We know what to do to achieve what we want. We could make a list of the steps. We could do each of the steps. But we don’t. Some people do. But most don’t. I include myself. Why don’t we do what we know we need to do to achieve the things that we feel … Read more
Professor Robert Cialdini in his book “Influence: The Science of Persuasion” outlines six principles of ethical persuasion: reciprocity, scarcity, liking, authority, social proof, and commitment/consistency. Reciprocation – People tend to return a favor. Thus, the pervasiveness of free samples in marketing. In his conferences, Cialdini often uses the example of Ethiopia providing thousands of dollars … Read more
The US Aikido master George Leonard in his book “Mastery” speaks of 4 approaches that we take to learning new disciplines. It scares me that I might be a regular Hacker… how to shift my approach and push through “good” and reach “better” and one day “expert”?: The Dabbler – The Dabbler’s learning curve rises very quickly, … Read more
I have prepared a series of short videos for my IESE courses this year. This is a 3 minute video outlining the 4 ways that you can handle anxiety or performance nerves. (The video is here on my blog). I spoke about the 4 ways of handling anxiety in a previous post 4 ways to … Read more
“Be water my friend.” Bruce Lee What does Bruce Lee mean? What is it to “be water”? On “being water” What is it to “be water“? Water flows and adapts. It has no plan, but deals with the environment that it finds. It fully explores the space. It has no expectations of what it will … Read more
Life often delivers unexpected blows. How we deal with sudden shocks shapes our experience of life. How do you handle the negative shocks? You lose a treasured item. How does it affect you? You are out driving… you have a flat tire. How does it affect you? You are waiting for a train… and it … Read more
Two months ago, I was at IESE business school with Verne Harnish and his wife Julie. We were talking about entrepreneurial success and achievement. He shared with me a quote that comes from his father-in-law: “How you do anything is how you do everything.” Verne’s father-in-law has apartments that he rents out. What criteria does … Read more
The nice people at Virgin Media Pioneers asked me for some thoughts (in video) on the need for entrepreneurs to be confident, or at least appear confident. “Authority is 20% given, 80% taken” Peter Ueberoth. Your confidence is a big part in getting others to treat you as a leader, to accept you as an authority. … Read more
The Psychology of High Performance I spent yesterday afternoon in Puigcerda with Kilian Jornet, an athlete who dominates two sports: alpine skiing and mountain trail running (skyrunning). He is 23 years old, but his values and approach to life and sport transmit a maturity far beyond his 23 years of age. Kilian’s mother says “I … Read more
There are 4 ways of dealing with Anxiety Remove the source of anxiety – avoid the stress. This is a poor coping strategy. There is no growth in capability. There will always be a reduction of my performance levels when the stressor is present. Manage my level of anxiety – learn to auto-adjust down (relaxation … Read more