The interaction between environment and our psychology is profound. Our surroundings, from the towns and cities we choose to live in to the climate and population density of where we live, to the smallest spaces, such as the rooms we live and work in all have a huge influence on our emotions, thoughts, and […]
Author Archives: Alistair Horscroft
“I never guess. It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts.” Sir Arthur Conan Doyle The DATA pyramid and The Tail On The Donkey Game Remember the kids party game – Stick the tail on the donkey? […]
In the 1980s the neurophysiologist Benjamin Libet demonstrated that activity in the brain’s motor regions can be detected some 300 milliseconds before a person feels that he has decided to move. Another lab recently used functional magnetic resonance imaging data to show that some “conscious” decisions can be predicted up to ten seconds before they […]
A belief is something that we hold to be true. When we hold something to be true we will inevitable behave in alignment with it. If I believe that there is no point – I will behave and think as if there is no point If I believe I will make it through – I […]
The term ‘Self Directed Neuro-Plasticity’ was coined by Dr Jeffrey Schwartz and refers to our ability to change the wiring in our brains. Dr Schwartz presents the theory that the human ‘MIND’ is an independent identity that can shape and control the functioning of the physical brain. We play an active role in how our […]
At the Optimal life co we strive to embody the tenets of ‘Know Thyself’ with ‘The Golden Rule’ (do unto others as you would have done unto you) through the continual asking of the question ‘What is the optimal choice?’ From the food we eat, the exercise we do and the clothes we wear to […]
In a previous blog post (Data Pyramid/Tail on Donkey) we talked about the importance of collecting personal data before we act. Another benefit of being data driven is it allows us to do something extraordinary, to live beyond trend. To use trends rather than be a slave to trends. We can enjoy trends but they […]
When it comes to living, to really living, people fall into two basic camps: Anomic or Autonomous. THE ANOMIC: – Always “too busy” with life/work/university/family/pets/Netflix/whatever – Always nitpicking at details – Never follows through on something they said they would do – Makes excuses for why something cannot be done, rather than seeking solutions – […]
Sing songs that none have sung, think thoughts that ne-er in brain have rung. Walk in paths that none have trod, weep tears as none have shed for their God. Give peace to all whom none other gave, claim him your own who’s everywhere disclaimed. Love all with love that none have felt, and brave […]