There’s a silly debate that’s been raging since, I guess, the beginning of time. One side says, “Focus on quality! Always get the very best you can!” The other side says, “No, quantity is what’s important. The more the better!” Both sides have fair enough points, and you can see the debate rage in almost… Continue…
Category Archives: Psychology
How to Properly Celebrate Your "Badiversary"
Fellow Riskologist, One of the less amazing things about life is that bad things often happen to good people. Sometimes, these are a result of your own poor decision-making. Maybe you made a bad business investment and lost a lot of money or neglected a relationship that fell a part. Maybe you simply miscalculated and… Continue…
Finally, A Simple Way to Tell Smart Risks From Dumb Ones
Fellow Riskologist, Not long ago, I was riding in the car with my friend, J.D. Roth here in Portland. I don’t remember where we were going or what we were talking about, but I do remember we were stopped at a set of train tracks while a long, slow train rumbled through town. I also… Continue…
This Study of 7th Graders Reveals One Secret to Taking Smarter Risks
Fellow Riskologist, Would you ever believe you could learn much about successful risk-taking from a seventh grader? Everywhere on the Internet, you’ll find people talking about the “power of positive thinking.” You’ll be lead to believe your thoughts and what you tell yourself will have a profound impact on how successful you are in your… Continue…
Here’s How Your Brain Could Trick You Into Paying $2,600 For A Banana
Fellow Riskologist, We all know what keeps the lights on in Vegas; it’s a never-ending stream of bad risk-takers entertaining themselves by losing money at card tables, slot machines, and roulette wheels. But the funny thing about Vegas is most people who go there don’t consider themselves gamblers. They’re just normal, everyday folks like you… Continue…
Bone in Mouth Syndrome: Live Happier With Two Easy Rules
Fellow Riskologist, Fred The Dog was at the park with his owners, chewing on his bone. As he sat and gnawed, he noticed that other dogs had bones too. Some of them were bigger than his. And some looked tastier. That’s when Fred experienced something he’d never felt at home alone with his bone—envy. Suddenly,… Continue…
Why Each Year Of Your Life Feels Shorter (And What To Do About It)
Fellow Riskologist, Have you noticed certain occasions cause you to stop and think about your past? Birthdays, anniversaries, new years and other significant events all bring on this kind of introspection. And as you think about all the things that happened in your life since the last event, have you noticed they all start to… Continue…
It’s Not The Load That Breaks You Down, It’s The Way You Carry It
Fellow Riskologist, Two hunters—neither knowing of the other—stalk their prey in the wilderness as hungry families wait at home in the village for their return. It’s been a rough winter, and food is scarce. They’re both experienced in their trade, their skills are sharp, and their bodies strong. Miles from home, each hunter manages to… Continue…
Why Big, Crazy Dreams Are Easier To Reach Than Small, Ordinary Goals
Fellow Riskologist, What propels the people we admire to take risks on things we tell ourselves we could never do? How do people like Alan Arnette summit Mt. Everest time and again while raising a million dollars for Alzheimer’s research when we can’t even get the vacation time to go to the mountains? Why is… Continue…
How to Guarantee You Complete Your Dreams (Even If You Suffer From Last-Minute Anxieties)
Fellow Riskologist, Have you ever been on the verge of completing a big dream? You’ve fought long and hard for something you believe in and, suddenly, you realize you’re on the home stretch—just a few more steps and you’ll fulfill the dream that’s occupied the latest part of your life. You’re excited, but you’re also… Continue…