Swedish academic and Gapminder Foundation co-founder Hans Rosling says data doesn't always back up our conceptions about the world.
In the video, below, Rosling explains that our ideas about developed and developing countries largely reflect the reality of fifty years ago, rather than today.
This video, The River of Myth, was released to coincide with Bill Gates'
annual letter, and shares its emphasis on the power of measuring to
achieve progress.
Generous means to help others long before – and after
– you need their help.
Expert means to be very competent in one or more
areas that others value. It also means that whenever you take on a new task, do
your best.
Trustworthy means to take ownership of your words and
actions, and recognize that you live in a world in which they will increasingly
be recorded, remembered, analyzed, and replayed.
Clear means to know what you want and to be able to
communicate it effectively.
Open-minded means no matter how expert or successful
you become, never stop listening and learning.
Adaptable means to keep your options open, so that
when the world surprises you, it won’t be that surprising.
Persistent means to keep trying, even when times are
tough and you are tempted to quit.
Present means that although you should learn from the
past and be prepared for the future, you should pay close attention to the
present moment as it unfolds - otherwise, you will miss a great deal.
I just spent a few days with family. While that was great, what struck me was how much different our time together was now. Each of us was constantly checking our phones or watching the proceedings through the camera's viewfinder.
We seem to take it for granted that more of our time and attention is spent staring into a screen.
It's become our central interface with the world. In fact, we're consuming as about three times the amount of information today that we did in 1960, according to researchers at University of California, San Diego.
What does this do to our brains, attention span, relationships, and moods?
It would be one thing if our phones just sat there quietly until we needed them. But they don't. They exert a kind of tyranny over our attention and actions. Sixty-one percent of respondents said they cannot ignore their devices and check them within an hour of receiving an email, text, or alert -- and 81 percent of those surveyed interrupt conversations, meals, all kinds of fun things, to do it.
Rethink the urge. When you feel yourself reaching for your phone, hit pause. Ask yourself what could be gained from checking right now. Delay it--especially if you're in the middle of food or conversation.
We Feel Worse After Checking
I could almost understand the Pavlovian response we have to buzzing and ringing if we were guaranteed to feel better after tuning in to our screens. But it turns out we'll stop mid-sentence or mid-chew to check our email and texts -- only to feel worse. Sixty-one percent of those surveyed reported feeling jealous, depressed, or even annoyed after checking updates! It's no surprise, then, that 73 percent of respondents believe that their devices contribute to stress in their lives.
Rethink the effects. Next time you do a quick scan of email, text, and social networks, ask yourself, what did you learn and how did it make you feel? We rarely take the time to reflect on it, but doing so and owning up to how it makes you feel and what, if anything, it's doing for you, is the first step to making a shift.
We Spend More Time With Screens Than People
It's bad enough that we'll stop what we're doing with those we love to do something that will undoubtedly leave us more stressed -- but more and more people are opting for screen time over the company of others. Three out of five people admitted to spending more of their free time on their computers than with their significant others.
Rethink your time. Rather than let digital inertia take over, make a plan: to go out, to see people, to get food, meet someone for a walk. It does require an extra effort to put yourself in front of other people, even the ones you live with -- but the rewards you'll reap from that company will outweigh anything you'll find on Facebook.
“Life is about creating opportunities and taking advantage of opportunities’’ Jason Garrett told his team at the the start of the Dallas Cowboys' training camp.
Was the speech a motivational masterpiece? You decide.
Some Notable Quotes:
On coaches:
“The coaches I hate—that I had a visceral reaction to—were the guys who told me, ‘You’re doing a great job.’ … And allowing me to be as mediocre as mediocre could be,” Garrett said. “None of us need help being mediocre—especially me. Coach my ass! … You been to the Pro Bowl eight times? You’re getting your ass coached. You just got here 15 minutes ago? You’re getting your ass coached. First-round picks, free agents who signed for nothing—everybody’s getting coached.”
On how players should handle interviews/media:
Garrett said, players should be “respectful, brief, boring and humble … Distinguish yourself with your play, not what you say.”
On handling distractions:
“Don’t listen to the noise,” he said. “Think Einstein listened to the noise? Think Martin Luther King listened to the noise? Be strong enough mentally, be strong enough physically” to tune the distractions out.
The Cowboys were silent for almost the entire 35 minute speech. Curious whether that was a sign of focus or lack of engagement?
If you have a short-attention-span, here is the four-minute version with some highlights.
Here Are Some Links for Your Weekend Reading
Glad to know some people are keeping their health insurance.
Here are some of the posts that caught my eye. Hope you find something interesting.
Lighter Links:
Trading Links:
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