System 1 is easily identifiable by simple things you don’t actually have to think about. An example is how you can drive and listen to the radio at the same time without any deep thinking required. System 2 requires more attention and thought. Imagine you’re walking at a brisk pace with a friend, and ask them on the spot to answer as quickly as possible the math of 29*67. It is most likely that your friend will actually stop walking without realizing it because system 2 kicks in and requires more energy to figure out the answer.

There was also an example about how in certain situations, system 1 can reach a solution to a problem without overthinking it, but actually be incorrect. Consider the following example:

A bat and ball cost $1.10
The bat costs one dollar more than the ball.
How much does the ball cost?

System 1 can quickly read this and most people will jump to the conclusion that the ball costs $.10, without taking in consideration the words “more than” in the problem. If you sit and take some time to engage system 2, you will realize that the ball actually costs $.05. Don’t worry, my mind went to $.10 immediately too, and I actually had to put the book down and figure it out because it messed with my mind some when I learned that it was wrong.

This week, take time and care to ignore those snap judgments and calculations before coming to a quick conclusion. Focus on engaging system 2 a bit more and think about how you think.

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In a scene where we find Eddie and Roger handcuffed together, Roger bumps into the lamp above their heads. This movement from the lamp creates all sorts of shadow shifts and changes to the environment. Now it is important to note that this movie is from 1988 and CGI wasn’t available back then. The creators had to layer the animation slides over one another to create Roger’s shadow, so the animators had to make a large number of slides to create the effect and make Roger feel like he is part of the world around him. You can see a gif below of the shadows shifting over Roger.

This amount of detail and dedication made Disney adopt the term “Bump the Lamp.” The principle of the term is to give the extra effort to make your product shine and feel flawless. Did you happen to notice that when Roger puts his hands on the crate, it stops shaking as much? The little things matter. This week, look for situations where you can “Bump the Lamp” and make your work that much better.

The video that taught me about this term is below and highlights a lot of interesting items from the film. Give it a watch!

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On Saturday I got up early and headed off to a Yoga class. I am not the best Yogi, but I always try my best to follow along and do what I can. I went through class and did the moves to the best of my abilities, which sometimes led to me just resting in child’s pose for a moment to catch my breath.

The class I attended was a Baptiste Power Yoga class, and during this class I learned about one of the 5 pillars of Baptiste Yoga: Tapas. No, not that kind of Tapas…the word Tapas refers to Heat. Not heat as in the class is really hot, but heat in the sense of friction created in going against poor habits.

In this class we were asked to choose one word for why we were at class that morning and the word I chose was “change.” As the class went on, I began to understand when I was overdoing it and I was not following my breathing or doing poses properly. I had found the Tapas in my practice and I reflected on my word…change. I then took a moment for myself, slowed down, and remembered that I was there to work on changing myself for the better. The friction and heat presented itself and I learned how to work through it.

This week I urge you to notice moments of Tapas. When you notice them, take a moment to recenter and look for opportunities to work through that heat and friction and work towards bettering yourself.

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This week, I challenge you to take some time and get a workout in. It doesn’t have to be intense. Just take 20 minutes and get a good little sweat going. I also challenge you to do it for more than just your physical health. Remember all the other ways exercise can help you feel much better.

The post Let’s Get Physical appeared first on Software for Good.

Burt Macklin is a crime-solving FBI agent, and Andy Dwyer’s alter ego. Even though he doesn’t actually solve crimes, he does thoroughly investigate the various mysteries presented in the show.

In software development, we problem solve on a daily basis. This week I encourage you to channel your inner Burt Macklin and view what’s in front of you as a mystery, not a problem. Looking for a good place to start? Investigate something you’ve always wondered about. Pick it apart, figure out how it works, and solve the mysteries that lie within.

Unlike Andy Dwyer, you might just come out a bit wiser post-investigation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s52p61DfiKQ

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This week your job is to try to help improve someone’s day with a simple gesture. What gesture is that, you ask?

The high five, of course!

It may seem silly, but a good high five when passing someone in the hall can provide that smile or little upbeat feeling to help ease any stress they might be bundling up. So this week get out there and dish out some crisp high fives!

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Where there’s muck, there’s brass.

Maybe you’ve heard this saying, maybe you haven’t. Either way, here’s the gist: there’s money—or something equally valuable—to be made in doing the dirty work. It might not be glamorous or exciting (or even pleasant), but dirty work has its perks—whether or not you can see them at the start.

For example, taking on a task you’re less than enthusiastic about may give you the opportunity to come up with a better, less dirty way of doing that work. It may not be fun, but you’ll walk away with more knowledge, sharper problem solving skills, and better processes.

This week, don’t let the muck deter you. Get in there and get dirty! And when you’re done, remember to reflect on your brass—whether monetary, mental, or some other type of reward.

The post Where There’s Muck, There’s Brass appeared first on Software for Good.

We’re close to wrapping up 2016, and this year has been interesting to say the least. We lost a number of amazing and inspirational people this year, and the election was…well, the election was something.

The time to laugh is now. The time to enjoy the company of family and friends is now. And we all know fart jokes are universally funny (this NPR segment even proves it) so what better type of joke to tell over the holidays?

I’ll even help you out with a couple of fart jokes to get you started. Enjoy!

I was on the bus the other day and I really needed to fart.
Luckily, the music was really loud so I timed my farts with the beat, and after a couple of songs began to feel better.

As I left the bus though, I noticed everyone was starting at me in disgust.

That’s when I remembered I was listening to my iPod.

I was out delivering leaflets on flatulence awareness this morning.

Unfortunately, I let one rip.

An old married couple is in church one Sunday when the woman turns to her husband and says, “I’ve just let out a really long, silent fart. What should I do?”

The husband turns back to her and says, “Replace the battery in your hearing aid.”

I farted at work the other day and my workmate started trying to open the window.

It must have been a really bad one—we work on a submarine.

One day a lady walks into a very high-class jewelry shop.
She browses around for a bit before she spots a gorgeous diamond bracelet, which she goes over to inspect.

As she bends over to look at it more closely, she accidentally breaks wind.

She’s very embarrassed and looks around nervously to see if anyone has noticed her little accident, praying that a sales person doesn’t appear right now.

But when she turns around, her worst nightmare is realized as she sees a salesman standing right behind her.

The salesman stays as cool as a cucumber and shows complete professionalism as he greets the lady by saying, “Good day, Madam. How may we help you today?”

The lady, a little more confident now that she’s gotten away with her little accident, asks, “How much is this lovely bracelet?”

The salesman replies, “Madam, if you farted just looking at it, you’re going to crap yourself when I tell you the price.”

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There, I said it. Whew, that wasn’t so bad.

But, actually, it was pretty bad. And eye opening. I am one of the 350 million people in the world who struggle with depression and anxiety. I actively battle against it, and have been doing quite well for some time. But here’s the thing: you can’t just take medication and be cured of depression and anxiety. It’s something that sticks with you. It takes a lot of work and effort to feel good about yourself and your life, and my meltdown came when I stopped investing in the activities and interests that make me happy.

I saw it coming, but I tried to power through those familiar feelings by filling my life with stuff that wasn’t really core to who I am. So the feelings kept building and building, and then it all boiled over into an anxiety attack—something I’d never had before, and that scared me deeply. I reached out to some friends and my parents, all of whom provided great support and said the same thing: “Go see your doctor asap.” I did, and now I’m working on some additional solutions to help me battle this and work my way back to good.

Interestingly enough, the timing of my anxiety attack coincided with my previously scheduled two-week staycation. So I took those two weeks to check in with myself and surround myself with the things that make me feel great (family and friends, mostly). I also made a conscious effort to put down my phone and disconnect from work. This allowed me to focus on myself and getting back into the swing of doing things that make me feel good. It’s been a positive first step, and I feel confident that I’m headed in the right direction.

This week, I encourage you to check in with yourself. Take some time to evaluate how you’re doing and feeling, and then take the steps necessary to get yourself back to good if you need to. Ask for help if you need it.

And if you are struggling, remember the network of people who want to be there for you is probably much deeper than you know. Everyone is willing to help a friend in need. Heck, reach out to me if you need someone to talk to.

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This week, let’s remember that everyone you encounter has their own story and could potentially be struggling or just having a bad day. Maybe your “hello” will be the one thing that makes their day a little brighter.

Or, if you’d prefer not to say hello to anyone, then just enjoy this sweet jam by Lionel Richie.

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