As my long-time readers know, the focus of Niki’s Notes has evolved over the years. I started writing to help business leaders, then shifted my focus to business owners, and then segued to anyone wanting their workplace to be more humane. Now I tend to write about topics geared to helping us all raise our levels of self-awareness.
Why self-awareness?
There are several reasons, and they all coalesce around the observation that when we consider how our words and actions impact others, it encourages us to behave better, which improves the lives of the people around us. And it helps make life better for us, too.
Is that selfish? Self-centered? Is it a form of egotism because considering others makes us feel good about ourselves? Certainly philosophers including Thomas Hobbes, Friedrich Nietzsche, Joseph Butler, and David Hume have argued this.
But who cares about the motivation of kindness to others? I don’t. I’m focused on the net effect. If taking a few extra moments to be considerate to others makes me feel good too, it’s a win.
This Week’s Shares: Flipping and Reframing Conventional Wisdom…
This Week’s Shares: Flipping and Reframing Conventional Wisdom…- Have you heard Matthew McConaughey’s story about how he rebranded himself, stuck to his guns, and ended up with the roles he really wants? A lesson for anyone unsure about the power of specific goals.
- On that note, shout out to someone I’m very impressed with who decided to make a significant career pivot to get what she wants. Searched for six months for a very specific role. Interviewed with honesty. Negotiated with confidence. No salary cut despite being new to the industry she chose. She doesn’t want the attention so I’m sharing her story anonymously, but she deserves some praise, and you all deserve to know it’s possible to make big pivots.
- You are what’s in your newsfeed…and research shows even slight adjustments in the algorithms for those feeds can open your mind to new perspectives. Intrigued? I was, that’s why I’m sharing.
- The art of the flip when it comes to standing up for your credibility without being defensive. (Yes, I wrote about this last week but this guy’s worth hearing too.)
- Critical thinking is out; critical ignoring is in! Seriously, you’ll want to read this article from The Wall Street Journal (gift link, you’re welcome ). It talks about how to improve your ability to discern good info from false info, how to think more inquisitively about content, and why you probably need to upgrade your analytic skills in the age of AI slop, fake news, and soulless lying.
Heroes Without Capes: Dr. Giovanni Borromeo and Friends
Heroes Without Capes: Dr. Giovanni Borromeo and FriendsDuring World War II, Dr. Giovanni Borromeo worked with Dr. Vittorio Sacerdoti and hospital prior Father Maurizio to help people suffering from “K Disease.” You’ve never heard of K Disease because it was a highly contagious—and completely fabricated—disease the hospital faculty created as a diagnosis to enable Jewish people to be admitted to their hospital to avoid arrest by Nazis. Learn more here.
Well done, gentlemen!
Do Good Spotlight: Operation USA
Operation USA (otherwise known as OpUSA) has been helping people across the world recover from disasters, disease, and poverty since 1979. They’ve delivered over $450 million in aid for relief and development projects worldwide. Learn more and how to support: Operation USA.
⏳Until Next Time…
Have a wonderful rest of the week. Give yourself the kindness you need and share that vibe with the people around you too! ❤️️💹
Niki