Category Archives: Work

#219 Letting it go… what’s left?

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A cognitive bias happens when you “cling” to an idea. There nothing good or bad about a cognitive bias, but you have to be aware of your own biases and protect yourself (and others) against its side effects.

Some “clinging” is praised, such as a determined soldier who sacrifices his or her life in battle. Other types of “clinging” is criticized, such as an obstinate co-worker who refuses to see alternate perspectives.

Meditation will help you uncover your biases, I’d recommend this or this. In the beginning, as your mind becomes calm, you may meditate more, to get more calmness. This is just another form of “clinging,” so beware.

As you discover your biases, you’ll give up your tendency to “cling” and thus will be more relaxed and open. However, you still need a basis for action. After all your biases have been eradicated, you’ll be left with just your values. Without values, your actions will be random and unpredictable. There will be no peace till you sort out your values.

What if you are “clinging” to your values? Yes, that can be a problem! My hypothesis is that an authentic set of values will cause you to find peace within yourself and not disrupt the peace of your co-workers and fellow humans. Therefore, if you invest time in discovering (not inventing) your true values, you’ll give up “clinging” much sooner.

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#218 Advice

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There is no shortage of advice in this world. There are two reasons:

  • The advent of “content marketing” and nurture programs means that more and more individuals and companies are eager to show their thought leadership. You can get blogs, ebooks, white papers, and all kinds of cool info graphics to help you understand and solve your problem.
  • Culturally, we feel a sense of fulfillment when we give advice, and that advice is used to improve someone’s life. This leads to a frenzy of advice giving, hoping that out of quantity will come quality. Some cultures where the barriers to privacy are lower, almost every Tom, Dick, and Harry will give you advice on how to live your life and do your work.

Be open, but be careful. It is likely most advice givers are a waste of time, trying to further their agenda, not yours. Once you are clear about your goals, you can separate the good advice from the bad.

Don’t go around handing out advice like candy. Target your audience, not every advice you give will be accepted, but don’t train your audience to ignore you when you give advice.

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