In #WisdomWednesdays 17, we delve into the workings of the mind, break free from self-sabotage, solve thrilling mysteries, and optimise productivity healthily. Join me as we explore transformative insights from each read.

I’m giving my insights and takeaways. 

• Are there more? 
• Yes, there likely are, and if you have read the book, please share!

✅ I Recently Savoured

1 - White Bears and other unwanted thoughts: Suppression, Obsession, and the Psychology of Mental Control by Daniel M. Wegner

The psychology of unwanted, intrusive thoughts. It explains the paradoxical effects of thought suppression and provides strategies for dealing with obsessions and anxieties.

1. Explains the ironic process theory, which states that trying not to think about something makes it more persistent.
2. Reveals how suppression of thoughts can lead to obsession and how to manage this counterintuitive effect.
3. The suppression challenge arises when we envision blocking a current thought. The suppression metathought (I’d rather not think of a white bear) exists, but so does the original thought (white bear). It remains there if we keep the metathought active in the conscious window.
4. Provides strategies for managing intrusive thoughts using mindfulness and other psychological techniques.
5. Discusses the relationship between thought suppression and anxiety disorders.
6. Research highlights how distraction and commitment to confronting fears can help manage unwanted thoughts.
7. Self-distraction sounds like suppression, but it isn’t.
8. Some thoughts are harder to forget than others, and research has shown that this occurs as a result of the thoughts that come after them

2 - Stop Doing That Sh*t by Gary John Bishop

Break the cycles of self-sabotage and take control of your life.

1. Your negative self-talk is influencing your life’s experience.
2. You are what you tell yourself you are.
3. Did you know that one of the most common types of self-sabotage is blaming others when things don’t go your way?
4. The subconscious mind is always the winner.
5. Sabotaging habits aren’t things you are, they’re things you do.
6. Perhaps you think, “It’s too hard” or “It will never work,” so as a result, you never try; you’ve already decided that it’s a waste of time.
7. Focuses on ending self-sabotaging behaviours that prevent personal growth.
8. Provides a blunt, straightforward approach to breaking cycles of negativity.
9. Emphasises setting and pursuing meaningful goals to avoid falling back into destructive habits.

3 - The Escape Artist by Brad Meltzer

Unravelling the mysteries of Houdini, escape takes on a new meaning.

1. Blends factual history with fiction to explore themes of intrigue and betrayal.
2. Examines the lengths people will go to hide secrets across generations, and the consequences of uncovering them.
3. Yes, it's a quick read—just a few nights of reading before sleep. However, be warned—it can grip you and rob you of sleep if you don’t put it down!

4 - Feel-Good Productivity: How to Achieve More of What Matters to You by Ali Abdaal

Practical strategies for being more productive without burning out. Emphasises working smarter, not harder, and prioritising well-being.

1. Boosting your self-confidence is a life-transforming process.
2. Advocates for productivity techniques that enhance well-being rather than cause burnout.
3. Emphasises the importance of aligning work with personal values and goals.
4. Discusses practical strategies like time blocking, prioritisation, and the effective use of technology to enhance productivity.
5. Offers insights into maintaining motivation and focus in a world of distractions.
6. Encourages a balanced approach to productivity that includes regular self-care and mindfulness practices.
7. Intrinsic or inner motivation like self-fulfilment or personal growth will have consistent and long-lasting benefits.
8. Invest in CALM hobbies or projects: These activities enhance your Competence, Autonomy, and Liberty or help you Mellow

📖 I’m STILL Between the Covers

I’m making slow progress on some books, but I am making progress and slowly savouring them.

1 - “Course Creation Simplified” by Jimmy Naraine

It unravels the art of impactful teaching.

2 - “Unstoppable You” by Liene Uresina Public speaker, Bestselling author

The relentless pursuit of self-improvement.

3 - “10 Things They Don’t Teach You in Engineering School” by Kian Leong Phang

It unveils the unwritten lessons of the engineering world.

4 - “Cracking the Parenting Codes: How to Successfully Raise 21st Century Kids” by Kohila Sivas

It navigates the complexities of modern parenting with innovative strategies for raising well-rounded children.

5 - “The Earned Life” by Marshall Goldsmith

It’s about aligning every action with our deepest values.

6 - “Conversation Starters That Will Get You (and Others) Talking” by Diane Weston.

I’m re-engaging with the ‘revised’ edition to explore the depths of dialogue.

What’s taking me so long? The OCD in me is attempting to identify all the revisions 🤡

🌱 Freshly Planted, eager to read

1 - Dust by Patricia Cornwell

A deep dive into forensic intrigue as Scarpetta meticulously unravels a complex murder shrouded in the shadows of the past.

2 - Badass Habits: Cultivate the Awareness, Boundaries, and Daily Upgrades You Need to Make Them Stick by Jen Sincero

A spirited guide to transforming your life by forging powerful habits that lead to awe-inspiring changes and personal empowerment.

3 - The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr., E.B.White

The quintessential writing manual distils the essence of good composition into pithy principles to sharply elevate anyone's writing skills

4 - Red Thread Thinking: Weaving Together Connections for Brilliant Ideas and Profitable Innovations by Debra Kaye

Unravels the secrets of innovation by showing how to link disparate ideas into coherent, groundbreaking solutions that anticipate market shifts.

🤔 Try This

1 - From White Bears and Other Unwanted Thoughts:

Mindful Observation: When an intrusive thought surfaces, note it down instead of trying to suppress it. Later, spend a few minutes contemplating why this thought persists and what it might signify about your current state or environment.

2 - From Stop Doing That Sh*t:

Reflection Exercise: Identify one recurring negative pattern or self-sabotage behaviour. Reflect on its origins and consider actionable steps you can take to break this cycle, focusing on a tiny achievable change to start with.

3 - From Feel-Good Productivity:

Task Prioritisation: List your tasks for the next day and rank them based on their proper priority and impact on your goals. Choose one task you will commit to completing first thing in the morning, focusing on quality and mindfulness throughout the process.

🎯 Goodreads Reading Challenge 2024

My progress update: 76/100 

• I hit the 52-book 2024 target in week 11 and increased to 100
• Join the challenge and share your progress https://www.goodreads.com/user_challenges/51960792 

🗣️ #EngageAndGauge

• I do LinkedIn polls and typically a longer form survey every Tuesday, as I value your insights.
• Take the Book Reading Habits survey here: https://trginternational.typeform.com/Books1 

🌀 Embracing the BAUU Journey 🌀

Moving from one country to another embodies the BAUU philosophy of embracing change and navigating new challenges. Join our community of leaders and thinkers by subscribing to the BAUU Newsletter for more insights and strategies. 

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📖 Explore Business As UnUsual 📖

Dive deeper into strategies for navigating life's complexities with a fresh perspective. 

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