Category: Quotes

Tell Your Brain Good Things About Yourself and Your Life

Our brains filter information in a way that confirms our beliefs, whether those beliefs are positive or negative. By consciously shifting our mindset to focus on positive outcomes, we can start to see more of the good things happening around us.  ~ Jay Wren

Reading, hearing, or seeing things that confirm our beliefs makes us comfortable. So, if we keep thinking, “my life is terrible,” our brain will focus on experiences that reinforce that our lives are terrible.” But if we start telling ourselves that our lives are rewarding and healthy, our brain will start to notice the good things, reinforcing that positive belief. 

It’s like training your brain to be your own cheerleader. This doesn’t mean ignoring challenges or setbacks, but rather balancing them with the positives. Over time, this can lead to a more optimistic outlook and a greater sense of well-being.

Have you tried any specific techniques to help shift your mindset? Practices like gratitude journaling or positive affirmations can be really effective.

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Surround Yourself with the Smartest People

The next best thing to being wise oneself is to live in a circle of those who are.
C. S. Lewis

In the pursuit of personal and professional growth, the adage “surround yourself with people who are smarter than you” holds a profound truth. Embracing the company of those who possess greater knowledge and skills can be a powerful catalyst for development and innovation.

Why Seek Smarter Company?
The benefits of surrounding oneself with more intelligent individuals are manifold. Firstly, it fosters an environment of continuous learning. Being around those who challenge our understanding pushes us to expand our knowledge base and question our preconceived notions. It’s a dynamic setting where ideas are exchanged, and intellectual boundaries are stretched.

Moreover, smarter colleagues act as a source of inspiration. They set a higher standard of excellence, motivating us to elevate our performance and strive for greater achievements. Their expertise and problem-solving abilities can also provide valuable insights that lead to more effective decision-making.

The Impact on Innovation
Innovation thrives in diverse and intellectually stimulating environments. When smart people come together, the synergy of their combined perspectives and experiences can lead to breakthroughs that might not occur in isolation. This collaborative intelligence is the bedrock of successful teams and organizations.

Creating a Smarter Circle
Building a network of intelligent individuals requires intentionality. It involves seeking out mentors, joining professional groups, attending conferences, and engaging in communities where knowledge-sharing is prevalent. It’s about being proactive in one’s own growth journey and recognizing the value that others bring to the table.

Conclusion
The wisdom of surrounding yourself with smarter individuals is not about diminishing one’s self-worth but about recognizing the power of collective intelligence. It’s a humble acknowledgment that we all have something to learn from one another. By embracing this mindset, we open ourselves up to a world of endless possibilities and growth.

Remember, intelligence is not just about academic prowess; it encompasses emotional, social, and creative intelligence as well. So, when we talk about surrounding ourselves with ‘smarter’ people, it’s about seeking those who can complement and enhance our own abilities in various spheres of life. It’s a journey well worth embarking on.

 

Photo by Filip Zrnzević on Unsplash

What Steps can I Take Today to Make Things Better?

Horrible things happen to all of us, things beyond our control. But developing winning traits can change the questions we ask when we meet challenges. We stop asking, “Why me?” Instead, we ask, “What steps can I take today to make things better?” ~ www.jaywren.com

 

 

 

Photo by Mathias Reding on Unsplash

What are Dangers of Discussing Politics with Friends, Family, and Business Contacts?

One Simple Political Comment can Destroy Years of Trust. ~ Jay Wren

There are a number of dangers to discussing politics with friends, family, and business contacts.

Dangers of discussing politics with friends:

  • Strained relationships: Political discussions can quickly become heated and emotional, especially if friends have strong opposing views. This can lead to arguments, resentment, and even the end of friendships.
  • Echo chambers: Friends tend to share similar views, so discussing politics with them can reinforce your own beliefs and make it more difficult to see the other side’s perspective. This can lead to polarization and make it harder to have productive conversations with people who have different views.
  • Loss of trust: If you share confidential information about your political beliefs with friends, they could potentially betray your trust and use that information against you. This is especially true if your friends have different political views.

Dangers of discussing politics with family:

  • Family feuds: Political disagreements can tear families apart, especially if they are long-standing and deep-seated. This is especially true if family members are forced to spend time together, such as during holidays and vacations.
  • Hurt feelings: Family members often care deeply about each other, so political disagreements can be especially painful. This can lead to resentment, anger, and even estrangement.
  • Uncomfortable situations: If you have family members with different political views, it can be difficult to avoid political discussions altogether. This can lead to uncomfortable situations, such as at family gatherings or on social media.

Dangers of discussing politics with business contacts:

  • Damage to professional relationships: If you have political disagreements with business contacts, it can damage your professional relationships. This is especially true if your work is closely tied to your political beliefs.
  • Loss of opportunities: If your business contacts know that you have different political views, they may be less likely to do business with you. This is especially true if you are in a competitive field.
  • Create a hostile work environment: If you discuss politics at work, it can create a hostile work environment for employees with different political views. This can lead to decreased productivity and morale.

How to mitigate the dangers:

If you do choose to discuss politics with friends, family, and business contacts, there are a few things you can do to mitigate the dangers:

  • Be respectful: Even if you disagree with someone’s political views, it is important to be respectful of their right to have those views. Avoid personal attacks and name-calling.
  • Be willing to listen: It is important to be willing to listen to the other side’s perspective, even if you don’t agree with it. This shows that you are open-minded and respectful.
  • Agree to disagree: It is okay to disagree with someone about politics. You don’t have to try to change their mind. If the discussion becomes too heated, it is best to agree to disagree and move on.
  • Be mindful of your audience: It is important to be mindful of your audience when discussing politics. If you are with people who have different political views, it is best to avoid sensitive topics.

In general, it is best to avoid discussing politics with friends, family, and business contacts unless you are sure that they share your views. If you do choose to discuss politics, be respectful, be willing to listen, and agree to disagree.

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Creating a Positive Workplace

Focusing on a negative can distract people from the positive side of doing their job.

It’s Not about Fruitcake

I love fruitcake.  Like everything else, fruitcake has people who love it and people who do not. Nearly two million fruitcakes are sold each year. I doubt that many people eat an entire fruitcake, since most fruitcakes have a very dense texture and are about a foot in diameter and four inches high less that plug missing in the middle.  However, I think that given a week, I could eat an entire fruitcake.

I read an article online the other day that was very critical of fruitcakes.  Fruitcakes seem to have a public polarity rarely seen outside of politics. It baffles me how people can be so serious about fruitcakes. On the other hand, these people must feel baffled about how much I love fruitcakes.

What caught my attention is how negative this person was about fruitcakes. The author put a negative opinion out there. I felt on the defensive. The negativity was polarizing. Moreover, the subject of the article was not about fruitcakes. The article was promoting a company’s product by drawing a negative contrast between their products and other products.

They drew my attention away from their products and focused my attention on defending fruitcakes! They didn’t sell me on their products. Instead, their negativity cluttered my mind and I lost interest in their products.

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