TrueSpark

04/04/2016

"First we have to practice things deliberately, and then what happens — just like learning to play the piano or something like that — we practice and then with enough practice it becomes a habit. And the habits become character traits after a while.”

Taking the time to practice mindfulness, every day, several times a day, has made a big difference at a school trying to overcome trauma.

03/01/2016

"If you give up too soon, chances are you're not allowing your most promising notions to emerge." Never underestimate the power of persistence. http://www.psmag.com/health-and-behavior/be-warned-this-study-may-encourage-your-child-to-keep-pursuing-that-career-as-a-stand-up

New research suggests we give up too easily when confronted with a problem that requires creative thinking.

02/22/2016

"You know that feeling where everything feels right? Where you don't have to worry about tomorrow or yesterday, where you feel safe and know you're doing the best you can? There's a word for that, it's called love. L-O-V-E."-Akeelah and the Bee
Happy Monday. Do the best you can.

02/19/2016

TrueSpark invites you to TRUESPEAK: an evening of whiskey, stories and conversations at The Players Club.
Our special guests include Christopher Castellani, award-winning novelist and Guggenheim Fellow, Joanna Kaczorowska, concert violinist, and Arzhang Kamarei, filmmaker turned entrepreneur.
Stay, be inspired by stories and great conversation, and enjoy whiskey tasting and an open bar. Bring a friend, or come solo and meet new ones. We'll introduce you!
Follow this link for tickets and more information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/truespeak-whiskey-and-stories-tickets-21165136493

TRUESPEAK: Whiskey & Stories TrueSpark invites you to an evening of whiskey, stories and conversations at The Players Club. We'll begin at 7pm mingling over malts, before turning to the stage to savor a flight of true, short stories from our eclectic storytellers. Our special guests include Christo…

02/09/2016

Empathy is a positive character trait that "fuels connection," as Brene Brown says in one of three featured videos in this article. The ability to identify with others and their struggles is a key asset in everyday life. We hope that these videos will inspire you to form stronger connections.
http://edut.to/1Tvc1K1

When you're having a tough day, the support of friends and colleagues is essential. That's why empathy -- that ability we all have to identify with other people's struggles and support them through hardships -- is so important.

01/20/2016

Recent studies from scientists at top universities reveal the increasing dominance of teams in a company setting. In tandem with research from other organizations, including the CIA and National Transportation Safety Board, this article from Digital Tonto delves into the reasoning behind such an increase in prioritizing the team over the individual. Not only is teamwork important, but the nature of the team's work is important as well. One noteworthy quote reveals, "Rather than hard driving 'A personalities,' it turns out that high performing teams are made up with people who have high social sensitivity, take turns when speaking and, surprisingly the number of women in the group."

http://tinyurl.com/gshue9j

The best performers are no longer the tough executives that can impose their force of will, but those who can engender trust and encourage others to contribute.

01/13/2016

We like this article about the "productive struggle" method of teaching. Allowing students to work things out on their own creates active engagement with learning materials and the ability to tackle problems head-on. In the face of challenges, students learn to persevere rather than wait for teachers to simply give them the answers.
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/harnessing-power-of-productive-struggle-ellie-cowen

01/07/2016

Happy New Year! We hope that you're starting your year full of intention and purpose. This week's photo is meant to encourage the positive character trait of purpose, which may serve as a useful tool in tackling resolutions both big and small. Check it out on our Instagram,
https://www.instagram.com/p/BAONDofk3Bc/

““You can have anything you want if you want it badly enough. You can be anything you want to be, do anything you set out to accomplish if you hold to that…”

12/21/2015

What do the holidays mean to you? To us, they signify a season of positive character; of being generous, selfless, and showing the important people in your life that you love them. Holiday break is almost here, but since it's still a busy Monday, here's some to get your week going: "Every minute of every hour of every day you are making the world, just as you are making yourself, and you might as well do it with generosity and kindness and style." - Rebecca Solnit

12/15/2015

Happy holidays from TrueSpark!

12/15/2015

"If you want to maximize your self-control this holiday season, try a guilt-free slice of humble pie." We like this article about the importance of humility because it mentions many profound advantages of possessing this positive character trait. These advantages include more effective leadership, better academic performance, and just generally more positive life outcomes.
Read more here: http://www.psmag.com/health-and-behavior/so-if-you-want-to-maximize-your-self-control-this-holiday-season-try-a-guilt-free-slice-of-humble-pie?utm_source=Pacific%20Standard%20Newsletter&utm_campaign=b4c4004e41-daily-rss-newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a4fd1bcb7e-b4c4004e41-80488649

New research finds that humble humans may have more self-control.

12/08/2015

Take this test from the Harvard Business Review to assess your curiosity profile. How do you rank in terms of unconventionality, intellectual hunger, and experiential curiosity? Find out here: https://hbr.org/2015/12/assessment-whats-your-curiosity-profile