Making Psychology Make Sense
Welcome to the first ever Lightbulb Moments publication!
Lightbulb Moments is the result of 25 years of obsessing over psychology and human behaviour and I'm finally ready (after getting over my imposter syndrome) to share it with you!
The first publication is going to be light - it's an intro to me, who I am, and what I do so you can get a flavour for my style and decide whether you're interested in what I have to say.
First thing's first... I love an Oxford comma, as you can see, and I'm not afraid to use it. Here's a link in case you're wondering what on Earth I'm talking about (https://www.grammarly.com/blog/what-is-the-oxford-comma-and-why-do-people-care-so-much-about-it/).
Second thing is second (doesn't it make you wonder why we say "First thing's first" now when "second thing is second" doesn't make sense? Anyway, I am a neurodiverse 30-something who talks and writes about all things organisational psychology. You name it, I've probably got information about it stored in my head. Mirror Neurons, Eisenhower Matrix, Seven Habits, - it's all in there and I strongly believe it is useful stuff for everyone to know - and that's how we've gotten here.
This publication is going to be packed full of the organisational psychology tools and techniques I've learned and that I now talk and teach about.
I've recently started a podcast series with the wonderful team at Melting It Productions and this publication is the written version (for those of us who prefer to read and digest rather than listen along).
I'll forewarn you, there may be the odd "squirrel" in here (if you've seen the Disney movie "Up" then you'll know what I mean). And there'll definitely be emojis. I'm holding back the use in my first publication but they are coming!
For now, here's some interesting stuff about mirror neurons.
Mirror neurons are pretty clever because they kick into action not only when you're doing a motor function but also when you see someone doing a motor function. They basically work to convince you that you've just experienced the thing that you watch happening! Let me give you an example, have you ever seen someone cut their hand and you've felt it on yours? Or you've seen someone fall over and it's made your stomach go a little topsy-turvy? These are your mirror neurons working!
So how can you use this knowledge? Well your mirror neurons also fire up when you see someone smile at you! They literally create the sensation and emotion of smiling in your brain - which in turn makes you smile. Not convinced about this? Think about why you smile. It's usually because you're displaying the emotion of happiness. Now think of when a stranger smiles at you in the street and you smile back. Think back to the feeling just before you smiled, it's happiness! But why?! I'll give you a hint... mirror neurons!
So let's get back to using it. Mirror neurons can be handy in two ways:
Next time you're having a conversation with someone, spend time observing your mirror neurons and how they are making you feel. If someone is talking about something sad are you sad as well?
You can use them to become more convincing when you're in a conversation! If you're trying to convey a message, think about how you can use your body language and facial expressions to help fire the other person's mirror neurons.
Above all, mirror neurons create empathy, and empathy drives connection (thanks Brene for that one) so go get using them.
That's all for now, if you've enjoyed reading then drop me a note! If you've got questions or want me to cover other topics then drop me a note!
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