What we can learn from Oprah Winfrey

When asked about her job, Oprah responded with the following: "My job isn't to be an interviewer, or to run my own talk show. My job to raise the level of consciousness and connect people to each other and to ideas, so that we can all live better lives."

Consciousness. The word is not prevalent nowadays, and is perhaps only used in urgent situations in which someone has lost his or her senses completely and become unconscious. Yet consciousness stems deeper than that. It relates to our longings, our passions, our purpose, and ultimately, what is most important to us: validation.

Beyond our narrow desire for money, fame, popularity, or anything else of this kind, is something much simpler. That is a desire to place ourselves in our environment in a meaningful way. For Oprah, this meant relating to her interviewees, from the Ku Klux Klan to Beyonce, on a personal level, discovering what lies at the core of each interviewee: validation.

Oprah has also given an example of her longing for validation. As a reporter, she discussed the possibility of receiving a raise from her employer. Upon realising that her employer was not 'on her level', incapable of understanding her position, needs, and emotions, Oprah decided to quit her job as a reporter. She could not fulfil her potential in a place where her abilities and principles were not understood, yet alone valued and respected.

This is an important point. Every person seeks validation. A child wants to be understood and appreciated by his or her parents. Investors want to be reassured that their capital is being utilised in such a way that yields profit. Ordinary citizens want to know that their government is making choices that help maintain trust, civil order, and prosperity in society. However, personal difference in terms of age, gender, nationality, and religious and political beliefs often serves as barriers.

It is imperative, then, to see beyond these differences, as Oprah does. Oprah did not decline the opportunity to interview members of the KKK because the organisation believes in white supremacy, a doctrine Oprah condemns. Nor did she refuse to interview rapists and paedophiles because of their harmful and inhuman actions. In every instance, Oprah sought to understand the other side for the greater good.

Almost everything we do involves people, and most of the time, the people we work and live with are very different from us. So how can we relate to such people? Perhaps the answer lies in Oprah's message to us. That we all share a common core of seeking validation, irrespective of our superficial differences. Let us focus on that core and try to see beyond the differences that lie on the outside, for doing so could radically transform our lives and that of others for the better.

Embrace the growth mindset

Our size and physical strength are not fixed, otherwise why would we work out and play sport competitively? Our skills and knowledge are not fixed, otherwise why would we get a degree or attend a vocational course? So why believe that our intelligence is fixed?

I think the view that one's intelligence is predetermined is mostly the result of our experiences from childhood. There was always that one boy or girl in the class who aced every test, usually without having to study very much. We would soon label such a person 'clever' or 'immensely intelligent', while sometimes calling those who perform less well 'stupid' or 'dumb'.

Unfortunately, I remember very well that the vast majority of students falling somewhat wrongly into the dumb category would gradually come to believe that their intelligence level was fixed and that nothing could help improve it. Most of these students would lose hope and consequently falter in class.

Nothing could be more untrue than a statement saying that intelligence is fixed

In supporting this judgement, I will recall two pieces of evidence. The first stems from the fact that the most important factor in achieving a top performance in tests and exams is not intelligence or IQ, but rather grit. Psychologists have shown that grit, the ability to study continuously and persevere day in and day out even if failure keeps occurring, is the biggest contributor to high scores on standardised tests and university exams. Please watch the TED talk on this topic: 

https://www.ted.com/talks/angela_lee_duckworth_the_key_to_success_grit

Second, Sal Khan, founder of Khan Academy, has highlighted the findings of Dr Carol Dweck as a major game-changing on this issue. Dweck shows that we adhere to one of two mindsets: fixed or growth. Those in the former group believe that intelligence is fixed by genes, whereas those in the latter group believe that their intelligence can grow through effort, struggle, and failure - the building blocks of grit.

An analogy with physical exercise may help illustrate the growth mindset. Like any muscle, the brain becomes more powerful when it is stretched and challenged. To strengthen my pectorals, I don't stick with my past routine, with which I am comfortable; I focus on a more challenging work-out and embrace the prospect of pain and discomfort. To strengthen one's brain, then, one must face new and difficult tasks rather than repeatedly completing tasks at which one is already successful.

Growth always involves a struggle. Bodybuilders and professional athletes embrace the growth mindset of their bodies and face the struggle that ensues. Individuals embracing the growth mindset of their minds also accept that they will struggle for some time before adapting to whatever it is they are studying or learning.

If I could go back in time, I would approach my fellow secondary school students, who naively believed that their intelligence was fixed, and declare the following: EMBRACE THE GROWTH MINDSET, ACCEPT THE STRUGGLE, AND YOUR INTELLIGENCE WILL GROW.

I repeat that same message to you.

Remembering our 'most basic common link'

Since the end of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the world seems to have erupted into chaos. Our skies are not longer deemed safe. Historic schisms between Palestine and Israel have culminated in a ground invasion of Gaza, with over a thousand innocents lives needlessly lost. And more recently, we have witnessed the horrific beheading of a cherished American journalist by the Islamic State.

At this time of uncertainty, fear, and terror, our best hope for peace and prosperity perhaps lies in remembering our 'most basic common link': that in spite of our differing beliefs, views, and origins, we are all human beings and we all inhibit the planet earth, as a famous American president reminded the world in a tumultuous decade. Appreciating John F Kennedy's message could help the world overcome its present problems. 

Indeed, what is the point of plundering through two destructive world wars and facing the brink of mankind's destruction by nuclear war if we do not relate back to these experience to elicit guidance in order to solve the challenges we face today?

The heated circumstances of the Cold War, in which JFK lived and served his country, were far more severe than those currently in operation. If reaching a solution, however long and difficult to attain, was possible in that era, there is no reason why it is not possible to do the same in our present era. 

As JFK outlined, conflicts such as the one between Israel and Palestine and the rise of extremism through militant groups such as the Islamic State, are man-made problems; therefore, they can also be solved by mankind. 

Difficulties inevitably arise, however. There is no simple answer. There is no clear formula. Every challenge is context-specific and requires special attention. Achieving peace is the product of the efforts of many nations, over a sustained period of time.

Throughout this process, it is important to remember the most basic common link. Losing sight of the fact that there is indeed a special truce that unites Israelis and Palestinians or America and Russia is likely to result in attention being directed back onto differences, which only serves to exacerbate animosities. 

Quarrels will arise and conflicts of interest will occur because, while we are all human-beings, we are not the SAME human-being. However, this fact need not mean that peace is unattainable or that war is inevitable.

A possible solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, for example, does not necessitate that Israel love its Palestinian neighbour and vice-versa; it demands only that both sides offer tolerance to each other and set aside personal differences in the interest of achieving a more important mutual cause: that of peace, and not just for their time, but for all time. 

Moreover, defeating terrorist organisations such as Hamas and the Islamic State thus requires the United States, Europe, Russia, Israel, and other Middle-Eastern countries to remind the world of its most basic common link and the threat imposed to it by these militants, in the hope of achieving unity across the broad and executing a global strategy that draws out the peace needed to preserve humanity.  

Let us not forget our most basic common link. It is what unites us, preserves us, and gives us a purpose to solve seemingly unsolvable challenges. 

Always take care of yourself, no matter what

Life brings tragedy as much as it does fortune, perhaps even more so. Last month, my beautiful aunt tragically passed away, at the rather young age of 45. She was a person full of life, love, and care, responsible for running a nursery at which Iranian children would learn to speak basic English.

Upon reflecting on her passing away, I came across a paradox. How could someone so full of life suddenly become exposed to death? After some time, it become clear to me that my aunt had neither reached out to her relatives and friends as frequently as is needed nor had she kept her emotions in a state of control.

I cannot even imagine thinking of how many lives have been lost needlessly because the deceased were simply too consumed in their daily life that they had too little time to focus on and take of themselves. Just think of Robin Williams as another example.

A 21st century lifestyle is very fast-paced. We all have responsibilities to fulfil, deadlines to meet, and places to go. As we endeavour to meet these demanding tasks, we will invariably tire ourselves out, both mentally and physically, and in some cases, even impose a threat on our existence. Yes, it's true.

The warning expressed ruthlessly to me through the passing of a loved one, which I hope to pass on to you, is this: your health takes the utmost priority over anything else, even if you and others think otherwise. It's a simple point, though a much neglected one.

Indeed, my view is that, before one thinks about achieving more money, success, or fame, one should take good care of oneself and reach out to one's family and friends to do so. None of those things - money, fame, etc. - are worth a damn if your well being is poorly managed.

Moreover, if your health receives enough of your attention and time, and is therefore better managed, your productivity levels will shoot up and you will become able to study for another hour or two, go on that extra run, and party with friends at night without experiencing significant fatigue on the next day.

There are simple ways in which one can take better care of one's health: lie in for an additional hour one or twice a week; exercise at least two or three times a week for an hour; and get at least six-eight hours of sleep each night.

Yet managing one's emotions and feelings is somewhat more difficult. Perhaps the best solution here is to seek the support of another person; it does not matter whom seek, but it does matter that you release every ounce of stress and worry from your body by talking and interacting with that person in a meaningful way.

Always take good care of yourself, no matter what. There's nothing more important than that. 

Beyond the initial fear

When I first joined HABS, in 2008, I didn't like it one bit. Having previously studied at a mixed comprehensive school in the outskirts of Aberdeen, I considered the need to wear a uniform coercion and the absence of girls very archaic.

More importantly, I missed my friends in Aberdeen and I felt incredibly uncomfortable in my new surroundings. Moreover, every person in my year, at the time, was so small! An onlooker would have viewed me as a tall, detached Persian boy with a very heavy Scottish accent, trying to find his way to his physics class.

That said, going to HABS turned out to be one of the best decisions in my life; I had the privilege of receiving a first class education whilst simultaneously forming relationships with fellow students and teachers that will last me a lifetime.

Yet, looking back on the experience now, it all seemed somewhat weird and confusing at the start. This is the case with almost any significant change in one's life. However, the initial fear and the difficulty of settling in serve only to disguise the extent of the long-term benefit of that change.

You might find yourself changing schools, starting university or a new job, and, as some of my close friends have done, moving abroad to study. At first, it will be hard. The new atmosphere will be unfamiliar, the new people you are with will be unfamiliar, and the whole new experience will be, wait for it, very unfamiliar.

Businesses face the same problem as ordinary people do. When evaluating the decision of whether to join a new market, potential entrants consider possible ways to overcome the high barriers to entry. It takes time for a business to gain a satisfactory level of market share to establish itself among the incumbents.

Here's the crucial message: do not allow the prospect of initial fear and discomfort prevent you from taking risks and making unconventional choices that may benefit you more than those in line with the status quo.

This kind of fear is temporary; my initial fear in joining HABS certainly was, and as a believer in Darwinian evolution, I am convinced that everything will fall into place given the appropriate amount of time.

Many of the extraordinary developments in one's life, and those in the wider world, arise from these significant changes in circumstance. The price we pay for these developments is short-term pain, uncertainty, and discomfort. Considering what we are getting in return in most cases, I think that deal is a bargain. Don't you?

O Captain! My Captain!

A man who considered it his duty to instil happiness into other people more than into himself, Robin Williams, a person of great inspiration to me, has tragically passed away.

His talent was innumerable, not only in the sense of portraying characters varying from a pilot, a nanny, a teacher and a president, but also in achieving a unique balance of displaying both comedy and a deeper meaning in his films.

While watching Mrs Doubtfire as young child, to take one example, I could not help bursting into laughter whenever I heard that Scottish voice. While watching the same film again only a few months ago, as an adult, I slowly began to appreciate the importance of spending time with one's family, no matter how great the barriers may be.

The Dead Poets Society is another film that has profoundly influenced me (and I'm sure many others) to spread ideas and to dare to achieve the extraordinary. In an era when tradition and convention defined the parameters on which teaching would operate, Mr Keating made it his duty to break down such a narrow-minded approach to education, and instead widen the perspective of his students through exposure to poetry, a literature that provides limitless opportunities for expression and appreciation for each one, irrespective of its conformity to the status quo.

We need more teachers like Mr Keating. We need such people to help encourage young students to pursue the arts and the creative life, so that we produce fewer lawyers, bankers, and business people, and more philosophers, artists, musicians, and writers. I feel that Robin Williams, perhaps indirectly through the DPS, sincerely believed in producing the next Dickens, Emerson, and Nietzsche.

On a somewhat different note, the probable cause of his death is slightly distressing, but it projects an important message to us all: that anyone, no matter how successful, ebullient, or popular, can suffer from depression. What's worse is the fact that an outsider can hardly decipher between a person who is depressed and one who is not. How can we solve this grave problem?

One solution is simple. Be kind, always. By offering kindness to those around us on an unconditional basis, we not only prevent depression from happening, but we also give hope to those suffering from depression. Let me abundantly clear and admit that I have, god bless, never suffered from severe depression. That said, my experiences have shown that, if one can act as a source of life, energy, and purpose through kindness and love, one can also spread all that energy onto other people, some of whom might be suffering from depression.

So go forth with kindness and love, treating every person in this spirit, and the dark days may well pass us by. Rest in peace Robin Williams.

Answering the 'Why'

Most of us know what we do. My father is an engineer, my mother is a doctor, and I am a student. Most of us also know how we do what we do. My father uses computer software to predict the profitability of drilling an oil well, my mother works with other doctors to help cure sick patients, and I sit at my desk, occasionally reading a book or two. But very few of us know why we do what we do.

It is my sincere belief that, in answering the 'Why', we enable ourselves to achieve greater success and become more influential to those around us. 

Let me explain myself. Why is it that Apple earns more profit and has greater influence than its rivals? Why is it that Goldman Sachs is the leading global investment bank? Why is it that Dr Martin Luther King was the person that successfully led the Civil Rights Movement?

My conjecture is that Apple, Goldman Sachs, and Martin Luther King all answered the 'Why' before getting to the 'What' and the 'How'. 

Apple's vision involves challenging the status quo, thinking differently, and being willing to take risks to innovate. In explaining what the company believes, Apple attracts millions of customers who also believe in their vision, and it is primarily for this reason that Apple is able to sell highly and therefore achieve stratospheric levels of profit. 

The same applies for Goldman Sachs. On its website, Goldman Sachs explains 'Who we are' before it explains 'What we do'. By first outlining its principles of achieving diversity, valuing different experiences, and placing the needs of the client first, Goldman Sachs is able to capture the attention and interest of potential clients before explaining the ways in which it could assist such clients.

Martin Luther King, too, explained his vision in his 'I have a dream' speech in the summer of 1963, which resonated with many Americans, including government officials, and led to the passage of the Civil Rights Bill and the Voting Rights Act.

People relate to the 'Why' more than they do to the 'How' or the 'What'. 

Apple, Goldman Sachs, and Dr Martin Luther King are all considered inspiring world leaders because they understand the reality stated above. They appreciate the fact that outlining one's principles and value helps attract others who espouse similar perspectives. 

Moreover, as more and more people are attracted to companies such as Apple and Goldman Sachs, and people such as Martin Luther King, the world changes for the better, literally. We begin to obtain pieces of metal called computers that expose us to a wealth of knowledge; start-ups receive finance that helps facilitate their investments, which fuels economic growth; and we witness ethnic minorities achieve political and legal equality.

If we can answer the 'Why' before the 'How' and the 'What', we will grow in influence, and hence attract a wide range of other enthusiastic and like-minded people to our cause or purpose. Together, great things can be accomplished. 

A secret to perseverance

As an economics student, I study trade-offs all the time; and as a human being, I face trade-offs every day. Evidently, none of us can 'have it all', because both resources and time are scarce, so we must give up some things in order to have others things.

Consider the case of preparing for a job interview. In order to adequately prepare oneself for the interview, one must sacrifice time that could have otherwise been spent on enjoying, say, a leisurely activity. When making the decision of whether to prepare adequately, one would weigh the clear gain from preparing - in terms of the increased likelihood of getting the job - against the cost of missing out on an amount of pleasure from consuming leisure time.  

If it so happens that the gain is not considered to exceed the cost, then one would make the rational choice of not preparing adequately for the interview. This is entirely reasonable. 

Yet if we alter our attitude towards preparation, the decision could change. If, for instance, you see further gains to be obtained from preparation, such as increasing your knowledge of a particular industry or honing your (mathematical) skills by answering practice questions, then the benefit is not only a higher probability of landing the job, but also a personal development that will serve you well in the long-term. The latter could be more valuable than an extra hour or two of leisure time, even if the higher likelihood of getting the job is not.

Altering our outlook to what we do is important because, when things get tough in any task, preparing for a job interview or otherwise, and the alternative of greater leisure time becomes more appealing, perseverance is needed to continue. To persevere, we must see a purpose, a meaning, or a wider benefit in what we do, otherwise, why on earth would we put ourselves through the pain? Giving deep thought to some of the more subtle gains in your work could provide a purpose to continue. 

The take-home message is this: when one reaches the point at which one is considering 'giving up', one should consider some of the wider benefits that could be gained from continuing. In the case of preparation for an exam or an interview, it might help seeing the preparation as useful for all future exams and interviews to come, and not just for the one in the immediate term. 

Though at the same time, if, after much thought and reflection, you do not see such a benefit to you or a positive impact on other people, then letting go of the task at hand might actually be the better choice.

Surrendering yourself to an idea

When Mr Creedy asked V, in the movie V for Vendetta, why he would not die, V responded with the following: "Beneath this mask Mr Creedy, is an idea, and ideas are bulletproof". Surrendering yourself to an idea or a vision larger than yourself can be daunting; doing so cost V his life (V being a fictitious representation of Guy Fawkes).

Others like Dr Martin Luther King had a vision of legal and political equality for people of all races, and he paid for that realisation with his life. But the idea behind the person, movement, or group, remains very much alive forever.

Yet surrounding yourself to an idea that has a wider impact need not be so dramatic and extreme. In fact, devoting yourself to a principle that goes beyond satisfying your own interests adds purpose and meaning to your life, something we all desire to have.

Let's perform a quick thought experiment to examine this further. Imagine that you are in heaven and you are observing your funeral ceremony. A friend or a family member is giving an eulogy at this ceremony. What would you want that person to say about you?

Would you want to be remembered for your kindness and empathy towards others? Would you want to be remembered for giving up your time to help friends and family in need? Would you want to be remembered for serving an idea that has helped improve the lives of many people? Probably.

The fact that so many of us tend not to surrender ourselves to a larger vision is not because we are incapable, but perhaps because we already live a satisfying life. In my community, my peers and I have the comfort of a safe home, fabulous educational and career prospects, and a wonderful group of friends and family. That, in itself, is sufficient to add meaning to our lives.

But others are more daring, and one person in particular is especially daring; his name is Sal Khan. A graduate of MIT, Sal worked as a very successful hedge fund analyst in Boston. He was perfectly content with this lifestyle, for he had a wonderful wife supporting him and a fantastic career and education

However, upon realising that he could help educate millions of students around the world through his video tutorials, his previous lifestyle no longer seemed purposeful. So, Sal decided to give up his job at a hedge fund and instead started a website, called Khan Academy (some of you might use it), to offer a "world class education for anyone, anywhere".

Sal surrendered himself to an idea, and in doing so, he has helped millions of people, including me; we all need a hand with calculus now and then.

By no means am I suggesting that we should all dare to do big things and go about changing the world. I am simply saying that we should dare to see the bigger picture and find a purpose that is special to us and commit to it, day in and day out, for the greater good.

If this all resonates with you, why not join Sal and V in daring to surrender yourself to a vision that could attract hundreds of other people to you, and together, we can fulfil our dreams.

Hard work is exposure

First post, here it goes. Let me be cliche and talk about something we've all heard about before: hard work.

Hard work is a highly popular answer to the question, 'What leads to success?', and its variations. And indeed it should be. Without working hard and without pushing ourselves, we cannot grow and develop our skills, understanding, and awareness of whatever it is we are trying to achieve.

That said, hard work is rarely perceived as a 'nice thing'; in fact, hard work is often seen as being brutal, and it is certainly seen that way by me at times. Furthermore, hard work definitely requires sacrificing some of our deepest pleasures in return for a greater gain in the long-term. That's indisputable; it's simple economics.

But hard work also serves a valuable purpose: it gives us exposure to great ideas, great people, and great communities. What the heck does 'exposure' mean? Put simply, exposure refers to a situation in which you receive the privilege to experience an opportunity for development, either for yourself, or for other people, or both.

Let me give an example. One of my favourite role models is Michael Bloomberg, a former mayor of New York City. In a YouTube video (the link is at the end of this post), he cited hard work as a key contributor to his success.

Mike explained how, during his time at Saloman Brothers, he would be the first in at the office in the morning and the last to leave in the evening (or early morning of the next day). This type of hard work exposed Mike to a fantastic opportunity: a chance to form a close relationship with one of the Managing Directors at SB, William Saloman, because he would be the next person in the office after Mike. The two would discuss current affairs, activity in the stock market, and even Mike's future at the firm.

Now, it is quite clear that a young analyst like Mike would not have had the opportunity to talk with a MD at any other time of the day, but the fact that he, of all employees, got in early, meant that he had such an opportunity. Mike flourished at Saloman Brothers, though he got fired, but later became a billionaire and a successful mayor.

The point is that hard work is like a magnet that attracts wonderful things towards us, which only serves to help us achieve our greatest desires. Viewed from this perspective, hard work becomes less of a brutality, and more of an exciting adventure with high dividends for the participant.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OToYQaUPWcA