1. Which of these is a key to thriving at work? A) Regular promotions B) Work you enjoy C) A salary that seems fair D) Work/life balance E) Avoiding negative thoughts
B) Work you enjoy – especially if that work allows you to use your strengths. A recent study by Gallup in 150 countries revealed the value of being engaged in our work. People who scored highest on engagement were twice as likely to thrive, not just in work, but in their lives overall. Thrive? Happier, less stressed and far less likely to be diagnosed with depression. The bad news: only 20 percent of the people Gallup surveyed were in that high-engagement group.
Avoiding negative thoughts? Don't go there. Positive thoughts are good, but avoiding negative thoughts is just a pop-psychology myth - exhausting and futile.
2. Do people with higher IQ age more slowly?
Yes. A study published in the journal Intelligence compared the IQ scores of men and women born in 1937 and 1940 with their subjective age in 2011. (Subjective age is how old you feel, not the years.) The link was clear, but not the reasons. It may be that more intelligent people remain curious about the world for longer. (Harvard Medical School sees curiosity as a key to longevity.) Maybe their thinking and reasoning abilities keep them feeling young and healthy.
3. Let’s say you are about to take a kick that will win or lose the game for your team. Which form of self-talk is most likely to boost your confidence ‘You can do it!’ or ‘I can do it!’?
‘You can do it!’ A recent study suggests that the detached approach is more effective. It’s not a perfect study because the participants were all students and the self-instructions were written. Even so, talking to yourself in that detached way is well worth a try.
4. Which two of these choices are more likely to make you happier six months from now ? A) Buying a newer model car B) Taking an overseas trip C) Donating to a cause you believe in
B) Taking an overseas trip C) Donating to a cause you believe in
Researchers have found that we benefit most when we spend our money on experiences and other people rather than ourselves. Your current car is unreliable and costing you a fortune? Maybe replace it first, but don’t expect the new car to make you happy for long.
5. Do we learn better in our preferred learning style?
No. It’s a myth. The task should dictate the learning style. Try learning a new computer programme, or teaching a four-year-old how to tie her shoelaces, with just verbal instructions.
6. How many people in 100 should you expect to agree with the statement ‘I am more intelligent than the average person’?
According to a recent study involving 1,500 Americans: 65%. (Only 50% can be above or below average.) Men and people under 45 were significantly more likely to believe they were more intelligent than average.
It's called the 'smarter than average effect' and it's very human to overestimate many things – including our abilities, popularity and influence. Is that healthy? Yes, up to a point. A bit of unrealistic believing keeps us confident and motivated.
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