The human brain craves the sensation of knowing like a drug addict craves the next fix. If real knowledge is uncomfortable or not at hand, we are quite content to just make something up, then convince ourselves it’s real. In a world where knowledge matters, that’s dangerous.

A strong fight-or-flight reaction served our evolutionary ancestors well. If the leopard catches you, that’s it! But today a visceral response to a not-so-mortal threat seldom improves things. If you want to get a handle on those intense, counterproductive bouts of emotion, start by understanding where fight-or-flight came from in the first place.

A lot of what we think of as conscious decisions are actually the consciously inaccessible pieces of behavioral code that we call habits. You can’t take charge of your life without facing that basic, unalterable fact about how the brain works.

Impostor Syndrome is real and it’s no fun. But if you come at it properly, it can also be a starting point for a better future.

Innovation seldom leads where you think that it will, and doesn’t work to a manager’s schedule. But if you know how to listen, the world will tell you where to look for the next big idea.

The shortest day of the year has come and gone! Whether you wish your fellows a Merry Christmas, Happy Festivus, or just peace, joy, and happiness in their lives, the changing of the seasons marks a time of both celebration and new commitment. My wish for you is to see that new commitment translate into the real change you want in your life. Season’s Greetings!