Inspiration

May 31 2020

Stoic wisdom – Staying calm when the rest of the world is freaking out

Great post from Ryan Holiday to consider as we are faced with the pandemic and social unrest.  He shares nine quotes from ancient Greek philosophers that offer advice that is very helpful today.

1. Accept What’s Outside Of Your Control, Get To Work On What Is
2. Focus On The Smallest Thing You Can Do Right Now
3. Examine The Costs Of Panicking Or Emotional Reaction
4. Seek Stillness
5. Have Confidence In Your Ability To Make The Best Of Anything
6. Limit Your News Consumption
7. Stick To A Routine
8. Take Care Of Your Relationships
9. Dead Time Or Alive Time?

Read the full post here.

Mar 30 2020

The magic of kindness

Below is a great 2019 TED talk from Holocaust survivor Werner Reich. It is a short video (under 10 minutes) that shows how a small, kind act can inspire a lifetime of compassion. As we enter into a pandemic where there will be an enormous amount of fear, this video helps remind us what a big impact that understanding and small acts of kindness can make.

Watch the video here.

Top 5 Regrets of the Dying

It’s easy to get caught up in the business treadmill. This article is a great reminder of the big picture. We’re in more control of our destiny/joy than we think sometimes.

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/feb/01/top-five-regrets-of-the-dying

Bigger is Not Better in Advertising

Does massive “scale” help clients in an idea and people-based industry or does it just make these two CEOs even more wealthy? Many observers would say the benefit is only to the agencies.  In this article from The Guardian, the author outlines the negative impact on competition and creativity resulting from the Publicis/Omnicom merger.

http://adage.com/article/agency-news/ipg-s-roth-publicis-omnicom-merger-bigger/243362/

How to Find and Do Work You Love

A great perspective on work from a career management expert. 80% of people don’t enjoy what they do. How do you become one of the 20%? Know yourself, try the impossible, surround yourself with inspiring people.

Remember… “Taking jobs to build up your resume is the same as saving sex for old age.” – Warren Buffet.

10 Decisions That Saved Great Movies

In movie making (and marketing), sometimes the best decisions are the things you decide not to do.  This is an interesting video showing some close calls that might have ruined some classic movies.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLnA0amX9j0

Emotional Intelligence is More Important than IQ

Interesting TED presentation from Michael Benner.  Success in life via self awareness, self management, social awareness and relationship management through traditional “intelligence.”

Jan 10 2014

Positivity Can Make You A Problem Solver

Informative article based on findings from University of North Carolina Professor Barbara Fredrickson. Negative emotions undermine the brain’s capacity to think broadly and find creative solutions. The vise grip of fear and stress and the emotions they generate limit thought to a narrow field that obscures options. In a work environment, negativity causes teams to lose flexibility and the ability to be curious. Positive emotions expand awareness and attention.

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/225170