Think about the last time you listened to someone talk who was really angry. Whether they were venting to you or they were speaking to a crowd, I’m willing to bet that they sounded very convinced that their opinion or feelings represented some kind of truth. I’m also willing to bet that they were trying … Read more
What was your first impression of your current best friend? What about your partner? Your boss? Did these initial assumptions end up being spot on? Maybe, but I know several people whose first impressions of the person they ended up marrying was NOT one that had them imagining the future. But others, the moment they … Read more
Have you ever discredited something that someone said simply because you don’t particularly like them? Or maybe your negative opinion of that person led you to mistrust them, no matter what they’re talking about. Or, you might decide that you’re not even going to listen to the speaker before they even start to talk. We’ve … Read more
Whenever there’s a new “winner” among TV personalities, whether it’s an American Idol, a Survivor, an American with Talent, or someone who has overruled Big Brother, you can expect to see their face and hear their name in pop culture for at least a few weeks. However, what you won’t find is pictures of all … Read more
“It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble. It’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so.” – Josh Billings Have you ever been tasked with making a decision that would have enough of an impact on others that you pause to wonder if you really have the knowledge and skills … Read more
I love hearing a good conspiracy theory. And, apparently I’m in good company with the majority of other people. However, I mainly love these far-fetched theories because they are, by and large, ridiculous. And therefore…entertaining. But in our society of uncertainty and frequent tragedies, people tend to look for ways to make sense of devastating … Read more
Did you participate in the celebrated ice bucket challenge of 2014? If so, do you remember what it was for? And if you do, do you know what “ALS” stands for? If you did participate in the ice bucket challenge, you probably felt like you were doing something for a good cause. However, if you’re … Read more
If you’re trying to prove something is true, what is the first thing you look for? I think it’s fair that most people would say that evidence or facts is where they start when searching for the truth. But, if you can’t find any evidence, where do you go next? You may give up and … Read more
We all make assumptions. Making assumptions is a way to save brain power, as we can simply put patterns together of human behavior or other phenomena based on our past experiences. Doing so helps us make sense of the world as we encounter new people or situations. And while making assumptions isn’t always a bad … Read more
If you work hard day in and day out and always strive to put your best foot forward at anything you’re doing, you will probably be surprised to know that your brain…is lazy. On the other hand, if you’re familiar with the “exercise paradox” — the contradiction that despite increasing knowledge about the importance of … Read more