Healthy Lifestyle

  • Are You Smart?

    I know a lot of smart people.

    I also know a lot of people that think they're smarter than they are (even the smart ones … or, perhaps, especially the smart ones). 

    It's common.  So common, in fact, that there's a name for it.  The Dunning-Kruger Effect.

    Have you ever met someone who's so confident about what they think that they believe they know more than an expert in a field? That's the Dunning-Kruger effect. It's defined as a cognitive bias where a lack of self-awareness prevents someone from accurately assessing their own skills. 

    Here's a graph that shows the general path a person takes on their journey towards mastery of a subject. 

    Dunning-w-captionvia NC Soy

    The funny thing about the above image… it's actually not a literal part of the paper on the Dunning-Kruger Effect. But it's now so commonplace that people report that chart as fact. A fitting example of the effect. 

    244667David Fitzsimmons via Cagle Cartoons

    In our daily lives, it can often be funny or frustrating to see the "victims" of this effect, but I'd warn you that we all have times where we're prone to this; and it's a sign of ignorance, not stupidity. 

    This is a problem with all groups and all people. Even if you already know about the cognitive bias resulting from the Dunning-Kruger Effect, you're not immune. 

    It should be a reminder to reflect inward – not cast aspersions outward. 

    Two different ways that people get it wrong, first is to think about other people and it’s not about me. The second is thinking that incompetent people are the most confident people in the room, that’s not necessarily true.

    Usually, that shows up in our data, but they are usually less confident than the really competent people but not that much… – David Dunning

    To close out, even this article on the Dunning-Kruger presents a simplification of its findings. The U-shape in the graph isn't seen in the paper, the connection that lack of ability precludes meta-cognitive ability on a task is intuitive, but not the only potential takeaway from the paper. 

    Regardless, I think it's clear we are all victims of an amalgam of different cognitive biases. 

    We judge ourselves situationally, and assume "the best".  Meanwhile, we often assume "the worst" of others. 

    We can do better … it starts with awareness.

    Progress starts by telling the truth.

  • How Normal Is Your Face?

    Project SHERPA recently released an AI-powered tool that analyzes your face and reveals how average it is. 

    It's called How Normal Am I?

    Screen Shot 2020-10-10 at 1.01.31 AMvia How Normal Am I?

    It's an interactive video that uses your webcam to walk you through the various assessments on BMI, emotion, beauty, etc.  At the end, it'll give you your life expectancy, and then your "normal score".

    It's not the most complex use of AI, but it provides interesting insights, and is becoming increasingly prevalent. 

    Governments, police stations, retail stores, etc. all use this technology to track individuals, and if you remember one of my previous articles – there are plenty of cameras to go around. 

    If you did the demo, were you surprised by the results?

    Interesting stuff!

  • Here Are Some Links For Your Weekly Reading – October 4th, 2020

    Did you watch the first presidential debate this week? I have friends on both sides of the fence, but we all agreed the debate was a mess. 

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    Here are some of the posts that caught my eye recently. Hope you find something interesting.

    Lighter Links:

     
     

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  • Can A Minute Be Faster? A Look At The Internet Minute

    As I get older, time seems to move faster … but it's also true that as I get older, more is accomplished every minute. 

    Technology is a powerful force function.

    Every couple of years I revisit a chart about how much data is generated every minute on the internet.  

    In reverse chronological order, here's 2018, 2015, and 2011. 

    Here's an excerpt from 2015 for some perspective: 

    Compared to 2008 here is what's happened with social networks:

    • The number of people online has more than doubled from 1.4 billion to over 3 billion
    • Facebook has gone from 80 million users to more than 1.4 billion
    • Twitter had 2 million accounts and now it is 300 million and counting.
    • The number of smartphones was 250 million in 2008 and today there are more than 2 billion. That is an 800% increase!

    Today this is what happens every minute on the web.

    • 4 million search queries on Google
    • Facebook users share 2.46 million pieces of content
    • Email users send 204 million messages

    Over the course of its (pretty short) history, the internet has been arguably the most important battlefield for relevancy and innovation. 

    So, what does the internet look like in 2020?

    Internet-minute-2020DOMO via VisualCapitalist

    Partially as a result of the quarantine, you're seeing an increase in digital cash transfers with tools like Venmo, an increase in e-commerce shops like Shopify, and an increase in (you guessed it) collaboration tools like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. 

    This year, DOMO also created a chart that shows the services that have appeared in the graphic since 2012. It's an interesting way to look at the relevancy and staying power of different companies and technologies. 

    Data-never-sleeps-wheel-over-time-5

    We're currently in a time period of massive competition and turnover. Innovation means incumbents are being challenged every day, and the status quo doesn't stay that way for long. Even within the S&P 500, you're seeing companies stay a member for shorter periods of time.  

    You have to stay on your toes to maintain an edge. I think you can expect increased competition, increased volume, and as a result, increased noise vying for your attention or fueling your distraction. 

  • The Day of Atonement

    A few weeks ago was Rosh Hashanah – The Jewish New Year, and this evening starts Yom Kippur – the Day of Atonement.  The practice around these holidays is a good reminder to take account of where you are and appreciate the blessings around you. It was a reminder to me to sprint towards the end of 2020 with the energy of a new year. 

    Yom Kippur is a lot like a Catholic confession, but it happens once a year. The holiday is a mix of contemplation, mindfulness, and contrition.  Ultimately, we apologize for the sins we've committed against ourselves, our communities, our friends, and our faith.  Also important is the promise to do better next year.  On top of repenting, we fast (no food or water) for a full day to make sure we're mindful.  

    Ezgif.com-gif-maker

    via Dry Bones

    It's interesting how little human nature has changed in the past several thousand years. The list of sins is just as relevant today as I imagine it was back then. Even if you have managed to stay on the right side of the Ten Commandments, and haven’t killed or stolen … you have most likely been frivolous, stubborn, hurtful, dismissive, or judgmental (I know I have …).  

    To help drive the importance of the day, we ceremoniously read a poem called the Unetaneh Tokef. Below is a brief excerpt because it's a powerful read, regardless of faith. 

    Who will rest and who will wander, who will live in harmony and who will be harried, who will enjoy tranquillity and who will suffer, who will be impoverished and who will be enriched, who will be degraded and who will be exalted.

    On one hand, you can read that and pray for Divine intervention (or perhaps favor) or you can recognize that we each have a choice about who we want to be, how we show up, and what we make things mean.  Your choices about these things have very real power to create the experience and environment you will live in during the next year.

    This year, my local Synagogues are closed due to the pandemic. As a result, I happen to be in Cabo for today. As I look at a photo I took, I find myself thinking about that lesson – that we have a choice about who we want to be, how we show up, and what we make things mean.

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    The picture is just a picture.  The story you tell about it (or what it means to you) is actually more important than the image itself.

    One could lament that the sun is going down just as easily as they could celebrate the beautiful sunset.  Someone could complain about the rough desert terrain or decide to notice its natural beauty.  You could complain about the heat and humidity or jump in the ocean to cool off.  You could struggle with how difficult it is to get there or appreciate how nice it is to be somewhere so remote and secluded.  In every case, the choice is yours … this is “free will”.
     
    In addition, some might say that it is wrong that I was in Cabo at the start of Yom Kippur. It reminds me of a story.  
     
    Someone asks their religious leader if they can smoke during prayer time … consequently, they are told “of course not” and reminded to take prayer time seriously and to treat it as a sacred moment.  Meanwhile , a different person says “while walking along the beach, and smoking, they feel close to God and start to pray … they ask their religious leader if this is OK … with that framing, the answer is “of course” because it is always a good time to feel close to the Divine and to pray.

     

    Progress starts by telling the truth.  And Yom Kippur is a time to honest reflection. Equally important to recognizing and repenting for your sins, is recognizing and appreciating that you did good and well … for yourself, your friends and family, or your community. 

    All-in-all, it's a nice framework that highlights how you have grown; and, it also shows where you have room to grow. 

    100 Days Left

    We're currently bringing in the Jewish New Year, but we also have just under 100 days before the normal New Year. Many will spend those 100 days stressing about the upcoming elections, grumbling about how 2020 sucked and pretending it's the universe's fault they didn't accomplish what they set their mind to … but, 100 days is a great amount of time to sprint, to make a change, to end the year on a high note. 

    That's plenty of time to make this your best year yet. What can you do? What will you do?

    I hope you all experience growth in your mental state, your relationships, and your businesses.  Best wishes for a great day, and an even better year!

  • Here Are Some Links For Your Weekly Reading – September 27th, 2020

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    Here are some of the posts that caught my eye recently. Hope you find something interesting.

    Lighter Links:

     
     
     
     

    Trading Links:

     
     

  • The Growth of Home Fitness (and Fitness Tracking)

    Home fitness isn't a new trend, but we've come a long way from the Aerobics videos of my youth …

    The technology of home workouts has also improved a lot, even before COVID-19 put it into overdrive. 

    From YouTube channels with any type of workout you could look for, to simple machines for any type of workout you're looking for. 

    I've shared articles before about some of my favorite tools

    • Carol – An AI Fitness bike specializing in High-Intensity Interval Training
    • Power Plate – Whole Body Vibration to help with stretching and bodyweight exercises
    • x3 Bar – Resistance Bands to replace weightlifting equipment
    • Tonal – A smart home gym

    So, how has the quarantine affected the industry?

    Home-fitness-apps-OC_v2-2via VisualCapitalist

    Worldwide, health & fitness app downloads have grown by 46%. With a mass majority of that being in India. On top of downloads, daily active users have also increased by 24% worldwide. 

    Is Home Fitness Here to Stay?

    Health & fitness apps have been a big part of my arsenal, far before social distancing was a thing, and they'll continue to be an important part of my future fitness plans. 

    Many people prefer the gym/class environment for workouts, so home workouts will never represent a major proportion of the market, but it's non-trivial and continues to grow. 

    More likely to continue to grow in use are the tracking and mindfulness apps. 

    I like several guided meditation apps.

    In addition, I like these too.

    • Focus@Will (background music for different moods)
    • Brain.FM (AI created music to enhance focus, relaxation, meditation, naps & sleep)
    • Meditation Music (5-minute songs, inhale at the bell, exhale at the next bell … repeat)
    • Zen Wellness (courses about meditation, Qi Gong, etc.)
    • Muse (brain sensing headband and app to help you know whether you are relaxing)

    I also recommend:

    • Hapbee – A device that lets you choose how to feel
    • Apollo Neuro – Wearable wellness and stress relief
    • 40 Years of Zen – This is a 5-day program that leverages neurofeedback technology and guidance to help you unlock and expand your potential.

    For fitness tracking, I use: 

    • Oura Ring (personal health tracker that specializes in detailed sleep tracking & Heart Rate Variability measurement)
    • Whoop (similar fitness tracker but targeted towards athletes & recovery)
    • Apple Watch

     

    Let me know if there is something that I should add to the list.

  • Here Are Some Links For Your Weekly Reading – September 12th, 2020

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    Here are some of the posts that caught my eye recently. Hope you find something interesting.

    Lighter Links:

     

    Trading Links:

  • Innovator Mindsets

    To some, new technology is a good thing.  To others, less is more.

    Most people simply "tolerate" technology transitions, some people drive them, and others crave them and use them as a catalyst for growth or strategic advantage.

    640px-Diffusionofideas
    In the image, above, the blue line represents consumer adoption (taken from Geoffrey Moore's "Crossing the Chasm", while the yellow line represents market share. 

    As you can see, only 2.5% of the population drive innovation (or adopt it early enough to help drive the Alpha & Beta versions of emerging technologies). 13.5% make up the Early adopters, who help get it ready for the mainstream.  Then the early and late majorities are the groups that ultimately consume (or use) the mature product. Meanwhile, Laggards are often forced kicking and screaming into “new” technologies as the early adopters are well on their way to subsequent iterations. 

    Even if you are not an innovator, here are a few Innovator Mindsets that I find useful. 

    1. You Believe There’s A Better Way
      • Wherever you are, you know that there is a best next step and you are eager to find it and take it.
      • You recognize that the opportunity for more (or better) often lies just beyond the constraints or problems of the current way.
      • The bigger future fuels your efforts. When initial excitement fades, understanding what the bigger future can bring helps you power through.
    2. You Are Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
      • You understand that Pioneers sometimes take arrows in the back.
      • When creating a new reality, you expect some resistance as a result of the law of averages. Escaping the status quo takes a lot of momentum, but it’s worth it. 
      • You recognize when victory is near.  In a quirk of human nature, too many people quit just before they would have won. Don’t make that mistake.
    3. You Know Where You're Going, Even If You Are Not Sure How You're Going To Get There
      • Your goal should be your North Star. A clear direction is important to ensure that activity leads to progress.
      • Measure progress and momentum rather than the distance from your goal.
      • It is easier to course-correct while in motion.
      • If you’re too committed to a path that isn’t leading in the right direction, you might find what Blockbuster, RadioShack, and Kodak found.
    4. You Are Married To Questions (Not Necessarily Answers)
      • Everything works until it doesn’t; and nothing works forever.
      • It’s easy to find an answer and think it’s the right one, but there’s always a best next step or a better way.
      • Figure out what you want and how to get it. This is much more empowering than focusing on what you don’t want or why you can’t get it.
      • Ask questions that focus on opportunities or possibilities rather than challenges or what you want to avoid.
      • Energy flows where focus goes.
      • Commit to finding a way!

    I plan on sharing more Innovator Mindsets.  Let me know what you think.

  • I Can’t Believe It’s Not Steak! (Yes, I Can)

    Last week we talked about emerging technologies … not mentioned were emerging technologies in the meat space. 

    Most of us have seen the meat alternatives grow in popularity with vegan sausages, hamburgers & more. In fact, the meat substitute industry is valued at around $5 Billion, and is expected to grow to 8.1 billion by 2026.

    I've tried an impossible burger, and while it's certainly not as good as a hamburger yet – it's better than I expected. 

    The most recent innovation is 3d-printed meat. Yes, you can print steak. Now, 3D bioprinting is still very early in its lifecycle and is primarily being used for medical purposes. Theoretically, down the line, it could be used to create meat that didn't come from a true living animal. 

    Today, however, an Israeli start-up is printing plant-based steaks that supposedly match the taste and texture of steak better than alternatives. 

    5f50f7be7ed0ee001e25d397via Reuters

    Supposedly, 3D printing allows you to better capture the muscle, blood, and fat that characterizes real meat. 

    These steaks are expected to be available at high-end European restaurants before the end of the year … Would you try one?

    Perhaps the most important question, if you could eat a steak that didn't come from a cow, but you couldn't taste the difference, would you be willing to switch?

    At some point, I think it is likely for practical sustainability issues.

    We live in interesting times!