Only Human – News, Analysis, and Insights from the World of Human Performance

Sometimes we get caught up in an “analysis paralysis” that hampers our progress as the problem we’re trying to solve evolves faster than their solution can be implemented. In this episode of the Only Human with Dr. Tony Kern podcast, Tony shares his personal approach of “rapid prototyping” to make incremental improvements and foster a mindset of resilience and adaptability. Get off the bench and into the game with this active strategy focused on solutions instead of problems.

Last week we discussed the dual nature of chaos and order and how chaos can sometimes be a good thing. On this week’s episode of the Only Human with Dr. Tony Kern podcast, Tony drives us deep into the heart of chaos to provide listeners with his tactics to handle the crazy and unknown; things like embracing flexibility, cultivating a growth mindset, building personal resilience, and finding calm amidst the chaos—with daily practical steps for each. You won’t want to miss this one!

Has the world grown more chaotic? This episode of the Only Human with Dr. Tony Kern podcast explores the nature of order and chaos, how we must learn to grow comfortable—perhaps even embrace—certain amounts of chaos, and what to do when predictability is impossible to find. Taking inspiration from retired US Marine Corps General Al Grey, Tony discusses surviving and thriving amidst chaos to produce innovation, personal development, and individual and collective balance.

In this final episode on workmanship, Tony delves into how we can lose passion for things we once cared about, leading to a lack of focus, intention, and attention. He leads a thought-provoking journey on how we can restore our attention to detail by defeating the “psychological worm” that burrows into our minds through a five-step process. Tune in for all the details!

Following our last episode that redefined workmanship, this week’s Only Human with Dr. Tony Kern podcast continues the discussion using the classic Airmanship Model as a starting point. Tony explains how the bedrock principles, pillars of knowledge, and capstone outcomes of the new Workmanship Model result in high quality, error free work. Whether you seek to improve your baking skills, complete a perfect aircraft installation, or anything in between, you’re sure to find this episode useful!

This week’s episode of the Only Human with Dr. Tony Kern podcast kicks off season two of the show by reevaluating the concept of workmanship—starting with replacing the common “job-centric” association of the word with the idea that everything we do should be a proud reflection of our capabilities, habits, passion, and commitment to our goals. Strive to ensure that the words you speak and the actions you take show the world that you are on a mission to leave a legacy of quality in everything you do.  

The phrase, “I’m doing my best,” is often used as an excuse when expectations aren’t met, however ironic it is. We’d like to propose that instead of using this phrase to justify failure, we can turn it into a mantra of continuous self-improvement. Join us for this week’s episode of the Only Human with Dr. Tony Kern podcast to learn how Tony shows three distinct steps that allow us to reflect on our performance, connect by improving others, and evolve through the experience to become our best. 

“Deviance” is typically a negative term used to describe those who violate social norms or fail to meet even the lowest standard of performance. But on the other side of the performance spectrum are positive deviants, who defy norms and expectations by discovering their unique greatness. In this episode of the Only Human with Dr. Tony Kern podcast, Tony reminds us that recognizing deviance at the top of the performance spectrum is just as vital as eliminating it at the bottom end—perhaps more so.

Do rules really limit us? Or can they create a unique form of clarity that allows for more innovation and new approaches? Join us for Episode 17, where we are going to look into all this and more as we discuss the “Freedom of a Locked Room.”