Investors Remain Cautious! March 19, 2010.
Investor sentiment is a well known indicator of market risk.
For centuries the evidence has been clear that whether it is investing in Barbie Dolls, Beanie Babies, or baseball cards; tulip bulbs, Florida swampland, or oil-drilling rigs; the stock market, art, or houses, investors have no interest in investing when prices are at bargain levels. However, after prices have risen so much that they are creating exciting headlines, investors tend to become frantic buyers at any price to try to catch up and get their share of the gains.
Seemingly, investing is one area where nothing is learned from experience, since the cycle repeats over and over again.
For many decades measurements of investor sentiment have therefore been valuable indicators of risk in the stock market. Once investor sentiment reaches a high level of bullishness and optimism the market is usually at high risk of a serious correction. In the other direction, when pessimism and fear have reached extremes it’s usually an indication that investors have pretty much bailed out of stocks, that selling pressure will therefore abate, and any buying interest at all will likely get the next rally going.
The evidence is clear that the phenomenon remains alive and well. It was seen in the dotcom and high-tech stock bubble of the 1990s, and subsequent severe fear after the 2000-2002 bear market; in the euphoria at the top of the 2003-2007 bull market and extreme fear and belated panic selling of stocks as the March low of last year approached; and in the frantic buying of houses at any price in the housing bubble of 2005-2006.
There are always reasons and rationalizations of why it’s wise to continue buying this time in spite of bloated prices, why this time is different and prices will continue to rise; as well as why it’s wise not to buy at the low prices, why it’s different this time and the economy and market cannot possibly recover from the dire conditions.
But regardless of how compelling the arguments are every time that this time is different, investor sentiment has continued to be excessively bullish at market tops, and excessively bearish at market bottoms, always seeming to work as a ‘contrary’ indicator.
At the present time, my research firm’s work tells us to expect a market ‘pullback’. However, that expectation is not based on investor sentiment, but on the market’s short-term overbought condition, as measured by technical indicators.
Investor sentiment is one reason why we expect only a pullback (of up to 10%) to alleviate the short-term overbought condition, and not the beginning of another major correction, or bear market.
For instance, although there are numerous methods of measuring investor sentiment, and we track all of them, the poll of its members by the American Association of Individual Investors is our favorite. Our research has shown that when AAII members reach a level of bullishness in excess of 55%, and bearishness drops below 23%, the market is usually near a top. In the other direction, when bearishness exceeds 55% and bullishness drops below 23%, the market is usually near an important low.
The AAII poll cannot be used by itself as a market-timing indicator. We combine it with intermediate-term overbought/oversold conditions, momentum-reversal indicators and the like. But the AAII sentiment poll has been an excellent additional tool (which most recently helped us call the market low last March within a few days of the low).
And at the present time the poll is neutral, not close to reaching the excess bullishness that would be a warning sign. This week’s report was that AAII members are 35.4% bullish and 29.9% bearish, with the bullish component having actually fallen from the previous week’s reading in spite of the continuation of the rally.
The large amount of cash on the sidelines can be considered another measurement of investor sentiment. Bull markets do not normally end until the rising prices have not only enticed investors in, but have them very bullish and looking for still higher prices.
Yet a third measurement of the lack of investor interest is the very low trading volume, indicating the market activity that has been driving the market higher has so far been predominantly the activity of short-term traders, including hedge funds, and the large program-trading firms.
So while expecting a pullback to alleviate the market’s short-term overbought condition, I don’t expect such a move would be the beginning of a serious correction, or new bear market, but only a ten percent pullback, with the bull market resuming until investor sentiment reaches an extreme of bullishness.
A serious decline is more likely to begin a couple of months down the road when the market’s favorable season ends, as in ‘Sell in May and Go Away’.
Sy Harding is editor of www.StreetSmartReport.com, and the free daily market blog, www.streetsmartpost.com.
Archive for the ‘Baby Reading Strategies’ Category
Investors Remain Cautious! March 19, 2010
Wednesday, June 9th, 2010The Lasting Effects Of Child Development
Tuesday, June 8th, 2010Having children is a life long commitment and it can be a daunting task when you think of all the different ways you can go about raising your child. Nowadays you need all the good help and information you can get when it comes to the development of your child, and there are many great websites on the internet that will give you a wealth of information. Whether you are just starting out with your first child, or maybe you need help with your teenager, you will find what you need to help you do the right thing for your child no matter what age they are or how many children or even grandchildren you are raising. There are hundreds, if not thousands of books out there that say they can help you with your child’s development. Most of them are reputable however, they are supposed to be a tool to help you and give you some idea of how to help your child grow up healthy and strong. You should rely on your instincts too because you probably know more than you realize.There are also many schools and training centers that you can enroll your child in that will help them with their school work and teach them the study skills they need to get ahead in school. There is help out their for parents who want their children to be the best they can be in all they do. Many websites can answer questions you have from doctor visits to separation anxiety. The first thing you will need to do to solve a specific problem is to find out what that problem is. So clarify the problem with your child’s development before you start looking for a solution. So identify the key elements of the problem before you start looking for a solution. Visualize the problem or relevant process or situation. Sometimes, when we can see the problem with a child’s development and all its important details right in front of us this will helps us understand the problem better. Other times we can’t see important elements because they have already occurred or are not visible. In these cases, it is valuable to visualize important elements of the problem. Sometimes things said about problems are easier than the actual problem itself.Research shows that parents are a major influence on their child’s development. When looking for help, make sure the program you choose will include you in the process. It has also been found that parents who take time to play and read with their child will have a positive impact on them. Providing a stimulating home environment and using discipline strategies instead of spanking your child will have a more positive impact on them also. Most programs give free information on the best ways to promote a better education for your child. You want the best for your child’s development and there are many websites out there that will help you get the best development you can find for your growing child.
Why Even Powerful Brands Flop
Monday, June 7th, 2010Copyright (c) 2010 Leo Blanco
Branding is like falling in love. It’s all about building a strong emotional bond with your customers and hopefully they will be loyal forever.
And just like any romantic relationship, your brand too can be shattered into million pieces. Everything is damaged or lost whenever that wonderful relationship is stained. Since branding is somewhat based on emotion you have to be careful not to mess with it. One mistake and you may not be forgiven.
The recent recalls that happened to Toyota and Infantino baby sling carriers clearly demonstrate the harsh punishment for not meeting customers’ expectations. In fairness, some brand breakdowns are over and above your control for example financial economic breakdown and natural disasters.
This article is focused on controllable problems leading to brand collapse:
Exaggerated Claims. Some companies deceive consumers by promising more than they can deliver. Worse, they claim something that their products cannot even do. These acts of deception are beyond forgiveness. You will encounter this malpractice in so many information products or e-books about making money online. A number of so-called online marketing experts maliciously promise any person can gain $300 per hour in exactly seven days! Imagine that!
Product Obsolescence. Consumer behavior and market demands shift from time to time. Technology is one of the primary reasons why some products like typewriters and pagers are now considered antiques. These days consumers are more supportive of eco-friendly products and vigilant about any products that harm Mother Nature. Keep yourself informed about the dramatic changes in your industry and continuously improve your products or services offered.
Being complacent. Success is a double-edged sword. Earnings tend to be larger but there exists an inclination to loosen up and build up some sort of ego. Some branding experts say it’s hard to be number 1 but it’s harder to keep that spot. Competitors will strive harder to bring you down and I guarantee you they will do everything to make your brand fail as quickly as possible.
Brand Hyperextension. Everything has a limit and we must learn to embrace this dictum. Then again, a number of brands basically desire to dominate the entire planet so they exploit entirely new and unrelated categories. Such bold moves lead to depletion of resources and increase in competition. Great companies including Campbell’s, McDonalds, Coca-Cola, Ford, Virgin, and Bayer suffered failure and losses due to brand overextension. Focus is the key.
Too much branding. In some cases, we’re guilty of too much branding that leads to confusion and miscommunication. We get way too paranoid and over persistent to develop our brand image. Some entrepreneurs are guilty of constantly changing their logo design and ads or making too much unnecessary product improvements. Much like any kind of flower, branding requires some time and nurturing in order to bloom.
As the maxim goes experience is the best teacher but I beg to differ. I would rather benefit from downfalls of others so I will not have to bear any kind of deficits. I hope by reading this article it will help you build a better brand too.
6 Autistic Children – 6 Signs Of An Autistic Child
Sunday, June 6th, 20106 Autistic Children
As the parents are gradually getting cautious about Autism, one must understand the symptoms of this disease. As the doctors explain, as early the disease is diagnosed the more are the chances of cure. Following below is a list of symptoms of Autism. In case you find any of these in your child, you’re advised to consult your child’s doctor immediately. A simple evaluation & check up can save your child in time.
1. The child does not meet the development stages on time.While some children start crawling at a tender age of 4 months, some do not reach this achievement until several months. Both ways, it is fine. Similarly, there are many stages that a child reaches in his growth process. Though there is no fixed time span for all these stages, if the child is showing a delayed response in every step, you must check with the doctor.
2. Your child is not able to talk.As children get aware of the environment around them they show responses in several ways. They start blurting a few words at a very young age and suddenly some day you realize that they are able to speak full sentences. The usual age when the child starts babbling some words is 16 months. In case your child does not react with words even after 16 months, it can surely be a matter of concern. The doctor might call for some evaluation tests that are necessary. 6 Autistic Children
3. Your child does not make any eye contact.Babies & children usually look at you while you talk to them. Children suffering with Autism avoid all sorts of eye contact. They seem to be lost elsewhere rather than looking at you.
Try pointing out an object to them and they would look past the object, reacting nothing to what you tell them.
4. Your does not emote.Children suffering with Autism do not emote at all. They do not smile back to some one passing them a smile. Normally children start crying if they see another kid crying. An Autistic child won’t react to any such situation. Unlike the normal kids, an Autistic child does not like to be cuddled or held in the arms. They would not approach their parents to be hugged or cuddled. 6 Autistic Children
5. Your child likes to be alone.Children suffering with Autism normally do not play with the kids around them. They rather like to be left alone and play all by themselves. They make very few friends or may be none. They can not differentiate jokes. As a result, they would follow each and every word told to them literally.
6. The child keeps forgetting anything taught to him.You taught him to make the bed today and just 4 days later he behaves as if he never knew anything about it. Autistic children can not retain anything you teach them. They need to be told about the very basic chores & skills time & again.
These are very few symptoms of Autism. Also we must understand that all children suffering with Autism won’t show all the signs together. They might show one or some of them. If you note any of these in your child consult your doctor and get the essential evaluations done within time. Remember, the earlier you diagnose the ailment, the sooner you can initiate the treatment. You might find that there was nothing wrong with the child, but its always safer to re-assure in case of any doubts. 6 Autistic Children
Autism Eye Contact – Why Children With Autism Refuse To Make Eye Contact
Saturday, June 5th, 2010Autism Eye Contact
The eyes are “the windows into the soul.” When an adult avoids making eye contact, at that moment, he or she is often judged as “dishonest.” An autistic child is different only in that his or her dishonesty is frequent and extreme.
Baby psychology and parent psychology are interconnected. The subconscious dimension is the truer and most influential dimension of our humanness. There is no understanding autism and the true causes of autism without understanding this key fact.
The autistic children that I have clairvoyantly read and reported about usually had a variety of reasons for not making eye contact with the people around them. The most basic reason was that they were being defiant. They were being dishonest and knew they were being defiant and did not want “the outside world” to see what they were truly thinking and feeling.
One might call this condition a “psychological disability,” but, in truth, it was a subconscious and conscious, “willful defiance” of how the autistic children knew they should be. Many autistic children, if not all, felt guilty about their “autistic behaviors.”The children with autism whom I observed consciously knew that much of their behavior was wrong. Refusing to make eye contact was one of several favorite behaviors many opted to indulge-in. Autism Eye Contact
Not to make eye contact was usually a conscious decision, unlike not speaking, which was mainly a subconsciously decided and a subconsciously orchestrated abnormality. Those mute children with autism consciously believed that they did not have the ability to speak. Their “inability” seemed due to totally subconscious choices.
The children with autism in my studies knew they had the ability to look into the eyes of another person and make eye contact. It was often difficult and emotionally painful and most did not understand why it was so difficult. Nonetheless, it was a conscious choice that they knew they were making.Here are some experiences of the children and teens with autism who I clairvoyantly studied:
o “Oliver” would eye check a teacher when he sensed there might be a “perceived reward.” He would not eye check other children because he thought if he did so there was something being said by each child during that eye contact. He did not want that kind of intimacy and believed that he could get away with more if he did not make eye contact.
o “Andria” was in much mental and emotional pain and felt isolated. She was trying to push through her resistance to making eye contact. However, that resistance was of her own subconscious making, nevertheless, she was consciously striving to push through and make eye contact when asked to do so. She wanted to cooperate, but it was extremely distressing for her. Autism Eye Contact
o A teenager, “David,” increasingly determined that he would not make eye contact. He certainly could because I saw him deliberately choosing not to do it. He did not want his parents and caretakers to see how he felt about them. He thought his life would be in jeopardy if they knew what he was thinking and feeling. In addition, he was hoping his perceptions about his parents were wrong, but he was right. What he was seeing about his parents’ deepest thoughts and feelings about him were true as far as I could see.
o It was a tremendous emotional strain for a teenage girl to interact and make eye contact. It was also a physical strain because of her strong resistance to communicating being and present to her circumstances. When she attempted those things it became overwhelming, her skin actually felt raw and she experienced an intense physical pressure. The experience became a struggle between her conscious self and wanting to please her parents and caretakers, and her stronger subconscious decision not to be present to her situations.
o “Tommy” knew that he should make eye contact so he pretended to do that by not focusing his eyes and not actually looking at people.
Choices to avoid eye contact are essentially choices not to be honest, not to reach out, not to communicate, and not to give. They are selfish reactions. They are willful choices that the child does not have to make.
Making eye contact would be a great help to the autistic child’s mental and emotional life and his or her entire inner world. When the child refuses to do this, he or she feels isolated with little sense of reality. If children with autism would make consistent choices to make eye contact, those choices could be the beginning of a path out of their reaction, isolation, and pain. Autism Eye Contact
Unearthing Shocking Secrets To Get Your Ex Back Immediately!
Friday, June 4th, 2010There is nothing more hurting in this world than having to part with someone that you still love dearly. Love is a complex matter, as at this moment you may still be with somebody that you really love, however that someone can become your ex in the subsequent second. The whole world comes crashing down and regardless how you attempt to patch things up, every little thing just do not appear to work. Go on reading for the exact secrets that experts advocate to get your ex back almost straight away.To start with, you’ll want to stop despairing and feeling down. Rather, it’s best to regain the composure after which you should think optimistically as the power is definitely in your hands to win your ex back. Don’t ever underestimate the power of thoughts as most of the time, it makes a big distinction between success and failure. It’s because you’ll be able to merely think correctly if you find yourself not sulking like a baby. Then attempt to bring to mind those things that your ex appreciated or disliked about you. Queer but true, things will make more sense when you manage to recollect back the bits and pieces. If you’re serious about getting your ex back, attempt to change for good about things that your ex disliked as that alone would imply rather a lot in itself. Anyway, although it’s definitely good in case you could get your ex back, you should never ever go begging for forgiveness from your ex. In the event you do that, you may as well forget utterly about getting your ex back. If you guys went apart as a result of a heated quarrel, attempt to let things settle down first before talking again. When the storm calms down, then you guys can have a cordial talk and let one another know reciprocal changes are needed. All in all, getting an ex back is just not an unimaginable activity but it’s by no means a simple feat as well. As long as mutual trusts along with communication are there, you guys can definitely pull it through if there is a search within both of you for the vanished love.
Stressed Parents Can Blame Freud and Spock and Trust Guts
Thursday, June 3rd, 201021st century parents may be the most anxious and guilt-ridden parents of any generation. Prior to the 20th century parents viewed children as resilient and that the stresses of life would strengthen them. Today’s parents view children as fragile and believe that only a very careful, closely supervised act of parenting will imbue children with sufficient confidence and self-esteem to succeed.
The 20th century created huge erosion in parental confidence. This was due to multiple factors, some of the most significant were Freud’s claims that all adult neuroses could be traced to parenting mistakes. The behaviorist Watson aided and abetted this view by stating that parents could cause any child to become any kind of person simply by following his behavioral strategies.
Dr. Spock, who was read by millions and frequently changed his views, also supported the notion that parents were the most significant agents in how children turned out. The notion that parents could significantly damage their children through “incorrect” methods of parenting remains a very popular view despite contradictory professional opinions about what children need.
While parent are hugely important, we now know that children are also strongly affected by siblings, peer group, neighborhood, genetics, and socioeconomic level. Changes in the economy have meant that young adults who graduate from college since the early 1970’s have fewer opportunities to become financially independent than did those during prior decades.
Parents worry that children who don’t get into college or into a good college may be closed out of the decreasing opportunities that are available. The likelihood of divorce also contributed to parental anxiety and insecurity. Parents worry that any conflict with their child or between the parents may damage their children or their long-term relationships with them.
Because of divorce, many believe that their relationship with their child may be the one long-term relationship that they can count on. This, along with fewer children, has meant that parents now more strongly value their children and their relationships with them.
In addition, while parents of prior generations spent time with friends and neighbors, today’s parents spend all of their time with their children at the expense of a social life, and often, the well being of the marriage. Speaking with a parenting coach may reduce worry and guilt and, if so, that can be worthwhile. In addition, some children present behavioral challenges and raise questions that do require expert intervention and guidance.
However, many parents need to learn to trust their own instincts. My experience is that parents, more often than not, know the right action, they just feel too worried about it contradicting something that they read on a website or heard on a talk show. When looking for a parenting coach parents should know that there is no uniformly correct way to parent children. Beware any “expert” who states that there is.
Over 40? Out of work? Make this the best time of your life
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010Take a new approach
Right now millions of Americans are either out of work, recently laid off, or afraid of being laid off. There are millions more, who simply work at jobs, which provide no meaning. They work only in order to get a paycheck.
Stop feeling sorry for yourself
Society norms make it easy to feel sorry for yourself. Sadness, depression, panic are all emotions which are easy to absorb during difficult times. When there are bills to pay and food to buy, nothing else seems to matter. Still, to focus on these emotions is the worst approach to take. Feeling bad only leads to more negativity and sadness.
Celebrate
That’s right – CELEBRATE that you are living now during a wonderful period of life – hopefully you have good health and ability to think clearly. For sure this is a good time for transition.
Transitions in work
Transitions take on different shapes and forms during one’s work life. For example one might be in transition as a result of being laid off or while starting new work in a new area. People adapt to change in different ways. This difference depends on how a person perceives his transition. Is this change moving one closer to an important goal or farther away from?
What causes anxiety?
What causes anxiety for most people out of work and in transition is the uncertainty. Before, a person knew what to expect even if the former job didn’t provide much joy or happiness.
A new perspective is needed
When in transition it is important to think back to the OLD job and analyze what was good and what was not so good. This can lead to new beginnings and finding new work which could fit you much better. Sadly, when people lose their job they also lose their sense of self and who they are. Job titles tend to influence the sense of who you are and as a result can be damaging to one’s soul.
Take some down time
I was in a coffee shop the other day and noticed many 40 plus adults in a frantic pace using their cell phones and laptops to come up with something. In fact, I overheard one man who said to someone on the other end, “I’ll take anything at this point.” I thought to myself, “anything?” In the corner of the shop I noticed a woman hard at work too. She was hard at work trying to figure out one of those word search puzzle games. I walked by and said to her something like, “It looks difficult to do!” She answered to me, “Actually, it helps my creativity when I am out of work.” And I thought to myself, “Hmm…this was a much better strategy while in transition!”
Exercise your mind
When in transition, it is important to engage the mind in new activities, which will in turn create new ideas. Start with vocation! Think about which work you could do for a lifetime that will give you the ability not to be dependent on others. This is important after 40 and beyond. The Buddha said long ago, “Work out your salvation and to not depend on others.” This is a good way to think about vocation (work which you could do forever). The more you are forced to perform work, which you do not like, the worst you will feel. Think back to when you did work and felt like you were volunteering. What was the experience?
Create new goals
Now is the time to create new goals around what is most important to you. This leads to work which will feel voluntary. This doesn’t mean you don’t get paid. It means the focus will be on the work which you have chosen and it will have meaning for you.
1-3 year goals
I suggest for those over 40 and in transition to define a 3 year goal which is clear and aligned with your values. This goal should be measurable. Next, select a 1 year goal and stepping stone towards the ultimate goal. Most important – decide, what you will do each and every day which will provide you with progress. This process leads to a greater sense of choice and control over your life and work.
We are only here a short time
There is no time better than the present to live a life filled with joy, happiness and doing work which has meaning. Now is the time to dance, sing (even if it’s only in the shower), smile, love, and give back to others. All of this can be done through vocation. Seldom can this be done through JUST a job or a career. With vocation a person and his work is united. The most important question to ponder after 40 is: “What work must emerge through me now?”
The work which inspires
I was in a bagel shop the other day. There was a table near the front of the store with bags of bagels. The sign read that this was the grateful bagel table and all the bagels were free. The sign encouraged people in need to take a bag of bagels and those who could afford to please leave a bag . It was clear to me that this shop did more than just sell bagels for a profit. The person who runs this place is a good role model for inspirational work. This is now my favorite bagel shop.
The search is your responsibility
Many of my clients feel guilty when they don’t complete their homework from me in our regular sessions. Many times a client will say, “Craig, I am sorry but I didn’t complete the homework.” The search for vocation is a call to be responsible for your own life and to not leave your life INCOMPLETE. This is a big move. It takes a sense of urgency, re-examination, and assessment of what was done before and what needs to be done now.
Krishamurti
Indian thinker Krishamurti believed that there are many people who want to be famous because they don’t love what they do. He believed our present success is rotten because it teaches us to love success and not what we are doing. Results become more important than action.
How do you discover what to do?
A Japanese proverb says: “Vision without action is a daydream and action without vision is a nightmare.” Spiritual leader Gandhi Mohandas believed that you must be the change which you want to see in the world.
What change do you want to see in the world?
What bothers you? What change in the world do you want to see and how can you contribute? It doesn’t have to be world hunger. It can be as simple as solving the problem that children don’t get enough exercise or improving access to the internet for the poor.
Who does work which you want to do?
When in transition find people who are doing what you want to do. Find and talk to people who are passionate about what you love to do as well.
Be open to new experience
Work on getting to know yourself at a deeper level. Psychologist Carl Rogers said, “It was important to create and be involved in activities which is both satisfying and truly expresses one’s core self.” Writing this article for you does this for me. What activity would do this for you? This is the best time of your life if you are willing to look at your life with a new perspective.
I’ll be cheering you on as you go – Craig Nathanson.
Craig Nathanson is the author of “Don’t JUST retire and die: A new approach to your life and work after 40″ and he is a coaching expert who works with people over forty.
Visit Craig’s online community at http://www.thevocationalcoach.com where you can take a class, get more ideas through Craig Nathanson’s books and CD’s, get some private coaching over the phone or in Craig’s office, or read other stories of mid-life change and renewal.
Craig lives and works in Petaluma, California. His office is located at P.O Box 2823, Petaluma Ca, 94953. You can reach him at 707-775-4020 or at craig@thevocationalcoach.com.
Your Story in Six Words
Monday, May 31st, 2010In the 1920’s, some friends of Ernest Hemingway bet him that he couldn’t write a story in 6 words. Hemingway responded with: “For Sale: baby shoes. Never worn.”
Now, does that tell you the whole story? No. Does it get you curious? Yes. Absolutely. And there will be some people who will go down a negative route when considering what that story may mean; others will choose a more positive route.
What is your story? What does it tell? Is it the story you want, or the story you feel you’ve been left with?
Being part of a story that inspires you can lead to you feeling more Fired Up. Having a story that drags you down, or one you feel disappointed with, definitely won’t. Often we continue to be the lead in a story that really isn’t us, that really doesn’t suit us. I don’t mean you have to be the hero of an action story, or the lead in a romance – you just have to feel that the story of your life that is playing out in front of you is one you’re happy to see unfolding before you and to be part of. Here are some six word stories I’ve heard from other people:
One lady told me her story was: “Tired of struggling. Have no choice.” Wow. This was a female executive who had risen through the ranks but the political battle within corporate life was dragging her down. It wasn’t letting her live, let alone live in a Fired Up state.
We have to be so careful; the things we tell ourselves and the language we use has a huge impact – either positive or negative – on how we feel. How we feel directly impacts how we approach our work and therefore can impact the results we get – whether good or bad.
After working with the female executive for a while, she rewrote her story as: “Seeing the light. Work in progress.” A great story – one which still describes her situation, but the language used in the rewrite gave her hope and motivation, rather than a sense of resignation.
Your Task This Week
Do You Learn More From Failure or Success?
Sunday, May 30th, 2010Do You Learn More From Failure or Success?
Do you agree with these scientific statements?
of our subconscious mind?
Inquiring Minds Want to Know
Number 1: (false) we are aware of making decisions only 5% of the time.
Number 2: (true) our behaviors and decisions are 95% on autopilot.
Number 3: (false) brain cells learn from doing something right, and not
from our mistakes.
So What?
Professor Earl K Miller at MIT, in an article July 30, 2009 in the journal Neuron:
Our brain cells have a file cabinet for our decisions with one side for Right actions, and a different feedback loop for Wrong ones.
After a failure, there is no change in the cells. Get this. Failure produces no improvement in human behavior. When we produce a successful behavior there is
neuroplasticity (physical change) in the cells. Neuroplasticity is your brain’s ability
to change (adaptation) in response to your new experiences.
Key Point: Success leads to additional successes because brain processing and
behaviors improve. You are cued to perform better the next time.
Two Brain Structures For Learning
Giving a reward (pat on the back, big smile, or a checkmark or gold star) after success registers in your Prefrontal Cortex (learning, memory, thinking), and
your Basal Ganglia (motor controls, cognition and emotions). Both are wired
to work together.
After a reward for a correct response, neurons in PFC and BG are stronger,
and supply more information because of improved electrical impulses fired.
If you were incorrect in the prior trial, you are weaker and more likely to fail again.
Double So What
We can affect adult learning by rewarding and tracking career behavior.
Homo sapiens require reinforcement to improve. Yes, it applies to teaching
children from first grade to graduate school.
How can you wire yourself for self-improvement? Condition (program) your mind
to expect rewards for correct results. There has to be a payoff or there is no improvement.
Your Prefrontal Cortex and Basal Ganglia are involved in obtaining internal goals.
They are the two key players in learning and long-term memory for kids and adults.
Trial And Error
Your hippocampal neurons are involved in Associative Learning: example: matching names with faces. There is a physiological measure linking (together)
trial-and-error which strengthen Right answers, and modify Wrong responses.
Trial outcomes improve the learning process. Long term memories are laid down
in your hippocampus. The function of your hippocampus is to memorialize new facts and events, and produce new Associations about unrelated ideas, words and
concepts. It leads to Declaratory Memory.
Google: Wendy Suzuki, NYU in March 26 Neuron journal. N.B. The more Trial
Outcomes (practice, rehearsal) the more you stimulate the neural networks for future successes.
Associative Memory
When you learn to LINK new, unknown ideas, words and concepts, with old consolidated long-term memory, your associations create learning. Example:
if you already know it requires 21 consecutive days of practice to create a
habit, relating that fact to the information, 21% of room air is oxygen is baby-easy.
You are hardwired for Associations. When you hear the term “up”, your brain responds with “down”, and when someone says Red for stop, you associate that with Green to go, without any conscious thought, right?
Your Memory
Human memory relies up to 90% on Associations and concepts we automatically
link together in our mind. Wait. Your brain thinks in pictures and mental movies,
and remembers in associations and links.
To improve your memory – ask yourself – what does this new word or concept remind me of that I already know? Link the new with the old, and you create
and strengthen connected synapses into neural networks.
If I need to recall the five nucleotides of the DNA/RNA of the genome:
a) adenine
b) guanine
c) cytosine
d) uracil
e) thymine
Associate adenine with Add+Nine; Gain+Nine; Sight+Sign; U+R+Sill; and
Thigh-Mine.
These five are linked in my mind with the Acronym A-G (ony) + C-U-T.
These associations are first learned, and then strengthened by ordinary daily language experience.
Why bother with the trouble of learning what you can write down on paper
or wordprocesser and copy?
The answer is health, but only if you desire to expand your Cognitive Reserve and protect your brain throughout your life. A second reason is longevity. Lifelong
learners improve their chances of living a long, healthy life. Each time you learn
your brain changes structurally and functionally for the better.
Endwords
Would you have a competitive advantage in school and career by reading three-times faster than your peers, and remembering information twice as long?
Knowledge is the key ingredient to personal growth and career success in our economy. Promotions, salary increases, and bonuses are often knowledge based.
New skills and strategies improve your personal competency. For details to be
the Go-To person for knowledge in your organization, contact us for a Free
report.
See ya,
copyright © 2009 H. Bernard Wechsler
hbw@speedlearning.org
www.speedlearning.org
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