If you’ve been keeping up with my tweets lately, you may have noticed I’ve been tweeting some rather bizarre insights. 

For example, if you’re a stripper and want to make a more money, you’re best to double up your shifts right before ovulation and not use birth control. 

The reason for these bizarre tweets is because I’ve recently been diving into the excellent book Incognito The Secret Lives of The Brain by David Eagleman.  

I’ve found the exploration of the brain nothing short of fascinating. The book covers attraction, decision making, health, and the complexities of the human brain. I definitely recommend you give it a  read.

In one of the chapters David presents a simple thought experiment that has been generating discussion for years. And as such, I’m interested to hear your thoughts. The thought experiment is as follows:

You’re walking home from work one day when you happen to see a train speeding down the track. In the distance you see five people stuck right on the trains current path.

To your right is a lever that will switch the train to another track, but as the result of the level being pulled the man on the other track dies.

Do you pull the lever to save five lives and end another?

According to numerous studies, most people would indeed pull the lever.

Now, imagine a similar scenario to scenario 1. The only difference being you’re on a bridge watching the train approach the five people below.

This time, however, there is a very large man, a man that if you were to push off the bridge would create enough friction to stop the train. Again, one life to save five. [Assume you wouldn't be charged with murder]

Here’s where it gets interesting: 

The second scenario produces vastly different results. The amount of people who would push the heavy man off the edge drops drastically, despite it being nearly the exactly same scenario as before.

Now imagine a third scenario: This time to save the five people you pull a lever that drops the heavy man below. No pushing required. 

The results?

The percentage of people who would pull the lever increases significantly.

Fascinating.

What would you do? Why?

Post from: A Boundless World

A Thought Experiment

Related posts:

1. Your Online Identity In my sociology class we’ve recently been discussing our online identities,...
2. Creating Your Perfect Day Today I’m going to share a rather personal exercise I...
3. You Will Adapt The other day, after I finished downloading the new mac...

1. Your Online Identity In my sociology class we’ve recently been discussing our online identities,...
2. Creating Your Perfect Day Today I’m going to share a rather personal exercise I...
3. You Will Adapt The other day, after I finished downloading the new mac...

If I were to ask you to write down a list of all your wants and desires, I’d wager it would be pretty easy to fill.

You want a six pack. You want more meaningful relationships. You want your coworkers to respect you.

You want good grades, a new car, a bigger house.

You want a book deal. You want to travel the world. You want to make a difference.

But if I were ask you for a list of what you’d be willing to sacrifice to obtain those wants and desires my guess is it wouldn’t be nearly as easy to supply.

And there is a reason for that.

First be clear on what you’re willing to sacrifice. And then stick to your word.

A mark of true success. 

Post from: A Boundless World

What Will You Sacrifice?

Related posts:

1. A Bloggers Guide To Changing The World One Idea At A Time Unless you’ve been heavily sedated by potent sleeping concoctions, chances...
2. Playing A Bigger Game Most people get stuck playing the small games, the games...
3. Why Reading This Blog Is Overrated Why are you here reading this? Seriously.. why? Is it...
4. Creating Your Perfect Day Today I’m going to share a rather personal exercise I...

1. A Bloggers Guide To Changing The World One Idea At A Time Unless you’ve been heavily sedated by potent sleeping concoctions, chances...
2. Playing A Bigger Game Most people get stuck playing the small games, the games...
3. Why Reading This Blog Is Overrated Why are you here reading this? Seriously.. why? Is it...
4. Creating Your Perfect Day Today I’m going to share a rather personal exercise I...

I write because I was born to.
I write because it guides me. 
I write because I’m an artist that paints with words.
I write because I’m scared.
I write because I’m searching.
I write to get lost.
I write to be lost.
I write because I’m selfish.
I write for my family.
I write for those who ache.
I write for those who dream.
I write for legacy.
I write for you.

Why do you write?

Post from: A Boundless World

Why I Write

Related posts:

1. The Language You Use The language we use has a tremendous amount of influence...
2. The Big Picture As an artist your work will ultimately define the impact...

1. The Language You Use The language we use has a tremendous amount of influence...
2. The Big Picture As an artist your work will ultimately define the impact...

Growing up, I always used to be the kid that others came to for advice. I’m not sure why I wore the advice giving hat, but it was a position I rather enjoyed.

At first, I sucked at giving advice. I rehashed the same cliche solutions to life’s complex problems. But as I grew older, I continued to refine my approach to a point where I felt comfortable with sharing my view.

I certainly don’t have every inch of my life painting sketched out, but I do know how valuable another perspective can be.

If you’re ever in the rewarding position of people looking to hear what you have to say, it’s important that you make the most of your point of view. Here’s how.

Only If They Ask

The best advice is given only when asked for. Not everyone wants to hear what you have to say, and imposing your view forcefully quite often backfires.

I’ve given my fair share of unsolicited advice, and it wasn’t always well received. Sure sometimes, it worked out but that was likely an exception.

When advice is requested, as opposed to forced, it stands a significantly better chance of being acted upon, which is what you want right?

I’ve discovered when talking with my brother when he comes to me first, he’s much more likely to listen to what I have to say.

It’s obviously sometimes difficult to bite your tongue, especially if you particularly care for your friend or family member in need. But if your opinion is needed it should be requested.

Give advice only when it’s asked for. Simple as that.

Empower The Receiver

When voicing you’re opinion, choose to empower the person receiving your message. They aren’t dumb, or incapable, just stuck. It’s sometimes easy to lose sight of that.

Ask questions, and let them answer truthfully. Offer different perspectives and outcomes, and let them think those through. Refuse to talk down to them no matter how simple the alleged solution may be. What’s common to you, may not be common to the rest of the world.

Ultimately it’s their life not yours. Your opinion may matter, but only to a certain degree.

Speak your mind, and let them have the final say. No ” you have to do this..” needed.

A Simple Test

Next time you’re giving advice require it pass a simple test: Would I follow the advice I’m about to give?

If the answer is no, you’re not giving advice. Instead you’re wasting everyones time.

The trick to giving good advice is knowing when you’re full of shit. 

Post from: A Boundless World

How To Give Advice

Related posts:

1. How To Give Honest Feedback The other day I was toying with the idea of...
2. Reframing Rejection You didn’t get the job. You didn’t pass your test....

1. How To Give Honest Feedback The other day I was toying with the idea of...
2. Reframing Rejection You didn’t get the job. You didn’t pass your test....

I came across this clip a while back, but I still can’t get over how powerful this 45 second video is.  I think this will be the best 45 seconds of your day. 

Last Day Dream from Chris Milk on Vimeo.

My three takeaways. 

1. Moments matter. Possessions do not. 

2. There is magic in brevity

3. Stories are everything. 

What did this clip mean to you?

Post from: A Boundless World

3 Lessons From A Life in 45 Seconds

Related posts:

1. Magic And The Story You Tell Growing up I was always fascinated with magic. I still...
2. Lessons Learned: Burned By Gluten Chef Editors note: This post is a bit lengthy compared to...
3. Creating Your Perfect Day Today I’m going to share a rather personal exercise I...

1. Magic And The Story You Tell Growing up I was always fascinated with magic. I still...
2. Lessons Learned: Burned By Gluten Chef Editors note: This post is a bit lengthy compared to...
3. Creating Your Perfect Day Today I’m going to share a rather personal exercise I...

It’s no secret I greatly enjoy reading. And  just recently I became addicted to audio books as well.  Here are some I enjoyed (many for the second time) in 2011.

• Anything You Want 
• The Alchemist 
• Johnathan Livingston Seagull 
• Professional Idiot 
• Enders Game 
• The Glass Castle 
• I Will Teach You To Be Rich
• Nothing To Envy 
• Everything Is Obvious 

What are some of your favorite books?

Post from: A Boundless World

My Favorite Books of 2011

Related posts:

1. A Bump In The Table Back at my parents house we have a pool table...
2. A Boundless World Update It’s been relatively quiet here at A Boundless World over...
3. I Suck At Tennis I’ve the spent the last couple of weeks trying to...
4. Why Reading This Blog Is Overrated Why are you here reading this? Seriously.. why? Is it...

1. A Bump In The Table Back at my parents house we have a pool table...
2. A Boundless World Update It’s been relatively quiet here at A Boundless World over...
3. I Suck At Tennis I’ve the spent the last couple of weeks trying to...
4. Why Reading This Blog Is Overrated Why are you here reading this? Seriously.. why? Is it...

As we say goodbye to the year 2011 I’ve been thinking a great deal about my hopes and aspirations for the year 2012.

My aim for this year, put simply, is to be committed in everything I do. The past few years I’ve been pretty scattered, jumping from one project or idea to the next. But truth be told I feel I haven’t left everything on the table.

While exploring my various interests was certainly rewarding, I feel it’s time to put my head down and really get to work.

Bottom line is I want 2012 to be the year of results.

Fitness

My fitness level has been in steep decline since I stopped running cross country in high school. And for the past few years I’ve tolerated the slippage, but enough is enough. It’s time I give my body the respect it deserves.

Relationships

I haven’t been the greatest with staying in touch with those closest to me, which is something I intend to put a lot of effort into in the up coming year.

I believe strongly that your family and friends are everything.

Writing

I haven’t been the most consistent writer in the world. However I know the solution is as simple as: to ship.

I fully intend to deepen my writing by consistently showing up.

In my commitment to sharpen my writing I will be writing at least 1000 words every day in the year 2012 apocalypse pending of course.

Reading

Several years ago, I used to read a book a week. Lately it’s been about a book a month. I’m committed to making the time to do one of the activities I love most.

Have Fun

I am fully committed to making 2012 one of most enjoyable and rewarding years of my life. I hope you join me.

What’s going to change for you in 2012? I would love to hear.

Happy New Years.

Post from: A Boundless World

A Year of Commitment

Related posts:

1. A Boundless World Update It’s been relatively quiet here at A Boundless World over...
2. Buds Book Box And Other Ramblings I’d like to take a few moments to tie up...
3. Lessons Learned: Burned By Gluten Chef Editors note: This post is a bit lengthy compared to...

1. A Boundless World Update It’s been relatively quiet here at A Boundless World over...
2. Buds Book Box And Other Ramblings I’d like to take a few moments to tie up...
3. Lessons Learned: Burned By Gluten Chef Editors note: This post is a bit lengthy compared to...

Blame other people for your own shortcomings.
Make promises then break them.
Sacrifice integrity for convenience.
Treat your body poorly.
Wait for tomorrow.
Let fear win.
Play victim.
Chase comfort.

If you find yourself selling out on a regular basis don’t be surprised if life chooses to do the same.

Post from: A Boundless World

How To Sell Out

Related posts:

1. Attitude and Excuses Last semester I took calculus and had a teacher who...
2. Playing A Bigger Game Most people get stuck playing the small games, the games...
3. Are You Overconfident? It’s common knowledge in the world of psychology that the...
4. A Bump In The Table Back at my parents house we have a pool table...

1. Attitude and Excuses Last semester I took calculus and had a teacher who...
2. Playing A Bigger Game Most people get stuck playing the small games, the games...
3. Are You Overconfident? It’s common knowledge in the world of psychology that the...
4. A Bump In The Table Back at my parents house we have a pool table...

We spend the majority of our lives fighting to find the perfect rhythm. The one where we’re perfectly content, and nothing in the world can stop us. Only then do we allow ourselves to be full.

Unfortunately, the range of life’s rhythms rarely meet our expectations. When we want calm and laid back we are met with a force of fury. When we want to step on the accelerator our brakes remain stuck.  And then sometimes, out of nowhere, our desires and the universe decide to click.

While we may often resist each rhythm, it’s often important to step back and  view the lesson embedded within the flow. 

Moving confidently  through your story isn’t so much about being on top of the world; rather it’s about embracing the rhythm of here and now. Regardless of the tempo.

Post from: A Boundless World

On Rhythm

Related posts:

1. Reframing Rejection You didn’t get the job. You didn’t pass your test....
2. A Boundless World Update It’s been relatively quiet here at A Boundless World over...
3. Dropping Expectations We live much of our life expecting today or tomorrow...
4. Lessons Learned: Burned By Gluten Chef Editors note: This post is a bit lengthy compared to...

1. Reframing Rejection You didn’t get the job. You didn’t pass your test....
2. A Boundless World Update It’s been relatively quiet here at A Boundless World over...
3. Dropping Expectations We live much of our life expecting today or tomorrow...
4. Lessons Learned: Burned By Gluten Chef Editors note: This post is a bit lengthy compared to...

Quite often there tends to be a conversation that needs to had but is instead tossed to the side reserved for that perfect day.

Telling your parents you hate college. Salary negotiations with the boss. Fleeting feelings for your spouse.  You have to let your best friend go.

The time isn’t right you say. Yet the right time never seems to come.

Important conversations are difficult, emotionally draining at best. But that doesn’t change the fact they do need to be had. 

Those who consciously choose to have these conversations are the ones who end up where they set their sights to be. Fortune favors the brave so they say.

Let go of the crutch that says courage comes tomorrow. Have the conversation today. 

Post from: A Boundless World

Important Conversations

Related posts:

1. The Big Picture As an artist your work will ultimately define the impact...
2. A Boundless World Update It’s been relatively quiet here at A Boundless World over...
3. Living Protected When you break up with someone you care about, it...

1. The Big Picture As an artist your work will ultimately define the impact...
2. A Boundless World Update It’s been relatively quiet here at A Boundless World over...
3. Living Protected When you break up with someone you care about, it...