All about discovering what you want …
I sit here, looking out over the darkness of Victoria Park and the lights of the Hong Kong skyline. The same lights as those I looked at writing the previous edition of Maxand’s Insights early March, now some 4 weeks ago. They beam a sense of normality across the bay. Soothing. Comforting. And yet, beyond … Read more
In psychology, there is an interesting concept called “locus of control”. It was first established by psychologist Julian B. Rotter through his work on social learning in the 1950s and ’60s¹. And it still is one of the most researched notions in the field today². Locus of control – often abbreviated as LOC – has … Read more
In last month’s Insight, we took a closer look at the personal story of a man who really struggled to give direction to his life. But he managed to change its course even though all the odds were stacked against him. Vincent Fantauzzo’s story holds a number of key lessons. Lessons which can make a … Read more
And so 2019 has ended. A new year has come. A moment of reflection. Where have I been? Where am I now? Where would I like my life to go? And how can I move forward? This month’s Insight is all about a challenge many of us face at some point in our lives: how … Read more
Last month marked the 1-year anniversary of Maxand. How time flies! 🙂 When I started, I couldn’t have imagined that over 24,500 people¹ from as many as 115 countries would find their way to the site in the very first year. But what’s even more encouraging for me to see is that readers seem to find … Read more
Values … It’s a big word. Perhaps I should write VALUES … Why would you want to read about values? Because values have this peculiar tendency of making you look up and see a broader horizon beyond the life you’re in right now. They give you your own unique direction and get you in touch … Read more
Henriette was always there. No matter how people would shout at her in anger, cling to her in desperation, pressure her to agree to hopeful delusions. No matter how good or bad the news, she was there for a much-needed hug and words of encouragement. For practical support and gentle advice. Solid like a rock, … Read more
Saturday morning July 27th, 2019. I scoop the Jakarta Post from the porch on the way out. “That’s funny.” I halt. “Why would they have a picture of a wintery mountain road with traffic skidding through the snow on the front page?” It’s not until I notice the image next to it that I realise: “It … Read more
“Don’t you have those moments?”, my friend exclaims quite forlorn. “When you feel like there’s something else you should be doing with your life?” She has felt like this for a while now. And she increasingly feels she needs to find a way to change. It’s not like she thinks her life is utterly miserable. … Read more
“Yes, we’re only on this earth for a short while”, agrees the man. “Better make the most of it.” An ocean of sympathy in his eyes for the elderly couple he’s been chatting with at the table next to me. They were little children when the bombs fell on Rotterdam in May 1940. Now, 79 … Read more