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iarwain1 comments on "Follow your dreams" as a case study in incorrect thinking - Less Wrong Discussion

29 Post author: cousin_it 20 August 2014 01:18PM

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Comment author: iarwain1 20 August 2014 04:45:33PM *  1 point [-]

In positive psychology research there seems to be a big focus on developing your strengths (= what you called aptitudes), so this is pretty standard advice. I usually suggest Gallup's Strength books, not necessarily because it's the best way of finding your strengths (I haven't researched this enough to know one way or the other), but because it gives a solid strengths-based growth perspective and is at least somewhat helpful in identifying specific strengths.

Comment author: shminux 20 August 2014 05:10:51PM *  1 point [-]

this is pretty standard advice

Right. I was simply emphasizing the difference between dreams and strengths. In (a loosely applied) Kahneman's terminology, use your System 2 to build on your System 1, not to fight it.

Another standard point is "use it or lose it". If you don't develop your strengths/talents early, they fade with age. It's most obvious in sports and music, but applies to almost anything.