Brain Bulletin #78 - The Best 30 Second Speech Ever

Did you drop the wrong ball?

How is your brain doing these busy days?

In today's economy people are working harder than ever before. You multitask, manage change, adapt to technology, and just try to "stay afloat". It is easy to lose a sense of control over your life.

Brains are stressed.

When stress becomes chronic, or unmitigated, it can damage your brain and impair memory. Prolonged stress will release surges of cortisol and adrenaline. Too much of these hormones are toxic to nerve cells in your hippocampus. The long-term consequences aren't great. 

After one of my recent presentations in Europe on "Leadership Genius", one of the participants (Jelena) sent me the best 30 second speech ever given by a leader. I really like it. Here it is:

Jim Dyson, former CEO of Coca-Cola

"Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air. They are Work, Family, Health, Friends and Spirit, and you're keeping all of these in the air. You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the four others - Family, Health, Friends and Spirit - are made of glass. If you drop one of these, it will be scuffed, nicked, damaged, even shattered. And it will never be the same.

Work efficiently during office hours and leave on time. Give proper time to your family and friends, and take a decent rest.

Value has a value only if its value is valued."

The above observation serves to remind us of how important balance is for our brains, and our lives. Remember...look after your brain, and don't neglect your heart.

Congratulations on learning something about your brain today. The Brain Bulletin is committed to help to do just that. If you missed any Brain Bulletins you can find them in the Brain Bulletin Archive: Brain Bulletin Archive

If you missed my TEDxGreatWall talk "Brain Without Walls" here is the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1ac3xX1JG4

Something great and ongoing for your brain:

Follow the Brainguy on Twitter:

You can join Terry Small's 1690 followers for free on Twitter: www.twitter.com/terrysmall

Twitter is a great way to learn and fuel your brain. I just posted an interesting article on why you are not nearly as good at paying attention as you think you are (something I have been telling people in my live presentations for years).

I will be posting, or tweeting as it's called, regularly about the brain. What I'm reading, watching, thinking, doing....all as it relates to your brain. Twitter restricts tweets to 140 characters, so it is always quick and to the point. No time wasting!

Twitter has the easiest sign up page in the world. Even if you are not on Twitter you can check out my tweets here: www.twitter.com/terrysmall

You can also follow the Brain Bulletin of twitter: www.twitter.com/brainbulletin

I had a fun month. Lots of presentations and tons of personal learning. I spoke to teachers at Burnaby South Secondary, teachers in Kitimat, and lots of parent and student groups. I loved the Grade 8's at Enver Creek...engaged and engaging. I also keynoted the Canadian Reformed Schools Conference.

Speaking to diverse businesses and organizations is always a great learning experience for my brain. This month I got to work with Metro Vancouver, MDA Corp., and the Canadian Association of Chemical Distributors on leadership and learning issues.

My favorite book this month was "Redirect - The Surprising New Science of Psychological Change" by Timothy D. Wilson. I really enjoyed it.

I leave for Winnipeg tomorrow. I keynote the Aboriginal Head Start Program on Thursday and keynote the 50th Anniversary MART Provincial Conference on Friday. I love Manitoba. I am looking forward to speaking twice at the European Council on International Schools in Athens, Greece in 3 weeks. My topic is "Growing a Child's Brain - Developing Everyday Genius".