resilience

A bald bearded man studies three glowing transparent panels, each representing a different type of problem — mechanical blueprints for complicated systems, neural networks for complex systems, and swirling chaos for wicked problems.

Understanding Complicated, Complex, and Wicked Problems

Why Some Challenges Can’t Be Solved with a Checklist In life, work, and relationships, not all problems are created equal. Some can be solved with enough time, effort, and organization. Others shift under our feet the moment we think we’ve found an answer. Recognizing the difference between complicated, complex, and wicked problems helps us respond […]

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A group of paratroopers standing inside a military aircraft, preparing to jump, symbolizing structure, purpose, and discipline from military service.

Beyond Service: Finding Tasks, Purpose, and Standards After the Military

When we leave the military, we often talk about “finding purpose” on the other side of service. It’s true that the military gave us a sense of purpose, but it also gave us something else—clear tasks and standards. Every day was framed by missions, training, checklists, and expectations. The clarity was built in. Civilian life

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Man sitting at a desk surrounded by multiple monitors and digital feeds, symbolizing information overload and the need for cognitive defense against online manipulation.

Cognitive Defense

Using CBT and DBT to Guard Against Influence and Manipulation What Is Cognitive Warfare? Cognitive warfare refers to deliberate efforts by state and non-state actors to influence the way people think, perceive reality, and make decisions. Unlike traditional warfare, which focuses on physical force, cognitive warfare targets the mind itself. It operates through propaganda, disinformation

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Gritty, realistic illustration of two large industrial water filters, one pouring clear water and the other pouring murky water, symbolizing how mental schemas filter thoughts and beliefs.

Schemas: Our Thought Filtration System

Our minds don’t process the world in raw, unfiltered form. Instead, we rely on schemas—mental frameworks built from our experiences, values, and lessons learned—to quickly interpret information and decide what matters. Think of schemas like a water filter. A good filter removes harmful impurities and leaves you with something clear, usable, and safe. But if

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