Welcome to the Wednesday Weekly Waffle!

In this episode I talk about how the pain IS the gain.

Welcome to the OD&D podcast. I welcome Crina Manolescu back for a second interview after our first conversation (see OD&D podcast episode 4). 

In the first interview Crina and I discussed her arrival in the UK and her career from accedmic to city banker.

In this episode, we discuss Crina early life before arriving in the UK and in particually focus on her time during the Romanian revolution in 1989. 

We cover how:

(Please excuse some of the sound quality in this podcast, we were hit with a few technical issues during one part of our call)

I would love to hear your thoughts on this podcast! Send me an email at [email protected] and let me know. 

Take care

Joe

www.smartjoseph.com 

Welcome to the Weekly Wednesday Waffle!

In this episode, we're diving into a common challenge that many of us face: overthinking and procrastination. We'll explore how these habits can seriously impact our lives, from causing anxiety and hindering decision-making to reducing our overall happiness. We'll even touch on some surprising physical effects, like chronic pain and sleep troubles. All of this is backed up by research from Dr. Edwards Watkins, as found in his April 2020 journal article titled "Reflecting on rumination: Consequences, causes, mechanisms, and treatment of rumination."

In our world filled with endless information, understanding the science behind overthinking, particularly the role of our "monkey brain" (as explained by Prof Steve Peters in "The Chimp Paradox"), can be a game-changer in managing this tendency. We'll share tips on how to engage your "monkey brain," including practices like venting and mindfulness. These techniques can help calm your emotional center (the limbic system) and help you regain control of your thoughts, ultimately breaking the cycle of overthinking and putting you back in the driver's seat of your mind.

We'll also apply these insights to organizations, stressing the importance of seeking "good enough" solutions that move a step closer to your organization's goals. We'll highlight the risks of doing nothing and the value of presenting a well-thought-out "do-nothing" scenario in decision-making.

Taking small, manageable steps can help reduce risks and build momentum for change. And remember, you're not alone in your struggle with overthinking. Seeking support can make a significant difference in breaking free from this cycle.

We'll catch you next week for more engaging insights!

Warm regards, Joe

For additional content and resources, visit www.smartjoseph.com.

Feeling bored is a universal human condition. But what is boredem, and can it play a role in creativity?

In this episode of the "Wednesday Weekly Waffle" podcast, I explore the intriguing relationship between boredom and creativity. Let me take you on a journey as I share an anecdote about how Robert Louis Stevenson created "Treasure Island" during a rainy summer holiday in Scotland, where boredom played a key role.

I delve into the neuroscience behind boredom, distinguishing between the reflective nervous system (autopilot mode) and the deliberate nervous system (actively engaged mode). You see, when we experience boredom, we actually have more mental space for deliberate thinking, potentially fostering creativity.

Learning Point 1: Embrace Boredom for Creativity I share insights from creative individuals like J.K. Rowling and Anna Enright, who emphasize that boredom can be a productive state, provided it's used effectively. It's a crucial lesson: boredom isn't always negative. In fact, it can be a catalyst for creativity. So, next time you find yourself feeling bored, try resisting the urge to fill that void with distractions like phones or TV. Instead, deliberately embrace boredom as an opportunity for your mind to wander, explore new ideas, and let your imagination run wild.

Learning Point 2: Balance Reflexive and Deliberate Thinking I reference studies conducted by Dr. Sadie Mann and Eric Schumer, revealing that being bored at work can actually enhance creativity. It's essential to recognize the value of the deliberate mode of thinking. This mode is more accessible when experiencing boredom and offers more mental space for creative ideas and solutions. Therefore, it's wise to create moments for deliberate thinking in our daily lives.

Learning Point 3: Disconnect for Creative Space In our hyperconnected world, we have constant access to digital distractions. To tap into our creative potential, we should intentionally disconnect from screens and distractions at times. Engaging in activities like going for a walk, doing mundane tasks, or simply allowing our minds to wander can provide the mental space needed for innovative thinking. The lesson is to find moments when we can be deliberately bored to spark creativity.

The 'waffle' concludes with a call to action, encouraging you, the listeners, to view boredom not as something to be avoided but as an opportunity for your minds to explore uncharted creative territories. By doing so, I believe we can tap into our hidden wellsprings of innovation and inspiration.

I would love to hear what crazy things you come up with when your bored!! 

See you next week! 

Joe

www.smartjoseph.com 

In this weeks waffle I talk about how to add friction to decision making and why its very important to overcome our bias and our sometimes unhelpful behaviors. I talk about how I was inspired by Jennifer Eberhardt TED talk on 'How racial bias works, and how to disrupt it' and how simple 'pauses' or 'friction' in our decision making can be the difference that MAKES the difference in how we act and behave. 

I then discuss how:

And finally I somehow link this all back to HEMA again (!) and talk about how adding this friction to our decision making can be the difference of going to an activity we enjoy or not after a busy day at work. 

As always, I would love to hear your thoughts and comments or you can contact me directly at [email protected] 

Have a great week! 

"Get ready to dive deep into the fascinating world of change management in this week's electrifying episode of Wednesday Waffle!

Join me, as I unravel the secrets of 'Quality Improvement' (QI) - a game-changing approach for tackling complex human systems.

🚀 Discover what QI is and how it can revolutionize your approach to change.

💡 Learn why thinking you've got a simple solution to a complex problem might just land you on the treacherous 'Mount Stupid.'

😅 Uncover the surprising challenges of passive resistance and malicious compliance that can unravel even the most meticulously laid plans.

🔍 Find out why 'Discovery' is the most thrilling part of the change process.

🌟 Explore the profound idea that the journey itself is the essence of change, reshaping not only systems but the individuals within them.

If you're gearing up for a monumental change program and crave some thought-provoking insights, don't hesitate to reach out and chat with me at www.smartjoseph.com 

Tune in now and ignite your passion for change!" 🔥🎙️

In this Wednesday Weekly Waffle I discuss:

As always I would love to hear your thoughts on VUCA and on the 'shadow side', does this make sense for your organisation? 

See you next week!

Joe

ps - I have been overwhelmed by the number of requests for the FREE OD consultation and only have a few slots left for the next quarter, so if you have been thinking about booking one in make sure to do it soon before they all go. Just head to  www.smartjoseph.com to book your session :)

In this weekly wednesday waffle I am pondering how to get the most out of your holiday through the lens of your future self, your present self and your past self.

I talk about:

How some problems are 'Future Joe's' problem (and not mine!)

How 'Present Joe' needs to focus on whats important

How 'Past Joe' needs to share the learnings and not dwell on the things that didnt work

The questions I then ask you are:

I would love to your answers and comments, please share them with me at [email protected]

Feel free to also share your thoughts in the comments too!

See you next week 

Joe

In this weeks Wednesday Weekly Waffle I ponder what thing connects David Beckham, Michael Jorden and WestPoint Military School applicants, Black Belt martial artists and Tony Robins.  I then  waffle on about:

I need to do a massive shout out to Matthew Syed (https://www.matthewsyed.co.uk/) and Angela Duckworth (https://characterlab.org/playbooks/grit/) for their inspiration in this podcast - I highly recomend checking out their webpages, books and talks. 

Look forward to seeing you next week!

In this week's waffle I ponder:

As always I would be delighted to hear your thoughts and feedback! 

(In other news I have just launched my new website at smartjoseph.com - if you could take a look and let me know what you think and how I could improve it I would be very appreciative!) 

Have a great Wednesday!