From 600+ conversations with the world’s leading thinkers.
Our brains are adapted to pick leaders based on characteristics that are no longer adaptive, or necessary today. In times of crisis for example, we are wired to gravitate towards strong men – strong males who are overconfident and speak of solutions in simplistic terms. That's what historically it took to survive.
Having negotiation skills means that you can weaponize emotional intelligence. If you want people to cooperate with you… if you want to connect with people who you don't share any common-ground with…. If you want to get a deal done without regrets…. That's where negotiation techniques can work, across all cultures.
This is where people expect me to reveal some magical formula I've discovered in the caves of Indonesia. You're going to be disappointed. I'm about to tell you some of the simplest, most mundane things in the world. They're so basic that many people don't even want to bother with them. But trust me, these basics are far more important than attending a breathwork class three times a week.
The 'confidence gap' begins to manifest itself in girls at an alarmingly young age. For example, a recent study on gender stereotypes and children's perception of brilliance revealed the worrying fact that girls start doubting their own intelligence and capabilities as early as age six.
Each of us needs a space to think deeply. The best space to think combines the comfort of paper and the advantages of digital technology—in a focused, distraction-free environment.
Historically, we've viewed the human mind as the paramount problem solver. Yet, is it still our ally, or has it become our adversary? I believe we're at a juncture where the human mind is shifting towards the latter.
When I sense stress, I allot three minutes to fully immerse myself in it. Many individuals attempt to escape stress, but evasion often amplifies it. It's akin to instructing someone not to think of pink elephants; the very command makes it impossible not to.
Happiness is a measure that reflects the success with which people achieve their personal objectives of living levels, happy and healthy families and satisfying work.
I know that there is an arc and that one day, either at my choosing or the club's, I will begin the downward part of the arc. I know when this is coming because people at the club stop talking about the future. That is a big sign.
Making mistakes is necessary- if you don't make mistakes, you can never grow. Every failure is a little lesson in how to be a winner. Failure is an opportunity to learn, to start again, to see problems, and find solutions. Failing may be the reason you win next time!
Fundamental sense of well-being crucially depends on our having the ability to exert control over our environment and recognising that we do.
It's only a failure if you don't learn from your mistakes, right? I was always able to find some way of making every adversity into something positive, even if I was physically no longer the athlete I was, I became mentally stronger. I used every adversity and changed it into something positive.