Even if we get a few papercuts along the way

Here is a useful framework for freeing ourselves from fear. This tool contains four elements. Dichotomy, rhetoric, evaluation and empowerment. Dichotomy presents us a choice between two contrasting options. This trait prompts us to reflect on our own beliefs and encourages critical thinking. Dichotomy helps to break free from binary thinking and open up possibilities for more nuanced understanding. For example, late one night, our relative sends us a link to one of those fear inducing, clickbait news articles that...

Identity is a complex, dynamic and multifaceted entity. And it’s not evenly distributed. Who we are as unique individuals rests at the nexus of a vast number of dynamic and interwoven factors. Whitman’s immortal mantra, I am large, I contain multitudes, is not an understatement. The interesting question to ask is, in the mosaic of our lives, composed of these diverse and distinct tiles, which pieces are most prominent? And how do they come together to form a cohesive whole...

There’s no such thing as a person who is always right. Certain people may over index on intelligence, intuition and prescience, and their batting average may be an order of magnitude higher than the rest of us. But do the math. At eight billion strong, the human experience is far too complicated, dynamic and immense for anyone to always be right. People are fallible and prone to errors in judgment, perception and understanding. The most knowledgeable and intelligent among us...

A backlog is a list of tasks required to support a larger strategic plan. It’s an accumulation of uncompleted work. And whether it’s a physical stack sitting out on our poorly constructed shelves, or some kind of digital record, the premise is the same. We tell ourselves a story about how the backlog isn’t that big and we’ll get to it eventually. Or we tell ourselves the story that there is always more work than we have time for, so...

Contempt is the tendency to look down on, distance, and derogate others who violate our standards. It’s a disposition that’s been clinically proven to have significant negative consequences. And the long term effects of contempt often damage trust, hinder effective communication, contribute to hostile environments, even end marriages. Everyone is aligned on those facts. The verdict on contempt is out. But what nobody talks about is the bigger issue, which is that contempt feels good. Really, really good. It’s one...