BENEVOLENT CREATIVE

Today’s #WOTD is the commonly misspelled “dilemma.” This word is often spelled erroneously as “dilemna” in what can only be described as a Mandela Effect. “Dilemma” comes from two Greek roots which break down to mean “two” and “premises”. Some synonyms include: catch-22, quandary, or double bind ⚖️ However, there has been an update in the usage of this term. Merriam-Webster Inc. states, “Although some commentators insist that dilemma be restricted to instances in which the alternatives to be chosen are equally unsatisfactory, their concern is misplaced; the unsatisfactoriness of the options is usually a matter of how the author presents them. What is distressing or painful about a dilemma is having to make a choice one does not want to make. The use of such adjectives as terrible, painful, and irreconcilable suggests that dilemma is losing some of its unpleasant force.” Don’t follow the herd. Spell it right. #wordoftheday #spelling

Think of a time when you were trying to communicate something important and your objective was obfuscated. What was done to muddle your point or intent? What did that experience feel like? Chances are, it’s not a fond memory. Being a good listener is important. It also takes practice and patience. When you think about it, what are the drawbacks? At worst, the only disadvantage of empathetic listening may result in wasted time. Read Psychology Today's article, “The Ten Qualities of Great Communicators” for a more thorough overview of these recommended guidelines for effective listening: ✔️ No conversation stoppers like minimizing, blaming, or offering unsolicited advice ✔️ Full support independent of agreement ✔️ Tracking through visibly paying careful attention ✔️ Presence through deliberate, clear, and consistent focus ✔️ Understanding the rhythm of the speech patterns of others ✔️ Respect and support other viewpoints through emotional anthropology ✔️ Always be cognizant of the timing of your responses ✔️ Provide non-judgmental feedback ✔️ Be patient and continue listening intently, especially when it’s difficult ✔️ Take statements from the past and weave them into the present situation View the full article here 👇 https://lnkd.in/g7Jjn5dn Take time to listen to the people you care about. It is highly unlikely you will regret it. OBFUSCATE verb 1. render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible 2. bewilder (someone) #WOTD #wordoftheday #communication #tips #strategies #wellness

Sometimes being a talented writer means possessing the hubris to know you simply cannot pen something better than what already exists. In this case, I must highlight Vocabulary.com's definition of dalliance which states: “First appearing in Middle English, the noun dalliance stems from the verb dally, meaning ‘to waste time, to act playfully, especially in a flirtatious way.’ Dalliance often describes a casual flirtation — generally something short-term and not very serious. Your aunt may blush when you mention her dalliance with the rugby player she met that time in Dublin. Dalliance can also refer to goofing off when you should be working. Your coworker's continued dalliance can result in missed deadlines.” May you be surrounded by inspiring productivity as opposed to distracting dilly-dallying this week 📈 DALLIANCE noun 1. the deliberate act of delaying and playing instead of working 2. playful behavior intended to arouse romantic interest #WOTD #wordoftheday #productivity

This week, choose the #MotivationMonday mindset over a Dolorous Doldrums alternative. 1️⃣ Set a timer for one minute. 2️⃣ Write down all of the things you are grateful for—no matter how small. 3️⃣ Get back to work. Robert Emmons, a studied science expert of gratitude stated, “This doesn’t mean that life is perfect. It doesn’t ignore complaints, burdens, and hassles. But when we look at life as a whole, gratitude encourages us to identify some amount of goodness in our life.” Read more about the whole health benefits of gratitude from Calm here: https://lnkd.in/eF-4B5_Q DOLOROUS adjective feeling or expressing great sorrow or sadness See dolorous’s more commonly used synonym below: DOLEFUL adjective 1. expressing sorrow; mournful 2. causing grief or misfortune #WOTD #wordoftheday #Monday #motivation

From BENEVOLENT CREATIVE to you, wishing you a week free from impudent behavior. All of the trite platitudes about kindness are actually true. It’s free. But, it isn’t always easy. Adding the word “benevolent” to the brand was crucial in identifying what set us apart. We are staunch believers in giving respect. And that kindness, compassion, respect, and benevolence only beget more of these altruistic attributes. It really is that simple 😊 IMPUDENT adjective not showing due respect for another person; impertinent #WOTD #wordoftheday #bekind #kindness

#IYO: Which is more important to you: formidability in competence or warmth? The topic of power, people in power, and social dynamics will always warrant deeper investigation. Through the years, many psychologists have studied the topic ad nauseum, yet have come to different, and well-researched, conclusions. A noteworthy factor in this field of study is explicit vs. implicit power. Explicit power is rooted mainly in hierarchical titles. Your boss has explicit power. Implicit power is a person of influence, not due to title or status, but due to being seen as likable, approachable, or welcoming. There are many stereotypes when it comes to power. Science Direct differentiates those with power by determining whether they fall within one of these two categories: competence or warmth. Their article, “Power Becomes You: The Effects of Implicit and Explicit Power on the Self” states: “Existing research shows that those with power and status are often stereotyped as high on competence, independence, and confidence but low on warmth and caring for others. In contrast, people without power and status are stereotyped as high on warmth and affiliation but low on competence and independence.” Read more about just one of many theories regarding power 👇 https://lnkd.in/g85-vXBp FORMIDABLE adjective inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, intense, or capable #WOTD #wordoftheday #psychology #power #influence

DRECK vs. DROSS: What’s the difference? While both words mean trash or rubbish, they have different historical roots. Vocabulary.com states that dreck refers to: “products that are worthless, flimsy, or of poor quality. Terrible art and trashy shows on TV are also dreck, as is a badly written book... Dreck is a Yiddish word that comes from the German Dreck, which means both ‘dirt’ and ‘manure'.” In the biblical context, dross was what remained after the smelting of high-value metals like gold or silver; aka the useless remnants. Surround yourself with people that never make you feel like either dreck or dross. Additionally, surround yourself with people who aren’t themselves dabblers in trashy activities and/or hobbies. Like it or not, what your mom told you was true: You will be judged based on the people you associate with. You deserve kinship with only the best quality folks who inspire you to do better and be better. In other words, “Make new friends, and keep the old. One is silver; the other is gold” rings true 🥇 DRECK noun rubbish or trash DROSS noun something regarded as worthless; rubbish #WOTD #wordoftheday

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream, today’s #WOTD is oneiric. A reminder of one brief excerpt of this monumental speech: “…even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” And an urging to either learn or reacquaint yourself with the original speech in its full capacity, as any text taken out of context leaves you merely with a con. Read the full transcript, courtesy of NPR, here: https://lnkd.in/gzHmABd Thank you to Dr. King for igniting a revolution, and may we keep fighting until this oneiric mission is fulfilled and all humans are finally created equal. ONEIRIC adjective related to dreams or dreaming #WOTD #wordoftheday #MLK #MLKday

🔥 Can you see it? Can you feel it? It’s Friday and the weekend is nigh 🎉 May you all be bathed in the warm lambent glow of that blessed duo of days, and their promise of rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation ✨ LAMBENT adjective (of light or fire) glowing, gleaming, or flickering with a soft radiance #Friday #FriYay #WOTD #wordoftheday #hope #weekend

#ThursdayThoughts: Many of the wisest minds have spoken in riddles or parables. The great thinkers of Zen Buddhism had their own version of these thought experiments called koans. The most well-known example, cited here from Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. is as follows: “When both hands are clapped a sound is produced; listen to the sound of one hand clapping.” The purpose of a koan was not to find an exact answer, but rather to challenge the mind to partake on a journey of musings in hopes of gaining insights and wisdom. Be kind to your mind today 🧠 KOAN noun a paradoxical anecdote or riddle, used in Zen Buddhism to demonstrate the inadequacy of logical reasoning and to provoke enlightenment #WOTD #wordoftheday #wisdom