#reading

Once you're done, click the check button

⚡️@keep_learning_english

Tire sizes

⚡️@keep_learning_english

Why This Book Matters? From Mediocrity to Sustained Greatness

Why do some companies achieve lasting greatness while others, with similar resources and opportunities, never break beyond mediocrity? *Good to Great* tackles this fundamental question with clarity, precision, and a depth of research that cuts through the noise of business fads. Drawing on a five-year study of companies that made the leap and sustained superior performance, Jim Collins reveals a blueprint not of silver bullets or dramatic pivots, but of disciplined decisions, quiet leadership, and relentless focus.

This book isn't about flashy innovation or charismatic CEOs-it's about the deep, often unglamorous work of transformation. From building a culture of accountability to harnessing the right technology only when it aligns with core strategy, Collins offers tools that are practical, actionable, and grounded in evidence.

Whether you're a business leader, team manager, startup founder, or someone simply trying to understand how to turn good intentions into great outcomes, this book delivers insights that challenge assumptions and shift mindsets. For anyone ready to move past quick wins and build something that lasts, *Good to Great* is not just recommended reading—it’s essential.

⚡️@keep_learning_english

🔖 Difficult Words Explained
Mediocrity (n.) — being average, not very good or bad. (Synonym: ordinariness)
Fad (n.) — a short-lived trend or idea that quickly becomes popular. (Synonym: craze)
Silver bullet (n.) — an easy or magical solution to a complex problem. (Synonym: quick fix)
Dramatic pivots (n.) — sudden and major changes in direction or strategy. (Synonym: radical shifts)
Relentless (adj.) — continuing strongly without giving up. (Synonym: persistent)
CEO (n.) — Chief Executive Officer; the top leader in a company. (Synonym: company head)
Unglamorous (adj.) — not attractive or exciting, but important. (Synonym: dull)
Harness (v.) — to use or control something effectively. (Synonym: utilize)
Align (v.) — to match or fit something with another thing. (Synonym: harmonize)
Whether (conj.) — used to express a choice between options. (Synonym: if)
Assumption (n.) — something believed to be true without proof. (Synonym: belief)
Mindset (n.) — a person’s way of thinking or attitude. (Synonym: mentality)
Essential (adj.) — very important and necessary. (Synonym: vital)


#good_to_great_1

☑️@keep_learning_english

Keep hustling and be brave to reach the top

"Keep pushing, keep hustling, and never let fear hold you back." That's the core message from Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson. It's all about having that hustler's heart and being fearless.

So, what's a hustler's heart? It's that fire in your belly, that drive that keeps you going no matter what. It's about being tough, resourceful, and never giving up. Take 50 Cent himself. When his first record label dropped him, did he throw in the towel? Nah, he used that setback as fuel. He hustled, made his own mixtapes, and got noticed by big names like Eminem and Dr. Dre. That's a hustler's heart in action.

Now, being fearless, that's a whole different ball game. It's about having the guts to take risks, to step out of your comfort zone. It's about not being scared of failure or rejection, and standing up for what you believe in. 50 Cent knows a thing or two about being fearless. When he was negotiating his deal with Vitamin Water, he didn't just settle for a simple endorsement deal. He had the guts to ask for a piece of the company. And when Coca-Cola bought Vitamin Water? He made a cool $100 million. That's being fearless.

So, remember, if you want to make it to the top, you gotta have that hustler's heart and be fearless. It's about pushing through obstacles, taking risks, and bouncing back from setbacks. That's the real secret to success, according to Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson.

Face your fears, then make a plan to beat them

In "Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter", Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson drops some serious knowledge about fear. We all feel it, right? It's that gut-wrenching feeling when we're about to lose something, fail, face the unknown, or feel alone. Sure, fear can be a good thing, like a warning sign when danger's around the corner. But when it starts running the show, stopping us from taking chances or grabbing opportunities, that's when it becomes a problem.

50 Cent knows what he's talking about. He's been there. When he lost his mom, he was scared out of his mind. But instead of letting that fear take over, he used it to fuel his drive to become fearless. It wasn't a walk in the park, though. He had to face his fear, figure out where it was coming from, and then come up with a game plan to beat it.

So, how do you beat fear? According to 50 Cent, it's all about putting in the work and constantly improving yourself. Dive headfirst into what you're passionate about or what you do for a living. Learn everything there is to know about it. This not only makes you a pro, but it also gives you the confidence to step up when opportunities come knocking, instead of running scared.

But here's the kicker: you've got to face your fears, not run from them. 50 Cent had a fear of family. Sounds weird, right? But family, as comforting and connecting as it can be, can also scare us. The thought of losing them or having a fallout can be terrifying. But 50 Cent says we've got to work through these fears, not ignore them. That's the only way to break down the walls fear builds and move on with our lives.

In a nutshell, 50 Cent's saying fear's a part of life, but it doesn't have to call the shots. By facing our fears and working hard to beat them, we can become fearless and confident. This gives us the power to grab opportunities and reach our goals. It's not going to be a cakewalk. but as 50 Cent's life shows, it's definitely doable and totally worth it. Success comes to those who work hard

"Success ain't just about luck or talent. It's about putting in the work, day in and day out. That's what 50 Cent, the rapper turned entrepreneur, believes. He's got a point. Look at his journey - from a life of crime to the top of the music industry. He didn't just sit around waiting for things to happen. He hustled. He learned. He made mistakes and learned some more.

⚡️@keep_learning_english

#hustle_harder_hustle_smarter

Don't always say yes - you gotta look out for yourself too!

Let's dive into a concept that might be a bit tricky to wrap your head around at first. It's the idea that when you're always saying yes to others, you're actually saying no to yourself. Sounds a bit odd, right? But stick with me, and I'll explain.

Imagine you're the kind of person who's always there for others. You're the one who steps in to help, no matter what. That's a great quality to have, but it can also mean you're neglecting your own needs and wants. It's like you're always putting yourself at the end of the line.

Let's paint a picture. You've got a day all planned out for yourself. You're going to work on a project that's close to your heart, go for a run, and then kick back with a good book. But then, your phone rings. It's a friend asking for help with moving. You don't really want to you had your day all mapped out. But you feel bad saying no, so you agree. You've just said yes to your friend, but no to your own plans.

This doesn't just apply to small, everyday decisions. It can also be about the big stuff in life. Maybe you've always wanted to be a writer, but your folks want you to be a lawyer. If you go along with their wishes and head to law school, you're saying no to your own dreams.

This kind of self-neglect can lead to stress, resentment, and a feeling of emptiness. It's like you're living someone else's life, not your own. That's why it's so important to learn to say no. It's not about being selfish or mean. It's about respecting your own needs and boundaries.
So, how do you do this? Well, it's about learning to say no in a way that's assertive but respectful. It's about turning down requests or expectations that don't match up with what you need or value. And it's about getting over the guilt or fear that can come with saying no.

In a nutshell, it's about learning to value your own time and energy as much as you value others'. It's about realizing that it's okay to put yourself first sometimes. And guess what? Doing so can actually make you a happier, healthier, and more effective person. So, next time you're tempted to say yes when you really want to say no, remember: it's okay to put yourself first.
Saying no can be tough, but it's brave and good for you

Ever thought that saying no could be harder than saying yes? It might sound odd, but it's true. Saying no takes a certain level of self-awareness, self-respect, and bravery that's often harder to summon than the ease of saying yes. Let's dive into this a bit more.

Firstly, let's talk about priorities. We all want to be liked, right? So, we often find ourselves saying yes to things, even when they clash with our own needs or goals. But here's the thing - this isn't the best way to go about it. Think about it like this: when you're on a plane, they always tell you to put on your own oxygen mask before helping others. Why? Because if you're not looking after yourself, you can't effectively help anyone else.

In everyday life, this could mean giving up your own health, time, or dreams to meet someone else's needs. Sure, it's great to be there for others, but not at the cost of your own well-being. This is where the bravery of saying no comes in. It takes guts to put your own needs first and to tell others about it, especially when it might cause disappointment or arguments.

Secondly, how you say no is just as important as the decision to say no. People are likely to remember the times you've turned them down, especially if you did it in a harsh or disrespectful way. So, it's super important to say no in a way that's firm but kind.

This can be tricky, especially if you're naturally shy or a people-pleaser. But don't worry, it's a skill that can be
learned and improved over time. The trick is to be straightforward without being rude. This could mean explaining why you're saying no, showing understanding for the other person's situation, and offering other solutions if you can.

#the_art_of_saying_no

⚡️@keep_learning_english

So, to wrap it up, the bravery to say no comes from recognizing and respecting your own needs, and telling others about it in a respectful and kind way. It's a skill that needs practice, but it's super important for looking after yourself and building healthy relationships with others.

Don't be a pushover just to avoid upsetting people

Let's dive into a concept that's pretty common but often overlooked: the fear of hurting others. It's that nagging worry that you might cause someone else emotional pain, disappointment, or discomfort. This fear can come from all sorts of places - maybe you've had some past experiences that left a mark, or perhaps it's your personal values or societal expectations that are driving this fear.

Now, let's talk about a behavior that often goes hand in hand with this fear: people-pleasing. You know the type -always putting others' needs, wants, and feelings before their own. They're the ones who find it tough to say 'no', even when it's at the cost of their own time, energy, or well-being.

So, how do these two things connect? Well, if you're someone who's really scared of hurting others, you might find yourself always saying 'yes' to things, even when you don't want to or when it's not good for you. That's because saying 'no' might upset or disappoint the other person, and that's exactly what you're trying to avoid.

Let's paint a picture here. Say a coworker asks you to take on an extra project. You're already swamped with work, but you agree to do it anyway because you don't want to let them down or cause any friction in your professional relationship. This is a classic example of how the fear of hurting others can lead to people-pleasing behavior.
But here's the kicker: this kind of behavior can actually be harmful. When you're always putting others' needs before your own, you can end up feeling burnt out, resentful, and unfulfilled. It can also stop you from standing up for yourself and setting your own boundaries.

So, what's the takeaway here? While it's great to be mindful of others' feelings, it's just as important to look after your own needs and well-being. Learning to say 'no' when you need to is a key skill that can help you strike a healthy balance in your relationships and personal life.
Helping others is great, but not if it's making you unhappy

Let's talk about a concept that might seem a bit odd at first. You know how we're always told that helping others is a good thing, right? Well, what if I told you that sometimes, it's okay to say no?

Picture this: you're a parent who's always helping your kids with their homework. You're so wrapped up in their schoolwork that you're missing out on your own professional growth. Maybe there's a new project at work you'd love to take on, or a skill you've been itching to learn. But you can't, because you're too busy helping your kids. In this case, your eagerness to help is actually holding you back.

Or, think about a time when you're always the go-to person for favors among your friends. You're always ready to lend a hand, even if it means giving up your own time and energy. Over time, this can leave you feeling drained and unappreciated, as you're always giving but not getting anything in return. This is a classic example of how being too helpful can actually make you unhappy.

Now, let's talk about self-worth. If you think your time is less valuable than others', you're more likely to put their needs before your own. This often comes from not feeling good enough about yourself, and it can lead to a cycle where you're always sacrificing your own needs.

And then there's the fear of saying no. Maybe you're worried that turning down a request will hurt your relationships or your career. For example, you might be really tired and need a break, but your boss asks you to work overtime. You're scared that saying no could cost you your job, so you agree, even though it's not good for your health.

But here's the good news: you can break free from this cycle of always trying to please others.

#the_art_of_saying_no

⚡️@keep_learning_english

The Two Systems of Thinking

Our minds operate using two distinct systems of thinking, which Daniel Kahneman calls System 1 and System 2. These systems are at the core of how we process information, make decisions, and react to the world around us.

System 1 is fast, automatic, and effortless. It's the brain's default mode, handling routine decisions and quick reactions. When you recognize a familiar face in a crowd or automatically stop at a red light, you're using System 1. It works without us even thinking about it, allowing us to navigate the world efficiently. It's responsible for the snap judgments we make every day and is especially useful in situations where speed is critical.

For example, imagine walking down the street and suddenly hearing footsteps behind you. Your heart races, and you instinctively speed up, maybe even look over your shoulder. You don't need to deliberate or analyze the situation deeply. The brain quickly assesses the situation using System 1 and decides it's time to take action. It's a response that has evolved to protect us, and it happens almost immediately.

System 1 is powerful because it doesn't require much cognitive energy, which is essential for survival in a world full of distractions. However, this speed comes with trade-offs. It can be prone to mistakes, especially when we rely on it to handle complex or unfamiliar situations. For example, you might assume that a well-dressed person is trustworthy or that a product advertised with flashy claims is of high quality, even without solid evidence to support those judgments. These are the cognitive biases that emerge from System 1 thinking, shaping our perceptions in ways that aren't always accurate.

System 2, on the other hand, is deliberate, analytical, and requires much more cognitive effort. It kicks in when we face complex problems or need to focus our attention on a specific task. System 2 is slower and more taxing, but it allows for deeper thinking, critical analysis, and reasoning. This system is at work when you're solving a math problem, planning a detailed project, or trying to understand a new concept.

For instance, imagine you're deciding whether to buy a car. While System 1 might immediately favor the one with the most appealing design or the best reputation, System 2 will require you to gather data, compare prices, consider your budget, and evaluate long-term costs. This process is slower and requires conscious effort, but it results in a more informed decision.

Both systems shape how we approach the world, and while System 1 is efficient for daily tasks and immediate reactions, System 2 is essential when we need to make thoughtful, reasoned decisions. The challenge arises when we rely too heavily on System 1 for decisions that require deeper thought. In those moments, the biases from System 1 can lead us astray, and it's up to System 2 to correct those errors, if we can summon the cognitive resources to engage it.
Cognitive Biases and Heuristics

K/s

Cognitive biases and heuristics are mental shortcuts that the brain uses to simplify decision-making processes. While these shortcuts can help us make quick decisions in a world filled with information overload, they often lead to systematic errors in judgment. These biases shape our thinking, often without us even realizing it, and can profoundly affect the decisions we make in daily life, from consumer choices to financial investments.

One of the most common heuristics is the anchoring bias. This happens when we rely too heavily on the first piece of information we encounter when making a decision, even if that information is irrelevant or arbitrary. For example, when shopping for a car, if the first price you see is \ $30,000, all subsequent prices will be judged relative to that initial "anchor." Even if a better deal is available, you may still perceive the next car priced at \$28,000 as a bargain, even if it's far above what it should cost based on market value.

#thinking_fast_and_slow

⚡️@Delf_Dalf_TCF_french_lesson