When you freeze while speaking at work, you’re not forgetting your English. It’s your brain hijacking you to survive. When you speak a second language and your mind goes blank, it’s not a vocabulary problem. It’s a stress problem. Under pressure, your brain diverts energy from speech to protection. That’s why your thoughts scatter, and […]
Build Emotional Immunity and Free Yourself from Opinions
As you grow older, you develop a quiet freedom: ‘I care less about people’s opinions than I did years ago.’ But this freedom isn’t automatic. It demands a commitment to lifelong learning about yourself, so you develop self-awareness. Self-awareness acts as your emotional immunity. The more you understand your values, priorities, and blind spots, the […]
Why Lifelong Learning Beats University Degrees
My students and I were laughing about how they forget things I taught them in earlier semesters. You forget most of what you learned at university. This isn’t a reflection of your intelligence or commitment. It’s just how we process information. Your brain deletes data it doesn’t consider crucial for your current survival or goals.1Certain […]
Set Goals, Face Fear or be Controlled by Others
Are you setting your own goals, or letting others decide for you? Here’s a reality you can’t ignore: If you don’t actively choose your goals, others will choose for you. And I’ve learned the hard way that goals assigned by others are rarely designed with your lifelong happiness in mind. I’ve failed at achieving my […]
How High Performers Learn from Older Generations
Old people possess lifelong lessons that you desperately need, but you often can’t get them. Why? Perhaps they aren’t skilful enough at communicating their wisdom. Their stories often meander or feel disconnected from today’s struggles. But what if the problem isn’t only their inability to share, but also our impatience in listening? Wisdom, after all, […]