Top articles and notes of 2020
When I write an article or post new notes, it’s hard to predict which ones will become most popular. It’s both fun and informative to look back and see how different content pieces performed over a period of time. For the year 2020, here are the top five most popular articles and notes based on unique page views.
It’s interesting that four out of the five most popular notes are from TED talks. Maybe I should do more of those in 2021.
Top five articles of 2020
How non-Mormons and Mormons can build stronger relationships. I am not “Mormon”. But I am married to a Mormon. I also live in Utah. In Utah, Mormons make up 63% of the state population; a majority. If you are a non-Mormon in Utah, it can be difficult to build new relationships with Mormons. This makes social and business life hard: relationships are the foundation of a happy life and a winning business. In order for Utah to maximize its opportunity, non-Mormons and Mormons need to build real relationships and work together.
My two favorite math equations. These equations explain the power of small (one percent) daily changes over the course of a full year (365 days). If we make something one percent better every day for a year, we make it 37 times better. And if we make something one percent worse every day for a year, we make it 97% worse.
Empower people with non-judgemental listening. As humans, we need to judge. Our survival depends on it. Judgement is how we assess danger. It is a tool for survival. Yet, judgement threatens our ability to empower people. Why? Because it prevents us from understanding them.
3 steps for Constructive Disruption. Innovative companies win by disrupting stale industries. When a new entrant challenges the existing model with a disruptive innovation, the incumbents respond predictably. Smear campaigns. Anti-disruptor regulation. Frivolous lawsuits. Whatever will slow down the new entrant and its disruptive innovation.
Anti vs non. There is a significant difference between being “anti-something“ and just “non-something”. To eradicate something from our society, we must all be anti-it. This applies to murder. It applies to rape. And it applies to racism.
Top five notes of 2020
Inside the mind of a master procrastinator. COVID-19 wiped out many of my regular routines. As a result, I’ve been procrastinating more than usual. I found this TED talk and it helped me understand what’s happening inside my brain when I procrastinate. If you’re procrastinating right now, these notes might be helpful to you too.
The difference between winning and succeeding by John Wooden. I was working on an article about the definition of success and found this TED talk. Coach Wooden's views on success versus winning really spoke to me. Succeeding is greater than winning just like character is greater than reputation.
Frances Frei's Three Pillars of Leadership. I was doing some research for an article on trust and stumbled across Frances Frei’s brief TED talk on how to build (and rebuild trust). It left me wanting more. I reached out to Frances and asked her to point me to additional work she’d done on trust. Frances sent me this podcast which provides a framework for leadership built on a foundation of trust, love, and belonging.
Notes and Quotes from Poor Richard's Almanac. Over the years, I’ve seen Benjamin Franklin quoted countless times. And nearly every time, his quote made me pause, think, and reflect. Poor Richard’s Almanac is a collection of Franklin's maxims, rules, and aphorisms. I enjoyed reading them and I’ve included my favorite “wit and wisdom” in these notes.
The success of nonviolent civil resistance by Erica Chenoweth. The current protests have me curious as to how effective nonviolent protests are in bringing about political and social change. To my surprise, Professor Chenoweth’s research suggests peaceful campaigns are far more effective than violent ones.