusing on the type of person they want to become and what they aspire to in the future. They also contemplate their goals and purpose in life. This stage also involves learning how to navigate new types of relationships and intimacy.</li><li>Young adulthood, ages 20-40 – During this stage, young adults establish their own support systems as they become independent from their parents. They also form new social connections and intimate attachments. It is common for them to question if they are on the right path, </li></ul>

Life Stages

<ul><li>Midlife, ages 41-65 – When people realize that their younger years are behind them, they begin to assess whether there are things they should do differently. They entertain existential questions such as, "Is this all there is?" They may reflect on whether they have truly connected with others and have a sense of meaning and purpose in their life.</li><li>Late life, 66 and older – As people start to view time as more precious and grapple with their own mortality, they develop a deeper appreciation for their existing relationships. </li></ul>

Life Stages (Continue)

Building strong relationships is crucial for a happy life. Make time for your loved ones!
👥 Connect Often:
<ul>
<li>Regularly spend time with friends and loved ones</li>
<li>Make an effort to create meaningful memories together</li>
<li>Show appreciation for the special people in your life</li>
</ul>
💕 Nurturing Connections:
<ul>
<li>Listen with empathy and offer support when needed</li>
<li>Communicate openly and honestly</li>
<li>Celebrate each other's successes and milestones</li>
</ul>

Show You Care: The Power of Quality Connections

Zen master John Tarrant calls attention “the most basic form of love.”

Relationships need to be cultivated and tended. Otherwise, connections with others wither. 
 A good place to begin is to reflect on the quality of your current relationships and how frequently you interact with the people who are important to you. In good quality relationships, attention, care and support are reciprocal, so reflect on how others are showing up for you and you for them. 
<ul>
<li> Acknowledge the importance of nurturing relationships </li>
<li> Reflect on the quality and frequency of your interactions </li>
<li> Show reciprocity by supporting and caring for each other </li>
</ul>

Proactive Relationship Nurturing 💕

<ul>
 <li>Security and Safety – Do you have someone you can rely on and turn to during a challenge?</li>
 <li>Growth and Learning – Who inspires you to pursue your goals?</li>
 <li>Emotional Closeness – Is there one person you confide in the most?</li>
 <li>Shared Experience and Identity Affirmation – Do you have siblings or old friends with whom you've shared identity-forming life experiences?</li>
 <li>Romantic Intimacy – Do you feel satisfied with the degree of intimacy and sexual connection in your life?</li>
 <li>Help and Assistance – Who helps you solve practical problems?</li>
 <li>Relaxation and Fun – Think about the people you enjoy being with.</li>
</ul>

Elements of Good Relationship

If you want to improve your relationship, listen to this Harvard study director's advice:

<ol>
 <li>Love: Vaillant believes that love is one of the keys to happiness.</li>
 <li>Coping Strategies: He also suggests finding healthy ways to cope with life, without pushing love away.</li>
</ol>

By incorporating these two pillars into your relationship, you can create a stronger and happier bond with your partner. 💑

Strengthening Your Relationship: The Pillars of Happiness

“Our emotions need not be our masters; what we think, and how we approach each event in our lives, matters.”

<ul><li>Watch – Take a moment to observe the situation closely and consider all aspects of it. Have you missed anything important?</li><li>Interpret – Identify what's at stake and strive to gain greater insight into why you're feeling strong emotions. Have you made any false assumptions?</li><li>Select – Carefully identify and weigh your options, reflecting on what you hope to accomplish and the best way of doing so.</li><li>Engage – Respond, executing your chosen strategy with skill.</li><li>Reflect – Learn from the incident, reflecting on what went well and what you could do differently next time.</li></ul>

Use the WISER Model to Respond Better to Emotionally Challenging

Strengthen bonds, even in romance, by understanding and empathizing with your partner. Be more present and understanding.Strive to:<ul><li>Understand their feelings and perspective 🧠</li><li>Improve communication skills 🗣️</li><li>Show empathy and support 😊</li></ul> The second practice is letting your partner know you understand why he or she feels a certain way.

Create More Satisfying and Beneficial Relationships by Communica

Studies have shown that children learn how to manage their emotions and relationships first from their families. In order to help children effectively deal with challenges and receive support during times of stress, it is important for families to provide consistent support and warmth.

<ul>
<li>Families that provide support, consistency, and warmth help children learn how to handle challenges and seek support from others</li>
</ul>

Building Strong Families to Support Children's Emotional Develop

Did you know that you spend most of your waking hours working? By the time you're 80, you'll have spent 13 years at work and only 8,800 hours hanging out with friends.
Don't view your job as just a means of getting a paycheck – you can develop authentic and valuable connections with your colleagues!

Maximizing Your Work-Life Balance

The Harvard Study highlights the need for children to learn about relationships in school, in addition to traditional education. Social fitness is essential for overall well-being and should be included in education.
- "3 Rs" of basic education: reading, writing, arithmetic
- "4th R": Relationships
- Social fitness: cultivating healthy interactions

Importance of Human Relationships and the "4th R" in Education

New York Times Bestseller What makes for a happy life, a fulfilling life? A good life? According to the directors of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, the longest scientific study of happiness ever conducted, the answer to these questions may be closer than you realize. What makes a life fulfilling and meaningful? The simple but surprising answer is: relationships. The stronger our relationships, the more likely we are to live happy, satisfying, and overall healthier lives. In fact, the Harvard Study of Adult Development reveals that the strength of our connections with others can predict the health of both our bodies and our brains as we go through life. The invaluable insights in this book emerge from the revealing personal stories of hundreds of participants in the Harvard Study as they were followed year after year for their entire adult lives, and this wisdom is bolstered by research findings from this and many other studies. Relationships in all their forms—friendships, romantic partnerships, families, coworkers, tennis partners, book club members, Bible study groups—all contribute to a happier, healthier life. And as The Good Life shows us, it’s never too late to strengthen the relationships you have, and never too late to build new ones. Dr. Waldinger’s TED Talk about the Harvard Study, “What Makes a Good Life,” has been viewed more than 42 million times and is one of the ten most-watched TED talks ever. The Good Life has been praised by bestselling authors Jay Shetty (“Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz lead us on an empowering quest towards our greatest need: meaningful human connection”), Angela Duckworth (“In a crowded field of life advice and even life advice based on scientific research, Schulz and Waldinger stand apart”), and happiness expert Laurie Santos (“Waldinger and Schulz are world experts on the counterintuitive things that make life meaningful”). With warmth, wisdom, and compelling life stories, The Good Life shows us how we can make our lives happier and more meaningful through our connections to others.

Understand yourself and those around you.

psychology

Psychology

loveandrelationships

Love & Relationships

humanresources

Human Resources

Robert Waldinger

Marc Schulz

The Good Life

"Without knowing themselves, the leaders also don’t know their major strengths or weaknesses. As a result, they often stumble and fail"

Self-awareness is crucial for effective leadership.
As you improve your self-understanding, your ability to work with your team will also improve.
"No leader can be too self-aware." Knowing yourself will enable you to lead and serve better.
When you discover your strengths and weaknesses, you can lead with confidence and humility.
Be self-aware and lead effectively!

Self-aware leaders make better leaders

To be a leader, you must first learn to lead yourself.Leading yourself is a bigger challenge than leading others. Many people judge others by their actions and achievements, but unaware individuals judge themselves by their intentions. To truly lead, you must hold yourself to the same standard you hold others to. This means being accountable for your actions and consistently working towards your goals.

To Be a Leader, Lead Yourself First

Some important things to remember when leading yourself include:
<ul>
 <li>Being self-aware and consistently reflecting on your goals and progress</li>
 <li>Taking responsibility for your actions and decisions</li>
 <li>Practicing self-discipline and consistency</li>
 <li>Being open to learning and growth</li>
 <li>Communicating clearly and effectively with others</li>
</ul>
Being a leader means leading by example, and that starts with leading yourself. By mastering self-leadership, you can inspire and guide others to reach their full potential. 💪

Important Things to Remember When Leading Yourself

To become a more self-aware leader, keep these four strategies in mind:
<ol>
<li>Learn followership - You can't lead well if you don't know how to follow and empathize with those around you.</li>
<li>Develop self-discipline - Like Frederick the Great of Prussia, practice self-discipline and perseverance.</li>
<li>Practice patience - Important goals take time to achieve, so don't expect instant success.</li>
<li>Seek accountability - Don't rely solely on yourself as a leader, find accountability and support in others.</li>
</ol>

Strategies for Becoming a More Self-Aware Leader

💡 Tip: Want to build a strong team that sticks with you? Avoid these common leadership mistakes:
<ul>
 <li>Don't devalue your team: Show respect and appreciation to avoid losing valuable team members.</li>
 <li>Be trustworthy: Don't say one thing and do another, lie, or focus only on yourself.</li>
 <li>Be competent: Nobody wants to work for an incompetent leader. Make sure you know what you're doing.</li>
 <li>Don't be insecure: Leaders who are fearful, suspicious, or jealous drive away team members. Be confident and trusting instead.</li>
</ul>

Avoid These Mistakes to Build Positive Relationships With Team

🚫 Don’t micromanage your team. Instead, focus on your own responsibilities and trust your team to handle their own tasks. 
 💼 Don’t overstep your boundaries. Manage your own responsibilities instead of constantly worrying about your team’s tasks.

Avoid Micromanaging Your Team

As a leader, there are important concepts to keep in mind for your personal and team success. Below are some key ideas to consider:<ol><li>👓 Focus on personal growth over immediate gratification</li><li>💪 Put your team first, not just your own career advancement</li><li>🤔 Handle criticism with grace and use it as a way to improve</li><li>📖 Always be open to learning and strive to be the best in the room</li><li>✨ Judge your leadership by the success of your team</li></ol>

Key Concepts for Leadership Success

5. Take the tougher path for greater leadership success - Good things require effort. Don't settle for shortcuts.
6. Listen first, talk second - Pay attention when others speak.
7. Give credit where it's due - Acknowledge and thank those who support you.
Remember, leadership is not just about one person's accomplishments. It's about the team's success and growth. Keep these concepts in mind to be an impactful leader. 🚀

Key Concepts for Leadership Success (Continued)

Successful leadership starts with self-awareness.
<ul>
<li>Lead yourself before leading others.</li>
<li>Be accountable, disciplined, and patient.</li>
<li>Be a good follower.</li>
<li>Guide others selflessly.</li>
<li>Play to your own strengths.</li>
<li>People leave due to bad bosses.</li>
<li>Avoid micromanaging your team.</li>
<li>Take responsibility and learn from mistakes.</li>
</ul>

Developing Self-Awareness as a Leader 😎

What subverts young leaders, sabotages their activities and destroys their careers? Their lack of self-awareness. Without knowing themselves, these leaders also don’t know their major strengths or weaknesses. As a result, they often stumble and fail.

Lack of self-awareness is the single greatest obstacle leaders face in their development, effectiveness, and advancement. Dr. John C. Maxwell will help any leader become more self-aware, focused, and confident.With fifty years of leading and teaching experience, influential leadership expert and speaker John C. Maxwell can help you become your best leadership self.In The Self-Aware Leader, Maxwell teaches you how to:<ul><li>gauge your effectiveness as a leader,</li><li>make better choices that lead to success,</li><li>discover and correct your own mistakes,</li><li>improve your leadership with the team, and</li><li>make the right trades in your career.</li></ul>Self-awareness is key for new and seasoned leaders who want to avoid micro-managing, handle criticism with grace, and give others the credit they deserve. Maxwell also aims to help current and new managers looking to identify their strengths, become a better learner, and improve listening skills.When leaders don’t see themselves clearly, understand their strengths and weaknesses, or recognize their negative interactions with their team, they limit their influence and undermine their own effectiveness. What’s the solution? Become a self-aware leader.

career

Career

teamwork

Teamwork

leadershipandmanagement

Leadership & Management

John Calvin Maxwell is an American author, speaker, and pastor who has written many books, primarily focusing on leadership. Titles include The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership and The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader. His books have sold millions of copies, with some on the New York Times Best Seller List.

John C. Maxwell

The Self-Aware Leader

Making life changes can be tough even if you're determined and sincere.
Don't overestimate your self-discipline. Here are some tips to help:
<ul>
<li>Start small with mini habits</li>
<li>Be consistent and commit to a small change every day</li>
<li>Track your progress to stay motivated</li>
</ul>
Remember that intention without action is pointless. Start today!

Tips for Achieving Life Changes

Why take a small step daily?<ul><li>Develops lifelong habit</li><li>Requires little willpower</li><li>Leads you in the right direction</li></ul> What are the benefits of taking small steps?<ul><li>Creates big results</li><li>Easy to achieve</li><li>Builds motivation</li></ul>🔍Turn your goals into reality, one small step at a time!🚀

Small Steps Lead to Big Results

Habits Matter! 🧐 According to Duke University, they make up 45% of our behavior. By simply repeating a behavior, we strengthen the pathway associated with it.

The Power of Mini Habits 😎

“Starting small and removing the pressure of expectations is the recipe were using for success and it works well, so we want to keep it as long as possible.”

Did you know: forming a habit takes an average of 66 days, not 21-30 days as commonly believed. This varies from person to person (18-254 days). When it becomes natural and easy, you've formed the habit!

<ul>
<li>Habit takes average 66 days, not 21-30</li>
<li>for you, it may take 18-254 days</li>
<li>when easy and natural, habit formed</li>
</ul>

How long does it take to form a habit? 🤔

Human beings have a limited supply of willpower. According to studies, our willpower or self-control can become weaker due to several factors. These include effort, perceived difficulty, negative emotions, fatigue, and blood glucose levels.

Primary causes of ego depletion:
<ol>
 <li>Effort</li>
 <li>Perceived difficulty</li>
 <li>Negative affect</li>
 <li>Subjective fatigue</li>
 <li>Blood glucose levels</li>
</ol>

Willpower Management

The eight steps in the mini-habit program are:
<ul>
 <li>Choose your mini habits and habit plan - Write a list of positive habits you'd like to have </li>
 <li>Use the why drill on each mini habit - Ask yourself why you want to instill a mini habit into your life, and delve deeply into the answer by asking the question more than once </li>
 <li>Define your habit cues - Habits are either "time-based" or "activity-based". Identify which cue works for each new mini habit.</li>
 <li>Create your reward plan - Many habits don't offer immediate rewards. Sculpting your abs, for example, takes time.</li>
</ul>

An Eight-Step Plan

<ul><li>Write Everything Down - Writing something down grants it importance. Visually track your mini habit success to reinforce your sense of accomplishment.</li><li>Think Small - The advantage of mini habits is that repetition strengthens your willpower.</li><li>Meet Your Schedule and Drop High Expectations - While having a positive belief in your capabilities is good, setting your expectations too high can hold you back.</li><li>Watch for Signs of Habits, but be Careful not to Jump the Gun - Several signs will tell you that you've developed a positive habit.</li></ul>

An Eight-Step Plan (Continued)

<ul><li> “Never, ever cheat” – Don’t deceive yourself when setting mini goals.</li><li> “Be happy with all progress” – Celebrate your wins, no matter how small.</li><li> “Reward yourself often, especially after a mini habit” </li><li> Stay level-headed – Once a habit becomes routine, it may lose excitement.</li><li> “If you feel strong resistance, back off and go smaller” </li><li> “Remind yourself how easy this is” </li><li> “Never think a step is too small” – Mini habits may seem ridiculous, but they're effective.</li><li> “Put extra energy and ambition toward bonus reps, not a bigger requirement” </li></ul>

Eight Mini-Habit Rules

Discover the Life-Changing Strategy of This Worldwide Bestseller in 17 Languages! Lasting Change For Early Quitters, Burnouts, The Unmotivated, And Everyone Else Too  When I decided to start exercising consistently 10 years ago, this is what actually happened: I tried &quot;getting motivated.&quot; It worked sometimes.I tried setting audacious big goals. I almost always failed them.I tried to make changes last. They didn't.Like most people who try to change and fail, I assumed that I was the problem. Then one afternoon--after another failed attempt to get motivated to exercise--I (accidentally) started my first mini habit. I initially committed to do one push-up, and it turned into a full workout. I was shocked. This &quot;stupid idea&quot; wasn't supposed to work. I was shocked again when my success with this strategy continued for months (and to this day). I had to consider that maybe I wasn't the problem in those 10 years of mediocre results. Maybe it was my prior strategies that were ineffective, despite being oft-repeated as &quot;the way to change&quot; in countless books and blogs. My suspicions were correct. Is There A Scientific Explanation For This?As I sought understanding, I found a plethora of scientific studies that had answers, with nobody to interpret them correctly. Based on the science--which you'll find peppered throughout Mini Habits--we've been doing it all wrong. You can succeed without the guilt, intimidation, and repeated failure associated with such strategies as &quot;getting motivated,&quot; New Year's Resolutions, or even &quot;just doing it.&quot; In fact, you need to stop using those strategies if they aren't giving you great results. Most popular strategies don't work well because they require you to fight against your subconscious brain (a fight not easily won). It's only when you start playing by your brain's rules and taking your human limitations seriously--as mini habits show you how to do--that you can achieve lasting change. What's A Mini Habit?A mini habit is a very small positive behavior that you force yourself to do every day; its &quot;too small to fail&quot; nature makes it weightless, deceptively powerful, and a superior habit-building strategy. You will have no choice but to believe in yourself when you're always moving forward. The barrier to the first step is so low that even depressed or &quot;stuck&quot; people can find early success and begin to reverse their lives right away. And if you think one push-up a day is too small to matter, I've got one heck of a story for you! Aim For The First StepThey say when you aim for the moon, you'll land among the stars. Well, that doesn't make sense, as the moon is closer than the stars. I digress.  The message is that you should aim very high and even if you fall short, you'll still get somewhere. I've found the opposite to be true in regards to productivity and healthy behaviors. When you aim for the moon, you won't do anything because it's too far away. But when you aim for the step in front of you, you might keep going and reach the moon. I've used the Mini Habits strategy to get into the best shape of my life, read 10x more books, and write 4x as many words. It started from requiring one push-up from myself every day. How ridiculous is that? Not so ridiculous when you consider the science of the brain, habits, and willpower. The Mini Habits system works because it's how our brains are designed to change. Note: This book isn't for eliminating bad habits (some principles could be useful for breaking habits). Mini Habits is a strategy to create permanent healthy habits in: exercise, writing, reading, thinking positively, meditating, drinking water, eating healthy foods, etc. Lasting change won't happen until you take that first step into a strategy that works. Give Mini Habits a try. You won't look back.

personaldevelopment

Personal Development

habits

Habits

problemsolving

Problem Solving

Stephen Guise is an international bestselling author, blogger, and entrepreneur. His books have been translated into 21 languages.As an author, Guise is known for delivering highly actionable, world-class behavior change strategies in a humorous wrapper.

Stephen Guise

Mini Habits

“The Creative Mindset is a state of mind – a way of thinking, a way of seeing opportunities to sprinkle creativity into ordinary practices.”

Why Is It Important

<ol><li>Clarify – The ability to identify a problem or challenge worth tackling</li><li>Replicate – The ability to place existing things in a new context</li><li>Elaborate – The ability to link seemingly disparate things to create something novel</li><li>Associate – The ability to use analogous thinking to problem-solve</li><li>Translate – The ability to convey your vision to others</li><li>Evaluate – The ability to choose the best idea</li></ol>

The Mindset Results From Mastering Six Concrete Skills

Before getting creative, understand what changes are needed and why they are important. Clearly define the project's mission statement, outlining the participants, location, and impact. 
<ul>
<li> Identify specific changes and reasons for change </li>
<li> Create a mission statement that includes project details </li>
<li> State who and how the project will occur </li>
<li> Explain the significance of the project </li>
</ul>
 This will help guide the change process and ensure everyone is on the same page. 💡

Mission Statement for Project Change

Finding new sources of inspiration can be as simple as stepping outside of your comfort zone. Try these tips: 
<ol>
 <li> Explore new locations or view familiar places from a new perspective </li>
 <li> Engage with people who have different viewpoints than your own </li>
 <li> Draw inspiration from the beauty of the world around you </li>
</ol>
 Don't be afraid to get out of your routine and see things in a new light. It can lead to surprising and exciting inspiration. 🌎

Get Inspiration by Exploring New Places and Opening Your Mind

<ul><li>Try Word Association - Pick a Collection of Random Words from a Dictionary and Connect Your Project to Each Word.</li><li>SCAMPER - Ask Six Questions about the Challenge You Face and Use Your Responses to Generate New Ideas: Can You Substitute? Combine? Adapt? Magnify? Eliminate? Reverse? Put to Other Uses?</li><li>Employ Lateral Thinking - Leverage Edward de Bono's Approach and Consider Your Problem in Six Distinct Ways: Objectives (Processes); Information (Facts); Emotions (Intuition); Judgment (Critical Thinking); Optimism (Encouragement); and Creativity (New Possibilities).</li></ul>

Work on Your Elaboration Skills in Three Simple Ways:

A strong association is like a bridge that connects ideas and creates something greater than its parts.
<ul>
 <li>It helps identify problems by finding links between various concepts, leading to new perspectives.</li>
 <li>Synthesis is made possible by association, bringing together different elements to create something unique.</li>
</ul>
🌉 Association creates innovative solutions. 🚀

The Power of Association

To improve your storytelling skills and captivate your audience, try implementing these techniques:
<ol>
<li> Create a storyboard - Use visuals to outline the key elements of your story's plot. </li>
<li> Morphologies can help - Study how things are built and transformed to make your narrative more impactful. </li>
<li> Run scenarios - Anticipate how changes in society, economy, politics, and technology could impact the issue you're addressing.</li>
</ol>

🎥📉📈🛣️🔭

By incorporating these strategies, you can make your vision compelling and memorable!

Crafting Compelling Stories: Tips for Success

Challenge yourself to come up with unique and buzzworthy ideas to disrupt the market, attract customers, and unlock new potential.
<ul>
<li>Generate out-of-the-box concepts</li>
<li>Brainstorm innovative solutions</li>
</ul>

Pick Winning Ideas

To have a breakthrough, combine six creative skills in any order. There is no "right" way; use the skills that work best for you.
🧠 There are no rules for combining the six creative skills, so experiment and find what works for you.
🎨 The six skills are:
<ul>
 <li>imagine: generate new ideas</li>
 <li>reframe: look at things differently</li>
 <li>connect: see relationships between ideas</li>
 <li>evaluate: assess ideas critically</li>
 <li>act: turn ideas into action</li>
 <li>read: research and gather information</li>
</ul>
🔑 By combining these skills, you can reach aha! moments that can lead to breakthroughs in your project or challenge.

Using Creative Skills for Aha! Moments

“Jeff and Staney emphasize that small acts of creativity can have huge consequences and that ordinary people can do extraordinary things if they can see the opportunities in front of them.” —Mitch Jacobson, Executive Director, Austin Technology Incubator, UT Blackstone LaunchPad, University of Texas at Austin Nearly all of today's major innovation workshops and programs call on organizations to drive innovation. What they miss is that innovation comes from the personal creativity of individuals. And creativity doesn't require an advanced education or technical skills—all employees can be creative. Often, all they lack is a fitting mindset and the right skills. The Creative Mindset brings how-to advice, tools, and techniques from two master innovators who have taught and worked with over half of all Fortune 500 companies. Jeff and Staney DeGraff introduce six essential creative-thinking skills that can be easily mastered with limited practice and remembered as the acronym CREATE: Concentrate, Replicate, Elaborate, Associate, Translate, and Evaluate. These six skills, sequenced as steps, simplify and summarize the most important research on creative thinking and draw on over thirty years of real-world application in some of the most innovative organizations in the world. It's time to rethink the way we make innovation happen. Individual creativity is an immense untapped resource, and you don't have to be Beethoven to make a big difference. As the spirit of chef Gusteau proclaims in the Pixar classic Ratatouille, “Anyone can cook.”

writing

Reading & Writing

strategy

Strategy

creativity

Creativity

product

Product & Design

Jeff DeGraff

Staney DeGraff

The Creative Mindset

<ul><li>AI is complex and challenging to integrate, but it will transform everything in the long run.</li><li>AI encompasses several different technologies that are used for different purposes.</li><li>Big companies and start-ups are leading the way in AI. They are using it for "process automation," "cognitive insight," and "cognitive engagement."</li><li>Organizations need to develop "cognitive strategies."</li><li>AI will change the workplace, eliminating some jobs and transforming others.</li><li>Applying AI carries technical, social, and ethical challenges. Firms should be open about how they use AI.</li></ul>

AI Affects

The technologies that fall under the rubric of AI include:<ul><li>"Statistical machine learning" - Many firms use machine learning to enhance their operations.</li><li>"Neural networks" - This more complex version of machine learning is useful for categorizing activities.</li><li>"Natural language processing" (NLP) - This is used to analyze text, translate, and recognize spoken language.</li><li>"Semantic NLP" - This form of AI involves graphing a language's rules and relationships.</li><li>"Robotics" - This technology includes both physical robots and "robotic process automation" (RPA).</li></ul>

AI  used for

<ul><li>Process automation” – This common application uses robots or RPA for repetitive tasks, transferring data between systems, updating or reconciling systems, and so on. </li></ul>“Cognitive insight” – This involves using AI to generate apps that employ algorithms to find data patterns and help users interpret data. “Cognitive engagement” – Businesses provide AI for customers and workers, as in around-the-clock customer service; recommendations; answering employee

Organizations tend to use AI in three general areas:

Organizations need to create cognitive strategies for AI development.Why?<ul><li>Data analysis is a key aspect of AI.</li><li>Usage strategies should align with the organization's handled content.</li><li>Set goals for internal and external usage</li><li>Some strategies can evolve into AI-driven business models and drive future development.</li></ul>How?<ul><li>Develop strategies that cater to your specific organization and AI system.</li><li>Ensure alignment with the type of data being handled.</li><li>Take into consideration both internal and external goals.</li><li>Continuously evaluate and improve strategies as AI technology evolves.</li></ul>

Benefits of Cognitive Strategies for AI Development

<ul>
<li>AI strategy leads to improved data analysis and utilization of AI technology.</li>
<li>It enables organizations to make efficient decisions and improve their decision-making capabilities.</li>
<li>AI strategy provides the potential to develop innovative and AI-driven business models.</li>
<li>It encourages adaptation and growth in a constantly evolving technology landscape.</li>
</ul>

The Benefits of AI Strategy ✨

“Cognitive technology is primarily about analyzing and extracting insights from content – data, information or knowledge.”

Organizations can see workers go through five stages as AI is implemented:<ol><li>🔍 "Stepping in" - Monitoring & modifying AI apps</li><li>🏃‍♂️ "Stepping up" - Using AI for simple tasks & creating strategic visions</li><li>🤝 "Stepping aside" - Focusing on skills that humans excel at, like collaboration</li><li>🧐 "Stepping narrowly" - Specialized jobs that won't be automated</li><li>🚀 "Stepping forward" - Designing & building new AI</li></ol>Get ready for the future of work and the role of AI in the workforce!

The Five Stages of AI and Workers

How to Put the Artificial Intelligence Revolution to Work (Management on the Cutting Edge)

Cutting through the hype, a practical guide to using artificial intelligence for business benefits and competitive advantage.In The AI Advantage, Thomas Davenport offers a guide to using artificial intelligence in business. He describes what technologies are available and how companies can use them for business benefits and competitive advantage. He cuts through the hype of the AI craze—remember when it seemed plausible that IBM's Watson could cure cancer?—to explain how businesses can put artificial intelligence to work now, in the real world. His key recommendation: don't go for the “moonshot” (curing cancer, or synthesizing all investment knowledge); look for the “low-hanging fruit” to make your company more efficient.Davenport explains that the business value AI offers is solid rather than sexy or splashy. AI will improve products and processes and make decisions better informed—important but largely invisible tasks. AI technologies won't replace human workers but augment their capabilities, with smart machines to work alongside smart people. AI can automate structured and repetitive work; provide extensive analysis of data through machine learning (“analytics on steroids”), and engage with customers and employees via chatbots and intelligent agents. Companies should experiment with these technologies and develop their own expertise.Davenport describes the major AI technologies and explains how they are being used, reports on the AI work done by large commercial enterprises like Amazon and Google, and outlines strategies and steps to becoming a cognitive corporation. This book provides an invaluable guide to the real-world future of business AI.A book in the Management on the Cutting Edge series, published in cooperation with MIT Sloan Management Review.

technologyandthefuture

Technology & The Future

artificialintelligence

Artificial Intelligence

Thomas H. Davenport

The AI Advantage

<ul><li>Human-Centered AI (HCAI) seeks to empower people, not replace them.</li><li>HCAI vests in rationalism and empiricism.</li><li>HCAI attempts to combine significant levels of human control with automation.</li><li>HCAI strives to be “reliable, safe and trustworthy.”</li><li>HCAI designs should be consistent and user-friendly, and should prioritize user control.</li><li>AI research should focus on science and innovation.</li><li>Software engineers who create HCAI systems should use ethically viable practices.</li><li>Businesses deploying HCAI systems must prepare for potential failures.</li><li>As AI develops, organizations should adopt HCAI principles.</li></ul>

Human Centered AI

Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HCAI) provides strategies for moving away from AI that focuses exclusively on powerful algorithms, and toward AI that prioritizes the human perspective. In the recent past, AI researchers and developers targeted the power and performance of algorithms and technologies.HCAI doesn’t want AI and automation to replace human beings. It aspires to keep people in control of AI

Human-Centered AI (HCAI) seeks to empower people, not replace th

HCAI distinguishes the degree to which AI is autonomous and supports automation, and the degree to which people control AI. HCAI seeks AI systems that combine autonomy and human control. This combination of human control and autonomy should promote applications that are “reliable, safe, and trustworthy” and that enhance human performance in complex projects.

HCAI attempts to combine significant levels of human control wit

<ol><li>Consistency: make sure your design is consistent and easy to navigate.</li><li>Usability: keep in mind that your interface should be functional and user-friendly for all types of users.</li><li>Feedback: provide timely feedback to avoid confusion for users.</li><li>Closing Windows: make sure users have the option to close pop-up windows.</li><li>Error Prevention: good design can minimize mistakes and prevent errors.</li><li>Undo Actions: users should have the ability to reverse actions if needed.</li><li>User Control: give users control over the interface.</li><li>Memory Minimization: designs should minimize the need for users to remember information.</li></ol>

The Eight Golden Rules for User-Friendly Design

Human-Centered AI (HCAI) provides strategies for grounding AI in human values and deploying this powerful new technology to improve, not diminish, people’s lives.

The remarkable progress in algorithms for machine and deep learning have opened the doors to new opportunities, and some dark possibilities. However, a bright future awaits those who build on their working methods by including HCAI strategies of design and testing. As many technology companies and thought leaders have argued, the goal is not to replace people, but to empower them by making design choices that give humans control over technology. In Human-Centered AI, Professor Ben Shneiderman offers an optimistic realist's guide to how artificial intelligence can be used to augment and enhance humans' lives. This project bridges the gap between ethical considerations and practical realities to offer a road map for successful, reliable systems. Digital cameras, communications services, and navigation apps are just the beginning. Shneiderman shows how future applications will support health and wellness, improve education, accelerate business, and connect people in reliable, safe, and trustworthy ways that respect human values, rights, justice, and dignity.

cybersecurity

Cybersecurity

Ben Shneiderman

Human-Centered AI

Blindspots especially affect those who are unaware of their own unawareness.These blindspots can stem from overconfidence, inexperience, being overloaded with information, emotional thinking, cognitive dissonance, poor incentives, and hierarchical distortions.

Blindspots and Leadership

How Successful Leaders Identify and Overcome the Weaknesses That Matter

Good leaders become great by skillfully managing their own vulnerabilities Leadership Blindspots: How Successful Leaders Identify and Overcome the Weaknesses That Matter is a comprehensive guide to recognizing and acting on the weak points that can impair effectiveness, diminish results, and harm a career. Written by a 30-year veteran of the leadership consulting industry and author of Trust in the Balance, the book contains examples, worksheets and surveys that illustrate the practical application of the advice presented. An online questionnaire helps readers discover their own leadership vulnerabilities, and the book provides a roadmap for creating a targeted plan to increase their awareness in the areas that truly matter. The blindspot risk is that leaders fail to respond to weaknesses or threats due to a variety of factors including the complexity of their organizations, over-confidence in their own capabilities, and being surrounded by deferential subordinates. Leadership Blindspots provides a useful model for understanding how blindspots operate and why they persist, but at the same time suggests real, actionable steps to improvement. The book details a range of techniques that make blindspots stand out in sharp relief, so action can be taken before severe damage occurs – to a leader or his or her company. Topics include: <ul> <li>A framework to understand the threats posed by blindspots</li> <li>The four most important types of blindspots – self, team, company and markets</li> <li>Detailed case studies of blindspots in leaders across a variety of industries</li> <li>A summary of the most common leadership blindspots</li> <li>Corrective practices that help mitigate the risks that blindspots pose</li> </ul> The one characteristic great leaders share is the constant desire for self-improvement. Good can always be better. These weaknesses and threats are called blindspots because they are invisible to the individual but have the potential to wreak havoc on one's reputation and long-term success. Identifying and fixing crucial problems is the leader's job, and sometimes the most debilitating problems are with the leaders themselves. Leadership Blindspots: How Successful Leaders Identify and Overcome the Weaknesses That Matter is the first step toward owning and addressing one's vulnerabilities and, as a result, becoming a more effective leader.

The Power of Now

The Good Life

The Self-Aware Leader

Mini Habits

The Creative Mindset

The AI Advantage

Human-Centered AI

Leadership Blindspots

The AI Organization

Say Thank You for Everything

Adell Falah