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Shift Left, Think Different, Act Right: Become Your Best Self

Being Human for a Better Tomorrow in the Age of AI

  • August 10, 2024
  • 10th Edition (Vol 1)
shilf left

Conformity can be comfortable, but originality sets you apart.

In previous editions of the Mindvista newsletter, we explored fundamental questions using models such as Retire, Rewire, Rewrite (on why and how we work), continuous learning, the ideas about the importance of questioning, managing duality, and strategies for business growth.

By focusing on thinking (Shift Left) and embracing the unconventional (Think Different), we can take the right actions (Act Right) to create authentic and effective alignment between our purpose (why) and our actions (what).

Here are eight examples of contra-indications for starters to seed counter-intuitive thinking:

I. Lighten Up and Humor Your Way to Heavy Lifting at Work:

A positive attitude and a dash of humor are powerful tools, even when faced with daunting tasks. When you approach challenges with a smile, you not only elevate your own mood but also create a more positive and productive work environment.

Example: A software development team starts each day with a quick, humorous icebreaker session. This lighthearted ritual boosts morale, encourages creativity, and enhances collaboration.

II. Slow Down to Speed Up

The Power of Mindful Action:

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the relentless pursuit of “doing more.” However, taking breaks and practicing mindfulness can be surprisingly beneficial for productivity. By slowing down and quieting your mind, you allow space for creative insights to emerge and enhance your focus when you return to the task at hand.’

Example: A busy marketing manager sets aside 15 minutes each day for mindfulness meditation. This practice helps her regain focus, reduce stress, and come up with more creative campaign ideas, ultimately improving her team’s overall productivity.

III. Seek Adventure, Find Peace:

Our inherent curiosity and desire for exploration push us to seek adventure. However, true peace and fulfillment often come from finding a balance between the thrill of the unknown and the tranquility of inner calm. Embrace both aspects of your nature to live a life that is both exciting and deeply satisfying.

Example: A corporate executive who loves adventure sports takes up regular weekend hikes in the mountains.

IV. Defocus to Sharpen Your Focus: The Power of the Subconscious Mind:

Sometimes, the most effective way to solve a complex problem is to step away from it altogether. Taking a break allows your subconscious mind to continue working on the problem in the background. By engaging in activities that promote diffuse thinking, such as spending time in nature or pursuing hobbies, you can return to the problem with fresh eyes and newfound clarity.

Example: An engineering team working on a complex technical problem takes a break to participate in a team-building activity. During the activity, their minds are able to subconsciously process the problem, and when they return to the task, they come up with an innovative, workable solution.

V. Embrace Vulnerability to Cultivate True Strength:

Authenticity and emotional intelligence are the cornerstones of genuine strength. When you are vulnerable and open about your feelings, you foster deeper connections with others and gain a clearer understanding of yourself.

Example: A team leader openly shares his struggles with a project during a team meeting. This vulnerability fosters deeper connections with his team members, who then rally around him, offering support and innovative solutions to overcome the challenges together.

VI. Be a Philosopher, Become a Masterful Practitioner

Great achievements rarely spring from impulsive actions. By taking the time to think about ‘Why,’ you lay the groundwork for success. Embrace the role of a modern-day philosopher, questioning assumptions and deepening critical thinking.

Example: A product designer takes the time to question the underlying assumptions of her project, asking “Why are we doing this?” and “What problem are we really trying to solve?” This philosophical approach leads her to uncover hidden opportunities and create a more impactful and successful product.

VII. Welcome Ambiguity to Embrace Future Certainty

We often crave the comfort of definitive answers. However, the reality is that life is full of uncertainty. By welcoming ambiguity, you open yourself up to a wider range of possibilities and foster the adaptability needed to navigate an ever-changing world.

Example: A startup founder, faced with uncertain market conditions, embraces the ambiguity by exploring multiple business models simultaneously. This adaptability allows her to pivot quickly when new opportunities arise, ultimately leading to a more resilient and successful company.

VIII. Independence Attracts Dependence (Connections)

The human experience is a beautiful paradox. We value our independence and the freedom to pursue our own paths, yet we also yearn for connection and belonging. By embracing both independence and the desire for connection, you create a fulfilling life rich with personal growth and meaningful relationships.

Example: A freelance graphic designer values her independence but also actively seeks out collaborations with other creatives. This balance of independence and connection leads to a richer portfolio, a broader skill set, and a more fulfilling career.

Execute Your Thinking Differently: Create as a Contrarian, Evolve as a Conformist

Innovation often thrives on challenging the status quo and thinking differently. To translate your unique ideas into tangible results that drive meaningful change and achieve lasting impact, consider this approach:

  • Create as a Contrarian
  • Measure What Matters
  • Evolve What Makes the Measures Matter
  • Iterate and Adapt

Example: A forward-thinking school principal decides to challenge traditional educational methods by implementing a project-based learning curriculum. This contrarian approach aims to enhance student engagement and real-world problem-solving skills. To ensure the new curriculum delivers the intended results, the principal establishes clear metrics to measure student performance, engagement, and skill development. Regularly reviewing these metrics, the principal makes data-driven adjustments to the curriculum, evolving it to better meet the students’ needs. This iterative process leads to improved learning outcomes, increased student satisfaction, and a more effective educational model.

The universe and everything in it, including ourselves, are the result of a minute anomaly in the primordial plasma immediately after the Big Bang. If the plasma was uniform, there would be no gas, stars, elements, and life itself. Maybe that is why opposites attract and a random butterfly flapping can cause chaos.

René Descartes famously said, ‘I think, therefore I am.’
Building on this idea, we can say, ‘I think differently, therefore I create my own path.’
May the force be with you,

I hope these insights help.
Please subscribe, follow and share, Your comments and feedback are very welcome.


Best wishes.

Select Quotes

"A day without laughter is a day wasted."
― Charlie Chaplin
"Mindfulness isn't difficult, we just need to remember to do it."
― Sharon Salzberg
"Adventure is not outside man; it is within."
― George Eliot
"Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you."
― Anne Lamott
"Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it."
― Brené Brown
"To be a philosopher is not merely to have subtle thoughts, nor even to found a school, but so to love wisdom as to live according to its dictates."
― Henry David Thoreau
"The quest for certainty blocks the search for meaning. Uncertainty is the very condition to impel man to unfold his powers."
― Erich Fromm
"The greatest thing in the world is to know how to belong to oneself."
― Michel de Montaigne Cheers and best wishes,

II. Questioning / Asking

Good conversations flow from well‑sequenced questions—topical, simple, coherent, cohesive.
LLM Conversation Example 1
Q: What are empirical judgments?

A: Empirical judgments are based on observation, experience, or experimentation.
Q: What are moral judgments?

A: Moral judgments are based on ethical principles and values.
“AI is a language. Treat it like one: practice, iterate, and mind your grammar prompts, assumptions, and verification.”
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