Posted in Change, Example, Metaphor, New Cards, One minute unlearning, Routine, See What Isn't There
On a standard Roman Numeral watch, what letters do the Number 3 look like? What about the Number 4? Did you say the Number 3 looks like three capital I’s (III) and the Number 4 looks like a capital I and a capital V (IV)? It is quite common to believe the face of Roman…
Posted in Ask a New Question, Change, Creativity, Example, Imagination, Innovation, See What Isn't There, Stories, The Way We See the Problem, Think Like a Child
Often, the first step to solving an old problem is viewing your situation–and the tools at your disposal–in a new light. If you want to watch a short, fun and inspirational video, check out this two-minute YouTube clip on a simple solar solution:
Posted in Ask a New Question, Assumptions, Behavior, Change, Culture, Curiosity, Education, Example, Happiness, Lessons Unlearned, One minute unlearning, Perspective, Problems into Opportunities, Questions, The Way We See the Problem, Think Like a Child, Unlearn Strategy, Way We See the Problem, Wisdom
Chief Unlearning Officer Jack Uldrich explains how to unlearn–and change your life–without any words.
Posted in Children, Education, Example, Failure, Happiness, Problems into Opportunities, Relationships, Stories, Wisdom
Let me begin by admitting that it is not easy to smile after losing $25,000. At 3p.m. today, I should be addressing a senior group of utility executives who are part of IBM’s Global Intelligent “Smart Grid” Network in Campinas, Brazil. Unfortunately, because I failed to secure the necessary visa application I was not allowed…
Posted in Change, Example, New Cards, Opposite May Also be True
Years ago, I recall one of the more hotly contested issues among the readers of "Dear Abby" (or, perhaps, it was Ann Landers) was the issue of whether toilet paper should be rolled over the top or the bottom. Personally, I have my own preference but I'm a firm believer that in order to stay…
I'll freely admit I'm just a wanderer in the world of social media but I love the new connections — to both people and ideas — that I derive from the medium. To this end, I recently asked @dougbecker what he meant by describing himself as a "flextarian" and he responded, "It's a loaded term,…
Posted in Assumptions, Education, Example, Illusion, Lessons Unlearned, Metaphor, New Cards, Paradox, See What Isn't There, The Way We See the Problem, Wisdom
By sheer luck, my family and I walked up the steps of the Eiffel Tower on the evening of March 19, 2011 — the night of the “Super Moon.” The view was spectacular as a large red orb arose over the Parisian skyline. If you would have asked me whether the moon was closer to…
Posted in Advertising, Business, Business Models, Example, Hospitals, Retail, The Way We See the Problem
I recently had the pleasure of going to Paris on vacation and happened to use the city's fine subway system on a daily basis. One of the things that struck me as odd was the large number of advertising posters for Martin Lawrence's new "Big Mamma" movie. Now, to be honest, I can't imagine why…
Posted in Example, New Cards, Perspective, The Way We See the Problem
Yesterday, I asked which is more dangerous: a tiger or the jungle. The question was aimed at helping people see the world from a different perspective. In this same spirit, I'd like to ask what you see in the photo to the right. If you're a Westerner you'd likely say "There's a fly in my…
Posted in Assumptions, Business, Culture, Example, Happiness, Listen, Love, Parenting, Questions, Quiz, Religious, Unlearn Strategy, Wisdom
It is a curious phrase: It goes without saying. If it really "goes without saying," should you need to say "it goes without saying"? On a deeper level, though, I do believe it is worth exploring those things which truly "go without saying" in our relationships, in our workplace, and in our life. For example:…
