Computer Guy

Computer Guy
Sunset at DoubleM Systems (DBLM.com), Del Mar, California

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Ideas



Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen.  
John Steinbeck

Everything begins with an idea. Earl Nightingale

Ideas without action are useless. Helen Keller

Ideas come from curiosity. Walt Disney

Read absolutely everything you get your hands on because you’ll never know where you’ll get an idea from. Malcolm X

The greatest ideas are the simplest. William Golding

It's not about ideas. It's about making i'deas happen. Scott Belsky

A new idea must not be judged by its immediate results. Nikola Tesla

Ideas are easy. Execution is everything. It takes a team to win. John Doerr

Poor minds talk about people. Average minds talk about events. Great minds talk about ideas. Eleanor Roosevelt

Wise men put their trust in ideas not in circumstances. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Be alone, that is the secret of invention; be alone, that is when ideas are born. Nikola Tesla

One can steal ideas, but no one can steal execution or passion. Tim Ferriss

No power on earth can stop an idea whose time has come. Victor Hugo

A mediocre idea that generates enthusiasm will go further than a great idea that inspires no one. Mary Kay Ash

It's very hard in the beginning to understand that the whole idea is not to beat the other runners. Eventually you learn that the competition is against the little voice inside you that wants you to quit. George A. Sheehan

Monday, March 25, 2024

Common causes of bad decisions:

 Common causes of bad decisions:

1. Not asking, “and then what?”

2. Blindness to large trends (blind spots)

3. Assumptions based on small sample sizes

4. Conforming to expectations/authority/group

5. Wanting the world to work the way we want rather than the way it does.


Saturday, March 16, 2024

Emotional Intelligence, Story Telling, and Sales Success



It is such a pleasure to share this NEW video with you, especially if you struggle with selling anything at all. Mike Bosworth is a good friend, sure, but he is a true expert who has found the secret sauce when it comes to success in selling anything to anyone.

While he has written two best selling books on the subject (search on Amazon), this quick video will reveal the secrets that will make it easy for you to succeed.

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Happiness vs. Contentment

Happiness and contentment are often spoken about in the context of emotional well-being and life satisfaction, but they differ in their nature, causes, and how they are experienced. Here's a closer examination of their similarities and differences:

Similarities

  1. Positive Emotions: Both happiness and contentment are associated with positive feelings. They contribute to an individual's overall sense of well-being.

  2. Desirable States: People generally strive for both happiness and contentment in their lives, viewing them as desirable and beneficial states of being.

  3. Influence Life Satisfaction: Both have a significant impact on one's overall life satisfaction. They are key components in how individuals assess the quality of their lives.

  4. Subjective Experience: The experience of happiness and contentment is subjective, varying greatly from one person to another based on personal values, expectations, and life circumstances.

Differences

  1. Nature and Source:


    • Happiness is often described as a more transient, emotional state that can fluctuate frequently and is sometimes tied to external circumstances or specific events (e.g., achieving a goal, receiving good news).

    • Contentment, on the other hand, is considered a more stable and lasting state of being satisfied with what one has. It's less dependent on external factors and more about internal acceptance and fulfillment.

  2. Intensity and Duration:


    • Happiness can be intense and euphoric but may not last long. It's often dependent on moments or phases.

    • Contentment is usually less intense but more enduring, providing a steady sense of satisfaction that doesn't significantly fluctuate over short periods.

  3. Perspective and Attitude:


    • Happiness may be pursued through external achievements, experiences, and possessions.

    • Contentment arises from a perspective of gratitude and acceptance, focusing on what one already has rather than what is lacking. It's more about an attitude of appreciation for the present moment and one's current circumstances.

  4. Emotional Complexity:


    • Happiness is generally considered a straightforward positive emotion.

    • Contentment can encompass a wider range of feelings, including peace, fulfillment, and a deep-seated sense of well-being that comes from within, regardless of external circumstances.

Understanding the nuances between happiness and contentment can help individuals tailor their life choices and attitudes towards achieving both transient joys and a lasting sense of satisfaction with their lives.

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The above test was generated by ChatGPT 4, however when I asked the AI to direct me to an image that expressed the above, look what DALL-E produced:



When I asked why all the typos and gibberish, I got this reply:

The text in generated images can sometimes be unclear or resemble typos and unrecognizable words due to the limitations of image generation technology. It aims to visually represent concepts, but the technology isn't perfect at rendering precise, readable text within images. If the infographic's details were not clear, I can help further explain the differences between happiness and contentment or attempt another approach to convey the information. Let me know how you'd like to proceed!

To summarize, the text is excellent, but DALL-E is definitely not ready for prime time.

And, by the way, I feel continuously content.




Friday, December 1, 2023

ToBeWise Pro, the app

 

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Smart is good,
Genius is better,
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With special emphasis for those people who are engaged in startups.

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Imagine if you posessed the Wisdom of the Ages, now! How would that change your life?

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Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Asking the Right Questions, General

It is said that if you ask a question in just the right way, the answer will be obvious. Maybe that's why I love questions so much. 

I've done some research on great questions, and here are a few of my favorites:

From the book "The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever" by Michael Bungay Stanier

The Kickstart Question:
     What's on your mind?

The AWE Question?
     And What Else?  (Tell me more...)

The Focus Question:
     What's the real challenge here for you?

The Foundation Question:
     What do you want?

The Lazy Question:
     How can I help?  What do you want from me?

The Strategic Question:
     If you're saying 'Yes' to this, what are you saying 'No' to?

The Learning Question:
     What was most useful for you?

-------------------------

 

The Devil's Advocate
     Why will it Not Work?  (some reasons, conditions)

Delegating
     Who can get this done?  (not How can I do this?)

Priorities
     ‘What does the business need from you right now?’”

General
     What am I missing? What more should I know? What question should I be asking?

Also:
10 Questions to Spark Stimulating Conversations

1. What's your story?
This open-ended question is bound to trigger something interesting after the other person gets over the initial shock that you asked it. By opening up a conversation in this manner, you've given them access to speak from their hearts and share their life's journeys, dreams, and goals.
2. What absolutely excites you right now?
3. What was the highlight of your day (or week)?
4. What gets you up in the morning?
5. What is your whole reason for existing--your "why" (ikigai)?
6. What's the most important thing I should know about you?
7. Why did you choose your career or line of business?
8. What is one of your most defining moments in life?
9. What's the best thing that's happened to you this year?
10. When's the last time you failed spectacularly at something?

More:

-What inspires you? 

-What have you learned from a mistake? 

-What do you like to do for fun? 

-What is your proudest accomplishment? 

-What have you learned from a difficult experience? 

-What do you think is the most important lesson you can teach others? 

-How do you measure success? 

-What advice would you give someone going through a difficult time? 

-What does it mean to you to be successful? 

-What experiences in your life have shaped who you are today? 

-If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why? 

-If you could master any skill, what would it be? 

-What do you do to stay creative or inspired? 

-What’s something that you want to learn more about?

- If you could have any superpower, what would it be?


Interview questions:

Lenny's podcast: Favorite interview questions from 100 guests

 



Life's most persistent and urgent question is:

What are you doing for others?

Martin Luther King Jr.


Saturday, October 21, 2023

Why ToBeWise™ for Startups

 Q: What is the rationale for a startup founder/CEO/team to study these quotations?

A: Studying quotations from successful venture capitalists and entrepreneurs can offer startup founders, CEOs, and teams several benefits:

  • Wisdom and Insight: These quotations often encapsulate years, if not decades, of experience in just a few words. By studying them, founders can access distilled wisdom without having to go through the same trials and tribulations.

  • Inspiration and Motivation: The entrepreneurial journey is fraught with challenges. Quotations from those who've been through it and succeeded can serve as a source of motivation, reminding founders of the bigger picture and the potential rewards of perseverance.

  • Perspective: These quotes can provide a different perspective or approach to a problem that a startup might be facing. It might offer a new way to think about an issue or validate a strategy the team is considering.

  • Avoiding Mistakes: Some of these quotations might highlight common pitfalls or mistakes in the startup world. By heeding these words, startups might be able to sidestep some of these common errors.

  • Strategic Thinking: Many venture capitalists think in terms of market dynamics, competitive advantage, and long-term value creation. Their quotes can help founders align their strategies with these broader themes.

  • Understanding Investor Mindset: If a startup is looking to raise funds, understanding how top VCs think can be invaluable. It can offer insights into what investors prioritize and value, which can be instrumental in pitching and negotiations.

  • Networking and Building Relationships: Being familiar with the thoughts and philosophies of influential people in the startup ecosystem can be a conversation starter and can help in building relationships at networking events or conferences.

  • Decision Making: The world of startups often involves making decisions under uncertainty. Some quotes emphasize the importance of decisive action, calculated risk-taking, and adaptability, which can guide founders in their decision-making processes.

  • Cultural and Value Building: Quotations that resonate with a founder can be integrated into the company's culture and values. They can serve as guiding principles for the team and can be referred to during company meetings, strategy sessions, and onboarding new members.

  • Continuous Learning: The tech and startup industry is one of rapid change and evolution. These quotes often reflect timeless principles but also emphasize the importance of continuous learning and adaptation. They can inspire founders to always remain curious and be on the lookout for new knowledge and insights.

In essence, these quotations are not just words but encapsulations of experiences, lessons, and philosophies. While not every quote will resonate with every founder, the right ones can serve as a compass, guiding startups through the myriad challenges they face.

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