If I had just one minute, I would tell you the most important lessons from the science of happiness. Because I believe: At least 40% of your happiness is determined by what you think and do. Happiness is largely a choice. First, make progress toward goals that are important to you. The sustainable source of read more…
I never would have predicted that my junior high drafting class, a cliché, graphic recording, neuroscience, and presentations would all have something in common. It was the first day of my junior high drafting class, and my classmate was standing at the front of the room with a podium hiding the object in his hands. read more…
Since leaving Intel to work on Happy Brain Science full time, a common question has been “What’s your story? How did you get to this point?” I was a cognitive science major at Vassar College (it turned co-ed in 1969, in case you were wondering). I’ve long been fascinated by what makes brains tick. But read more…
Watching yourself on video can be a very strange experience. You are rarely watching yourself. Depending on your personality and self-esteem, you may immediately cringe, or be very proud of yourself. I recently managed to get a few short videos of me presenting up on YouTube, including this one. I find it quite difficult to read more…
In a series of studies published by Kimberlee Weaver of Virginia Tech and Stephen M. Garcia & Norbert Schwarz from the University of Michigan, they describe the “presenter’s paradox”. In the eyes of most presenters more is better, whether presenting information or gifts. The paradox is that in the eyes of most recipients, a less valuable read more…
Published in VentureBeat The seal of the high school I attended contained two Latin mottos: Non Sibi and Finis Origine Pendet. Despite seeing those words everywhere, I paid little attention to them. I later learned they mean “Not for one’s self” and “The end is determined by the beginning”, respectively. Years of studying neuroscience and psychology read more…
“I’m Grateful for My Soup I Will Not Eat!” Sitting down at the dinner table last night, my daughter said “I am grateful for my water, my milk, my spoon, my green stuff, my soup that I am not going to eat, and my bread.” Little did she know that in addition to making my read more…
I wrote the following article for the September issue of the International Game Developers Association newsletter. While it draws on my background as a game designer and developer, I strongly believe the points about positive leadership can apply to any organization. I’d love to get your comments and feedback on it.