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Enhance Your Decision-Making Ability with Mental Time Travel

How to Find Fun in the Tedious and much more

Welcome to The RNDM issue #18, your weekly source for the most interesting and thought-provoking content out there!

Each week, we curate a selection of articles, books, and other media that we think will pique your interest and stimulate your mind.

Whether you're looking for something to read on your commute, something to spark a conversation with friends, or just something to pass the time, we've got you covered.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy the read!

This Week

What:

Technology expert Nir Eyal and professor of interactive computing Ian Bogost argue that the key to overcoming distraction is to change our perspective on the task at hand and to relinquish our preconceived notions about what fun should feel like. This allows us to find freedom from discomfort and see our daily activities in a new way.

To use a popular aphorism, “The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.”

Why:

This is interesting because it offers a new perspective on how to overcome distraction. Instead of trying to abstain from distractions, the advice is to change our perspective on the task at hand and to see it in a new light.

This is a unique approach that has the potential to be effective in helping people stay focused and avoid being overwhelmed by distractions.

Additionally, the idea that fun doesn't have to be enjoyable is intriguing and challenges our preconceived notions about what makes an activity fun.

What:

"Give and Take" is a thought-provoking and illuminating look at how generosity can drive success in the business world.

Why:

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this book offers valuable insights and practical advice on how to build stronger, more productive relationships with your colleagues and achieve your goals.

What:

Futurist and game designer Jane McGonigal suggests that using "futures thinking" can help individuals prepare for an unpredictable future. By envisioning potential futures, individuals can improve their mental adaptability, build hope and resilience, reduce anxiety and depression, and inspire themselves to take action that sets them up for future success.

“Episodic future thinking” or EFT is often described as “mental time travel” — your brain is working to help you see and feel the future as clearly and vividly as if you were already there.

Why:

If you're curious about how you can prepare for an unpredictable future, you won't want to miss this excerpt from the new book by futurist and game designer Jane McGonigal. “Imaginable” offers a unique perspective on how using "futures thinking" can improve mental adaptability, build hope and resilience, reduce anxiety and depression, and inspire action that sets you up for future success. Plus, the book is backed by research in psychology and neuroscience, making it a must-read for anyone interested in these fields. Don't miss out on this fascinating take on preparing for the future – read the full article to learn more.

What:

Kaizen is a business practice that emphasizes continuous improvement. It originated with Toyota, and its name literally means "good change." The philosophy behind kaizen is that the best way to improve is through small, gradual steps rather than sudden, radical changes. It is a proven and effective method that can be applied to many aspects of life, such as tidying a house, achieving sporting goals, or changing one's character.

Why:

Do you struggle to make lasting improvements in your life? If so, then the practice of kaizen may be just what you need. Kaizen, which originated with Toyota, is the philosophy of continuous improvement through small, gradual steps. It's a proven and effective method that can be applied to many aspects of your life, from tidying your house to achieving your sporting goals to changing your character. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about kaizen and how it can help you improve your life. Read on to find out more.

The perfect is the enemy of the good

-Voltaire

What:

Striving for perfection can prevent us from achieving what is good or satisfactory. By focusing too much on achieving the ideal, we may overlook opportunities to make progress or improvements in the present. It is better to aim for what is good enough, rather than always trying to reach the unattainable ideal.

Why:

This quote is interesting because it challenges the common belief that perfection is always worth striving for. Instead, it suggests that sometimes it is more important to focus on what is achievable and make progress in the present, rather than always trying to reach an unattainable ideal. This perspective can be helpful in many areas of life, from personal development to business and beyond. By recognizing that perfection is not always possible or necessary, we can avoid getting stuck or becoming frustrated, and instead focus on making progress and achieving what is good.

Thanks for reading this week's newsletter. We hope you had a blast and learned something new.

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