Author Archives: NCS

“A stumble may prevent a fall” speaks to the enduring human spirit of trying and falling and then getting up and trying again. It speaks to the mistake you recently made and how it makes you wiser more stronger for the next time. My eldest child at university fell behind in his understanding of inorganicContinue reading “A stumble prevents a fall”

I have become interested in mental models. I am always trying to self improve and as much as I love reading, remembering the lessons can be difficult. Learning Mental models is my way of compartmentalising methods and lessons under the banner of mental models. Mental models are like software applications my mind can use forContinue reading “Problem solving and mental models”

I stumbled on a book by US politician John McCain it is called character is destiny. I discovered it a while ago in my loft. I was going through an old box of books I had ignored for too long. I had purchased the box of books from a car boot sale years before. IContinue reading “Character is destiny”

Last year I completed a short critical analysis course and one of my assignments was to analyse a piece of my favourite literature. I chose Moby Dick, no surprise to some of you who know my obsession with the white whale. I chose the opening paragraph and as most of you know starts: “Call meContinue reading “Call me Ishmael”

What is the greatest gift you received or the greatest gift you have given to someone? Did it cost much? As we get older we begin to appreciate that the value of a gift should not be measured by its price. The timeliness, the thoughtfulness, is it given out of love and or friendship orContinue reading “A true gift conveys part of the giver”

Everyone has fallen apart at sometime in their life. The more resilient can use every fall, every breakup and emotional damage, to grow stronger and keep moving on. We can try to hide these scars with bravado or false narratives. Or if we are brave enough we can wear them as badges of honour, evidenceContinue reading “We are all a little broken”

Preparation prevents poor performance they say, but let me share with you a seldom shared reason why preparation will make you more happier and successful. If we can prepare better than it will leave us at peace and with energy for the next challenge. I have looked and cannot see this perspective shared anywhere soContinue reading “Be prepared, but not for the reason you think”

I received this book as a gift from my good friend Alan Slavik just after Christmas. I had appeared on his podcast last year and we have struck up a friendship which I very much appreciate. I am hopeful that we all hit more green lights in 2021. See this Monday morning a few lessonsContinue reading “Monday morning Green lights”

People talk about their next role they hope to get, the next company they plan to work for the next project they want to be assigned to. Those aspirations are worthy but it can be an often an excuse to not send in your best today. You have a project or role you are assignedContinue reading “Delaying your best is foolish”

I hate social media but I love attentionI love being smart but I hate show offsI hate social status but love airport lounges I love driving safely, but hate when others doI hate to be judged, but love literary criticismI love fancy cars but hate ostentation None of the above make any sense on itsContinue reading “Contradictions make us who we are”

We all like the feeling that we know the most about a subject. in a room full of people, It is enticing, its makes you feel good. There is nothing wrong with a desire to know and control your environment. How would you react if I said it is hurting you, it is at leastContinue reading “Play the fool to catch the wise”

One of my prize possessions is a rather tatty but ever so loved copy of ‘The Old man and the Sea’ I love this novel so much. It is so perfect that there is not one page, paragraph or sentence superfluous. I sat down last weekend to read it again. I think some novels getContinue reading “Reading and empathy”

Ever since I was a child I have loved folk tales, proverbs and fables. I have been thinking lately about luck and how good fortune is seen. One story has stuck with me which I wanted to share today: A farmer and his son had a beloved stallion who helped the family with the farming.Continue reading “Maybe so, maybe not, we’ll see”

Life can serve up a ton of rejections and criticism if you put yourself out there. Every now and then a blog post of mine strikes a chord and gets shared a bit. For a week or so it is flattering to read lovely comments and to see new people find your work. Those daysContinue reading “Validation is for parking only”

In life we seek both company and solemnity, life presents choices between these two compulsions. We typically must choose between one or the other. The more we seek the company and comfort of others the more we feel hampered by expectations, obligation and conformity. If it is help you seek on a project or endeavourContinue reading “In prison or in exile; neither are preferred but we must choose”

It is in the beginning of the year that I am involved in setting of our company, department and regional objectives and thinking about KPI’s or measures. Measurements are very useful, they are a wonderful tool that help you get results. Measurements define progress, they can be found in your self-improvement aims, as much asContinue reading “Good Hart’s law”