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The Most Valuable Function on All my Electronic Devises

All of my electronic devises have a common denominator, the single greatest feature that they all share in common. It isn’t speed, agility, intuitiveness, or capacity, it isn’t size the ability to interface or compatibility; it is the “off” switch. All of these tools are wonderful and honestly, I would not give any of them up without kicking and screaming, I am not sure I could get by without easy access and certainly I could not be as productive as I am without them, but….. be aware.

Do not let tech disconnect you from face to face interaction. All of these tools have a social/business purpose and that purpose is not avoidance, nor is it a false wall of protection from being present with others. More and more I see people using their devices while in the presence of others assuming the illusion of being present but are actually a million miles away emotionally and or intellectually. It is as if we find an odd sense of security in the blue glow of the small screen; for some it has become a real crutch to hide behind.

The nature of the world that we are living in is not going to change but you have the ability to choose moments of liberation. Be a pioneer by being a force for a holistic alternative rather than the limited linear options that we are using for so much of our communication.

I would encourage everyone to take the opportunity to show up, validate your relationships and be fully obligated to engage one on one without the distraction of your devises. The nuances of a real conversation do not translate electronically; tonality, subtle body language, emotions, pheromones, eye movement and even sarcasm and humour are all part of what makes a holistic face to face relationship so rich and rewarding. Electronic communication tends to be more linear due to the fact that these subtleties just don’t translate as well.

Take a moment today and consciously shut down ~ right after you have checked out ThinkWorldClass.com

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I am Humbled By What I Don’t Know

Never before have opportunities to learn and access to information been so readily available. I may be humbled by what I don’t know but I do know where to start my pursuit when faced with the opportunity to learn something new or I require clarification of an idea or thought ~ thank god for my computer.

In addition, the network of people in my life provides even greater access to more information and alternative perspectives, more often than not bringing to my attention things I had not considered. I sometimes wonder if we all know more than we did a generation ago or are we more generalized in our knowledge base, more lateral thinking and less depth. Regardless, it is imperative that you constantly build your network; this will inevitably be the single biggest asset that you possess.

The new issues are not what we don’t know it is how we access the information we have stored, regardless if that storage is cerebral, external files or through sources in our network of contacts, associates and friends.

For me it comes down to just two things. First is embracing a system or way of curating all of the information in a way that ideally facilitates intuitive or easy recall at a later date. Having the information is not worth much if you can’t find what you are looking for.

Secondly I place a very high value on the art of asking the right question. Asking the right question allows you the opportunity to refine your thinking, clarify your premise and optimize your ability to strengthen your beliefs. Be prepared to ask questions that open the conversation and avoid statements asked in the form of a question, this is not Jeopardy.

When I know I don’t know, I know where to start ~ Think World Class

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Don’t Let Schooling Interfere With Your Education ~ Mark Twain

When I was in high school I was not very engaged, most days I just went through the motions and some days I didn’t even do that. As a matter of fact I used to tell people that high school was the only thing that truly interrupted my education.

I soon realized what I was giving up by not being fully engaged and taking responsibility. At that point, I committed to being a lifelong learner. Being curious, questioning the status quo and absorbing like a sponge from mentors and thought leaders, I love to read just about anything I can get my hands on. Learning is a lifestyle and not to be relegated to a specific time or topic. Over the many years since high school, my commitment to being a lifelong learner has served me well.

An inactive mind, like any muscle that is neglected for too long, starts to atrophy whereas an active mind will stay young and continue to learn. The science of neuroplasticity has conclusively proven that growth and mental capacity does not stop at a certain age but will continue to expand for a lifetime if stimulated. In addition recovery from strokes and traumatic brain injury, that was never before considered to be possible, is now happening with new and very encouraging results for some patients.

Dr. Norman Doidge’s book “The Brain That Changes Itself” is a great read for anyone interested in the fascinating leaps and bounds made in the frontiers of brain science. I highly recommend it.

So in the infamous words of the great Mark Twain “Don’t let schooling interfere with your education.”

Being a lifelong learner is Thinking World Class