Skip to content

2021

  • 3 min read

How to Tell Your Colleague About a Body Odor Issue

One of the most challenging conversations involves informing a coworker that his body odor is affecting the entire department. I, along with several of my coworkers, have been enduring this issue, but someone has to address it, even though it's an uncomfortable subject. So, how should you approach it? I advocate a mix of initiating and supportive communication methods.

This situation began a few months ago when our company hired a new employee named K.K. After an online interview, K.K. seemed to be a friendly individual who always wore a smile. He came across as personable and had a range of engaging hobbies, such as basketball.

However, upon our first in-person meeting, I noticed that something was amiss. K.K.'s scent was unpleasant, to say the least. I had organized a welcome meal for him so that everyone in the department could get acquainted. As soon as he arrived, a foul, fish-like odor became evident. Initially, I attributed it to the air conditioning and we proceeded with our team lunch.

As time passed, the smell seemed to intensify. My colleague Cherry, who was seated next to me, texted me discreetly via WhatsApp, asking, "Hey Victor, do you smell that too?" I read her message, glanced back at her, and we both chuckled.

Then K.K. joined our table and asked, "What's so funny? Can you share the joke with me?" Cherry replied, "No, it's nothing," effectively killing the conversation. Others began to laugh as well, further isolating K.K., who appeared puzzled. "Can someone share the humor with me?" he queried. His question elicited more laughter. At that moment, I knew I had to act.

So what would you do in this scenario? There are four types of communication styles: direct, initiating, supportive, and analytical. Let's say you prefer straightforward communication. You might directly tell K.K., "Hey, you have a noticeable body odor. Could you shower more often?" While this approach may be efficient and effective, it could also offend K.K.

I prefer to avoid confrontation. I'm concerned about the repercussions for K.K. He might misinterpret our laughter and think we're making fun of him. Worst-case scenario, this could lead to a complaint to Human Resources. Using an analytical communication style might not offend K.K., but he could miss the point entirely. In that case, the problem remains unresolved.

Instead, I opt for a proactive and supportive approach. First, I schedule a convenient time for a one-on-one conversation with K.K. The goal is to create a comfortable space for open dialogue.

Second, regardless of your communication style, it's crucial to frame the conversation with sincerity. I need to be clear, saying, "K.K., I'm bringing this up to find a solution, not to criticize you." My intention is to help him out of genuine concern.

Third, I politely outline the issue and ask for his perspective. "K.K., are you aware of this? Is there a medical reason for the body odor? Is there anything we can do to help you improve your hygiene?" This allows him to express his concerns and make his own choices.

This method proved effective. K.K. was not offended and even thanked me a few days later, mentioning that he had consulted a doctor. My coworkers were relieved, and the issue of the offensive odor was resolved. I successfully navigated the conversation using both leading and supportive communication styles.

Life demands flexibility and the use of different styles of communication for various situations. We cannot force change upon someone; it's all in how we communicate. By choosing the right tone, I was able to assist K.K. and make a positive impact on the situation.

  • in zh
  • 1 min read

如何告訴你的同事關於體味問題

告訴同事他的體味影響到整個部門，這是最具挑戰性的談話之一。我和我的幾位同事都在忍受這個問題，但總有人要提出來，即使這是一個令人不舒服的話題。那麼，你應該如何處理這個問題呢？我主張混合使用主動和支援性的溝通方式。

這個情況是幾個月前我們公司聘請了一位名叫K.K.的新員工時開始的。在一次線上面試後，K.K.似乎是一個總是帶著微笑的友善的人。他給人的印象很親切，並有一系列吸引人的愛好，如籃球。

然而，在我們第一次面對面的會議中，我發現了一些不對勁。K.K.的氣味至少可以說是不愉快的。我為他安排了一頓歡迎餐，以便部門中的每個人都能熟悉他。當他剛到達時，一種惡臭的、像魚的氣味就變得明顯。最初，我把它歸咎於空調，我們繼續進行我們的團隊午餐。

隨著時間的推移，這種氣味似乎變得越來越濃烈。坐在我旁邊的同事Cherry透過WhatsApp悄悄向我發了一條短信，問：「嘿，Victor，你也聞到那個味道了嗎？」我讀了她的信息，回過頭看著她，我們兩個都笑了。

然後K.K.加入了我們的桌子，問：「有什麼好笑的？你能跟我分享那個笑話嗎？」Cherry回答說：「沒有，沒事，」有效地打斷了對話。其他人也開始笑了，進一步孤立了K.K.，他看起來有些迷惑。「有人能和我分享這種幽默嗎？」他問道。他的問題引發了更多的笑聲。那一刻，我知道我必須採取行動。

那麼，在這種情況下你會怎麼做呢？有四種類型的溝通風格：直接的、開創的、支援的和分析的。比如你喜歡直接的溝通方式，你可能會直接告訴K.K.：「嘿，你有體味。你能多洗澡嗎？」雖然這種方法可能是有效的，但也可能冒犯了K.K.

我寧願避免衝突。我擔心這會對K.K.產生影響。他可能會誤解我們的笑聲，以為我們在取笑他。最壞的情況，他可能會向人力資源部門投訴。使用分析的溝通風格可能不會冒犯K.K.，但他可能完全不明白我們的意思。在這種情況下，問題仍然得不到解決。

相反，我選擇了一種主動和支援的方法。首先，我安排了一個與K.K.進行一對一談話的適宜時間。目標是創造一個能夠開放對話的舒適空間。

第二，不論你的溝通風格如何，以誠心誠意引導整個談話都是至關重要的。我需要讓自己的意圖表達得清楚明確，說：「K.K.，我提出這個問題是為了找到解決辦法，而不是為了批評你。」我的目的是出於真正的關心來幫助他。

第三，我禮貌地說明了問題，並問他的看法。「K.K.，你有意識到這個問題嗎？體味的原因是醫學上的原因嗎？我們能對你的衛生習慣有所幫助嗎？」這讓他有機會表達他的擔憂並做出自己的選擇。

這種方法被證明是有效的。K.K.並不感到冒犯，而且幾天後他甚至感謝我，提到他已經去看過醫生。我的同事得到了解脫，而體味問題也得到了解決。我成功地用領導和支援性的溝通風格來處理這次對話。

生活需要靈活性和適應各種情況的不同溝通風格。我們不能強迫他人接受變化；這全在於我們的溝通方式。通過選擇正確的語氣，我能夠協助K.K並對這個情況產生積極的影響。

  • 3 min read

Be Skeptical

Imagine being in North Korea. How skeptical would you be of what you witness every day? Is the Kim family's rule divine? Is South Korea evil due to American influence? Could people possibly be grateful for this dictatorship?

Understanding life in North Korea becomes easier after watching interviews with defectors like Park Yeon-mi. Her book "To Live" describes the abysmal conditions in the country. While you might already be aware that North Korea is a challenging place to live, comprehending the extent of its hardships based solely on facts and figures is difficult.

Living in the developed world provides a completely different perspective. It’s important to realize that North Korea lacks basic freedoms, such as electricity, freedom of speech, and press freedom. One needs compassion to truly grasp the plight of North Koreans.

If you were born in such a restricted environment, would you question this parallel universe? I hope not, because questioning the legitimacy of the Kim family's rule could lead to severe consequences, including imprisonment for you, your family, and future generations.

What would happen if you started wondering why China, just across the river, always seems bright while North Korea is submerged in darkness? Merely expressing such thoughts could be dangerous. You might be reported to the secret police by friends or neighbors, especially if you were caught consuming foreign media. The result could be years in prison.

Being skeptical and thinking about how to sell products at a higher price—essentially thinking like a capitalist—could be considered a violation of communist beliefs. Since all property is state-owned, even your act of selling is illegal. Shockingly, even your waste is considered state property, to be used as fertilizer.

If you found yourself in such circumstances and chose to be skeptical, escaping might cross your mind. Although a tough decision, it might be your only way to discover that much of what you've been taught is a lie. Words like "freedom," "democracy," and "bank accounts" would be entirely new concepts for you.

Even those fortunate enough to live in developed countries should remain skeptical. Question everything. Listen to multiple perspectives and change your views when the evidence warrants it. How do you know, for example, that the vaccine you’re getting is safe? Or that a piece of news you've read online is accurate? Fact-checking and evidence-seeking are essential.

Being open-minded is crucial. I’m always willing to change my beliefs in the face of new evidence. Knowledge is transient; what we knew yesterday might be proven wrong tomorrow. It’s essential to apply what we learn, not just to know it.

Let's say you go to a circus and watch a performer swallow a sword. Do you believe it’s real? While entertainment is one thing, reality is another. We need to adjust our mindset according to the situation and teach our children to do the same.

The North Korean regime wouldn't survive without assistance from the Chinese Communist Party, which indirectly contributes to the suffering of the North Korean people. Many citizens in China who subscribe to a distorted interpretation of history could benefit from skepticism. They might question their government's support for the North Korean regime or ponder alternative political structures.

The point of this article is not to debate what's right or wrong but to emphasize the importance of maintaining a skeptical mindset. We should teach future generations to think critically, to ask "why," to engage in debates, and to weigh the pros and cons of different viewpoints. Tyrannies and dictatorships don't allow such discussions; authority is never questioned, and history is rewritten by the victors.

In societies where political correctness dominates, opportunities for skepticism are limited. Open dialogue should be encouraged, even if the opinions are controversial. Ultimately, it all comes down to asking ourselves "Why?" This question equips us to face life's challenges more effectively. Being skeptical ensures that you are less likely to be deceived.

  • in zh
  • 1 min read

要懷疑

想像一下你身在北韓。你會對你每天所見所聞持有多大的懷疑？金家族的統治是神聖的嗎？由於美國的影響，南韓是邪惡的嗎？可能有人對這種專制政權感到感激嗎？

看過類似朴延美等脫北者的訪談後，理解北韓的生活變得更加容易。她的書《活著》描述了該國糟糕的情況。雖然你可能已經知道北韓是一個生活困難的地方，但僅靠事實和數據難以理解其困境的深度。

生活在發達的世界提供了一個完全不同的視角。我們必須認識到，北韓缺乏基本的自由，如電力、言論自由和新聞自由。真正理解北韓人民的困境，我們需要同情心。

如果你出生在這樣一個受限的環境，你會質疑這個平行宇宙嗎？我希望不會，因為質疑金家族統治的合法性可能會導致嚴重的後果，包括你、你的 family和未來幾代人的軟禁。

如果你開始想知道為什麼就在河對岸的中國始終明亮，而北韓卻沉浸在黑暗中，會發生什麼事情呢？僅僅表達這樣的想法可能就很危險。你可能會被朋友或鄰居向秘密警察舉報，尤其是如果你被抓到在看外國媒體的話。結果可能是多年的監禁。

持有懷疑態度，思考如何以更高的價格出售產品，基本上像資本家一樣思考，可能會被認為是對共產主義信仰的違反。由於所有的財產都屬於國家，即使你的出售行為也是非法的。令人震驚的是，即使你的廢物也被視為國家財產，用作肥料。

如果你發現自己处於這樣的困境，選擇持有懷疑態度，逃脫可能會出現在你的腦海中。雖然這是一個艱難的決定，但這可能是你唯一发現你所被教育的大部分都是謊言的方式。對你來說，像“自由”、“民主”和"銀行帳戶"這樣的詞會是全新的概念。

即使是那些有幸生活在發達國家的人也應該保持懷疑態度。質疑一切。聆聽多種觀點，並在證據充分的情況下改變你的觀點。例如，你怎麼知道你接種的疫苗是安全的？或者你在線上讀到的一篇新聞準確嗎？事實比對和尋求證據至關重要。

保持開放的心態至關重要。我總是願意在新證據面前改變我的信念。知識是流動的；我們昨天知道的事情可能明天就會被證明是錯的。學習並應用我們所學的，而不僅僅是知道它，這一點非常重要。

比如你去馬戲團看一個表演者吞劍。你會相信這是真的嗎？娛樂是一回事，現實又是另一回事。我們需要根據情況調整我們的心態，並教導我們的孩子做同樣的事情。

沒有中共的援助，北韓政權不可能態度存活。許多中國公民對歷史有一種扭曲的認識，若他們對此懷有懷疑，可能會收益。他們可能會質疑他們的政府為什麼支持北韓政權，或者思考其他的政治結構。

這篇文章的目的不是辯論什麼是對的什麼是錯的，而是強調保持懷疑態度的重要性。我們應該教導下一代學會批判地思考，問 "為什麼"，參與辯論，並權衡不同觀點的利弊。專制和獨裁不允許這樣的討論；權威永遠不會被質疑，歷史總是由勝利者重新寫。

在政治正確主導的社會，懷疑的機會有限。即使觀點有爭議，也應該鼓勵開放的對話。最終，這都歸結為我們問自己：“為什麼？”這個問題使我們更有能力有效地面對生活的挑戰。保持懷疑確保你不太可能被欺騙。

  • 2 min read

Strive for Efficiency and Economy

Given that our society prioritizes efficiency and economy, you're able to read this essay. As national productivity improves, we can dedicate more time to hobbies. Otherwise, we'd be too consumed with basic survival tasks like hunting and farming.

Our culture has transitioned from agrarian communities to modern metropolises. This transformation in economic, social, and political landscapes has made us a global powerhouse in production and product quality. Our economic growth stems from collective hard work and robust financial, legal, and capital systems.

Therefore, we should aim to increase production. As leaders, we can make meetings more efficient. By evaluating which appointments are necessary and which are not, we can cut down meeting times, making our teams more efficient.

However, focusing solely on productivity is not enough; we should also consider the market's size. Being efficient in a non-lucrative field is futile. Thus, choosing the right business sector is a crucial initial step.

Productivity growth is especially important in industrialized economies. For instance, South Korean workers clock many hours but have less GDP output per hour than their French counterparts, who work fewer hours. Hence, GDP growth may only see minor boosts even if employment rates recover.

In today's digital age, smartphone distractions are a real problem. Constant phone checks take up approximately two hours per day and can triple the number of errors in tasks. This disruption in focus may negate any gains in efficiency. I personally have decided to switch off my phone to concentrate on more meaningful work, such as writing this article.

Moreover, a leader's efficiency often has a broader impact on the team. Effective communication can significantly reduce wasted time during meetings, making them more productive. Being upfront about agenda items can further streamline the process.

Committing to tasks should be a deliberate choice. Often, we agree to projects for the wrong reasons, like obligations to superiors, thereby sacrificing productivity. Streamlining commitments can lead to a more efficient life.

Learning is another area where strategy matters. Studying without purpose can lead to knowledge loss, making the process unproductive. Measuring learning by its applicability in solving new problems is a more effective metric.

In summary, the ultimate goal of improving efficiency is to produce meaningful results. By focusing on these aspects, we can strive for both efficiency and economy.

  • in zh
  • 1 min read

追求效率和經濟

鑑於我們的社會以效率和經濟為優先，你能讀到這篇文章。隨著國家生產力的提升，我們可以花更多的時間在興趣愛好上。否則，我們會過於沉迷於基本的生存任務，如狩獵和耕作。

我們的文化已經從農業社區轉變為現代大都會。這種在經濟、社會和政治風貌上的轉變讓我們在生產和產品質量上成為全球的強國。我們的經濟增長源於集體的辛勤工作和健全的金融、法律和資本體系。

因此，我們應該致力於增加生產。作為領導者，我們可以讓會議更有效率。通過評估哪些約會是必要的，哪些不是，我們可以減少會議時間，使我們的團隊更有效率。

然而，僅僅專注於生產力是不夠的；我們還應該考慮市場的規模。在非盈利領域中效率高是徒勞的。因此，選擇正確的商業領域是一個關鍵的第一步。

生產力增長在工業化經濟中尤其重要。例如，南韓工人工作時間長，但每小時GDP產出低於法國工人，即使就業率恢復，GDP增長可能只看到小幅提升。

在今天的數字時代，智能手機的分心是一個真正的問題。不斷查看手機每天約佔兩小時，可能會導致任務錯誤的數量增加三倍。這種專注力的中斷可能抵消所有的效率提升。我個人決定關閉我的手機，專注於更有意義的工作，比如寫這篇文章。

此外，一位領導者的效率往往對團隊有更廣泛的影響。有效的溝通可以顯著減少會議中浪費的時間，使之更具生產力。對議程項目的直率可以進一步精簡流程。

承諾任務應是一種深思熟慮的選擇。我們常常因為對上級的義務而接受項目，從而犧牲了生產力。簡化承諾可以使生活更有效率。

學習是策略很重要的另一個領域。無目的的學習可能導致知識的遺失，使該過程低效。以能否解決新問題的可應用性來衡量學習是一種更有效的度量方式。

總的來說，提高效率的最終目標是產出有意義的結果。通過專注於這些方面，我們可以追求效率和經濟。

  • 3 min read

Working Effectively with Others in Teams

Today, I received my first vaccine dose. As a foreigner in Singapore, I am grateful for the opportunity to get vaccinated without any hassle. I'm especially thankful for the efficacy of Singapore's healthcare system.

No one knew the full extent of Covid-19's seriousness in the early stages of the pandemic. I'm amazed at how quickly scientists were able to develop a vaccine. Two motivating factors come to mind: monetary gain and altruism.

Scientists who dedicate their lives to field research are reshaping the stereotypical image of the solitary researcher. In truth, modern science demands collaboration to solve complex challenges. I feel fortunate that these scientists have spent years studying mRNA, virology, and medicine.

Secondly, transitioning research into mass production involves the coordination of multiple groups. Infrastructure, significant funding, and logistical challenges all come into play, particularly when politics and government officials are involved.

I am deeply grateful to the frontline healthcare workers who operate under stressful conditions. The nurse who administered my vaccine was amazing; she greeted me warmly and calmly discussed potential side effects. This seamless experience speaks to the power of incredible teamwork.

What makes this even more remarkable is that I received the vaccine for free. Living in a region with strong policies and effective pandemic control, I recognize that my good fortune is more about luck than anything else. The devastation wrought by Covid-19 is not to be taken lightly, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to get vaccinated.

I cannot take this good fortune for granted and should contribute to society when opportunities arise. Effective collaboration in teams can make a positive impact. It starts with assembling the right team and empowering them to take on challenging tasks.

Some work cultures hinder teamwork and innovation, which makes cultural transformation difficult. I aim to foster a positive work environment by encouraging social bonds through lunches, after-work events, and team-building activities.

I don't need to be the smartest person in the room; if I am, it's time to invite smarter individuals or find another room. Whether it's professional networking, team building at work, or sustaining friendships in real life, the joy comes from meaningful connections.

Communication skills are also vital. Effective leaders should excel in writing, reading, and public speaking. I am taking this as an opportunity to improve my writing and speaking skills, writing for both personal and professional blogs, and speaking up in various settings.

Listening is equally important. I'm working on my ability to understand what people are saying and paraphrase it back to them.

Soft skills, or "soft power," are crucial in a professional setting where I can't exert authority over everyone. To gain trust, I need to treat my job as a team sport rather than isolated compartments of work. Being inclusive in decision-making makes others feel valued and heard.

The lockdown has increased my screen time, leading to social isolation and loneliness. Virtual networking has helped offset these feelings and even improved our collective productivity.

Volunteering serves a dual purpose: acknowledging human limitations and showing gratitude. We all have much to do and too little time to do it, but collaboration can go a long way. We don't have to go it alone; pooling resources and sharing credit can make the journey worthwhile.

  • in zh
  • 1 min read

在團隊中與他人有效合作

今天，我接種了第一劑疫苗。作為新加坡的外國人，我對於能夠毫不費力地接種疫苗感到非常感激。我特別感謝新加坡醫療體系的效率。

在這場疫情的早期階段，沒有人知道Covid-19的嚴重程度。我對科學家能如此快速地開發疫苗感到驚訝。兩個動機因素浮現在我的腦海中：金錢利益和利他主義。

將他們的生活奉獻於現場研究的科學家正在重塑孤獨研究者的刻板形象。事實上，現代科學需要合作來解決複雜的挑戰。我感到幸運的是，這些科學家花了多年時間研究mRNA、病毒學和醫學。

其次，將研究轉化為大規模生產涉及多個組織的協調。基礎設施、大量資金和物流挑戰都會產生影響，尤其當政治和政府官員參與其中時。

我對於在壓力條件下工作的前線醫療工作者深感感激。給我注射疫苗的護士非常棒；她熱情地向我問候，並平靜地討論可能的副作用。這一無縫的經驗證明了高效團隊工作的力量。

更讓人感到不可思議的是，我是免費接種的疫苗。生活在有著強大政策和有效疫情控制的地區，我認識到我現在的好運更多是因為運氣而非其他原因。由Covid-19帶來的破壞無法掉以輕心，我感謝有機會接種疫苗。

我不能把這種好運視為理所當然，並應在機會出現時回饋社會。在團隊中有效的合作可以產生積極的影響。這一切始於組建恰當的團隊，並賦予他們應對挑戰任務的能力。

有些工作文化阻礙了團隊合作和創新，這使得文化變革變得困難。我希望通過鼓勵社交緊密度來培養正面的工作環境，例如午餐、下班後活動和團隊建設活動。

我不需要成為房間裡最聰明的人；如果我是，那就該邀請更聰明的人，或者找另一個房間。無論是在專業網絡建設、工作中的團隊建設，還是在現實生活中維護友誼，快樂來自有意義的聯繫。

溝通技巧也同樣重要。有效的領導者應該擅長寫作、閱讀和公共演講。我把這當作一個提升我寫作和演講技巧的機會，寫作兼及個人和專業的博客，並在各種場合發言。

傾聽同樣重要。我正在提高我的理解他人所說的內容並將其重述給他們的能力。

在我不能對每個人施加權威的專業環境中，軟技術或“軟實力”至關重要。要獲得信任，我需要把我的工作當作一種團隊運動，而不是將工作分隔開來。在決定制定中包容他人能使他們感到重視和被傾聽。

封鎖令我的螢幕時間增加，導致社會孤立和孤單。虛擬網絡已經有助於平衡這些情感，甚至提高了我們的整體生產力。

志願服務有兩個目的：承認人類的限制並表示感激。我們所有人都有太多的事情要做，時間又太少，但合作可以走得更遠。我們不必孤軍奮戰；集中資源和分享成果可以使這段旅程變得值得。

  • 3 min read

The Tried-and-True Way is the Right Way

If you've ever walked a dog, you've likely observed how curious puppies can be. A simple fifteen-minute walk can turn into an hour-long adventure as the dog stops to investigate every tree, smell various objects, and even taste leaves on the road. Occasionally, the dog might get curious about other items, ranging from discarded tissue paper to rotting fruit. It seems like the dog never tires of trying new things, while I can become indifferent, especially when every tree along the path looks the same.

This dog's behavior reminds me that the tried-and-true method is often the best approach. How would the dog learn whether something is good or bad if it didn't explore? From a human perspective, attempting to eat everything it encounters seems foolish, as does chasing a passing motorcycle. Yet, for the dog, the world is a playground full of potential adventures. Even a short walk can pose challenges like confrontations with larger, aggressive dogs or, on a lucky day, an opportunity to meet and socialize with other friendly canines.

Adults, however, often lose the enthusiasm for trying new things. We get stuck in our routines, stop learning new skills, and disengage from the world around us. When confronted with questionable information or "fake news," it's crucial to remain skeptical and verify facts. Opt for the path that has been tried, tested, and proven effective.

As I grow older, I find myself increasingly focused on the end result rather than the process. Take dog-walking as an example; it might seem more efficient to finish the walk in fifteen minutes rather than an hour. However, by doing so, we miss the opportunity to slow down, smell the flowers, admire the architecture, and marvel at the natural world. There's much to learn from these slower, more exploratory experiences.

The approach calls for individuals to experiment with and discover truth for themselves. With rapid and inexpensive ways to conduct multiple tests, continuous improvement becomes viable. This principle applies not only to personal life but also in a corporate setting. Employees can be encouraged to suggest innovative ideas that could lead to improvements. Concepts that prove successful according to predetermined criteria can then be integrated into the system.

Achieving success involves continuous experimentation and making innovation a part of the workplace culture. Surprises should be valued for their potential to disrupt and improve, even if they seem problematic in the short term.

When faced with uncertainty, be patient. Invoke your innate curiosity by asking questions. Allow yourself to make mistakes and learn from them. There's no other way to grow. When we see a dog eating trash, we should remember our own moments of foolishness and acknowledge that making mistakes is part of the learning process.

One of the best ways to begin experimenting with the world is to identify something you want to learn and make a conscious effort to understand it. Listen to people, observe your surroundings, and maintain a beginner's mindset. As you start to experiment, new opportunities will present themselves.

Stretching beyond your comfort zone will encourage mental experimentation. Many people follow the same routines and stick to a narrow range of learning methods. Stepping outside these boundaries by mimicking examples, conducting tests, and pushing your limits can result in a more comprehensive learning experience tailored to your unique traits and strengths.

Learning is inherently a process of trial and error. Practical application, feedback, and problem-solving are essential for adapting your mental models to the real world. Experiment with various approaches and choose what works best for you.

To get into the right mindset for experimenting, you need to view your skills as improvable and recognize your untapped potentials. Experience is gained even when things don't go as planned.

To truly understand what you want out of life, you need to live it. Thoughtful action, rather than mere contemplation, is the key to discovering your deepest desires, purpose, and joy. Following the tried-and-true path is the best way to this discovery.

  • in zh
  • 1 min read

經過驗證的方法就是正確的方法

如果你曾經遛過狗，你可能會注意到小狗有多好奇。簡單的十五分鐘散步可以變成長達一小時的冒險，因為狗會停下來調查每一棵樹，嗅嗅各種物體，甚至在路上嚐嚐葉子。偶爾，狗可能對其他物品感到好奇，這些物品包括被丟棄的紙巾和腐爛的水果。看似狗永遠不會對嘗試新事物感到厭倦，而我可能會變得冷漠，特別是當沿路上的每棵樹看起來都一樣。

這隻狗的行為提醒我，經過驗證的方法往往是最佳的方法。如果狗不探索，它怎麼會知道什麼是好的，什麼是壞的呢？從人的角度來看，試圖吃它遇到的所有東西似乎是愚蠢的，就像追趕一輛經過的摩托車一樣。然而，對於狗來說，世界是充滿潛在冒險的遊樂場。即使是短暫的散步，也可能帶來挑戰，如面對更大、更具攻擊性的狗，或者在幸運的一天，有機會和其他友好的狗交往和社交。

然而，成年人往往失去了嘗試新事物的熱情。我們陷入自己的日常生活，不再學習新技能，與周圍的世界無關。面對可疑的信息或“假新聞”，保持懷疑並驗證事實是至關重要的。選擇已經嘗試過，經過測試，證明有效的路徑。

隨著我年紀越來越大，我發現自己越來越關注結果而不是過程。以遛狗為例，花十五分鐘走完似乎比花一個小時更有效率。然而，如果這樣做，我們就失去了放慢腳步，嗅嗅花香，欣賞建築，驚嘆大自然的機會。這些較慢，更具探索性的經驗有很多可以學習的地方。

這種方法要求個人進行實驗並自己發現真理。有了快速且經濟的進行多次測試的方法，持續改進就變得可行。這一原則不僅適用於個人生活，也適用於公司環境。可以鼓勵員工提出創新的觀點，可能帶來改進。根據事先確定的標準證明成功的概念，然後可以將其融入系統。

成功的實現需要不斷的實驗和創新，成為工作環境的一部分。驚喜應被看作是其潛在的顛覆和改進的可能性，即使短期內可能帶來問題。

面對不確定性時，要有耐心。呼喚你天生的好奇心，提問。允許自己犯錯並從中學習。沒有其他方式可以成長。當我們看到一只狗在吃垃圾時，我們應該記住我們自己曾經的愚蠢，並承認犯錯是學習過程的一部分。

開始與世界進行實驗的最佳方式之一，就是確定你想學什麼，然後努力去理解它。傾聽他人，觀察周圍的環境，保持初學者的心態。當你開始進行實驗時，新的機會會出現。

超越你的舒適區將鼓勵心理實驗。很多人遵循相同的步驟，堅持相對狹窄的學習方式。跨出這些範疇，透過模仿範例，進行實驗，並逞自己的極限，可以帶來更全面的學習體驗，特別適應你獨特的特點和優點。

學習是一種試驗和錯誤的過程。實用的應用，回饋，和解決問題對你的心智模型去適應真實世界至關重要。嘗試各種方法，然後選擇最適合你的方法。

為了進入進行實驗的正確心態，你需要把你的技能視為可以改善的，並認識到你的未開發的潛力。即便事情沒有按計劃進行，也能獲得經驗。

要真正理解你想從生活中得到什麼，你需要去生活。下決心行動，而不僅僅是深思熟慮，是發現你最深的渴望、目標和喜悅的關鍵。遵循經過考驗的道路是最好的發現方法。