On the surface the opposition looked mean and intimidating so we didn't start a conversation, we kept our distance.Then spontaneous small talk broke out and their whole demeanour (or maybe our perception) changed.What was once aloof and scary is now warm and friendly.I think it's easier to be distant with a stranger but harder when … Continue reading Distant and scary →

If you can only provide a 5 minute news report on your day what makes it onto the teleprompter? When the bus took an unannounced detour some phone calls were exclusively about it and some didn't mention it at all. What moves the needle on your interesting radar?

In a particularly jarring episode of the US office Gabe shows the rest of the staff his short film following the rules of 'The cinema of the unsettling'. What follows is a random selection of disturbing visuals. After enough had been shown one staff member cries out 'Is there even a story?' To which Gabe … Continue reading Templates →

The benefits of flow and losing yourself in the work/play/problem are well documented. Beyond distraction the next enemy to flow I see is fear. Does the average employee feel secure enough in their job to turn off email notifications? Is there enough trust in the romantic relationship that the lady doesn't feel scared to turn … Continue reading Enemy of deep work →

You've got to get your suit dry cleaned, pay for accommodation, agonise over what to wear, wear uncomfortable shoes, make small talk, act fascinated with strangers. It can be aggravating, annoying, and frustrating. Then you hear the story of how the couple met and how much they love each other then all of a sudden … Continue reading Worth the wedding woes →

People don't need to be battered over the head with your solution to become motivated. All they need to do is hear the method that they like then they'll get excited all by themselves. There are an infinite number of ways to solve a problem, better to brainstorm a few and find one they love … Continue reading Solution force feeding →

A hidden secret of productivity has to be completing tasks when it's not urgent. That time pays off a hundred fold when the surprise random projects land on your desk on a Friday afternoon.

"I want you to clean my bathroom because I think it would be good personal development for you!" It's been dressed up with rationalisations and logic but the self interest is evident.

Weddings are funny things.You come to celebrate the happy couple but you might only see them for 30 seconds tops and spend the majority of the event with people who are not the happy couple.So your enjoyment of the day could correlate stronger with how many other guests you know rather than how close you … Continue reading Happy couple time →

Did anyone ever notice that the majority of winter coats are black? Like we are capable of other colours, the fabrics can be dyed but the majority of winter coats remain black. What is that about?