Learn to Think in Color

  Why are some people more annoying than others? It’s not just them — it’s also your brain, your boundaries, and the situation teaming up. Big Picture Why this question matters We all know a few people who feel instantly more annoying than others: the coworker who overshares, the neighbor who talks too loudly, the friend who always runs late. “Annoying people” are usually a mix of clashing expectations, habits that add friction, and your own state of mind. This piece explains why certain people trigger you, when annoyance is a real red flag (not just a pet peeve), and how to respond more intentionally instead of just simmering or avoiding them. Annoyance is a feature, not a bug Annoyance is your brain’s low-level alarm system. It pops up when a boundary is brushed, a norm is broken, or your attention is stretched too far. That talkative colleague or interrupting friend isn’t just “annoying”—they’re a signal that something in the interaction doesn’t match what you expected or can ha...

What Makes Someone Powerful? Why real power is less about control and more about what you amplify Big-picture framing When people ask  what makes someone powerful , they usually point to money, job titles, or follower counts. But those are just visible outcomes of something deeper: how a person manages themselves, shapes relationships, and uses systems. Real power is the ability to reliably turn intention into impact without losing your integrity. A quick lens In this piece, we’ll break power into three layers—inner, relational, and  structural power —and zoom in on the specific components that make structural power so potent. You’ll walk away with a clearer map of where your power already lives, where it’s constrained, and what you can intentionally build next. Power, Beyond Titles and Followers If you strip away the status symbols,  power  is simply: the capacity to make things happen in the world. That capacity usually lives in three layers: Inner power  – ho...

How can personas bridge divides in a polarized world? Using imagined people to unlock real empathy, alignment, and progress 📦  Framing the Question In a polarized world, understanding how  personas bridge divides  can be the difference between unproductive conflict and meaningful collaboration. Instead of arguing about abstractions—“our users,” “voters,” “the other side”— personas turn tension into a shared focus on specific, humanized characters with real needs. Why this matters now When teams, communities, or leaders describe decisions through the lens of a persona (“What would Jordan need here?”), they shift from defending positions to solving problems. Used well, personas become less about marketing and more about mediation. The key is to balance their simplicity with a critical eye so they don’t erase diversity but instead stay “living,” research-informed tools that evolve as reality does. What exactly are personas—and why do they matter now? Personas are fictional...

What Are Ten Good Ways to Introduce Yourself to New People? First Impressions Matter: 10 Approaches That Make You Memorable, Not Awkward Making a good first impression can unlock opportunities, spark connections, and shape how others perceive you. But introductions often feel scripted or awkward. Whether you’re networking, socializing, or collaborating, knowing  how  to introduce yourself effectively can change the entire dynamic. This guide explores ten natural, versatile, and confident ways to introduce yourself to new people—with tips to match your style and setting. Perfect for anyone wondering how to introduce yourself professionally or casually. 1. Start With a Smile and Eye Contact Simple, timeless, and universally effective. A genuine smile and strong eye contact create immediate warmth and trust. Even before you say a word, your body language communicates approachability and confidence. People remember how you make them feel—and this starts nonverbally. 2. Use Your Fu...