Tag Archives: Psychology

In My Hands Today…

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Infectious Generosity: The Ultimate Idea Worth Spreading – Chris J. Anderson

Recent years have been tough on optimists. Hopes that the Internet might bring people together have been crushed by the ills of social media. Is there a way back?

As head of TED, Chris Anderson has had a ringside view of the world’s boldest thinkers sharing their most uplifting ideas. Inspired by them, he believes that it’s within our grasp to turn outrage back into optimism. It all comes down to reimagining one of the most fundamental human generosity. What if generosity could become infectious generosity?

Consider how a London barber began offering haircuts to people experiencing homelessness—and catalyzed a movement

How two anonymous donors gave $10,000 each to two hundred strangers and discovered that most recipients wanted to “pay it forward” with their own generous acts

How TED itself transformed from a niche annual summit into a global beacon of ideas by giving away talks online, allowing millions access to free learning

In telling these inspiring stories, Anderson has given us “the first page-turner ever written about human generosity” (Elizabeth Dunn). More important, he offers a playbook for how to embark on our own generous acts—whether gifts of money, time, talent, connection, or kindness—and to prime them, thanks to the Internet, to have self-replicating, even world-changing, impact.

In My Hands Today…

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Filterworld: How Algorithms Flattened Culture – Kyle Chayka

A history and investigation of a world ruled by algorithms, which determine the shape of culture itself.

From trendy restaurants to city grids, to TikTok and Netflix feeds the world round, algorithmic recommendations dictate our experiences and choices. The algorithm is present in the familiar neon signs and exposed brick of Internet cafes, be it in Nairobi or Portland, and the skeletal, modern furniture of Airbnbs in cities big and small. Over the last decade, this network of mathematically determined decisions has taken over, almost unnoticed—informing the songs we listen to, the friends with whom we stay in touch—as we’ve grown increasingly accustomed to our insipid new normal.

This ever-tightening web woven by algorithms is called “Filterworld.” Kyle Chayka shows us how online and offline spaces alike have been engineered for seamless consumption, becoming a source of pervasive anxiety in the process. Users of technology have been forced to contend with data-driven equations that try to anticipate their desires—and often get them wrong. What results is a state of docility that allows tech companies to curtail human experiences—human lives—for profit. But to have our tastes, behaviors, and emotions governed by computers, while convenient, does nothing short of call the very notion of free will into question.

In Filterworld, Chayka traces this creeping, machine-guided curation as it infiltrates the furthest reaches of our digital, physical, and psychological spaces. With algorithms increasingly influencing not just what culture we consume, but what culture is produced, urgent questions What happens when shareability supersedes messiness, innovation, and creativity—the qualities that make us human? What does it mean to make a choice when the options have been so carefully arranged for us? Is personal freedom possible on the Internet?

To the last question, Filterworld argues yes—but to escape Filterworld, and even transcend it, we must first understand it.

In My Hands Today…

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The Killer Across the Table: Unlocking the Secrets of Serial Killers and Predators with the FBI’s Original Mindhunter – John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker

The FBI’s pioneer of criminal profiling, former special agent John Douglas, has studied and interviewed many of America’s most notorious killers—including Charles Manson, ”Son of Sam Killer” David Berkowitz and ”BTK Strangler” Dennis Rader—trained FBI agents and investigators around and the world, and helped educate the country about these deadly predators and how they operate, and has become a legend in popular culture, fictionalized in The Silence of the Lambs and the hit television shows Criminal Minds and Mindhunter.

Twenty years after his famous memoir, the man who literally wrote the book on FBI criminal profiling opens his case files once again. In this riveting work of true crime, he spotlights four of the most diabolical criminals he’s confronted, interviewed and learned from. Going deep into each man’s life and crimes, he outlines the factors that led them to murder and how he used his interrogation skills to expose their means, motives, and true evil. Like the hit Netflix show, The Killer Across the Table is centered around Douglas’ unique interrogation and profiling process. With his longtime collaborator Mark Olshaker, Douglas recounts the chilling encounters with these four killers as he experienced them—revealing for the first time his profile methods in detail.

Going step by step through his interviews, Douglas explains how he connects each killer’s crimes to the specific conversation, and contrasts these encounters with those of other deadly criminals to show what he learns from each one. In the process, he returns to other famous cases, killers and interviews that have shaped his career, describing how the knowledge he gained from those exchanges helped prepare him for these.

In My Hands Today…

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Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? – Julie Smith

Filled with secrets from a therapist’s toolkit, Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? teaches you how to fortify and maintain your mental health, even in the most trying of times. Dr Julie Smith’s expert advice and powerful coping techniques will help you stay resilient, whether you want to manage anxiety, deal with criticism, cope with depression, build self-confidence, find motivation, or learn to forgive yourself. The book tackles everyday issues and offers practical solutions in bite-sized, easy-to-digest entries which make it easy to quickly find specific information and guidance.

Your mental well-being is just as important as your physical well-being. Packed with proven strategies, Dr Smith’s empathetic guide offers a deeper understanding of how your mind works and gives you the insights and help you need to nurture your mental health every day. Wise and practical, Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? might just change your life.

Positive Attitude: The Transformative Power of Having One

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As we go on in life, our attitudes colour every experience, shape our perceptions and influence our decisions and responses to challenges and triumphs. A positive attitude, one that is characterised by optimism, resilience, and a proactive mindset, is the lens through which we interpret the world, shaping our interactions and influencing the trajectory of our lives. Our attitude is a compass, guiding us through the storm and calm with grace and resilience.

The benefits of a positive attitude extend far beyond simply feeling good. They ripple outward, enriching every corner of our existence. Positivity acts as a potent elixir, promoting well-being on a holistic level. Studies reveal its power to reduce stress, bolster the immune system, and even influence longevity. Positive emotions trigger physiological changes that directly impact our health, turning optimism into a tangible investment in our well-being. In the workplace, a positive attitude becomes a secret weapon. It enhances problem-solving skills, fosters collaboration, and inspires those around us. Individuals with a sunny outlook are perceived as more competent, trustworthy, and resilient, drawing opportunities like bees to pollen. Research shows that employees with a positive attitude are more likely to receive promotions and achieve career success.

Positive emotions are contagious, weaving stronger, more resilient connections into the fabric of our lives. Those who radiate optimism draw others in, building supportive and encouraging relationships. This extends beyond personal ties, influencing interactions with colleagues, clients, and even strangers. In the symphony of interpersonal connections, a positive attitude harmonizes the notes, creating a melody of trust and warmth. A positive attitude acts as psychological armour, helping us navigate these detours with grace and resilience. It allows us to reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth, fostering a belief in our ability to overcome obstacles and emerge stronger. When faced with adversity, the thread of positivity ensures we’re not merely weathering the storm but actively learning from and evolving from its winds.

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In the workplace, a positive attitude can be a catalyst for increased productivity. When individuals approach tasks with enthusiasm and optimism, they are more likely to overcome obstacles, find creative solutions, and contribute to a thriving work environment. Positive individuals tend to be effective team players. Their upbeat outlook and willingness to support colleagues create a harmonious work atmosphere, fostering collaboration and teamwork. This, in turn, contributes to the overall success of projects and the organisation. Leaders with a positive attitude inspire and motivate their teams. The ability to maintain optimism during challenges instills confidence in others, making positive leaders influential and capable of steering their teams through adversity.

A positive attitude forms the bedrock of healthy relationships. Individuals who approach interactions with optimism and kindness build stronger connections, fostering trust, understanding, and a sense of mutual support. In the face of personal challenges, a positive attitude acts as a shield. It doesn’t negate difficulties but equips individuals with the resilience to navigate them constructively, maintaining emotional well-being and preventing adversities from straining relationships. Within families, a positive attitude contributes to a nurturing environment. Parents who model positivity teach valuable life skills to their children, fostering a resilient and optimistic mindset that extends into the next generation.

Positive thinkers are better equipped to manage stress. By adopting a solutions-oriented mindset, they focus on what can be controlled, reducing feelings of overwhelm and promoting mental well-being. A positive attitude is linked to increased mental resilience. Individuals who maintain an optimistic outlook are better able to bounce back from setbacks, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. Positivity contributes to emotional health, fostering a sense of joy, gratitude, and contentment. Cultivating a positive attitude can be a proactive measure in preventing or managing conditions such as anxiety and depression.

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Research suggests a correlation between a positive attitude and improved immune function. The body’s ability to resist illness may be enhanced by the psychological benefits of maintaining an optimistic outlook. Studies indicate that individuals with a positive attitude may experience increased longevity and a higher quality of life. The physiological impact of positivity contributes to overall health and well-being.

Rather than viewing setbacks as failures, individuals with a positive attitude see them as opportunities to learn and grow. This perspective transforms challenges into stepping stones for future success. Building a positive attitude isn’t a one-time task; it’s a deliberate practice, requiring nurturing and reinforcement. Negative thoughts are inevitable weeds in the garden of the mind. Recognize their presence, but don’t let them take root. Actively challenge their validity, replacing them with seeds of positive affirmations and realistic perspectives. It’s essential to recognize and address negative thoughts when they arise. This might involve reframing negative self-talk or seeking support through counselling or coaching.

A positive attitude involves embracing difficulties as chances for personal and professional growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. When faced with challenges, resist the urge to wallow in negativity. Shift your focus to finding solutions, like a gardener weeding out unwanted growth. This proactive approach empowers you and fosters a sense of control over your circumstances. Don’t wait for monumental achievements to be celebrated. Acknowledge and appreciate your daily accomplishments, however small they may seem. This builds confidence and reinforces a positive self-image, nurturing the delicate blooms of self-worth. Treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding you extend to others. Forgive yourself for mistakes, focus on progress over perfection, and celebrate your unique strengths. Remember, a positive attitude isn’t about being flawless; it’s about embracing your humanness and appreciating the beauty of your growth.

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Developing mindfulness and self-awareness is foundational to cultivating a positive attitude. Understanding one’s thoughts and reactions allows for intentional shifts towards optimism. Regularly expressing gratitude has a transformative effect on attitude. Keeping a gratitude journal or taking moments each day to reflect on positive aspects cultivates an appreciation for life’s blessings. Incorporating positive affirmations into daily routines can rewire thought patterns. Affirmations reinforce optimistic beliefs, gradually shaping a positive mindset. Consciously choosing positive influences, whether in personal relationships, media consumption, or social circles, contributes to maintaining a positive attitude. Surrounding oneself with optimism reinforces this mindset. Viewing challenges through the lens of opportunity reframes adversity.

A positive attitude doesn’t mean ignoring the realities of life. Realistic optimism involves acknowledging challenges while maintaining confidence in one’s ability to overcome them. This balanced perspective forms the core of a resilient mindset. Ultimately, the power of a positive attitude lies in its ability to empower us to create a life that aligns with our values and aspirations. It’s a conscious choice to invest in ourselves, to nurture a sense of optimism and resilience that serves as a foundation for well-being, success, and a life truly lived to the fullest.

So, step into the sunshine, cultivate your inner garden of positivity, and watch your life blossom with newfound purpose and joy. As we navigate the complexities of our lives, the cultivation of a positive attitude stands as a transformative practice—one that not only shapes our present experiences but lays the foundation for a future defined by resilience, joy, and an unwavering belief in the inherent goodness of life.