How to vastly improve your problem-solving workshops

To reach a breakthrough solution to any problem, it's necessary to first understand the underlying causes.

  • Companies often jump right into workshopping solutions to a problem before they truly understand the underlying source and "pain points" of the issue.
  • Deliberate Innovation CEO, Dan Seewald, advises companies to visualize and map out those unmet needs in order to discover a new path to a fresh solution. Only then should you move onto brainstorming and ideation techniques.
  • These important steps allow for more meaningful experimentation, as well as greater opportunity for learning and breakthroughs.
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How Pete Holmes creates comedic flow: Try micro-visualization

Setting a simple intention and coming prepared can help you — and those around you — win big.

  • Setting an intention doesn't have to be complicated, and it can make a great difference when you're hoping for a specific outcome.
  • When comedian Pete Holmes is preparing to record an episode of his podcast, "You Made it Weird with Pete Holmes," he takes 15 seconds to check in with himself. This way, he's primed with his own material and can help guests feel safe and comfortable to share theirs, as well.
  • Taking time to visualize your goal for whatever you've set out to do can help you, your colleagues, and your projects succeed.
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Cat ladies aren't 'depressed, anxious or alone,' say UCLA researchers

Cat owners are no more likely to be crazy than you.

  • A study at UCLA found that cat and dog owners are just as likely to be crazy as non-pet owners.
  • Misunderstanding cats often results from expecting them to act like dogs.
  • Learning the natural behavior of your pet is essential for developing a strong bond with them.
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8 ways to achieve self-actualization

The term "self-actualization" is often bandied about on the web, but how does one go about becoming self-actualized really?

Photo by Caleb George on Unsplash
Personal Growth
  • Often, the term "self-actualization" is relegated to the realm of the theoretical.
  • However, Abraham Maslow, who incorporated the term in his famous hierarchy of needs, believed that there are 8 behaviors that can lead to self-actualization.
  • He stressed that everybody's version of self-actualization is different, but these 8 behaviors can encourage you to find your way to yours.
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7 tips on how to boost creativity in the workplace

Turning the office into a place of artistry.

Photo credit: Edu Lauton on Unsplash
Personal Growth
  • Creativity in the workplace requires flexibility and a strong company culture.
  • Experts encourage lateral thinking and meditation.
  • A diverse and inclusive company also spurs creativity.
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How to heal trauma with meaning: A case study in emotional evolution

As tempting as it may be to run away from emotionally-difficult situations, it's important we confront them head-on.

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  • Impossible-sounding things are possible in hospitals — however, there are times when we hit dead ends. In these moments, it's important to not run away, but to confront what's happening head-on.
  • For a lot of us, one of the ways to give meaning to terrible moments is to see what you can learn from them.
  • Sometimes certain information can "flood" us in ways that aren't helpful, and it's important to figure out what types of data you are able to take in — process — at certain times.
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