Just to compound the situation of thinking errors still further: the more time you spend making decisions (including trying to avoid the hundreds of “traps” that are out there) the lower your overall willpower will be.
Thoughts can switch our genes on, thus altering our brain structure (and function?). In other words a brain can change its own structure and function. Lest you think I am exaggerating the New York Times described the work reflected in Doidge’s first book as “mind-bending, miracle-making, reality-busting stuff.”
One of the most universal techniques in business is due diligence. We all use it prior to adding new clients or suppliers and in investing in new companies and new relationships. However, what is not universal is the order of the process.
I have long said the three most important things about a business are people (customers), people (employees) and people (managers). But all too often, business is placed in a category of interaction where people and society and empathy don’t matter.
You’ve heard of the “impossible” 4-minute mile right? Until Roger Bannister broke the barrier (3 minutes 59.4 seconds to be exact) on May 6, 1954, it was unthinkable that a human could run a mile in under 4 minutes (wish those people could see Usain Bolt).
Research showed more people agree with findings of a scientific article that has a photo of a brain included than agree with the same unillustrated article. In her words: “Do you want to sell it? Put a brain on it. I guess we are guilty of that with our Business Brain Model”
So let’s think about ‘heavy lifting’ outside of the metaphor for one paragraph. You, yes you reading this - you can only lift as much as your muscles and tendons allow. The only way you can exceed your core strength, your inherent strength, is with a lever. And with the proper lever you can move heavy using less force; you can propel faster despite less speed; and you can send an object a lot further with less push/pull.
It has been more than 125 years since Benjamin Franklin died yet so many of his quotes (you remember “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” right?) resonate loud and clear today. I would fail you and me if I did not include such wisdom from the grave.