Perception as Reality

Dear Readers,

Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.  Albert Einstein

Perception is reality, or more precisely it is the reality that matters.  People don’t see the world as it is; rather they see the world through their mind's eye.  I suppose this is just another way of way of saying that that we all have our own viewpoints, or see things in our own way.  See the linked Lifehack article to learn more about this topic.  To me however this concepts reaches further and reminds me that what is real is somewhat ethereal.  For example two people remember the same event completely differently, which has been an issue with Eyewitness testimony in trials.  See the Wikipedia article for more information about eyewitness testimony.  

I perceive this to be real, perhaps I am mistaken.  What to you perceive to be real.

All the best,

Wendell Solomon

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifehack/your-perception-is-your-reality.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eyewitness_testimony

Thermostat as Model

Dear Readers

Way back in 1999 one of my jobs was writing scripts to test the functionality of single loop digital controllers, so this thought has been cycling though my mind a while.  A thermostat is a common example of a single loop controller.  When it becomes too cold the thermostat registers it and sends a signal to the furnace to turn on.  Many people have encountered both amazing climate control that goes unnoticed while providing consistent even heat, and extremely poor climate control that either freezes or roasts its victims.  For more information about control theory please see the linked Wikipedia article, or for information about people reacting to feedback loops please see the linked Wired article.

Many people quite frankly won’t find thermostats very interesting.  But the humble thermostat asks a lot of important questions. 

- What is your goal (desired temperature)?  

- Are you doing too much or too little (Running too hot or too cold)?

- Do you have a good source of feedback (is the internal thermometer providing accurate readings)?

- Are you doing a good job (roasting or freezing people)? 

- Are you doing the right thing (maybe the weather is perfect and the heat should be turned off and the windows opened)? 

I find this model just one of many that help keep me on target, provides a constant source of incremental improvement.   

Readers, let me know tools do you use to help keep you moving forward?

All the best,

Wendell

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Control_theory

http://www.wired.com/magazine/2011/06/ff_feedbackloop/

MBA as Commitment Device

Dear Readers,

As most of you know about a year ago I embarked on a journey of personal exploration and rebranding.  This journey comes with the added benefit of more education and accreditation.  I am talking about going back to school to earn an evening MBA.  

The media often questions the value of an MBA is in the modern world, for example see the March 1^st 2013 Wall Street Journal article link below discussing how an MBA is “not worth it”.  The article points out quite correctly that you cannot buy a network, however placing yourself in an environment with like minded people can catalyze the creation of a network.  So far I have met and connected with at least a dozen extremely bright, motivated people whom I most likely would have never encountered without this experience. 

A source of personal value is that the MBA has served me as a commitment device.   Please see the Feakonomics link below if you would like to learn more about commitment devices.   A few years ago, I started to read a book on the fundamentals of accounting.  Unfortunately, I never finished it, because it was just too dry in some areas.  I did however, finish the fundamentals of accounting course work.  I can tell a similar story about microeconomics. When I was in undergrad I took microeconomics, the entire course could be summarized in solely by the supply and demand curve.  However the course I took this last spring supplied a much more diverse set of skills and applications.  A final example is this new started blog entitled Polite Candor.  I could have started a blog several years ago to help codify, and express myself to the world but I never did.  Fortunately, I have an opportunity to blog as part of my course work, and this commitment device will encourage me to share with the world. 

Is an MBA right for everybody? No of course it isn't, but it has helped keep me committed to growing in a number of dimensions that I wouldn't have been exposed to on my own, and it has been introducing me to several great people I wouldn't have otherwise met. 

Readers, let me know what commitment devices you have used to help catalyze your personal growth?

All the best,

Wendell

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323884304578328243334068564.html

http://freakonomics.com/2012/02/02/save-me-from-myself-a-new-freakonomics-radio-podcast/