Join 21.7K other subscribers

Category: Motivational

  • Building social “networking” skills – Takeaways from “Barking Up The Wrong Tree”

    Some of the key tips mentioned by author Eric Barker are as follows:

    1. Start With The Friends That You Already Have
    2. Find the “Superconnectors” who are experts at networking and would help you network and reach out to prospective friends
    3. Invest time and budget to make long lasting relationships
    4. Always follow up with friends from time to time
    5. Join social networking , WhatsApp groups to increase your reach
  • The power of “social bonds”

    Human beings right from the caveman times have been social animals.It is the inherent ability of human beings to form social bonds that makes socialization so much fulfilling.

    In the modern age of social media , virtual reality we come across virtual friends.Though good for  “short term happiness” yet in the absence of “face to face” connect the social bonding is felt missing in such kind of relationships.

    This is hardly surprising since social bonding is closely intertwined with our very existence.We feel comfortable in the midst of trustworthy groups.This is how organizations , societies , countries and civilizations have been formed over the years.The common thread being social bonds among a like minded group of people.

    This is a biological constant as well.While we form social bonds and feel comfortable among trustworthy people , the neurotransmitter named “oxytocin” flows in our veins and gives us fulfillment.This results only during “face to face”/”in person” interactions thus necessitating such kind of communication as opposed to virtual communication.

    Thus considering the fact that  social media is reaching menacing proportions , it is indeed time to take stock of the situation and realize the importance of social bonds , face to face communication in order to achieve long term fulfillment.

  • How judicious use of Post-It notes can help reduce stress?

    Human brain has limited working memory.

    To plan better for the next day at work , thinking more about to-dos constantly results in high amount of strain on the brain by triggering what is known as “rehearsal loops“.These constantly play on in our mind reminding us of the action items.

    Rather than subjecting ourselves to duress , the much easier option to write down the list of to-dos in Post-It notes to reduce the pressure on brain for better performance.

    Eric Barker’s book , Barking Up the Wrong Tree makes a mention of the same.

  • The magic “credibility” can do to our brain

    Neuroscience has proven the fact that human brain naturally gets relaxed when we listen to people who have a lot of credibility.

    This would mean listening to people whose opinion we naturally trust and who are “go to” people in terms of advise.

    When we listen to such people , our own thought process stops and related regions of the brain get turned off.This results in the relaxing effect.

  • Labeling of emotions to reduce stress

    It has been scientifically proven that negative emotions perceived by our limbic brain increases stress levels.

    A very effective technique in reducing of the stress when faced with such situatiins , is labeling such emotions.This relaxes our nerves and makes us feel much better.

  • What is so special about Iceland?

    Eric Barker in his book Barking Up The Wrong Tree , makes a mention of two countries Moldova and Iceland.

    Whereas Moldova has the least trustworthiness score , Iceland is on the opposite extreme.

    Being friendly comes naturally to people of Iceland.Time spend in making friends with people can even be cited as an excuse for being late to work.

    Goes without saying that people in Iceland trust each other the most.

  • “Introverts” vs “Extroverts” as leaders – Choosing the right context

    Eric Barker makes a mention of the same in his book “Barking Up The Wrong Tree”.

    When the workforce is passive and need to be emotionally charged up and motivated , bring in an energetic and extroverted leader who can influence the masses and rejuvenate them.

    When the workforce is already motivated , need space and pointers to create something revolutionary , bring in an introverted leader with great listening skills who can remove impediments and create a conducive environment to help the workers excel.

  • The “Ten Thousand Hours” Rule

    Anders Ericsson came up with this rule which Malcolm Gladwell popularized in his path breaking book named “Outliers”

    It says that 10,000 hours of deliberate practice is needed for mastery in any field.

    For more details please refer to the following link:

    https://www.businessinsider.in/strategy/a-top-psychologist-says-theres-only-one-way-to-become-the-best-in-your-field-but-not-everyone-agrees/articleshow/52715262.cms