Happy New Year Reader!​ ​

I hope you had an enjoyable holiday season. It felt like it went by at 100mph here! But the kids are back to school and I've got a few HR clients to work with so we're getting back into the routine.

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Hope for Cynics

Winter can be a rough time for a lot of people and especially this January. Last fall, I found an interesting read for my inner pessimist. Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science on Human Goodness by Dr. Jamil Zaki was a thought-provoking read that provides science-backed reasons to dial back our cynicism, especially when it comes to other people. After losing his good friend and fellow researcher to a brain tumor, Dr. Zaki dove into the research of how cynicism affects us.

A lot of us think that the opposite of cynicism is blind optimism but it's really healthy skepticism. As a culture, we tend to think that cynics are more intelligent and a better judge of character. However, studies show that cynics don't have higher IQs and pick up less on social cues. In fact, because they are so judgmental, they are less open to change and considering other options.

Healthy skepticism on the other hand, leads us to question not only the world around us but our own interpretation of it. This way we are free to rethink situations and problem solve, leading to greater satisfaction with our lives and the world around us. When we are cynical, we believe change isn't possible and give up hope. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

If you don't have time to read, here is Dr. Zaki discussing his findings and his book on the Psychology Podcast. I was also fascinated by reading about the life of his colleague, Emile Bruneau, and his goal of putting science to work for peace. Anytime you think of everything wrong with the world, try to remember all the people who are what's right with it.​​

HR Kate

I'm also still doing HR work so if you or any of your friends and family need resume & cover letter help or coaching, please reach out! - Kate

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