rules of thumb Archives

New and Unexpected Risks, a Challenge when Ageing

March 3, 2022 by Tom van Oosterhout

New and unexpected risks become increasingly challenging as we move on in life. That’s partly because we have already invested heavily in coping with the risks we encountered earlier on.

Risk management has become an important part of everyday modern life. This responsibility weighs heavy on us. The more since it covers so many topics, such as physical, emotional, and social risks.

To avoid responsibility and self-reflection is the worst strategy anyone can take if challenged by new and unexpected risks. The best way to charge these risks is head-on, but with as much care as possible.

How to Cross Personal and Social Boundaries?

March 1, 2022 by Tom van Oosterhout

Why does a woman of 90 say: “I am not old. My neighbour is old.” And how old is your neighbour? “91.” With her statement, the 90-year-old woman emphasizes her independence. She warns you not to cross her personal boundaries. To cross personal and social boundaries is an effort.

The fear of crossing personal and social boundaries is a common human quality. Most people don’t want to ask others for help. The fear of losing independence is the biggest psychological threshold. On the other hand, nearly everybody is willing and prepared to help others.

How to Effectively Write with Confidence

January 7, 2022February 19, 2021 by Tom van Oosterhout

The other day someone asked me whether I write a lot. I said I don’t know. What’s a lot? I write once a day a post on facebook. Sometimes two or three. And an article for our websites a couple of times a week. Such as this one. Writing is important for me because it keeps the grey matter fit. Which is one of our goals.

The person who asked me the question would love to write, but felt insecure. So I explained how he could overcome this insecurity. This article is an extended version of my explanation: How to effectively write with confidence.

Given our experiences, the most important tip is to write a lot. The more the better. No writer is born a star-writer. Every single one of them became better in time after writing thousands of words.