Quick Recall - 200L4Z - Unit 1.2 - Why I Write? - George Orwell

Quick Recall - 200L4Z - Unit 1.1 - Chinese Cinderella - Adeline Yen Mah

 

World Parkinson's Day

 

World Parkinson’s Day is on April 11 to raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease (PD), a chronic neurological disorder that affects movement. It also honours Dr. James Parkinson, who first described PD in his 1817 essay “An Essay on the Shaking Palsy.” The red tulip symbolises PD, introduced in 2005 as a tribute to a Dutch horticulturist with PD who created a special tulip named after the disease.

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg – Book Review

The importance of Keystone Habits: Although achieving lasting change in life is difficult, it can be done by focusing on habits. As many as 40 per cent of the actions we perform each day are based on habit. Not all habits are equal; some, known as keystone habits, hold more significance because adhering to them produces positive effects that extend into other areas of life. Keystone habits can also aid individuals in making changes. Keystone habits function by offering small wins –early successes that are relatively easy to achieve. Developing a keystone habit fosters the belief that improvement is possible in other aspects of life, which can trigger a cascade of positive changes. That's why the golden rule for quitting any habit is not resisting the craving but redirecting it. 

The Power of Willpower: Willpower is the most critical keystone habit. One keystone habit you can easily adopt is to start each day by making your bed. Research has shown that this can increase your general well-being and productivity. An experiment involving kids and marshmallows found that those who had exhibited the most excellent willpower and waited had the best grades in school. Schools and colleges should design activities that will strengthen students' willpower. This can be known as a willpower workout. The lack of autonomy also negatively impacts willpower. When people act because they are ordered to rather than by choice, their willpower diminishes much quicker. 

Habits and Organisation: While working in an organisation, developing a few habits beyond the prescribed paths is essential. Under the surface, most organisations are battlegrounds on which individuals clamour for power and rewards. We should develop certain habits to keep the peace, which will help us mind our business. 

LATTE and Starbucks: Starbucks developed the LATTE method, which outlines steps to take in a stressful situation. By repeatedly practising this method, Starbucks baristas learn precisely what to do when a stressful situation arises, allowing them to remain calm. 

 L is Listening to the customer. 

A is Acknowledging their complaint. 

T is for Taking steps to resolve the problem. 

T is Thanking the customer, and, lastly, 

 E is Explaining why the issue occurred. 

Brain and Habits 

Maintaining habits occurs in the basal ganglia, a small neurological structure deep within the brain. Even if the rest of the brain is damaged, the basal ganglia can still function normally. Habits penetrate the human brain and psyche profoundly, influencing our lives in numerous ways. By learning how habits work, you can begin to utilise their power. 

What is Chunking? 

Transforming a series of actions into an automatic routine is known as “chunking,” and it is foundational to habit formation. “Chunking” is a concept from cognitive psychology that plays a decisive role in forming habits. It involves grouping individual pieces of information or actions into larger, more manageable units (chunks), making them easier to remember and execute.

Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven – Book Review

Something as simple as making your bed daily can significantly impact your quality of life. A tidy bed allows you to commence your day positively. Accomplishing your first-morning task is the most effective way to kickstart your day. 

Never evaluate someone by anything except their character. This principle also applies when deciding whether to trust a stranger blindly. 

U.S. Navy SEAL training includes various gruelling trials. One such test is the sugar cookie ritual, where trainees plunge into the Pacific Ocean and immediately roll in the hot beach sand. These exercises cultivate strength and resilience among SEALs. 

Another crucial lesson is the value of having trustworthy teammates. Everyone faces moments when they require support from someone who believes in them. You can't navigate life solely on your own. 

Embrace your failures, and don’t hesitate to take risks. Even setbacks can be advantageous with the right mindset. One effective way to learn from failure is by being open to risks. Be brave as you continue to chase your goals. Everyone has fears, but you shouldn’t allow them to hinder your progress. 

 Constantly strengthen those around you, offer support, and never give up. Remember that life is beautiful despite its painful chaos. Your choices shape life, and life will return the efforts you invest in it.

ams - Literary Commemoration - April 1 - April 19, 2025

The 80/20 Principle: The Secret to Achieving More with Less by Richard Koch – Book Review

The 80-20 principle indicates that 80% of our desired results stem from only 20% of our activities. You can accomplish more with less effort by pinpointing what truly brings you joy and focusing on those elements. 

Many believe that putting in long hours boosts productivity; however, the 80-20 principle reveals that working fewer hours can lead to even greater success. For instance, a freelancer given a week to complete a project may procrastinate, while limiting himself to just one day encourages greater focus and efficiency. 

Embracing an 80-20 lifestyle requires prioritising key areas in both personal and professional spheres. Consider how to focus your efforts on these areas to maximize results with minimal input. It is essential to act, as progress is key. The concept of time often feels overwhelming. Time is a valuable and finite resource, making many feel they don't have enough hours to chase their passions.

Start by identifying your " “happiness islands"- the moments when you feel your happiest and when you're most creative or productive. Richard Adams illustrates this approach well. As a mid-level bureaucrat in the British civil service, he found his job dull and the working hours lengthy. Nevertheless, he cherished moments spent sharing stories with his daughters. By emphasising these joyful intervals, he ultimately turned them into his renowned book, Watership Down. 

Interestingly, 80% of our relationship satisfaction is derived from just 20% of our relationships. Focusing on vital connections, particularly with romantic partners, is essential to nurture a fulfilling life. 

Simplicity is at the heart of a good life, but what exactly defines such a life? This question has been pondered by philosophers for generations. One answer from the Greek philosopher Epicurus aligns with the 80-20 concept. He highlighted food, shelter, clothing, friendships, freedom, and the quest for knowledge as the fundamental aspects of a meaningful existence. Living with seven friends in a commune, they cultivated their food and rejected the pursuit of wealth, dedicating their time to writing and exchanging ideas. If you aspire to adopt a similar lifestyle, eliminate anything that does not enhance your happiness.

Life in Frames - Daily Photo Project - April 2025