Right Attitudes

Ideas for Impact

Archives for February 2024

How to … Care Less About What Other People Think

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Mastering Self-Liberation: Care Less About Others' Opinions Are you spending too much time worrying about others’ opinions of you? Studies show that we consistently and needlessly overestimate how much—and how badly—others think about our failings.

While seeking acceptance is natural, it’s essential not to become overly focused on pleasing others or taking rejection personally. Challenge social norms and maintain a balanced perspective.

By regularly bring your focus back on the bigger picture (“What do I want?”) and daring to go against the tide, you’ll find that others’ opinions have less sway over you. This shift reduces overgeneralization and premature conclusions.

When faced with criticism, assess whether the criticism is fair and warranted. If upon reflection, you find that the criticism holds merit and aligns with your values or goals, it may be beneficial to consider making changes or adjustments accordingly. However, if after careful consideration, you determine that the criticism is unjustified or does not resonate with your beliefs or objectives, don’t let it affect you negatively.

Be mindful of your thoughts and interrogate them. Don’t allow assumptions about others’ perceptions to dictate your actions. Often, what you fear others are judging you for exists solely in your imagination.

Idea for Impact: Know what matters to you personally—what you stand for, what your values are. Persuade yourself to become more competent in the skills and fields that matter to you. This attitude will enhance your self-confidence and develop a strong and positive self-image.

Wondering what to read next?

  1. Could Limiting Social Media Reduce Your Anxiety About Work?
  2. Be Comfortable with Who You Are
  3. Let Others Think What They May
  4. Who Told You That Everybody Was Going to Like You?
  5. Let Go of Toxic Friendships

Prevent Burnout: Take This Quiz, Save Your Spark

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Wondering if you’re on the burnout train?

Prevent Burnout: Take This Quiz, Save Your Spark Take this self-assessment quiz to check if you’re really feeling the burn.

  1. Are you starting and ending most days feeling like you’ve been through the wringer, both physically and emotionally?
  2. Do you carry around this constant sense of cynicism, where everyone and everything seems to let you down or drive you crazy?
  3. Have you reached a point where you’re losing the ability to connect with your colleagues or clients on an empathetic level?
  4. Ever feel like you’re stuck, like you don’t really have control over your day-to-day life?
  5. Has anyone, or maybe even your closest peeps, raised an eyebrow about some changes in your habits? Maybe you’ve amped up the drinking, smoking, eating, or other not-so-healthy behaviors?
  6. Finding it hard to finish up tasks that used to be a breeze? Procrastination starting to take over your life?
  7. Do you seem to always be in crisis mode nowadays? Any tiny change to plans or assignments causing a major freak-out?
  8. Is your body giving you more signals than usual? Are colds hitting you right after those big deadlines?

If you’re nodding along and checking ‘yes’ to four or more of these questions, it could be that burnout is paying you a visit.

Don’t brush off those burnout signs at work.

Feeling constantly tired or cranky is your cue to make some changes.

Don’t be shy about asking for help. Prioritize tasks, and make sure to carve out some me-time.

Idea for Impact: If the cracks are appearing, don’t wait for breaking point.

Wondering what to read next?

  1. Co-Workation Defeats Work-Life Balance
  2. Great Jobs are Overwhelming, and Not Everybody Wants Them
  3. Why You Can’t Relax on Your Next Vacation
  4. How to Encourage Yourself During Tough Times
  5. The Truth About Work-Life Balance

Inspirational Quotations #1038

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Only a very bad theologian would confuse the certainty that follows revelation with the truths that are revealed. They are entirely different things.
—Denis Diderot (French Philosopher, Writer)

Confidence in a forecast rises with the amount of information that goes into it. But the accuracy of the forecast stays the same.
—Dean Williams (Australian Leadership Consultant)

Love is so short, forgetting is so long.
—Pablo Neruda (Chilean Poet)

As a rock on the seashore he standeth firm, and the dashing of the waves disturbeth him not. He raiseth his head like a tower on a hill, and the arrows of fortune drop at his feet. In the instant of danger, the courage of his heart here, and scorn to fly.
—Akhenaten (Egyptian Monarch)

Prayer is first of all listening to God. It’s openness. God is always speaking; he’s always doing something. Prayer is to enter into that activity. … Convert your thoughts into prayer. As we are involved in unceasing thinking, so we are called to unceasing prayer. The difference is not that prayer is thinking about other things, but that prayer is thinking in dialogue, … a conversation with God.
—Henri Nouwen (Dutch Catholic Priest)

The ideals and objectives of yesterday was still ideals of today, but they lost some of their luster and even, as one seemed to go towards them, they lost the shining beauty which had warmed the heart and vitalized the body. Evil triumphed often enough, but what was far worse was the coarsening and distortion of what seemed so right. Was human nature so essentially bad that it would take ages of training, through suffering and misfortune, before it could behave reasonably and raise man above the creature of lust and violence and deceit that he now was? And, meanwhile, was every effort to change radically in the present or the near future doomed to failure.
—Jawaharlal Nehru (Indian Head of State)

Despite some of the horrors and barbarisms of modern life which appall and grieve us, life in the twentieth century undeniably has—or has the potentiality of—such richness, joy and adventure as were unknown to our ancestors except in their dreams.
—Arthur Compton (American Physicist)

A human life is a story told by God.
—Hans Christian Andersen (Danish Author)

It is strange that men will talk of miracles, revelations, inspiration, and the like, as things past, while love remains.
—Henry David Thoreau (American Philosopher)

What Does ‘Culture of Respect’ Really Mean?

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What Does 'Culture of Respect' Really Mean? A culture of respect involves a pervasive attitude and a set of behaviors that uphold the dignity, worth, and boundaries of every individual.

A culture of respect is one in which everyone knows exactly where the lines of appropriate and inappropriate conduct lie.

A culture of respect is one in which everyone takes responsibility for their actions and their impact on others. They also hold themselves and others accountable for maintaining respectful behavior.

A culture of respect is one in which everyone feels confident enough to speak up when somebody—no matter their rank—crosses the threshold of acceptable behavior.

Wondering what to read next?

  1. Embracing Cultural Sensitivity: A Case Study of Akira Kurosawa’s Oscar Speech
  2. There’s Real Danger in Religious Illiteracy
  3. Any Crisis Calls for Constant, Candid Communication
  4. The Likeability Factor: Whose “Do Not Pair” List Includes You?
  5. Managerial Lessons from the Show Business: Summary of Leadership from the Director’s Chair

Swagger Through Sorrow

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When Life Throws You a Curveball, Project Confidence and Composure Lev Shestov, the Russian existentialist philosopher, offers this compelling insight in his All Things Are Possible (1905): “If you want people to envy you for your sorrow or shame, act as if you were proud of it. With just enough of the actor in you, rest assured, you will become the hero of the day.”

When life throws you a curveball, project confidence and composure.

Embrace the “act-as-if” mentality.

Fake it ’til you make it.

You can transform tales of failure into sources of admiration—even heroism.

And you’ll earn respect and admiration.

But don’t go too far with the act. Superficial confidence can lead to imposter syndrome and a lack of authenticity.

Wondering what to read next?

  1. The Power of Negative Thinking
  2. “What Am I Sad About?”
  3. Cope with Anxiety and Stop Obsessive Worrying by Creating a Worry Box
  4. Expressive Writing Can Help You Heal
  5. Think Your Way Out of a Negative Thought

Ask For What You Want

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Ask and Receive: Unlocking Possibilities Through Asking for Help Don’t just sit around twiddling your thumbs, waiting for the good stuff to fall in your lap. Open your mouth, and you might just catch what you’re aiming for.

There’s no shame in reaching out for a hand. If it’s all above board, and there’s something to gain without risking much, why not give it a shot?

Fear’s gonna sneak up on you, but don’t let it hold you back. Sure, you might face a few ‘no’s or some pushback, but that’s just par for the course. It’s those rejections that pave the road to that one big ‘yes’ that could change the whole game.

Winners ask for what they want. Sure, they might face a heap of rejections, but they’re also the ones more likely to snag the big wins.

Idea for Impact: As long as your ask is ethical, ask for what you want. People who hesitate to ask usually settle for far less success than they could otherwise achieve.

Don’t settle for crumbs when you could be dining at the feast.

Wondering what to read next?

  1. A Mental Hack to Overcome Fear of Rejection
  2. Are These 3 Key Fears Blocking Your Path to Growth?
  3. How to … Strengthen The ‘Asking Muscle’
  4. How to Turn Your Fears into Fuel
  5. Resilience Through Rejection

Unpaid Gigs for ‘Exposure’—Is It Ever Worth It?

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Unpaid Gigs for 'Exposure'---Is It Ever Worth It? As a freelancer, you’ll constantly receive requests to write blogs, help with videos, provide ‘expert’ advice, perform a show, or attend events—all without pay, but with promises of experience, prestige, or that ever-so-alluring “exposure.”

But should you say ‘yes’ to these unpaid gigs?

It’s utterly unfair for people to assume you’re desperate for attention just because you’re starting out. And it’s downright rude if these organizations have the budget to pay only some individuals while leaving you high and dry.

For many new freelancers, doing freebies feels like a rite of passage. But speak to the old-timers, and they’ll likely warn you that unpaid gigs often lead to more unpaid gigs with zero real payoff. Plus, those promising “exposure” might not even have much exposure themselves.

So, is it ever worth it to hustle for “exposure”? Maybe, but only if it’s for a cause, charity, or group you’re genuinely passionate about.

Wondering what to read next?

  1. Why Investors Keep Backing Unprofitable Business Models
  2. The Loss Aversion Mental Model: A Case Study on Why People Think Spirit is a Horrible Airline
  3. Flying Cramped Coach: The Economics of Self-Inflicted Misery
  4. Consumer Power Is Shifting and Consumer Packaged Goods Companies Are Struggling
  5. What Taco Bell Can Teach You About Staying Relevant

There’s Real Danger in Religious Illiteracy

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There's Real Danger in Religious Illiteracy From Harvard’s Religious Literacy Project:

Understanding complex religious influences is a critical dimension of understanding modern human affairs. In spite of this awareness, there remains a widespread illiteracy about religion that spans the globe. There are many consequences of this illiteracy, but the most urgent is that it fuels conflict and antagonisms and hinders cooperative endeavors in all arenas of human experience.

In our multi-faith societies, it’s essential not only to understand our own faith traditions (or lack thereof) but also to grasp the traditions of others. Religion carries significant weight in many people’s lives, shaping individual and collective history, politics, and social dynamics through beliefs, practices, and traditions.

Unfortunately, widespread myths and factual inaccuracies about religious beliefs and texts often lead to misunderstandings and ignorance, fostering fear and prejudice.

Idea for Impact: Take the time to learn about different religions. It gives you a peek into people’s perspectives, values, and what drives them. Plus, it helps you recognize and deal with your own biases and stereotypes.

Wondering what to read next?

  1. Embracing Cultural Sensitivity: A Case Study of Akira Kurosawa’s Oscar Speech
  2. Labeling Damage
  3. Racism and Identity: The Lie of Labeling
  4. Could Limiting Social Media Reduce Your Anxiety About Work?
  5. The Problem of Living Inside Echo Chambers

Zen in a Minute: Centering with Micro-Meditations

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Zen in a Minute: Centering with Micro-Meditations If you find meditation challenging, you’re not alone. Quieting the mind, sitting still, or carving out time amid life’s hustle can feel like an uphill battle, especially when anxiety or attention issues come into play.

Enter micro-meditations.

Bite-sized moments of Zen can easily fit into your daily routine.

Think of micro-meditations as quick, rejuvenating pauses you can sprinkle throughout your day—whether it’s focused breathing while waiting for the bus, taking screen breaks, or even sitting on the porcelain throne.

Research suggests that incorporating short mindfulness practices, just 10 minutes before and after work, can work wonders for your mental well-being. By engaging in these practices, you activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps promote relaxation and counteracts the stress response triggered by the sympathetic nervous system.

Idea for Impact: Next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, give micro-meditations a try. Simply slowing down your breath can send a signal to your body to relax. Integrate these brief moments of mindfulness into your daily routine, and you might be surprised at the peace they bring amidst the chaos.

Wondering what to read next?

  1. Make a Habit of Stepping Back from Work
  2. Niksen: The Dutch Art of Embracing Stillness, Doing Nothing
  3. Learn to Cope When You’re Stressed
  4. A Quick Way to De-stress: The “Four Corners Breathing” Exercise
  5. Busyness is a Lack of Priorities

Inspirational Quotations #1037

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Man is condemned to be free; because once thrown into the world, he is responsible for everything he does.
—Jean-Paul Sartre (French Philosopher)

Modesty is to merit, what shade is to figures in a picture; it gives it strength and makes it stand out.
—Jean de La Bruyere (French Author)

Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it.
—Russell Baker (American Journalist, Humorist)

There are, strictly speaking, no enlightened people, there is only enlightened activity.
—Shunryu Suzuki (Buddhist Monk, Author)

Every human life involves an unfathomable mystery, for man is the riddle of the universe, and the riddle of man in his endowment with personal capacities. The stars are not so strange as the mind that studies them, analyzes their light, and measures their distance.
—Harry Emerson Fosdick (American Baptist Minister)

One thing only has been lent to youth and age in common—discontent.
—Matthew Arnold (English Poet, Critic)

The first principle of success is desire—knowing what you want. Desire is the planting of your seed. Very few persons, comparatively, know how to Desire with sufficient intensity. They do not know what it is to feel and manifest that intense, eager, longing, craving, insistent, demanding, ravenous Desire which is akin to the persistent, insistent, ardent, overwhelming desire of the drowning man for a breath of air; of the shipwrecked or desert-lost man for a drink of water; of the famished man for bread and meat.
—Robert Collier (American Self-Help Author)

Flow with whatever may happen and let your mind be free. Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing. This is the ultimate.
—Zhuang Zhou (Chinese Taoist Philosopher)

When you are a pessimist and the bad thing happens, you live it twice. Once when you worry about it, and the second time when it happens.
—Amos Tversky (Israeli Cognitive Psychologist)

Pleasure is a poor substitute for happiness.
—Akbarali H. Jetha (Indian Author)

A living entity cannot derive real benefit by reading hundreds of books or pretending to render devotional service according to his own ideas.
—Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura (Indian Hindu Religious Leader)

You believe easily that which you hope for earnestly.
—Terence (Roman Comic Dramatist)

Like other traditions, the tradition of reason is learnt, not innate. It too lies between instinct and reason; and the question of the real reasonableness and truth of this tradition of proclaimed reason and truth must now also scrupulously be examined.
—Friedrich Hayek (British Economist, Social Philosopher)