The Paradox of Work

I know people are not overly interested in paradoxes. How do I know? Because my posts, with that word in the title, do not get a whole lotta views.

Thus, I am left with a choice. On the one hand, I could write on topics that will get views. This would be along the lines of the clickbait phenomenon.

On the other hand, I could write about what is truly important. And, this is a real challenge. Meaning, the decision between quality and quantity is far from easy. In this way I am stuck in something of a paradox of my own (actually, conundrum might be a more accurate word.)

Having said all that, I will post one last time about paradoxes. Because, if you want to truly understand life, I think you need to understand the paradox. Life is fundamentally paradoxical. I know that sound nerdy as hell, but it needs to be said.

Today's paradox, as the title indicates, is the paradox of work. This comes straight from my favorite book Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi.

From the book, "Even when they feel good, people generally say that they would prefer not to be working, that their motivation on the job is low. The converse is also true: when supposedly enjoying their hard-earned leisure, people generally report surprisingly low moods; yet they keep on wishing for more leisure."

This is one of the central themes of the book. The idea is that leisure does not really make us happy. Csikszentmihalyi draws a distinction between pleasure and enjoyment. Leisure can be pleasurable but it is not enjoyable.

Unfortunately, most of us tend to choose pleasure over enjoyment. And, it is such a pity. We choose things that are not in our best interest. A whopper of a paradox. In a related vein, I wrote this post a few years ago.

Also, because it is closely related, let me leave you with one other example. I recently read the book The Upside of Stress by Kelly McGonigal. And, I quite enjoyed the book. I believe understanding the upside of stress is a wise perspective to obtain.

McGonigal writes, "Research also shows that a less stressful life doesn't make people nearly as happy as they think it will. Although most people predict they would be happier if they were less busy, the opposite turns out to be true. People are happier when they are busier, even when forced to take on more than they would choose."

So, again, it is not always wise to trust our instincts. And, to bring this post full circle, my instincts tell me to go for the clicks. Isn't that what 'everyone' says we need? As for now, I think I will shoot for something more important. I think paradoxes are important. We shall see what happens.

Have a great week.

The Paradox of Time

Time is a very curious thing.  Few of us truly understand it. Let me give you an example. If you were driving your car, at the speed of light, and you turned on your headlights, would anything happen?

That question relates to Einstein's Theory of Relativity. If you do not know the answer, do not worry. None of us do! Even modern day physicists do not truly understand the Theory of Relativity.

But, I am not looking to talk about some heady physics topic. It is simply too difficult. My point was only to illustrate the illusive nature of time.

Instead of Einstein, let me mention another scientist. A scientist whose work is much more accessible. The scientist's name is Philip Zimbardo. And, he is a professor of psychology at Stanford.

About a decade ago, Zimbardo wrote a book titled The Time Paradox.  And, I found the book to be quite interesting. In Zimbardo's words, time is a paradox because it is, "Something that influences every decision you make (yet) you are totally unaware of."

That quote can be rather intimidating, but let me give you an example. I have heard quite a number of people propose the following thought experiment with regards to career selection. They say, "What would you do if today were the last day of your life? Do that!"

The question is completely ridiculous. So much so that any person giving such advice is immediately discredited, in my mind. That question is about hedonism, not planning.

Let me summarize Zimbardo's recommendation. The most important thing is, when you think about the past, you want to focus on the positive not the negative.

Next most important (meaning, the thing which deserves second priority) is to look to the future. And, third, in the present, it is wise to be hedonic, rather than fatalistic.

Hedonism does have its place. But, it is definitely not the most important thing.

The Banker's Paradox

If you were not raised with a silver spoon in your mouth, you will likely need to solve the Banker's Paradox.

Last week got me to thinking about paradoxes. Because, in many ways, Thug Rose Namajunas is a paradox. If you have not read last week's post, click here.

Today's paradox has roots in the Bible. Namely, Ecclesiastes 6. I can paraphrase the Banker's Paradox as follows: Banks will give all the money in the world to people who do not need it. While they refuse to give money to those that need it the most.

Stated in more obvious terms: If you are good with money, and have a good credit score, banks want to lend you money. However, if your financial history is lacking, banks do not want to give you money.

Have you heard this paradox before? It is, indeed, pervasive and important.

On the one hand, I might offer my opinion on resolving the banker's paradox. However, I feel I would be doing you a better service by asking you a question. My question is this, how do you think people can best solve the banker's paradox?

Now, listen, I realize that last question is pretty simple to answer. Especially when you consider how I stated the banker's paradox in "more obvious terms." But, don't get it twisted. The banker's paradox is all around us. And, it is definitely not just about money.

For example, yesterday, I was listening to Joe Rogan's podcast. And, Joe was talking about how often low-level people hit him up. What I hope you realize is how getting in, with successful and established people, is a version of the banker's paradox. Ya dig?

A Star (Good Person) is Born

On Saturday night, in Madison Square Garden, an aspiring good person stepped out into the light. It was in New York City where Rose Namajunas shocked the fighting world with her first round knockout of champion Joanna Jędrzejczyk.

Even if you do not like the fight game, stick with me, because you need to know about Ms. Namajunas. I have been a fan of mixed martial arts for 20 years. And, while I understand how some can say the sport is too violent, I believe the most fascinating part is the psychology.

In fact, I enjoy watching behind-the-scenes more than the actual fights. This is where Saturday's fight was so special. Entering the fight, the Polish Jędrzejczyk (pronounced young-jay-check) was widely considered the pound-for-pound best female fighter on the planet.

With an undefeated record of 14-0, it appeared as if Joanna was unbeatable. In addition to her stellar skills, Jędrzejczyk is also a master at talking trash. Mental warfare, as we might call it, was recently taken to new levels by Conor McGregor. But, make no mistake, Joanna is also excellent at messing with her opponents heads.

On Saturday, Jędrzejczyk was a 6-to-1 favorite to win the fight.

Now, I have been watching Namajunas (pronounced naw-maw-you-ness) for quite a while. But, even still, Rose is only 25 years old. Which seems too young to thoroughly dismantle the best fighter in the world. Rose is a women of fascinating complexity and contradictions.

You see, Namajunas has never hidden the fact that she has a family history of mental illness. Her father was not really a part of her life because he suffered from schizophrenia. A fact Jędrzejczyk seemed to be attacking when she called Namajunas "mentally unstable."

Perhaps to the contrary, Saturday seemed to prove Rose's remarkable stability. My words will not do her justice. I would rather you hear from Namajunas herself. So, I will provide you with the links to a couple of short videos. But, let me mention one more interesting tidbit.

Rose's nickname is "Thug." And, she can definitely sound pretty gangsta when she talks. That said, you would never guess the song she selected for her walk to the ring. She chose Sweet Freedom by Michael McDonald! (Though the PA messed up and played something else. Just another adversity Namajunas was able to overcome.)

After the fight, when asked about one key to her success, Rose said, "Always controlling my breathing. Not paying attention to feelings, as much. Feelings are just feelings. They should guide you, but they shouldn't control you. You can chose whatever thoughts you want."

Brava Rose, brava!

You have got to hear Rose speak. Click here to watch her interview from inside the cage. And, click here to listen-in as Namajunas speaks with the commentators at Fox.

Watch those two videos, especially the second one, and listen to the wisdom pour out of this young woman. A lot of athletes are full of clichés. This young lady pours forth with interesting insight.

Make no mistake, I am a fan of Conor McGregor. But, I stand, and applaud, Miss Namajunas for being her authentic, best self.