Tagscience

Connecting Mental Maps

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For as long as I can remember, I have been directionally challenged. I grew up in Washington state where the roads curve, the trees are tall, and major landmarks to help with orientation are difficult to come by. Navigation anywhere for me (even to this day) can be incredibly difficult without the aid of Google Maps.

This does not mean I have not been getting better. Since my wife and I have been married (nearly 12 years) we have lived in eight different cities. The pattern is always the same for me. I do not know how to get anywhere; I rely 100% on Google Maps to get me to my destination. Over time I start to build a map in my head. My pattern has been that after about 6-8 months in a single place I have a few maps built in my head. Once I get to a certain place where my map starts, I can figure out where I am, but my mental maps do not always connect. Common locations are mapped out first, the kids’ school, grocery store, and church. Then less common areas start to populate and grow the maps.

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Reflection on Story

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Lately I have been reflecting on how to help leaders to take action in the work of leadership. My mind has gone back to this post about the role neuroscience plays in the creation of habits.

The action part is where many (including myself) can get stuck. The process from my previous post is simple: stories lead to insights that generate actions and when repeated turn into habits. I may learn a theory or something new and interesting but getting to meaningful action means I need a powerful story and a strong insight. Then I am compelled to act. 

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Gratitude

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For the days leading up to Thanksgiving I have been keeping a gratitude journal and have found it to change my mood and I feel happier. This is remarkable because I feel like my wife and I are still reeling from having a baby 11 weeks ago. This has led to a lack of sleep, decreased energy, focus, and attention.

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About Me

Josh Nicholls

I teach and invite people to act. Proud husband, father and amateur pizzaiolo

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