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THIRD THINKER



DRD 48: Emotional Intelligence: The Skill That Outranks IQ (and Why You Need It Now)
We spend years learning math, language, and science.
But no one teaches us how to manage emotions — our own or others’.
That’s why brilliant people still struggle with anger, burnout, or fragile relationships.

Dr. ARUN V J
2 days ago5 min read


DRD 47: “We Learned How to Work. Nobody Taught Us How to Rest.” - Microbreaks
The most dangerous myth of productivity is that rest is a reward for hard work.
It’s not.
Rest is what makes hard work possible.
When you schedule microbreaks, you’re not being lazy — you’re being strategic.
You’re acknowledging that your brain is biological, not mechanical.
And that simple shift can be the difference between a career that burns bright — and one that burns out.

Dr. ARUN V J
Oct 245 min read


DRD 44: If You Think You Don’t Have Time, Read This Before Another Week Disappears
Every minute you spend reading this, scrolling social media, or checking emails is an invisible trade. You’re exchanging life for something — a memory, a task, a dopamine hit.
Time management isn’t just about productivity. It’s about deciding what’s worth trading your life for.

Dr. ARUN V J
Oct 75 min read


DRD 43: Stop Wasting Time: Teaching, Mentoring, and Coaching Aren’t the Same — Here’s How to Choose the Right One
The education system may still be outdated, but you don’t have to be. Recognize when you need a teacher, when you need a mentor, and when you need a coach. Get this right, and you’ll accelerate growth in ways classrooms never prepared you for.

Dr. ARUN V J
Oct 24 min read


DRD 42: How to Use MBTI to Understand Yourself (And Actually Grow From It)
It’s a personality framework that divides people into 16 different personality types based on how they:
Take in information
Make decisions
Interact with the world
It’s not some random internet quiz—it’s based on the psychological theories of Carl Jung, developed later by Katharine Cook Briggs and her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers.

Dr. ARUN V J
Sep 204 min read


DRD 41: “This Simple 80/20 Trick Will 80% Boost Your Results While Cutting Out 80% of the Busywork” - Pareto Principle
The Pareto Principle is deceptively simple. It’s not magic — its power comes from its clarity. When you use it, you stop trying to do everything well and instead do what matters extremely well.
If you start today, pick one domain of your life, find your vital few, and give them your best. Everything else? Let it go—or at least stop treating them like equal priority.

Dr. ARUN V J
Sep 194 min read


DRD 40:"Why Most Doctors Fail at Leadership – And How to Fix It Fast"
Professionals aren’t just doers – they’re the experts. Don’t let outsiders call the shots. Start with self-awareness, build skills, and lead from any role. Shape the future, whether it’s policy, startups, or team culture.

Dr. ARUN V J
Sep 84 min read


DRD 39: “Why Loss Can Be the Smartest Move You’ll Ever Make (The Hidden Psychology of Success)”
The art of winning is the art of smart losing. When you become a visionary with a long lens, you free yourself from the fear of small losses and invest your energy into the battles that truly matter.
Next time you face a painful “loss,” ask: Am I losing a battle, or am I winning the war?

Dr. ARUN V J
Aug 295 min read


DRD 38: Prospect Theory: Why We Fear Losing More Than We Love Winning?
Prospect theory shows that we’re not always rational—and that’s okay. By understanding why we fear losses more than we seek wins, you can take control of your decisions and stop letting fear hold you back. Whether it’s pursuing a new career, investing in yourself, or letting go of something that no longer serves you, these insights empower you to act with confidence.

Dr. ARUN V J
Aug 114 min read


DRD 37: Master Strategic Thinking to Unlock Your Best Life (Your Secret Weapon for Better Decisions)
Strategic thinking isn't about being perfect or predicting the future. It's about making consistently better decisions, navigating uncertainty with purpose, and intentionally building the life you want – one deliberate step at a time. Stop reacting. Start strategizing.

Dr. ARUN V J
Aug 25 min read


DRD 36: Beyond IQ: Why Emotional Intelligence / Emotional Quotient is Your Secret Weapon for Success (And How to Build It)
IQ can get you in the door, but EQ is what lets you stay and truly thrive. In today's complex world – whether navigating corporate chaos, building meaningful relationships, or leading effectively – emotional intelligence isn't just a "nice-to-have." It's the core skill separating those who merely function from those who truly flourish.

Dr. ARUN V J
Jul 105 min read


DRD 35: How to Captivate Any Audience Using Story Telling (Including Medicine, Business & Life)
When you hear facts, only two areas of your brain activate (Broca’s and Wernicke’s, for language processing). But when you hear a story? Your whole brain comes alive.
Mirror neurons fire as if you’re experiencing the story
Dopamine surges during suspense (making the story addictive)
Oxytocin releases when we empathize (creating trust)

Dr. ARUN V J
Jun 294 min read


DRD 34: Change Management in Healthcare: Leading Successfully in a VUCA World
Healthcare is facing more disruption than ever before:
Technological Shifts: AI, telemedicine, and EHR systems are reshaping care delivery.
Patient Expectations: Patients now rate hospitals on empathy, convenience, and digital experience—not just clinical outcomes.
Workforce Challenges: Staff burnout, nursing shortages, and generational differences in work expectations.
Regulatory & Financial Pressures: Value-based care demands efficiency without sacrificing qua

Dr. ARUN V J
Jun 193 min read


DRD 33: Decision Making: How to Make Smarter Choices in Life
Decision making is a skill you can develop. Unlike fixed traits like height or innate talent, decision-making ability improves with practice, self-awareness, and structured thinking. Whether you're deciding on a new job, a financial investment, or daily habits, better decisions lead to better outcomes—and ultimately, a better life.

Dr. ARUN V J
Jun 73 min read


DRD 32: Leadership in Healthcare: Why We Need Visionaries, Not Just Managers
The Leader: Focuses on the future. They see beyond the immediate data point to the human story, the potential, and the bigger vision. They inspire, motivate, and challenge. They don't just manage resources; they cultivate people and culture. They fight for what's right, not just what's efficient. They build bridges, not silos. They innovate and drive change.

Dr. ARUN V J
May 294 min read


DRD 31: The Myth of Multitasking: Why Your Brain Was Never Built to Juggle (And How to Reclaim Your Focus)
Multitasking isn’t a skill—it’s a trap. In a world addicted to distraction, single-tasking is a revolutionary act. By focusing on one thing at a time, you’ll:
Work faster (no switch costs)
Think deeper (hello, creativity!)
Feel calmer (less cortisol, more flow)

Dr. ARUN V J
May 123 min read


DRD 30: How to Beat Procrastination: A Science-Backed Guide
Procrastination isn’t about time management—it’s about emotion management. The key is to start before you feel ready.
As I’ve found, the 2-minute rule and reducing friction make a huge difference. Once you take the first step, the rest follows.
So next time you feel like delaying, ask yourself: “Can I just do 2 minutes?” You’ll be surprised how often that turns into 30 minutes… or more.

Dr. ARUN V J
May 54 min read


DRD 29: Mind Mapping: A Game-Changing Study Tool for Doctors
Mind mapping is more than a tool — it’s a mindset. For doctors juggling clinical duties, endless reading, and rapid decision-making, mind maps can be your cognitive scaffold.
They don’t just help you learn; they help you think better.

Dr. ARUN V J
Apr 283 min read


DRD 28: Spaced Repetition in Medical Learning: The Secret Tool for Productivity and Long-Term Retention
Spaced repetition is a game-changer, especially in the demanding world of medicine. It’s not magic, but a scientifically-backed, practical strategy to stay sharp without burning out.
It helps you make the most of your time, boosts your productivity, and ensures that you’re not just cramming for the next exam—but building a solid foundation for lifelong clinical excellence.

Dr. ARUN V J
Apr 164 min read


DRD 27: Deep Work for Doctors and students – How to Achieve Focused Productivity in a Chaotic Environment
The best diagnosticians, surgeons, and researchers aren’t just smart—they’ve mastered the art of sustained, distraction-free focus.
For medical students, deep work means faster learning, better retention, and higher exam scores.

Dr. ARUN V J
Apr 113 min read
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