The vast knowledge we have to prevent cancer, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses is staggering.
Tom RathIf you spend your life trying to be good at everything, you will never be great at anything.
Tom RathIts tempting to work more than 60 hours a week and sacrifice sleep, not move, and eat bad foods as they are convenient. But this comes with a cost.
Tom RathEmployees who report receiving recognition and praise within the last seven days show increased productivity, get higher scores from customers, and have better safety records. They're just more engaged at work.
Tom RathFrom the cradle to the cubicle, we devote more time to our shortcomings than to our strengths.
Tom RathWhen we can see an immediate payoff, we are more likely to change our behavior in the moment. This aligns our daily actions with our long-term interests.
Tom RathAt its fundamentally flawed core, the aim of almost any learning program is to help us become who we are not.
Tom RathWhen we're able to put most of our energy into developing our natural talents, extraordinary room for growth exists
Tom RathIf you want people to understand that you value their contributions and that they are important, the recognition and praise you provide must have meaning that is specific to each individual.
Tom RathEvery day, I read about new ideas and research that could help someone I care about live a longer and healthier life.
Tom RathFar too many people spend a lifetime headed in the wrong direction. They go not only from the cradle to the cubicle, but then to the casket, without uncovering their greatest talents and potential.
Tom RathPeople have several times more potential for growth when they invest energy in developing their strengths instead of correcting their deficiencies.
Tom RathClearly, there aren't enough positive moments or interactions happening in the workplace. As a result, our economy suffers, companies suffer, and individual relationships suffer.
Tom RathSpending on oneself does not boost wellbeing. However, spending money on others does -- and it appears to be as important to people's happiness as the total amount of money they make.
Tom RathBuying experience such as going out to dinner or taking a vacation increases our own wellbeing and the wellbeing of others. Experiences last while material purchases fade.
Tom RathPerhaps the ultimate test of a leader is not what you are able to do in the here and now - but instead what continues to grow long after you're gone
Tom RathExercise is not enough. Working out three times a week is not enough. Being active throughout the day is what keeps you healthy.
Tom RathWellbeing is about the combination of our love for what we do each day, the quality of our relationships, the security of our finances, the vibrancy of our physical health, and the pride we take in what we have contributed to our communities. Most importantly, itโs about how these five elements interact.
Tom RathIf we can find short-term incentives that are consistent with our long-term objectives, it is much easier to make the right decisions in the moment.
Tom RathEven if people just change two or three things that they are able to sustain over time, it makes quite a difference eventually.
Tom RathYou cannot be anything you want to be - but you can be a whole lot more of who you already are.
Tom RathPeople who have at least three or four very close friendships are healthier, have higher wellbeing, and are more engaged in their jobs. But the absence of any close friendships can lead to boredom, loneliness, and depression.
Tom RathWhen we get at least six hours of daily social time, it increases our wellbeing and minimizes stress and worry. The six hours includes time at work, at home, on the telephone, talking to friends, sending e-mail, and other communication.
Tom RathThe quickest way to be a little bit happier and more engaged in your job is to spend some time thinking about developing closer friendships.
Tom RathInstead of celebrating what makes each child unique, most parents push their children to "fit in" so that they don't "stick out." This unwittingly stomps out individuality and encourages conformity, despite these parents' good intentions
Tom RathDonโt worry about breaks every 20 minutes ruining your focus on a task. Contrary to what I might have guessed, taking regular breaks from mental tasks actually improves your creativity and productivity. Skipping breaks, on the other hand, leads to stress and fatigue.
Tom RathTalent (a natural way of thinking, feeling, or behaving) ร Investment (time spent practicing, developing your skills, and building your knowledge base) = Strength (the ability to consistently provide near-perfect performance)
Tom RathThe absence of high-quality friendships is bad for your health, spirits, productivity, and longevity.
Tom RathWhen we build on our strengths and daily successes โ instead of focusing on failures โ we simply learn more.
Tom RathMaking better choices takes work. There is a daily give and take, but it is worth the effort.
Tom Rath