Something You Should Know

When updating your resume or LinkedIn profile, it’s tempting to use words that make you sound impressive—terms like “world-class” or “team player.” But hiring managers often see those words very differently than you might expect, and they can actually work against you. https://www.linkedin.com/business/talent/blog/product-tips/words-you-should-not-use-on-linkedin-profile-infographic

Tipping has become increasingly complicated—and controversial. Requests for tips seem to be everywhere, suggested amounts are rising, and many people feel unsure about what’s appropriate. At the same time, for many workers, tips are essential income. So how much should you really tip? When is it expected—and when is it not? Michael Lynn, professor of services marketing at Cornell University and author of The Psychology of Tipping: Scientific Insights for Services Customers, Workers, and Managers (https://amzn.to/4drNgyH), explains the science behind tipping, what influences how much people give, and how both customers and workers can better navigate this evolving system.

There are probably things you’ve thought about doing—but haven’t. Speaking up in a conversation. Making a change in your career. Taking a risk that feels important. Often, the biggest barrier isn’t ability—it’s permission. Dr. George James, licensed therapist and consultant, and author of I Give Myself Permission: Take Risks. Be Imperfect. Live Boldly (https://amzn.to/41fjiqb), explains why people hold themselves back, how those internal limits form, and what it takes to move past them and take action on what matters.

You’ve probably heard a driver say, “That motorcycle came out of nowhere—I didn’t see it.” It sounds like an excuse, but there’s actually a real reason this happens—and it’s something every driver should understand. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3482468/

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Most people assume they’re safe—at home, out in public, going about their normal routine. But how often do you actually think about what you would do if that sense of safety was suddenly challenged? Would you recognize a real threat? Would you know how to respond in the moment—or would you freeze?

Security expert Spencer Coursen says many people fall into what he calls a “safety trap”—believing that danger is unlikely or that they’ll instinctively know what to do if something happens. In reality, how you respond in a threatening situation often comes down to awareness, preparation, and simple decisions made before anything ever goes wrong.

Spencer is a nationally recognized threat management expert and author of The Safety Trap: A Security Expert’s Secrets for Staying Safe in a Dangerous World (https://amzn.to/3gtV5pp). In our conversation, he explains how criminals identify targets, why some homes and individuals are more vulnerable than others, and what small changes can significantly reduce your risk. He also shares practical guidance on how to think, react, and stay in control if you ever find yourself in a dangerous situation.

This isn’t about fear—it’s about being prepared in a way that most people never consider until it’s too late.

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Most people think they’re good drivers. But there’s one simple thing you can do—or not do—that has a surprisingly big impact on how well you drive. It takes almost no effort, yet skipping it can quietly increase your chances of making mistakes behind the wheel. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25890276/

Your financial life may feel like a series of personal choices—what you earn, spend, and save. But many of those decisions are shaped by forces you don’t always see. Technology, algorithms, credit systems, and even the way prices are presented can subtly influence how you think about money and what you do with it. Alex Mayyasi, reporter for the podcast Planet Money (https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510289/planet-money) and author of Planet Money: A Guide to the Economic Forces That Shape Your Life (https://amzn.to/4s4H9DO), explains how these hidden forces work—and how becoming aware of them can help you make smarter financial decisions.

Quitting has a bad reputation. We’re taught to stick it out, push through, and never give up. But sometimes quitting is exactly the right move. The real challenge is knowing the difference between perseverance and persistence that no longer serves you. Jeffrey Lockwood, professor at the University of Wyoming and author of The Good Quit: Mastering the Fine Art of Giving Up (https://amzn.to/48oBEsG), explores how to recognize when it’s time to walk away—and how making the right decision at the right time can actually move your life forward.

An eye that suddenly starts twitching can feel strange and a little unsettling. It often comes out of nowhere and can linger longer than you’d like. But what’s actually causing it—and is it something you should worry about? https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/eye-twitching/basics/causes/sym-20050838

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Where do you do your best thinking? It’s probably not where you spend most of your time working. In fact, the environment you choose can quietly influence how clearly you think, how creative you are, and how well you perform. There’s a simple shift that can make a noticeable difference. Source: Edward Hallowell author of Driven to Distraction (https://amzn.to/3PQgv1u).

Rituals are everywhere—handshakes, morning routines, lucky habits, traditions we repeat without thinking. Even people who don’t consider themselves “ritualistic” rely on them every day. But why? Michael Norton, professor at Harvard Business School and author of The Ritual Effect (https://amzn.to/3U65Zpn), explains that rituals do far more than add structure—they can reduce anxiety, strengthen relationships, and give meaning to everyday experiences. He explores why humans are drawn to rituals and how they can be used intentionally to improve your life.

Health advice can feel overwhelming—contradictory studies, complicated plans, and endless “must-do” lists. But what if getting healthier didn’t have to be so complicated? Jacob Sager Weinstein, writer for The New Yorker, HBO, and the BBC, and author of Be Healthier Now: 100 Simple Ways to Become Instantly Healthier (https://amzn.to/4cZedXV), cuts through the noise with practical, science-backed ideas that are simple to implement and surprisingly effective—no jargon, no extreme routines, just small changes that can make a real difference.

Revenge is often described as “sweet.” And just imagining getting even with someone can feel surprisingly satisfying. But what is it about revenge that makes it feel so good—even before anything actually happens? https://theconversation.com/revenge-isnt-always-sweet-but-it-can-be-beautiful-73653

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Your name is one of the first things people learn about you—but it may also influence how they judge you. Research suggests that people with names that are harder to pronounce can face subtle disadvantages in hiring, promotions, and social situations. It’s not usually intentional—but it happens. And there are ways to counteract it. https://www.newyorker.com/tech/annals-of-technology/the-power-of-names

Some people just seem naturally confident. They walk into a room with ease, connect effortlessly with others, and come across as both capable and approachable. But where does that confidence actually come from? Is it something you’re born with—or something you can build? Lydia Fenet, auctioneer, speaker, and author of Claim Your Confidence (https://amzn.to/3GQu8ZS), explains how confidence is developed, what most people get wrong about it, and practical ways to strengthen it so it shows up in your work and your everyday interactions.

Procrastination isn’t just laziness—it’s something deeper. Whether it’s putting off a small task or delaying something important, there’s usually a reason behind it. Hayden Finch, PhD, licensed clinical psychologist and author of The Psychology of Procrastination (https://amzn.to/41Ik0ua), explains what’s really going on when you avoid getting started, why willpower alone doesn’t fix it, and what actually helps you follow through and get things done.

Talking to yourself out loud might seem odd—but it can actually give you an advantage in certain situations. In fact, under the right conditions, it can sharpen your focus and improve how well you perform tasks that require attention. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120417221613.htm

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DUTCH: If your pet is still scratching and you’ve tried everything at the pet store –it’s time to stop guessing and go prescription.Support us and use code SYSK for $40 off your membership at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://Dutch.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

RULA: Thousands of people are already using Rula to get affordable, high-quality therapy that’s actually covered by insurance. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://Rula.com/sysk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get started.

QUINCE: Refresh your wardrobe with Quince! Go to ⁠⁠https://Quince.com/sysk⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too!

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PLANET VISIONARIES : We love the Planet Visionaries podcast! In partnership with The Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative. Listen or watch on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you are listening to this podcast.
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