book recs, misalignment burnout, party coaches, and why is everyone ghosting
Hello.
Are you having a slow weekend? Can I recommend some books to keep you company?
-The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison: She explores the devastating effects of racism on a young black girl's self-esteem as she yearns for blue eyes and fair skin in 1940s America.
-Beware Of Pity by Stefan Zweig: A young cavalry officer grapples with the consequences of a well-intentioned but disastrous act of kindness, revealing the complexities of human relationships and the unpredictability of fate.
-Too Much Of Life by Clarice Lispector: A collection of the Brazilian author's insightful and introspective short stories, offering glimpses into the intricacies of existence and the human experience.
-Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto: A contemporary Japanese novel that delicately weaves together the stories of two young women navigating love, loss, and the comforting solace found in the rituals of cooking.
Read with me:
A Psychologist Explains ‘Misalignment Burnout’—When Your Job Isn’t Your Purpose
A staggering 59% of Americans are burnt out, with Gen Z and millennials hit hardest. It's not just the workload but the misalignment between our core values and our jobs causing this "misalignment burnout." Imagine constantly acting against what truly matters to you for the sake of external rewards. It's a recipe for losing touch with why we started in the first place, leading to emotional exhaustion. To combat this, reconnecting with oneself and realigning work with personal values are crucial steps towards not just recovery, but a more fulfilling life and career.
Forbes
What Gen Z Will Lose if They Don’t Have Friendships at Work
The rise of remote work, particularly among Gen Z, is diminishing the traditional role of the office as a place to form friendships, impacting both personal and professional aspects of young workers' lives. This shift raises concerns about increased detachment from jobs and the potential for heightened loneliness among those missing out on the camaraderie often built through workplace interactions.
The Wall Street Journal
Ghosting Is Ruthless. So Why Are We All Doing It?
Ghosting has become a common experience in the dating world, with a Forbes survey indicating that 60% of respondents had been ghosted, and 45% admitted to ghosting someone. Experts suggest alternatives to ghosting, emphasizing clear communication and honesty, even if it involves uncomfortable conversations, to foster healthier dynamics and self-respect.
Los Angeles Times
Can You Change What You Crave?
A study by neurobiologist Marco Leyton revealed that a special protein shake with reduced dopamine production decreased participants' cravings for cocaine, sparking interest in understanding the brain's desire mechanisms. GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, initially approved for diabetes and weight loss, are being explored for their potential to influence the reward system, offering hope for reducing cravings for various substances, from food to addictive drugs.
Vox
Feeling Awkward About Fill-in-the-Blank Social Obligation? Time to Get a Party Coach
Evan Cudworth, known as "The Party Coach," helps digital natives overcome social anxiety, emphasizing building inner confidence for social settings. He offers individual coaching with emotional inventory discussions, and group programs breaking down preconceptions about fun, redefining the meaning of "party," but clarifies he's not a substitute for therapy or counseling, focusing on expanding possibilities for fun and social life.
GQ
The Science Behind Ozempic Was Wrong
The weight-loss effects of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic are attributed more to their impact on the brain than the gut, as they modulate appetite through brain receptors. These drugs, engineered to resist degradation, have longer half-lives than natural GLP-1, allowing them to penetrate deep into the brain. While the original gut-centric narrative has unraveled, scientists are delving into the brain's own GLP-1 system, discovering potential applications beyond appetite regulation, such as controlling inflammation. Despite ongoing mysteries, the success of these drugs often stems from serendipity rather than a complete understanding of the underlying science.
The Atlantic
The Worst Way To Do College Admissions
Dartmouth, Yale, and Brown are reinstating standardized-test score requirements for college admissions, challenging the prevailing test-optional trend. Critics argue that SAT and ACT biases favor privileged students, but evidence suggests these tests, combined with other measures, address bias more effectively than relying solely on alternative criteria. While test-optional policies aim for equity, a study by Dartmouth reveals that low-income applicants underused the option, leading to their disadvantage. Simplifying the application process, like Michigan's universal testing model, could enhance fairness, but the resistance to standardized testing persists despite its potential for identifying talented low-income students.
The Atlantic
See you tomorrow.
Bye <3
