A big benefit of my job is that I am able to interview a variety of different people about the topics that are most interesting to them.
These authors, journalists and filmmakers take what may seem mundane or complicated and bring it to life through engaging storytelling. Each year, I highlight interviews that stuck with me throughout the year.
Here are the standouts for 2022:
I first met Dan after he had written “When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing.” His research from the fields of psychology, biology and economics illustrated why the timing of certain decisions is more within our control than we would think.
In 2022, Pink followed up with “The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward.” In our conversation, we discussed the paradox of how we frame past experiences.
Pink calls it the “At Leasts/If Onlys,” and it goes something like this: “‘I didn’t get that promotion, but at least I wasn’t fired.’ At Leasts deliver comfort and consolation.”
Contrast that sentiment with this one: “‘If only I’d taken a few more stretch assignments, I’d have gotten that promotion.’ If Onlys deliver discomfort and distress.”
Why choose discomfort and distress over comfort and consolation?
Because doing so may allow us to dive deeper into — and take accountability for — our decision-making. It can also help us be more forgiving to ourselves, and importantly, it can help us make smarter decisions, perform better at work and school and bring greater meaning to our li
