Quit on a High Point

From Stanford Research Institute – International, p. 173: Traditionally, learning of a new skill concentrates on rote repetition, reiterating the skill a large number of times until it is consistently performed correctly. But recent developments in learning theory, which have been applied with particular success in sports-training methodology, indicate that the rote repetition concept tends… Continue reading Quit on a High Point

Motives Matter

Recently a friend was discussing the topic of timeouts for children and she described them as “abandonment”. Are timeouts really abandonment? Our lives are filled with things that can be used “for good or evil”. Are knives violent? Are cars murderous? Clearly, the answer in both cases is no— intent separates a useful knife from… Continue reading Motives Matter

Difficult Times

Yes, things are difficult. Relationship, job, economy, planet… even hair is difficult. But look what can come from difficult times. When our founding fathers left England, surely times were difficult for them. What did they do? They created The Declaration of Independence. (Thanks, Nancy McMoneagle) Plants grow better in the presence of shit. When shit… Continue reading Difficult Times

An Example of Shifting “Can’t” Thinking

Peter Fischli and David Weiss, Snowman at the Art Institute of Chicago. Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago.

In New England in the 90’s I did a considerable amount of training/coursework around shifting mindset to achieve success. My wife and I were both trained as teachers, and I got some of the most important lessons I’ve ever learned. Here’s one: On one particular March morning, we were preparing for a new course and… Continue reading An Example of Shifting “Can’t” Thinking