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The Cross-Examined Life

A lawyer explores the roots of personal growth, success, and other stuff.

Career
Learn First, Plan Later: Drafting a Useful Five-Year Plan

Dwayne Allen Thomas on January 23, 2024

We're often advised to plan our careers before we know much about the field we're working in. There are several reasons we should step back before starting to plan.

We're often advised to plan our careers before we know much about the field we're working in. There are several reasons we should step back before starting to plan.

Trust
Reaching the Student, Not the Stereotype

Dwayne Allen Thomas on June 20, 2021

What happens when both teacher and student believe in a negative stereotype about a group a student belongs to? A change in focus can go a long way.

What happens when both teacher and student believe in a negative stereotype about a group a student belongs to? A change in focus can go a long way.

Growth Mindset
How to Beat Any Test

Dwayne Allen Thomas on March 26, 2021

Lessons learned from studying for two bar exams can help students study for tests at any level of education.

Lessons learned from studying for two bar exams can help students study for tests at any level of education.

Relationships
Why Relationships Rule Vaccination Rates

Dwayne Allen Thomas on February 16, 2021

Why have a greater proportion of nursing home residents than nursing home staff received the COVID-19 vaccine? Part of the answer lies in who you have confidence in.

Why have a greater proportion of nursing home residents than nursing home staff received the COVID-19 vaccine? Part of the answer lies in who you have confidence in.

Career
Revisiting the Road Not Taken

Dwayne Allen Thomas on October 8, 2020

Sometimes busy schedules force us to drop a hobby or interest we'd like to keep in our life. Here's a quick tip on how bring those interests back.

Sometimes busy schedules force us to drop a hobby or interest we'd like to keep in our life. Here's a quick tip on how bring those interests back.

Dunning-Kruger Effect
Overcoming Ignorance Isn't Bliss

Dwayne Allen Thomas on November 19, 2019

Have you ever tried to teach someone something just to have them tell you that you were wrong? Psychological phenomena may have gotten in the way.

Have you ever tried to teach someone something just to have them tell you that you were wrong? Psychological phenomena may have gotten in the way.