All posts by Jay Wren

Quotes That Make us Stronger, Smarter, and Happier

Success

Do you ever turn to famous quotes to inspire and motivate yourself. When we are dealing with stress, quotes can help us accept our situation and do things things to solve the very problems that are causing the stress.

“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” ~John Wooden

“Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.” ~Eleanor Roosevelt

“It’s not that I’m so smart. It’s just that I stay with problems longer.” ~Albert Einstein

“Holding onto your anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.” ~Buddha

“We don’t see things the way they are. We see them the way we are.” ~Talmud

“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.” ~Robert Frost

“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.” ~Thich Nhat Hanh

“A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.” ~Maya Angelou

“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” ~John Wooden

“The two most important days of your life are the day that you’re born and the day that you find out why.” ~Mark Twain

Photo by Nathalia Segato on Unsplash

When You Don’t Have the Job You Want, Bring Passion to the Job You Have

Success

When You Don’t Have the Job You Want Bring Joy to the Job You Have ~ Jay Wren

“There is scarcely any passion without struggle.”
Albert Camus, The Myth of Sisyphus and Other Essays

Most people just need a job. To enjoy the job, they pack passion in their lunch pails as part of finding joy in their job.  These people find pursuing their passion in just doing the job.

People who have tremendous success doing what they love to do are very fortunate.

THE MYTH OF SISYPHUS

Sisyphus was a brilliant king and founder of ancient Corinth.  According to Greek mythology, the god Hades condemned Sisyphus for eternity to push an immense boulder up a hill, only to let it roll down the hill and then push it back up again.

It is very easy for anyone to feel that same way about his or her own life:  Same hill, same rock, different day.

However, the French writer/philosopher Albert Camus saw how people pursuing their passion could find their passion in the daily activity of doing their job.

Camus wrote a great essay called “The Myth of Sisyphus.”

With a beginner’s understanding of French, I read the essay in French.

The subject of the book deals with existentialism. The existentialists viewed life as a pointless grind.

No task brought fulfillment.

In the essay, Camus evaluates existential philosophers in the first three of four chapters.

In chapter 4, Camus says that the only logical way to view life as having meaning was to see Sisyphus’s punishment a unique way.

Sisyphus could change his punishment to pursuing his passion in how he viewed pushing the rock.  From Camus’s point of view, the beauty of life is not reaching the top of the hill but pushing the rock.

The joy of the workday comes from focusing on the work, not the start and ending of another day.  People who view life this way are always pursuing their passion through their brighter way of looking at life.

Photo by Dynamic Wang on Unsplash

Mark Twain

Life Lessons from Famous People, Success

Books are the liberated spirits of men.” Mark Twain

Read more and see the video. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain is a powerful work that has had a significant impact on society in many ways, including:

Influencing other writers

Twain’s use of accurate dialects and the voice of the story influenced other writers, such as J. D. Salinger and Stephen Crane, Vernon God Little , Ernest Hemingway, William Dean Howells, Stephen Crane, Arthur Miller, Harper Lee, William Faulkner, and others

Creating an authentic American voice

Hemingway believed that Twain’s novel created an authentic American voice, and broke with the English language inherited from Great Britain. Additionally, Mark Twain used the language and dialects of the characters in his books.

How Locked-In Beliefs Close Our Minds to Opportunities for a Better Life

How Locked-In Beliefs Close Our Minds to Opportunities for a Better Life

Believe, Emotional Intelligence

Intelligence, Common Sense, and Locked-In Beliefs: Understanding the Difference

In our daily lives, we often hear the terms “intelligence” and “common sense” used interchangeably. However, these two concepts, while related, are distinct in several important ways. Understanding the difference between them can help us appreciate the unique contributions each makes to our decision-making and problem-solving abilities.

What is Intelligence?

Intelligence is a multifaceted concept that encompasses a person’s ability to learn, understand, and apply knowledge. It involves various cognitive processes such as reasoning, problem-solving, and abstract thinking. Intelligence is often measured through standardized tests that assess different aspects of cognitive ability, such as IQ tests.

What is Common Sense?

Common sense, on the other hand, refers to the ability to make sound judgments and decisions based on practical knowledge and everyday experience. It is often described as “good sense” or “sound judgment” in practical matters. Unlike intelligence, common sense does not require specialized knowledge or formal education. Instead, it is acquired through life experiences and observations.

Dictionary.com defines common sense as sound practical judgment that is independent of specialized knowledge, training, or the like; normal native intelligence.

What are “locked-in beliefs?”

Beliefs are personal convictions about what is true.

Beliefs become locked-in when people only expose themselves to input that makes them feel good.

Locked-in beliefs often have a powerful negatively emotional punch. When people read, see, or hear things that are different or contrary to their beliefs, they often get angry. Under that anger in a subtle more threatening way is fear.

People perceive these differences as threatening.  Common examples that make people threatened are politics, race or ethnicity, religion, even sports rivalries.

The most common sources of information that strengthen the lock of our beliefs include politically-based cable news networks, political talk show radio, politically slanted newspaper articles, social media, or any other source of information that is consistent with our beliefs.

People can challenge their limiting beliefs by acknowledging them and questioning them as facts.

How Locked-In Beliefs Close Your Mind to Opportunities to a Better life

While intelligence refers to the broader ability to learn, reason, and solve problems, common sense is a more practical form of judgment used in everyday situations, and beliefs are personal convictions about the world, often shaped by experiences and culture, which may or may not align with factual knowledge or logic; essentially, intelligence is about cognitive capacity, common sense is about practical application of knowledge, and beliefs are personal convictions about what is true.

Beliefs,on the other hand, create a platform that defies intelligence and common sense. They can divide people, destroy friendships, and lead people to make decisions and act when these decisions and acts are not in a person’s best interests.

Raging over Politics is Not Healthy

Emotional Intelligence, Health

If you are immersed in following politics on social media, radio talks shows, and cable news and you are feeling angry all the time, stop following politics on social media, radio talk shows, and cable news, unless, of course, you enjoy feeling angry. ~ Jay Wren

A constant stream of angry political content is pointless. If you are immersed in following politics on social media, radio talks shows, and cable news and you are feeling angry all the time, just stop following politics on social media, radio talk shows, and cable news, unless, of course, you enjoy feeling angry.

In America today, there is an inescapable flow of information about current events.  You don’t need to stay constantly plugged in to news sources to know what’s going on.  Absolutely, the constant flow of information can be overwhelming. It’s important to remember that you can stay informed without being constantly plugged in. Setting boundaries on how much news you consume and choosing reliable sources for periodic updates can help maintain a healthy balance.

Here are some solutions for escaping the anger loop.

Sign up for commitments that don’t involve political news. Take a foreign language or computer programming course. Join exercise classes. Exercise, whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, or a workout at the gym, can help release tension and clear your mind.

Read books on anything but politics.

Stand up and step away from political news sources. Go outside. Just sit on a park bench or a chair in your yard. Nature Breaks: Spending time in nature, even if it’s just a short walk in a park, can be very grounding and help quiet your mind.

Meditate to turn off the noise in your head. Consciously focusing on your breathing or the things around you.

Journaling or writing down your thoughts can help you process and release them. It can be a great way to clear your mind before bed or start your day with a clean slate.

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Are You and Influencer or an Addict on Social Media?

Continuous Improvement, influencer, Skills, Social Media

Are You and Influencer or an Addict on Social Media? Maybe you are both.

Social media can be a powerful tool for good. Use it to raise awareness about critical issues, support causes you care about, and connect with others who share your values. Also, social media can cause depression, confusion, destroy your privacy and security, ruin your relationships with friends and family.

1. Scrolling aimlessly on social media is addictive. Stop it Stand up and take a walk.

It’s easy to get sucked into the endless scroll of social media, wasting hours of our time. Be mindful of how much time you’re spending on social media, and make sure that it’s not taking away from other important activities in your life, such as spending time with loved ones, pursuing your hobbies, or getting enough sleep.

When you find that you are just scrolling on social media, close your apps and put your device away. Get physically active.

2. Be intentional about what you post.

If you want to build an audience, know what your audience wants to know.

Before you post anything on social media, take a moment to think about what you’re saying and how it might be perceived by others. Avoid posting anything that is offensive, inflammatory, or hurtful. Be respectful of others’ opinions, even if you don’t agree with them.

3. Be careful about sharing personal information.

Social media is a public platform, so be careful about sharing personal information that you wouldn’t want to be seen by everyone in the world. This includes your address, phone number, email address, and other sensitive information.

4. Use social media to connect with others.

Social media is a terrific way to stay connected with friends and family, both near and far. Use it to share updates about your life, reach out to old friends, and make new connections.

5. Use social media to learn about the world around you.

Social media can be a terrific way to learn about current events, diverse cultures, and innovative ideas. Follow news organizations, experts, and thought leaders on social media to stay informed and engaged with the world around you.

Photo by Joe Woods on Unsplash

 

The Power of Patience

Emotional Intelligence

The Power of Patience: Why Waiting Until You’re Calm Can Transform Disagreements into Better Relationships.

Disagreements are an inevitable part of life. Whether it’s a minor misunderstanding with a friend or a significant conflict at work, how we handle these moments can significantly impact our relationships and personal well-being? One of the most effective strategies for managing disagreements is to wait until you’re calm before addressing the issue. Here’s why this approach can be transformative.

The Heat of the Moment

When we’re in the middle of a disagreement, our emotions can run high. Anger, frustration, and hurt can cloud our judgment, making it difficult to think clearly and communicate effectively. In these heated moments, we’re more likely to say things we don’t mean, escalate the conflict, or shut down entirely. This can lead to misunderstandings, damaged relationships, and unresolved issues.

The Benefits of Waiting

  1. Clarity of Thought: Taking a step back allows you to process your emotions and think more clearly. When you’re calm, you’re better able to understand your own perspective and consider the other person’s point of view. This clarity can lead to more productive and respectful conversations.
  2. Effective Communication: Calmness fosters better communication. When you’re not overwhelmed by emotions, you can articulate your thoughts and feelings more clearly and listen more attentively. This can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that both parties feel heard and respected.
  3. Problem-Solving: A calm mind is more adept at problem-solving. When you’re not reacting impulsively, you can approach the disagreement with a solution-oriented mindset. This can lead to more creative and mutually beneficial resolutions.
  4. Emotional Regulation: Waiting until you’re calm helps you regulate your emotions. This not only benefits the current disagreement but also strengthens your overall emotional intelligence. Over time, you’ll become more adept at managing your emotions and navigating conflicts with grace.

Practical Tips for Waiting Until You’re Calm

  • Take a Break: If you feel your emotions rising, give yourself permission to take a break. Step away from the situation, take a walk, or engage in a calming activity. This can help you regain your composure and approach the disagreement with a clearer mind.
  • Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or journaling, can help you stay grounded and centered. These practices can reduce stress and enhance your ability to remain calm in challenging situations.
  • Set Boundaries: It’s okay to set boundaries and let the other person know that you need some time to cool down before continuing the conversation. This shows that you value the relationship and want to address the issue constructively.
  • Reflect on Your Emotions: Take time to reflect on why you’re feeling the way you are. Understanding the root of your emotions can help you address the underlying issues and communicate more effectively.

Conclusion

Waiting until you’re calm before dealing with a disagreement is a powerful strategy for managing conflicts. It allows you to think more clearly, communicate more effectively, and find better solutions. By practicing patience and emotional regulation, you can transform disagreements into opportunities for growth and understanding. Remember, it’s not about avoiding conflict but about approaching it with a calm and constructive mindset.

Photo by Codioful (Formerly Gradienta) on Unsplash

Our brains filter information in a way that confirms our beliefs, whether those beliefs are positive or negative. By consciously shifting our mindset to focus on positive outcomes, we can start to see more of the good things happening around us. Jay Wren

Tell Your Brain Good Things About Yourself and Your Life

Believe, Confidence, Emotional Intelligence, Quotes, Success

Our brains filter information in a way that confirms our beliefs, whether those beliefs are positive or negative. By consciously shifting our mindset to focus on positive outcomes, we can start to see more of the good things happening around us.  ~ Jay Wren

Reading, hearing, or seeing things that confirm our beliefs makes us comfortable. So, if we keep thinking, “my life is terrible,” our brain will focus on experiences that reinforce that our lives are terrible.” But if we start telling ourselves that our lives are rewarding and healthy, our brain will start to notice the good things, reinforcing that positive belief. 

It’s like training your brain to be your own cheerleader. This doesn’t mean ignoring challenges or setbacks, but rather balancing them with the positives. Over time, this can lead to a more optimistic outlook and a greater sense of well-being.

Have you tried any specific techniques to help shift your mindset? Practices like gratitude journaling or positive affirmations can be really effective.

Photo by Vladislava Malynina on Unsplash

As we walk through every door we have an opportunity to change the way we see the world. Jay Wren

The Doorway Effect: An Opportunity to Change the Way We Think and Feel

Emotional Intelligence, Health

As we walk through every door we have an opportunity to change the way we see the world.  Jay Wren

Have you ever walked into a room only to forget why you went there in the first place? This common experience is known as the “doorway effect,” a fascinating psychological phenomenon that highlights the quirks of our memory.

The Power of Perspective: Embracing Change at Every Doorway

Every doorway we cross is more than just a passage from one place to another; it’s a symbol of transition and transformation. It’s an invitation to embrace change and a chance to view the world through a new lens. This is the essence of perspective – the unique way we perceive our surroundings and experiences.

Imagine if we approached every doorway with enthusiasm for the unknown, ready to learn and grow from what lies beyond. Each threshold could lead to a new adventure, a lesson to be learned, or a mystery to unravel. It’s a thrilling concept that encourages us to be present in the moment and open to the possibilities that each new environment holds.

The beauty of perspective is that it’s entirely within our control. We can choose to see an obstacle as a setback or as an opportunity to overcome and become stronger. We can view a change in our routine not as a disruption but as a refreshing break from the monotony. It’s all about mindset, and with the right one, every doorway becomes a gateway to a richer, more fulfilling life.

So, let’s walk through those doors with our heads held high and our hearts open to change. Let’s use these transitions as moments to reflect, adapt, and reinvent our outlook on life. After all, when we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change.

As we continue on our journey, let’s carry this message with us: every doorway is an opportunity, and it’s ours for the taking. What new perspectives will you discover today? Let’s step through the next doorway with anticipation and see the world in a whole new light. The adventure awaits!

Photo by Luke Chesser on Unsplash