Confessions of a Techie

Health

Blinded by Science? Open Your Eyes

Ran Zilca on February 21, 2016

You wouldn’t take a pill or subject your body to treatment that’s not been tested to work; why subject your mind to it?

You wouldn’t take a pill or subject your body to treatment that’s not been tested to work; why subject your mind to it?

Humor

Be Yourself, Act Yourself, and Be a Hero

Ran Zilca on July 30, 2015

The first step on this “heroic journey”, to be a hero for your children, spouse, friends, or coworkers, is simply to know who you are.

The first step on this “heroic journey”, to be a hero for your children, spouse, friends, or coworkers, is simply to know who you are.

Sex

Why (Almost) Everyone Is Happy About Same-Sex Marriage

Ran Zilca on July 2, 2015

How is it that a topic that was deeply divisive for years becomes so vastly supported, almost unanimously perceived as a victory?

How is it that a topic that was deeply divisive for years becomes so vastly supported, almost unanimously perceived as a victory?

Happiness

Putting the Happiness Back in “Young and Happy”

Ran Zilca on April 17, 2015

Happiness is a by-product of the pursuit of success, rather than successful accomplishments. Individuals who are actively engaged in the pursuit of goals that are meaningful to them, experience a range of positive emotions and become happier.

Happiness is a by-product of the pursuit of success, rather than successful accomplishments. Individuals who are actively engaged in the pursuit of goals that are meaningful to them, experience a range of positive emotions and become happier.

Neuroscience

Snow and the Choice of Joy

Ran Zilca on March 2, 2015

It’s all a matter of perspective, and the adult, practical perspective, sometimes even cynical, misses out on opportunities to experience such sheer joy.

It’s all a matter of perspective, and the adult, practical perspective, sometimes even cynical, misses out on opportunities to experience such sheer joy.

Motivation

The Psychological Antidote – Part II

Ran Zilca on February 26, 2015

If today we choose to show others how similar we are to them instead of how different, we may prove their dehumazing thoughts wrong, break the vicious cycle of dehumanization, and prevent tomorrow’s violence by creating a situation that reduces the motivation for conflict.

If today we choose to show others how similar we are to them instead of how different, we may prove their dehumazing thoughts wrong, break the vicious cycle of dehumanization, and prevent tomorrow’s violence by creating a situation that reduces the motivation for conflict.

Bias

The Psychological Antidote to ISIS – Part I

Ran Zilca on February 12, 2015

Can we humans look at ourselves in the mirror today and confidently like what we see? If aliens are watching us from faraway galaxies, how would they describe us today? Are we the predators at the top of the food chain, or perhaps a virus infecting the planet, as Agent Smith in the film The Matrix suggested?

Can we humans look at ourselves in the mirror today and confidently like what we see? If aliens are watching us from faraway galaxies, how would they describe us today? Are we the predators at the top of the food chain, or perhaps a virus infecting the planet, as Agent Smith in the film The Matrix suggested?

Mindfulness

How to Avoid the BS

Ran Zilca on February 1, 2015

There’s something to be said about doing the right thing at the right time. To simply ask yourself:
“What is the most useful thing to say or to do right now?”
“Is there a future, better context, in which what I am planning to say/do is better?”
“and if it is not good for now and not good for later, is it possible that it is utter bullshit?”

There’s something to be said about doing the right thing at the right time. To simply ask yourself:
“What is the most useful thing to say or to do right now?”
“Is there a future, better context, in which what I am planning to say/do is better?”
“and if it is not good for now and not good for later, is it possible that it is utter bullshit?”

Gender

Have a New York Moment Today (Wherever You Are)

Ran Zilca on January 18, 2015

I guess New York moments are cool, because they involve self-expression: doing the weird thing without caring what people think. They also involve situations that bring together people from all walks of life, often around food (the cronut, donut, bagel, hot dog, and pizza – food that transcends social status, gender, and age). In one word – New York Moments are casual.

I guess New York moments are cool, because they involve self-expression: doing the weird thing without caring what people think. They also involve situations that bring together people from all walks of life, often around food (the cronut, donut, bagel, hot dog, and pizza – food that transcends social status, gender, and age). In one word – New York Moments are casual.

Bias

Go on The Road Right Now

Ran Zilca on January 11, 2015

As the New Year starts, go on the road. Think of a way you can detach yourself from your everyday schedule for a little while.

As the New Year starts, go on the road. Think of a way you can detach yourself from your everyday schedule for a little while.

If your goals are inherently meaningful to you, you will be thrilled to imagine the day after, but for goals that you are not truly and intrinsically motivated to pursue, you may find that your vision of that day is not as fun.

Wisdom

Top Five New Years’ Resolutions - The Wisdom of Taxi Drivers

Ran Zilca on December 12, 2014

And always remember: a taxi ride can be a unique opportunity to take a step back and reflect, especially if you are guided by the right driver.

And always remember: a taxi ride can be a unique opportunity to take a step back and reflect, especially if you are guided by the right driver.

Gratitude

Your Inventory of Good

Ran Zilca on November 27, 2014

Being grateful means that you check the balance of your life-account intentionally. You don’t have to lose it to appreciate its wealth, and when you find it, it’s like finding a treasure or winning the lottery.

Being grateful means that you check the balance of your life-account intentionally. You don’t have to lose it to appreciate its wealth, and when you find it, it’s like finding a treasure or winning the lottery.

If you take control over your attention, you can change the reality you experience. There may be a hairy gorilla waving its arms at you every day.

Happiness

How to Buy Happiness Instead of Selling It

Ran Zilca on November 2, 2014

Like money, happiness is also a currency, and at the end of the day the goal is to buy some happiness instead of exchanging it for cash.

Like money, happiness is also a currency, and at the end of the day the goal is to buy some happiness instead of exchanging it for cash.

Attention

Reality Isn’t Really Real

Ran Zilca on October 22, 2014

Our ability to construct a story is often what makes us suffer, and writing a new story could therefore heal.

Our ability to construct a story is often what makes us suffer, and writing a new story could therefore heal.

Child Development

Coulda Woulda Shoulda

Ran Zilca on October 6, 2014

Rome wasn’t built in a day, but it was built one day at a time. If you examine your childhood plans, and break them down into daily tasks, you may discover that you have what it takes, you can afford it, and that you are not too old.

Rome wasn’t built in a day, but it was built one day at a time. If you examine your childhood plans, and break them down into daily tasks, you may discover that you have what it takes, you can afford it, and that you are not too old.

Laughter

The Lesson Our Children Can Teach Us About Finding Meaning

Ran Zilca on September 26, 2014

We didn’t see what was there – we saw what it could be. And fueled by this vision, we enjoyed working together to make it materialize, even if it doesn't last.

We didn’t see what was there – we saw what it could be. And fueled by this vision, we enjoyed working together to make it materialize, even if it doesn't last.

Sleep

Three Bedtime Reflection Routines that Will Help You Sleep

Ran Zilca on September 14, 2014

There’s a lot going on in the critical moments when you lie in your bed with your eyes closed. As you slowly fall asleep, your brain goes through the gradual process of disengaging from the external world, and quieting your normal train of thoughts.

There’s a lot going on in the critical moments when you lie in your bed with your eyes closed. As you slowly fall asleep, your brain goes through the gradual process of disengaging from the external world, and quieting your normal train of thoughts.

Dreaming

The One Thing You Can Do Right Now to Grow Younger

Ran Zilca on September 5, 2014

To make your river run again, to be zestful, passionate, and hopeful, to refuel your dreams with the thrill of your youth, all you have to do is go out and play.

To make your river run again, to be zestful, passionate, and hopeful, to refuel your dreams with the thrill of your youth, all you have to do is go out and play.