Honoring
8 years ago
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
The step-by-step guide to self-publishing for profit by Pinheiro and Russell
I have heard authors say that writing is the easiest part of their job. All authors need a book like this next to them at their desk. This easy to read book covers everything an author needs to know about publishing and marketing a book, from setting up an office space to setting up daily goals, from to choosing apen name and designing business cards, from designing a book cover to setting up PDF files, from finding a niche to marketing on amazon.
There are a number of books on the market in this genre, each with a unique twist. This book adds elements about the life of a writer that are helpful and refreshing. It also focuses on great detail on the self-publishing service provided by CreateSpace. At times this comes across as a bit of a comercial, but overall the effect is educational. Many of the suggestions in the book can be applied to more than one company and are very detailed in nature. This is one of the stronger parts of the book since there is a great deal of information that is difficult to find in one place. I recommend this to anyone starting out in the world of self publishing.
The book also focuses on marketing and promoting books over the internet, including sites to use for a website. The advice is very clear and easy to follow, just as the step-by-step in the title suggests. The internet world is very large and can seem overwhelming, but this book helps an author get started and keep going. I also enjoyed the author interviews included at the end of the book covering promotion techniques and the list of resources.
All of this is presented in an easy to read format. I carried this book on an airplane and read the entire book on one leg of the journey. I suggest that you have a highlighter handy while you are reading this book. Mark up and bookmark the pages because you are going to want to refer back to many areas again and again.
I recommend this book to any author looking at the world of self-publishing, which seems to be most of us. Many authors have told me that even though their work has been picked up by a traditional publisher they still have to market themselves and their work. This book will is a great resource for anyone needing this advice.
I have heard authors say that writing is the easiest part of their job. All authors need a book like this next to them at their desk. This easy to read book covers everything an author needs to know about publishing and marketing a book, from setting up an office space to setting up daily goals, from to choosing apen name and designing business cards, from designing a book cover to setting up PDF files, from finding a niche to marketing on amazon.
There are a number of books on the market in this genre, each with a unique twist. This book adds elements about the life of a writer that are helpful and refreshing. It also focuses on great detail on the self-publishing service provided by CreateSpace. At times this comes across as a bit of a comercial, but overall the effect is educational. Many of the suggestions in the book can be applied to more than one company and are very detailed in nature. This is one of the stronger parts of the book since there is a great deal of information that is difficult to find in one place. I recommend this to anyone starting out in the world of self publishing.
The book also focuses on marketing and promoting books over the internet, including sites to use for a website. The advice is very clear and easy to follow, just as the step-by-step in the title suggests. The internet world is very large and can seem overwhelming, but this book helps an author get started and keep going. I also enjoyed the author interviews included at the end of the book covering promotion techniques and the list of resources.
All of this is presented in an easy to read format. I carried this book on an airplane and read the entire book on one leg of the journey. I suggest that you have a highlighter handy while you are reading this book. Mark up and bookmark the pages because you are going to want to refer back to many areas again and again.
I recommend this book to any author looking at the world of self-publishing, which seems to be most of us. Many authors have told me that even though their work has been picked up by a traditional publisher they still have to market themselves and their work. This book will is a great resource for anyone needing this advice.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Book Review The Talent Code by Coyle on Amazon: This book was a surprise. Somehow I expected something about how to spot talent, hire talent, or use talent for corporate success. What I got was a great book on learning and brain development. This well written and well researched book discusses the power of deep practice on the Myelin coating in the brain. Myelin is the insulating sheath surrounding nerve enabling them to conduct impulses between the brain and other parts of the body. The electrical current must travel without being corrupted, scrambled, diverted from the proper path, or leaking energy. Therefore, myelin is like the layer of plastic insulation surrounding an interior wire, which is the nerve.
Myelin increases when we engage in deep practice. Much like Gladwell discusses in Outliers, success comes after thousands of hours of good correct practice. This intense practice occurs when we are in a zone of focus, repeating correct actions over and over again, stopping and correcting mistakes, and repeating correct actions again. This grows and thickens that myelin over the nerves allowing for faster more accurate responses.
Before we can practice we need motivation, which he calls ignition. He also discusses why some motivation sticks and some does not using examples from a variety of sports and educational settings. This is not the world of pep-talks, but of inspiration that comes from the HSE…the Holy Shit Effect. We suddenly see someone just like us who won a golf tournament and realize that maybe we could play golf well. Coyle give numerous examples that support the HSE.
Finally Coyle points out the importance of good coaching. He reports on many studies on coaching and teaching that change our notions of the “sage on the stage” and encourage us to be a “guide on the side” to be effective. He found that short, precise and intense feedback is more effective than lectures. He uses examples from education citing the KIPP and KEEP projects, as well as more sports.
This is a great book. I was inspired to return to my piano and work on my novel. The more I practice the more myelin I grow and the better I get. Intense focused practice in the sweet zone is the secret. See perfection, measure my distance from it, reach, repeat.
Great book for educators and coaches, or anyone interested in brain research or cognitive psychology. Great book to get anyone motivated to try harder!
Myelin increases when we engage in deep practice. Much like Gladwell discusses in Outliers, success comes after thousands of hours of good correct practice. This intense practice occurs when we are in a zone of focus, repeating correct actions over and over again, stopping and correcting mistakes, and repeating correct actions again. This grows and thickens that myelin over the nerves allowing for faster more accurate responses.
Before we can practice we need motivation, which he calls ignition. He also discusses why some motivation sticks and some does not using examples from a variety of sports and educational settings. This is not the world of pep-talks, but of inspiration that comes from the HSE…the Holy Shit Effect. We suddenly see someone just like us who won a golf tournament and realize that maybe we could play golf well. Coyle give numerous examples that support the HSE.
Finally Coyle points out the importance of good coaching. He reports on many studies on coaching and teaching that change our notions of the “sage on the stage” and encourage us to be a “guide on the side” to be effective. He found that short, precise and intense feedback is more effective than lectures. He uses examples from education citing the KIPP and KEEP projects, as well as more sports.
This is a great book. I was inspired to return to my piano and work on my novel. The more I practice the more myelin I grow and the better I get. Intense focused practice in the sweet zone is the secret. See perfection, measure my distance from it, reach, repeat.
Great book for educators and coaches, or anyone interested in brain research or cognitive psychology. Great book to get anyone motivated to try harder!
Book Review of Trade-offs by Maney. Read it on Amazon
Is there a magic formula for success? This author suggests that successful products and companies know that they must choose between Fidelity and Convenience. Fidelity refers to outstanding quality that might be difficult to obtain, but is worth the effort. Convenience is, well, just what it sounds like, easy to obtain or less expensive. Harvard is fidelity, University of Phoenix is convenient. One is not better than the other, they just fill different niches.
There are two difficult areas on the scale between fidelity and convenience. The first is the fidelity belly, where most companies and technology start. The Kindle is in the belly right now. It is cool to use, but still expensive and not very convenient. Either the technology will improve or the price will come down for the kindle to become more convenient.
The second dangerous area is the mirage that a company can be both high fidelity and highly convenient. Starbucks tried this and has diluted their brand. At first Starbucks was high fidelity, a Starbucks cup meant that you had been somewhere special. Then something changed, Starbucks appeared on every corner and became convenient. They lost their aura of fidelity. Aiming for the fidelity mirage they ended up in the fidelity belly. Success is usually obtained if products of companies possess Super fidelity or Super convenience, they cannot have both.
This formula might be simplified, but it does make a great deal of sense. Target is convenient, Nordstums has fidelity. Both are successful, but for different reasons. Companies that try to be both usually fail. Imagine if the University of Phoenix tried to become the Harvard of the west, or if Harvard had extension campuses in every state. Neither concept would work. The best advice is to pick one and do it well.
This book is an enjoyable read with solid examples and advice. I recommend it to anyone running a company, non-profit or institution, or developing a product. It is also a good read for anyone interested in marketing or cognitive psychology.
Is there a magic formula for success? This author suggests that successful products and companies know that they must choose between Fidelity and Convenience. Fidelity refers to outstanding quality that might be difficult to obtain, but is worth the effort. Convenience is, well, just what it sounds like, easy to obtain or less expensive. Harvard is fidelity, University of Phoenix is convenient. One is not better than the other, they just fill different niches.
There are two difficult areas on the scale between fidelity and convenience. The first is the fidelity belly, where most companies and technology start. The Kindle is in the belly right now. It is cool to use, but still expensive and not very convenient. Either the technology will improve or the price will come down for the kindle to become more convenient.
The second dangerous area is the mirage that a company can be both high fidelity and highly convenient. Starbucks tried this and has diluted their brand. At first Starbucks was high fidelity, a Starbucks cup meant that you had been somewhere special. Then something changed, Starbucks appeared on every corner and became convenient. They lost their aura of fidelity. Aiming for the fidelity mirage they ended up in the fidelity belly. Success is usually obtained if products of companies possess Super fidelity or Super convenience, they cannot have both.
This formula might be simplified, but it does make a great deal of sense. Target is convenient, Nordstums has fidelity. Both are successful, but for different reasons. Companies that try to be both usually fail. Imagine if the University of Phoenix tried to become the Harvard of the west, or if Harvard had extension campuses in every state. Neither concept would work. The best advice is to pick one and do it well.
This book is an enjoyable read with solid examples and advice. I recommend it to anyone running a company, non-profit or institution, or developing a product. It is also a good read for anyone interested in marketing or cognitive psychology.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
People say that what we're all seeking is a meaning for life....I think that what we're really seeking is an experience of being alive, so that our life experiences on the purely physical plane will have resonance within our innermost being and reality, so that we can actually feel the rapture of being alive. Joseph Campbell
Monday, October 12, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
I will be offering vitual workshops on how to Pirate your Life with 12Academy. Check out this link: http://ping.fm/pULpR
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Book review of Spent. Read it and vote on Amazon.
Spent is a fun read, if a bit repetitive. The author is an evolutionary psychologist with a great sense of humor who accesses considerable research in the writing of this book. The chapter headings are even entertaining:1. Darwin Goes to the Mall 2. The Genius of Marketing 3. Why Marketing is Central to Culture 4. This Is Your Brain on Money 5. The Fundamental Consumerist Delusion 6. Flaunting Fitness 7. Conspicuous Waste, Precision and Reputation 8. Self-Branding Bodies, Self-Marketing Minds 9. The Central Six 10. Traits That Consumers Flaunt and Marketers Ignore 11. General Intelligence 12. Openness 13. Conscientiousness 14. Agreeableness 15. The Centrifugal Soul 16. The Will to Display 17. Legalizing Freedom Exercises for the Reader Further Reading and View I enjoyed the theory in the book of the six central traits the consumers flaunt, the traits that influence what and how we buy. The second half of the book explores these traits in great depth. The author compares his system to many other personality tests. I found the first part of the book insightful and entertaining. There is a great deal of rich information about the evolution of human personality and desire. We are still connected to that past in which having a good mate is important. Our brains developed as we walked across savannahs, searching for food and trying to attract a mate. Our brains still respond to this need to collect and have as a sign of our desirability.
Spent is a fun read, if a bit repetitive. The author is an evolutionary psychologist with a great sense of humor who accesses considerable research in the writing of this book. The chapter headings are even entertaining:1. Darwin Goes to the Mall 2. The Genius of Marketing 3. Why Marketing is Central to Culture 4. This Is Your Brain on Money 5. The Fundamental Consumerist Delusion 6. Flaunting Fitness 7. Conspicuous Waste, Precision and Reputation 8. Self-Branding Bodies, Self-Marketing Minds 9. The Central Six 10. Traits That Consumers Flaunt and Marketers Ignore 11. General Intelligence 12. Openness 13. Conscientiousness 14. Agreeableness 15. The Centrifugal Soul 16. The Will to Display 17. Legalizing Freedom Exercises for the Reader Further Reading and View I enjoyed the theory in the book of the six central traits the consumers flaunt, the traits that influence what and how we buy. The second half of the book explores these traits in great depth. The author compares his system to many other personality tests. I found the first part of the book insightful and entertaining. There is a great deal of rich information about the evolution of human personality and desire. We are still connected to that past in which having a good mate is important. Our brains developed as we walked across savannahs, searching for food and trying to attract a mate. Our brains still respond to this need to collect and have as a sign of our desirability.
Book review of Evolution is True
Read it on amazon.com
I do have a bias. I have an MA in geology and believe that evolution is true. However, if I doubted before I read this book, I would have to become a believer in the science of evolution. This book does an amazing job at explicating the processes of evolution, as well as the drivers. There are numerous examples from the way ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny, to vestigial atavistic features (such as human tails and appendices and dolphin legs) the fossil record and developmental oddities. The author discusses bad design in some animals, and how this could only be due to evolution. Drivers include sexual practices and mating rituals, biogeography, speciation, selection and accidental changes.
This is an easy read with a great deal of solid research behind it. The research is presented in a way that anyone can understand. There are arguments that directly refute intelligent design and address the moral and ethical concerns around evolution. Dr Coyne takes the time to point out the flaws in the ID argument, which is another form of creationism. However, he remains focused on evolution rather than digressing into argument. The author also has a good sense of humor and is clearly an expert in his field.
The book is sprinkled with quotes by Darwin and other scientists. My favorite by Darwin is:
“Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge: it is those who know little, and not those who know much who so positively assert that this or that problem will never be solved by science.”
This book will adds a great deal to the general store of knowledge.
Read it on amazon.com
I do have a bias. I have an MA in geology and believe that evolution is true. However, if I doubted before I read this book, I would have to become a believer in the science of evolution. This book does an amazing job at explicating the processes of evolution, as well as the drivers. There are numerous examples from the way ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny, to vestigial atavistic features (such as human tails and appendices and dolphin legs) the fossil record and developmental oddities. The author discusses bad design in some animals, and how this could only be due to evolution. Drivers include sexual practices and mating rituals, biogeography, speciation, selection and accidental changes.
This is an easy read with a great deal of solid research behind it. The research is presented in a way that anyone can understand. There are arguments that directly refute intelligent design and address the moral and ethical concerns around evolution. Dr Coyne takes the time to point out the flaws in the ID argument, which is another form of creationism. However, he remains focused on evolution rather than digressing into argument. The author also has a good sense of humor and is clearly an expert in his field.
The book is sprinkled with quotes by Darwin and other scientists. My favorite by Darwin is:
“Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge: it is those who know little, and not those who know much who so positively assert that this or that problem will never be solved by science.”
This book will adds a great deal to the general store of knowledge.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Talk like a Pirate day falls on Rosh Hashanah this year. Not sure what that means, but here is a great site that talks about the history of Jewish Pirates
http://ping.fm/f8tM3
http://ping.fm/f8tM3
Review of Brain Rules by Dr. John Medina.
vote on Amazon.com
Dr Medina, a developmental molecular biologist, has written a fun and engaging book about the brain that is based on his research. The rules are applicable to our everyday life, and in some cases, to our work and educational settings. This book sets the bar for the new wave of brain books that have entered the marked.
The rules are simple to understand and backed by solid research. There book starts with the evolutionary history of the brain. The human brain developed as we walked for miles across open savannahs. The human brain is built to adapt to change and focus on survival. Our brain was fed by movement and processing information. This means that we are great at ignoring the boring and focusing on changes in patterns. It also means the brain needs to adapt and learn to stay healthy.
The book discusses 12 different “rules” about the brain and how we can apply them. For example, because our brains were built work while we are walking and moving, exercise boosts brain power. So if we want to improve thinking skills, we need to move and get oxygen and glucose to the brain. Aerobic exercise twice a week halves the risk of general dementia and reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s by 60%. On the flip side, there is no greater anti-brain environment than the classroom and the cubicle.
Dr Medina points out that humans do not pay attention to boring things. We are better at seeing patterns and abstracting meaning than recording details. Tapping a person’s emotions helps them learn. People start to fade after 10 minutes in any lecture, and especially during a typical power point, so tap their emotions. Since vision trumps all other senses, we learn and remember best through pictures rather than words.
I loved reading that every brain is wired differently, and men and women are wired completely differently. I see this play out in the graduate courses I teach. Students have different learning styles. Men and women learn differently and are comfortable in different settings.
Finally, the book points out that we are powerful and natural explorers; a fact that is not utilized by academic or corporate settings. We design environments that limit exploration and movement. In fact, our lecture halls look exactly like the ones used in during the Renaissance. I would love to design a school that makes use of all of the rules in this book. I bet we would turn education around.
Read this book if you are in a leadership position, an educational setting, a training positions, or want to make your presentations more effective. Read this book if you want to have a “Mike Wallace” aging experience and be mentally vibrant into your 90’s.
vote on Amazon.com
Dr Medina, a developmental molecular biologist, has written a fun and engaging book about the brain that is based on his research. The rules are applicable to our everyday life, and in some cases, to our work and educational settings. This book sets the bar for the new wave of brain books that have entered the marked.
The rules are simple to understand and backed by solid research. There book starts with the evolutionary history of the brain. The human brain developed as we walked for miles across open savannahs. The human brain is built to adapt to change and focus on survival. Our brain was fed by movement and processing information. This means that we are great at ignoring the boring and focusing on changes in patterns. It also means the brain needs to adapt and learn to stay healthy.
The book discusses 12 different “rules” about the brain and how we can apply them. For example, because our brains were built work while we are walking and moving, exercise boosts brain power. So if we want to improve thinking skills, we need to move and get oxygen and glucose to the brain. Aerobic exercise twice a week halves the risk of general dementia and reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s by 60%. On the flip side, there is no greater anti-brain environment than the classroom and the cubicle.
Dr Medina points out that humans do not pay attention to boring things. We are better at seeing patterns and abstracting meaning than recording details. Tapping a person’s emotions helps them learn. People start to fade after 10 minutes in any lecture, and especially during a typical power point, so tap their emotions. Since vision trumps all other senses, we learn and remember best through pictures rather than words.
I loved reading that every brain is wired differently, and men and women are wired completely differently. I see this play out in the graduate courses I teach. Students have different learning styles. Men and women learn differently and are comfortable in different settings.
Finally, the book points out that we are powerful and natural explorers; a fact that is not utilized by academic or corporate settings. We design environments that limit exploration and movement. In fact, our lecture halls look exactly like the ones used in during the Renaissance. I would love to design a school that makes use of all of the rules in this book. I bet we would turn education around.
Read this book if you are in a leadership position, an educational setting, a training positions, or want to make your presentations more effective. Read this book if you want to have a “Mike Wallace” aging experience and be mentally vibrant into your 90’s.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Book review. Read it all on Amazon vote "helpful"
In Pursuit of Elegance, written by Matthew May, delivered what it promised: the elusive element behind successful innovative breakthroughs. The answer is elegant design. This book not only defines elegance, which is not about setting a table well, but also gives guidance for any development process. I attended a workshop several years ago in which we were challenged to solve problems using elegance of design. I loved the idea, but could never clearly define what elegance in problem solving, or grant writing, or project management or leadership would look like. This book answered many of my questions.
According to May, elegant design comprises the elements of symmetry, seduction, subtraction and sustainability. Symmetry works with the brains ability, and need to find closure and make meaning. Our brain looks for patterns and balance. May defines symmetry as the junction of mathematics, nature, science and art. Symmetry allows our brain to fill in the missing pieces so that we can find solutions with only part of the information available. Games such as Sudoku are solved through this process.
Seduction engages our imagination and captivates us. We are satisfied when we fill in the empty spaces. Solving problems like this gives us a rush of dopamine. This is why less if more and why Sudoku is so addicting.
Subtraction helps us solve the problem of economy. Humans are consumers and tend to hoard. Subtraction creates the space to be filled in so that we can seek symmetry and utilized seduction. Some successful companies have eliminated job titles. Some have reduced the number of standard features. Some advertise less, or with less focus on the product. Traffic circles eliminate traffic control and result in a decrease in accidents. Psychologists have known for years that giving your adolescent less rules is more effective.
The trick is knowing what to subtract. This question is answered by sustainability. We have to create a process that is both repeatable and lasting (think about grants). Sustainable thinking helps us to do that. Together these four elements result in a blend of logic and creative thinking and produce elegant designs.
The book give any real life examples of each of these concepts and how they interact, as well as many ways the author applied them. This is a usable book and one that can help change the way any of us think about problem solving. I highly recommend this book to anyone in the world of leadership, project management, grant writing, marketing, human service management, brain studies or psychology. In fact I think anyone will enjoy this book.
In Pursuit of Elegance, written by Matthew May, delivered what it promised: the elusive element behind successful innovative breakthroughs. The answer is elegant design. This book not only defines elegance, which is not about setting a table well, but also gives guidance for any development process. I attended a workshop several years ago in which we were challenged to solve problems using elegance of design. I loved the idea, but could never clearly define what elegance in problem solving, or grant writing, or project management or leadership would look like. This book answered many of my questions.
According to May, elegant design comprises the elements of symmetry, seduction, subtraction and sustainability. Symmetry works with the brains ability, and need to find closure and make meaning. Our brain looks for patterns and balance. May defines symmetry as the junction of mathematics, nature, science and art. Symmetry allows our brain to fill in the missing pieces so that we can find solutions with only part of the information available. Games such as Sudoku are solved through this process.
Seduction engages our imagination and captivates us. We are satisfied when we fill in the empty spaces. Solving problems like this gives us a rush of dopamine. This is why less if more and why Sudoku is so addicting.
Subtraction helps us solve the problem of economy. Humans are consumers and tend to hoard. Subtraction creates the space to be filled in so that we can seek symmetry and utilized seduction. Some successful companies have eliminated job titles. Some have reduced the number of standard features. Some advertise less, or with less focus on the product. Traffic circles eliminate traffic control and result in a decrease in accidents. Psychologists have known for years that giving your adolescent less rules is more effective.
The trick is knowing what to subtract. This question is answered by sustainability. We have to create a process that is both repeatable and lasting (think about grants). Sustainable thinking helps us to do that. Together these four elements result in a blend of logic and creative thinking and produce elegant designs.
The book give any real life examples of each of these concepts and how they interact, as well as many ways the author applied them. This is a usable book and one that can help change the way any of us think about problem solving. I highly recommend this book to anyone in the world of leadership, project management, grant writing, marketing, human service management, brain studies or psychology. In fact I think anyone will enjoy this book.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Book Review: The Mature Mind by Gene Cohen
This is a short sweet wonderful book. Dr. Cohen is well known in the world of creativity and aging, so this is a great addition to his work. The focus is on brain research and what it tells us about aging and the strengths of the mature brain. Somehow the idea that aging is always accompanied by forgetfulness has worked its way into the social psyche. This is the book that disputes that depressing idea.
This book is a strong mixture of anecdote and scientific research in a format that is accessible and enjoyable. We are introduced to feisty 70 to 90 year olds, new information about brain activity, news thoughts about adult development, as well as suggestions for a healthy future.
Dr Cohen introduces us to four stages of adult development: Midlife reevaluation, Liberation, Summing up, and Encore. In each stage we meet individuals who are still developing and growing. The author also explores the strength of the brain in each phase. We are introduced to the notion that an older brain processes differently, but equally as well as a younger brain. We think differently as we age in that we have more information to link into a decision, and can use the parts of our brain in tandem more easily. We might lose some speed in our processing, but our wisdom, or the result of the processing, increases. We in fact often have better social intelligence.
The book ends with a plan for building a social portfolio and reinventing retirement. Cohn points out that most people do not truly retire, they just move into an encore stage doing things they want to do. The suggestions for keeping our brain active and strong are fairly easy: plan, build community infrastructure, build a balance social portfolio, stay engaged, continue long duration activities, give back to community, and keep learning. Through out the book is another concept, keep physically active. Cohen ends with comments on the importance of creativity.
This is a great book for anyone over 50, or anyone who is afraid of aging. It is also a good book for a developmental psychology course, especially at the graduate level. The research is solid and the presentation welcoming. I highly recommend this book
This is a short sweet wonderful book. Dr. Cohen is well known in the world of creativity and aging, so this is a great addition to his work. The focus is on brain research and what it tells us about aging and the strengths of the mature brain. Somehow the idea that aging is always accompanied by forgetfulness has worked its way into the social psyche. This is the book that disputes that depressing idea.
This book is a strong mixture of anecdote and scientific research in a format that is accessible and enjoyable. We are introduced to feisty 70 to 90 year olds, new information about brain activity, news thoughts about adult development, as well as suggestions for a healthy future.
Dr Cohen introduces us to four stages of adult development: Midlife reevaluation, Liberation, Summing up, and Encore. In each stage we meet individuals who are still developing and growing. The author also explores the strength of the brain in each phase. We are introduced to the notion that an older brain processes differently, but equally as well as a younger brain. We think differently as we age in that we have more information to link into a decision, and can use the parts of our brain in tandem more easily. We might lose some speed in our processing, but our wisdom, or the result of the processing, increases. We in fact often have better social intelligence.
The book ends with a plan for building a social portfolio and reinventing retirement. Cohn points out that most people do not truly retire, they just move into an encore stage doing things they want to do. The suggestions for keeping our brain active and strong are fairly easy: plan, build community infrastructure, build a balance social portfolio, stay engaged, continue long duration activities, give back to community, and keep learning. Through out the book is another concept, keep physically active. Cohen ends with comments on the importance of creativity.
This is a great book for anyone over 50, or anyone who is afraid of aging. It is also a good book for a developmental psychology course, especially at the graduate level. The research is solid and the presentation welcoming. I highly recommend this book
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Five Minutes on Monday by Alan Lurie is quiet gem. I have not seen it on any lists, but it should be. The author is an architect turned rabbi turned manager. He brings a wide breadth of knowledge and experience to his quiet Monday insights. The book is a compilation of Monday morning talks a business team. While many of the insights come from the Jewish tradition, they are peppered with stories and concepts from philosophy, science and other religious traditions. The tone of the book is very soft, encouraging reflection on the deeper meanings of the ideas.
The topics range from justice to creativity to resolving conflicts to being authentic while facing fears and cultivating happiness. Quiet and powerful. I started to just read through the book, but found that randomly opening it and reading a bite-size section was better. There is an index that is very helpful in finding pertinent themes. Even the short highlighted quotes are useful. For example, I just randomly opened the book to this one:" With experience and guidance, we discover that mistakes can, in fact, often be turned around and transformed into a positive growth experience."
The chapters are short since each was a short Monday talk. I recommend reading one at a time, perhaps daily, and spending some time with the thoughts presented. Again, it is a quiet gem. It does not loudly shout about transformation, the power to change or our need to heal the planet. The truths are simple, direct, and applicable to individual life. The chapters left me thoughtfully inspired...a nice feeling.
I recommend this book to anyone in a leadership position needing some insight, anyone wanting to deepen their daily reflective practice, anyone wanting some quiet inspiration, and anyone interested in applying Jewish (or other) philosophy in a mainstream setting.
The topics range from justice to creativity to resolving conflicts to being authentic while facing fears and cultivating happiness. Quiet and powerful. I started to just read through the book, but found that randomly opening it and reading a bite-size section was better. There is an index that is very helpful in finding pertinent themes. Even the short highlighted quotes are useful. For example, I just randomly opened the book to this one:" With experience and guidance, we discover that mistakes can, in fact, often be turned around and transformed into a positive growth experience."
The chapters are short since each was a short Monday talk. I recommend reading one at a time, perhaps daily, and spending some time with the thoughts presented. Again, it is a quiet gem. It does not loudly shout about transformation, the power to change or our need to heal the planet. The truths are simple, direct, and applicable to individual life. The chapters left me thoughtfully inspired...a nice feeling.
I recommend this book to anyone in a leadership position needing some insight, anyone wanting to deepen their daily reflective practice, anyone wanting some quiet inspiration, and anyone interested in applying Jewish (or other) philosophy in a mainstream setting.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Review of The Science of Fear
Daniel Gardner has done a wonderful job creating a fast-read with good solid research. The Science of Fear points out how easily we are fooled by the way we process the massive amount of information we receive. Gardner compares our decisions made with our Head versus those made with our Gut, referring to our ability to use critical thinking versus our tendency to use our instinctual mind. Critical thinking would tell me that flying is safer than driving. After 9/11 my instinctual mind told me that planes are dangerous.
The book covers the evolutionary psychological concepts of Confirmation bias ( I see what I already believe), the Law of Similarity (appearance equals reality), the Anchoring and adjustment heuristic (influenced by what I just heard), the Rule of Typical things (things that usually go together always go together), and the Example Rule (a story is more powerful than statistical data). Each of these is explored in entertaining detail and backed up by academic research.
The main focus of the book is that our emotions often overrule our critical thinking skills. We are convinced through anecdote, stories we recently heard, stray statistical information that is incorrect and incorrectly cited, how we feel about events, and our life experience. We see something on talk TV and are convinced that it is true. Many people around us are sure of their information and we are swayed by their conviction. We are told by some commercial that we are at risk from strangers, dangers, disease and drugs and we change our buying habits. We hear that 600 people die in the US every year from something and we demand new laws.
How dangerous is the world? Gardner would argue not as dangerous as we have convinced ourselves. Our very complex brains still respond to danger they way our evolutionary ancestors did, listen to the herd and run, or fight, if there is something we do not understand. Gardner’s suggestion? Focus on what we have to be grateful for.
This is a great read. I recommend it to anyone interested in brain research, human behavior, human cognition, and group behavior. It is fun, well balanced and well supported.
Daniel Gardner has done a wonderful job creating a fast-read with good solid research. The Science of Fear points out how easily we are fooled by the way we process the massive amount of information we receive. Gardner compares our decisions made with our Head versus those made with our Gut, referring to our ability to use critical thinking versus our tendency to use our instinctual mind. Critical thinking would tell me that flying is safer than driving. After 9/11 my instinctual mind told me that planes are dangerous.
The book covers the evolutionary psychological concepts of Confirmation bias ( I see what I already believe), the Law of Similarity (appearance equals reality), the Anchoring and adjustment heuristic (influenced by what I just heard), the Rule of Typical things (things that usually go together always go together), and the Example Rule (a story is more powerful than statistical data). Each of these is explored in entertaining detail and backed up by academic research.
The main focus of the book is that our emotions often overrule our critical thinking skills. We are convinced through anecdote, stories we recently heard, stray statistical information that is incorrect and incorrectly cited, how we feel about events, and our life experience. We see something on talk TV and are convinced that it is true. Many people around us are sure of their information and we are swayed by their conviction. We are told by some commercial that we are at risk from strangers, dangers, disease and drugs and we change our buying habits. We hear that 600 people die in the US every year from something and we demand new laws.
How dangerous is the world? Gardner would argue not as dangerous as we have convinced ourselves. Our very complex brains still respond to danger they way our evolutionary ancestors did, listen to the herd and run, or fight, if there is something we do not understand. Gardner’s suggestion? Focus on what we have to be grateful for.
This is a great read. I recommend it to anyone interested in brain research, human behavior, human cognition, and group behavior. It is fun, well balanced and well supported.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Book Review of Nudge by Thaler and Sunstein
I really wanted to love this book. It is a best seller and is written about a topic I love. However, even though I found the book informative, it seemed to go on forever. Perhaps my focus on psychology made me a bit less satisfied with this book which seemed to focus on a political agenda. The authors talk about "libertarian paternalism" as a way of nudging people towards good decisions around food, money, safety, and other issues.
The research is good. Humans are easily nudged, and I must agree that helping people make good choices is a good thing. There is a bit of a big-brother under-tone that disturbed me. Do I want to be nudged in the direction that a libertarian feels is best for me? Of course the other option is to nudged in the direction the media or product manufacturer chooses.
The psychology is solid. Given a set of standard options we humans will usually choose the standard options given. Advertise junk food and we will probably buy more junk food than fruit. Put good choices in easy reach and we will probably choose them. I can see how this might help me make good 401K choices or food choice or health care choices. Clearly numbing people with too many choices, such as Medicare D prescription plans, is not effective. Less options usually do make us happier in the end.
Here are my issues with the book. After the first chapter or two, I found nothing new. Same theory applied to different subject areas. There did seem to be this selling of the libertarian paternalism point of view. The book bogged down and I found that I wanted to skip ahead to get through each chapter.
There are some good points in the book and it is worth a quick read. The general psychological statements about humans are true and good to know. People wanting to design a world that is safer and provides easier choices will find a great deal of advice. Students of psychology and marketing will find some good advice too
The research is good. Humans are easily nudged, and I must agree that helping people make good choices is a good thing. There is a bit of a big-brother under-tone that disturbed me. Do I want to be nudged in the direction that a libertarian feels is best for me? Of course the other option is to nudged in the direction the media or product manufacturer chooses.
The psychology is solid. Given a set of standard options we humans will usually choose the standard options given. Advertise junk food and we will probably buy more junk food than fruit. Put good choices in easy reach and we will probably choose them. I can see how this might help me make good 401K choices or food choice or health care choices. Clearly numbing people with too many choices, such as Medicare D prescription plans, is not effective. Less options usually do make us happier in the end.
Here are my issues with the book. After the first chapter or two, I found nothing new. Same theory applied to different subject areas. There did seem to be this selling of the libertarian paternalism point of view. The book bogged down and I found that I wanted to skip ahead to get through each chapter.
There are some good points in the book and it is worth a quick read. The general psychological statements about humans are true and good to know. People wanting to design a world that is safer and provides easier choices will find a great deal of advice. Students of psychology and marketing will find some good advice too
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Predictably Irrational
Dan Ariely has hit a perfect tone in presenting solid research to a wide audience. Predictably Irrational is a fun read, and at the same time a book I would use in a graduate psychology course. On one level this books helps us understand our own, at times, irrational choices, as well as the odd choices made by people around us. After reading this I found that I was able to slow some of my reactions, such as a response to something that is "free." There are also, however, deeper application levels of this book. How we present things effects decisions people make, which means that marketing can powerfully influence our choices as well as some of our moral decisions. In this light I found the book insightful about the power of minor suggestion to change an outcome. Anyone involved in human research will be interested in these findings. Anyone involved in leadership would also benefit from this book, as would any life coach working with people on financial decisions. The book challenges our assumptions about supply and demand, the cost of "free", the power of social norms, the influence of arousal, the price of ownership, our ability to let a "door close" behind us, the effect of expectations and a great deal about lying and truth telling. The book is enjoyable to read, well researched and documented. I recommend this book to anyone interested in how they personally make decisions, how other people make seemingly irrational decisions (think Wall Street), as well as anyone interested in social psychology or economic psychology.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Book Review
I just finished reading Not Everyone Gets a Trophy
This is one of the best books on the topic of Gen Y that I have read. Bruce Tulgan steps away from the usual assumptions about this young generation, preferring instead to address unique aspects as possible strengths. He does not recommend that established notion of "praise them" but argues that respectfully teaching them about the real world is much more effective. Tulgan also covers, in great detail management/leadership and techniques to help guide Gen Y's at work. Many of the suggestions are great for any new employee of any age, but clearly are focused on the needs of Gen Y.
The topics include general descriptors of the generation, ways to bound with them, ways to train them and bring them up to speed at work, getting them to care about customer service, teaching and retaining them, and finally how to turn Gen Y's into leaders. Tulgan does point out that this is a high maintenance generation, but also points out their strengths. They will bring work/life balance to the workplace. They live diversity and equity. They want to learn and do a good job. They want to innovate and bring creative ideas to the table. In other words, they want to be an asset to their employer if they are treated well. This is a useful and applicable book that any manager should read.
This is one of the best books on the topic of Gen Y that I have read. Bruce Tulgan steps away from the usual assumptions about this young generation, preferring instead to address unique aspects as possible strengths. He does not recommend that established notion of "praise them" but argues that respectfully teaching them about the real world is much more effective. Tulgan also covers, in great detail management/leadership and techniques to help guide Gen Y's at work. Many of the suggestions are great for any new employee of any age, but clearly are focused on the needs of Gen Y.
The topics include general descriptors of the generation, ways to bound with them, ways to train them and bring them up to speed at work, getting them to care about customer service, teaching and retaining them, and finally how to turn Gen Y's into leaders. Tulgan does point out that this is a high maintenance generation, but also points out their strengths. They will bring work/life balance to the workplace. They live diversity and equity. They want to learn and do a good job. They want to innovate and bring creative ideas to the table. In other words, they want to be an asset to their employer if they are treated well. This is a useful and applicable book that any manager should read.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
I love this blog!
Check out this blog by the author of "Ignore Everybody and 39 other keys to creativity.
Funny and inspiring at the same time.
Funny and inspiring at the same time.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
There is always a way
I’ve been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn and a queen. I’ve been up and down and over and out,but there is always a way to build the life I want. There is always a way to stand back up and get back on deck, trim the sails and head tack with the wind. The only way to lose is to give up when my ship is in irons.
Pirate wisdom says there is always a way.....
Pirate wisdom says there is always a way.....
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
What is important in life? Simple things. Humor. Time with friends. Giving and service to others. Working hard in something you enjoy.
Why are these such difficult concepts to put into practice? Some of us are swept up our perception of how life should be lived. Some of us are susceptible to the image of the "great life" that we are supposed to create. Some of us are sure there is a secret to building great wealth which will finally make us happy. Just make enough money and buy enough stuff and lose enough weight and somehow magically happiness will follow.
All these myths are illusions that distract us from living the life that will make us happy....one full of everyday richness.
The first rule of being a pirate is to remember the ultimate goal...living a good live on the open seas.
Why are these such difficult concepts to put into practice? Some of us are swept up our perception of how life should be lived. Some of us are susceptible to the image of the "great life" that we are supposed to create. Some of us are sure there is a secret to building great wealth which will finally make us happy. Just make enough money and buy enough stuff and lose enough weight and somehow magically happiness will follow.
All these myths are illusions that distract us from living the life that will make us happy....one full of everyday richness.
The first rule of being a pirate is to remember the ultimate goal...living a good live on the open seas.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
NJO next steps
The next step in establishing my no-job option (NJO) is to create income streams from my strengths, things I do naturally without effort. I am a natural teacher, but a bit over the syllabus and grading routine. I am a great coach and would like to take this to the next step. So, the next step is to find an online method to deliver workshops and private coaching sessions on executive and life coaching. This will allow me to reach a larger audience on how to pirate one's life.
How does anyone do this? Start with your strengths, with and things you are good at and do not consider work. How would you like to deliver this? In person, online, oversees, to children. There are numerous options. Now look for the many ways that you can connect the what with the how.
How does anyone do this? Start with your strengths, with and things you are good at and do not consider work. How would you like to deliver this? In person, online, oversees, to children. There are numerous options. Now look for the many ways that you can connect the what with the how.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
If your job is making you sick it is time to rethink what your life is about. Even in interesting times there are options. Even when it seems that there is no way for you to improve your life, there are options.
Start by remembering that we always can choose how we interpret or respond to an event. Security comes from the inside, from the way we approach a problem, not from a pay check. Yes, we need to have enough to pay bills and live, but we can choose how we respond to the situation and that is our inner security.
When I am upset at work I remind myself that my job is really to come in, focus on my work, smile, be nice, and then to go home to my real life. When work consumes me it means that I have walked away from my real life, my inner spiritual life.
When I remember that my emotions are there to guide me and that my life is about my choices, I am able to pirate my life well.
Start by remembering that we always can choose how we interpret or respond to an event. Security comes from the inside, from the way we approach a problem, not from a pay check. Yes, we need to have enough to pay bills and live, but we can choose how we respond to the situation and that is our inner security.
When I am upset at work I remind myself that my job is really to come in, focus on my work, smile, be nice, and then to go home to my real life. When work consumes me it means that I have walked away from my real life, my inner spiritual life.
When I remember that my emotions are there to guide me and that my life is about my choices, I am able to pirate my life well.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
NJO
I have been thinking more and more about the NJO, or no job option. Most of my time is spent helping students plan for the future, which includes career advice. Recently I am hearing about how they feel trapped in jobs that are making them sick because of the economy. I tell them that our minds our never trapped. We can choose the freedom of thinking differently, approaching something differently, and trying something differently. We can choose to be happy.
This might mean treating a job more like a job and less like the focus of life. This might mean starting to build other income streams so that we are prepared for capricious shifts in the economy or our jobs. This could also mean finally pursing something we love, even just as a hobby, so that new doors can open for us.
Pirates know that there is always a way...maybe not the tried and true, predictable, expected way, or the way we were taught....but there is always a way.
This might mean treating a job more like a job and less like the focus of life. This might mean starting to build other income streams so that we are prepared for capricious shifts in the economy or our jobs. This could also mean finally pursing something we love, even just as a hobby, so that new doors can open for us.
Pirates know that there is always a way...maybe not the tried and true, predictable, expected way, or the way we were taught....but there is always a way.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Monday, July 6, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
NJO continued
This is a great article about changing the way we look at careers:
http://www.higheredjobs.com/Articles/ArticleDisplay.cfm?ID=105
http://www.higheredjobs.com/Articles/ArticleDisplay.cfm?ID=105
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Flying over LA I noticed the many neighborhoods set up in straight lines like rows of corn. We flew over a newer area and the streets were curved and winding like rivers. The environment teaches how to act and who we are. Do the old streets tell us to stand up and act right, while the newer neighborhoods ask us to flow?
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Fear
Sometimes ancient words are helpful in our current world. Rebbe Nachman of Breslve taught that the whole world is a very narrow bridge, but the main thing is not to be afraid. So much the is wrong right now is due to our fear. We are afraid of losing jobs and money and stuff. We are afraid that we have made bad choices or not enough choices or too many choices. We are afraid that our future is in the hands and whims of others.
It is true that we are not the conductor or in charge of the world. It is true, however, that our brains evolved to deal with change and variety. Fear keeps us from believing that we can adapt to change. Fear keeps us from using our strengths. Fear keeps us spiraling downward.
The most important thing is to not be afraid.
It is true that we are not the conductor or in charge of the world. It is true, however, that our brains evolved to deal with change and variety. Fear keeps us from believing that we can adapt to change. Fear keeps us from using our strengths. Fear keeps us spiraling downward.
The most important thing is to not be afraid.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Destiny
The word destiny is a sailor's term; it has to do with aligning your ship with nothing earthbound, with pointing yourself in the direction of the starts. pirates know that every moment is rich with information sent by destiny to guide them, and they steer by nonphysical markers. Pirates see the world as miraculous rather than threatening, serendipitous rather than capricious. This perspective keeps them from letting the part of them that is afraid make their decisions. Pirates never let their fears steer the ship. Rather than resisting what life brings them, pirates are astonished by nothing and find wonder in everything.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Open to the world
Over the past few months I have had more and more synchronistic events in my life. It seems that that more I believe that the world will open up for me, and the more I open myself up to experience the unfolding of my journey, the more the world opens up around me.
Maybe that is what made Pirates so successful. They knew they could not control the wind or the sea; they could only respond by adjusting the sails and the rudder. They could focus on their final destination, but had to let many of the daily details unfold in front of them. They had to be open to opportunities that appeared on the horizon, and be willing to change tack on their journey.
It seems like a partnership. If I am willing to really show up for my life, be present and aware, bring my best self forward, then I have done my part. Life unfolds in front of me because I am ready and open.
As a pirate I need to sail the ship well, but I do not need to plan every adventure.
Maybe that is what made Pirates so successful. They knew they could not control the wind or the sea; they could only respond by adjusting the sails and the rudder. They could focus on their final destination, but had to let many of the daily details unfold in front of them. They had to be open to opportunities that appeared on the horizon, and be willing to change tack on their journey.
It seems like a partnership. If I am willing to really show up for my life, be present and aware, bring my best self forward, then I have done my part. Life unfolds in front of me because I am ready and open.
As a pirate I need to sail the ship well, but I do not need to plan every adventure.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Pirating your life
All we hear about is the economy and how bad things are. Maybe the end of days is coming. More fear. What if we realized that this is just another roadside attraction distracting us from following our dreams?
If I make my decisions based on what people around me fear, I am never following my inner guide, my personal beliefs, or my dreams. I see students who major in business when they love art, or go into nursing when they want to be a medical researcher. They are listening to the people around them who say "do something safe."
We cannot live life fully when we make choices based on the fears that surround us.
We can only be a pirate in our life when we are willing to sail away from the known shore into unknown seas.
If I make my decisions based on what people around me fear, I am never following my inner guide, my personal beliefs, or my dreams. I see students who major in business when they love art, or go into nursing when they want to be a medical researcher. They are listening to the people around them who say "do something safe."
We cannot live life fully when we make choices based on the fears that surround us.
We can only be a pirate in our life when we are willing to sail away from the known shore into unknown seas.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Stop believing the fear Mongers
I was watching yet another end of the world show last night based on ancient the Mayan calendar and Nostradomus. None of this is actually based on science or reality, only our interpretations as we look for something else to be afraid of. Or pehaps a way to justify our religious beliefs or actions. All of it is about living a life based on fear, full of problems we cannot solve and sign that all is lost.
Again, I wonder about Pirates, people who did not live in fear, but lived fully in the moment. They were not afraid to sail out to sea, or weather a rough storm. Most of them had very lttle, but were willing to share what they had. Pirates believed in sharing the wealth equally, and providing for disabled pirates. They had very little, but appreciated it a great deal. I saw the same thing in Israel, people who do not have much, but feel rich.
We in America, however, so often are afraid to share what we have, donate part of what we have, or be content with what we have. We have so much, appreciate it so little, and live in fear of losing what we have.
Again, I wonder about Pirates, people who did not live in fear, but lived fully in the moment. They were not afraid to sail out to sea, or weather a rough storm. Most of them had very lttle, but were willing to share what they had. Pirates believed in sharing the wealth equally, and providing for disabled pirates. They had very little, but appreciated it a great deal. I saw the same thing in Israel, people who do not have much, but feel rich.
We in America, however, so often are afraid to share what we have, donate part of what we have, or be content with what we have. We have so much, appreciate it so little, and live in fear of losing what we have.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Israel and Innovation
When I went to Israel to study innovation, I found something interesting. Yes, there is a focus on education and learning that helps. I expected that. There was also a story telling tradition, as well as great diversity that brings different ideas together. I expected to find a sense of courage, or perhaps chutzpah, and I did. All of these elements push people to move into new areas and create new possibilities.
However it was the element of hope that pulled it all together. Hope was everywhere. There was art at Yad Vashem, the Holocaust museum. There were messages of hope at the Diaspora museum. Everywhere we went we heard people talking about the future in positive ways. We heard people talking about building for their children, or following their faith to heal the world.
It is this power of hope that ties all the other elements together.
However it was the element of hope that pulled it all together. Hope was everywhere. There was art at Yad Vashem, the Holocaust museum. There were messages of hope at the Diaspora museum. Everywhere we went we heard people talking about the future in positive ways. We heard people talking about building for their children, or following their faith to heal the world.
It is this power of hope that ties all the other elements together.
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