Catalyst Lab: Tiny Sparks. Enduring Insights.
Living above the murky atmosphere of probability
Catalyst [ kat-l-ist ] - A person or thing that precipitates change
Are you looking for a spark? An edge? A catalyst? In the lab, a catalyst is the substance added which initiates or speeds up change, without being used up in the process. In life, the catalyst merges upward aim and forward orientation, providing the spark of hope through a lens of meaning and movement. That is precisely the purpose of The Catalyst Lab: to provide brief, yet lasting insights precipitating lasting, meaningful change.
Our vision is to provide fueling for better. Better work… better play… better lives. And, in the process, help - in some small way - to make this world a better place. Preview #2 of our vision for this resource is provided below. If you see a value, please subscribe (free) and perhaps share with others who would like to join the Catalyst Community.
Explore
“Imagination must propel a person to something higher than the murky atmosphere of probability. Those devoid of imagination live in a sort of trivial compendium of experiences about how things turn out, what things are possible, and what usually happens, losing themselves in the process.”
Soren Kierkegaard penned those words in his 1849 book, Sickness Unto Death. The sickness referenced not a physical death, but a missing out on fully living while still, well, alive. It is a reminder that our life isn’t (doesn’t have to be) simply a trivial compendium of probabilistic outcomes. It is fragmented, relational, and ever unfolding. Our purpose - our meaning in this life - is not found elsewhere but rather realized in activity - engagement, response, encounter, dialogue and relation!
Discover
Did you know… protein recommendations vary by individual? While standard RDA of 0.8 grams/kg of body weight is too low, (Stuart Phillips, PhD, one of world’s top protein researchers) the recent social media-driven excesses can go overboard. Phillips recommends 1.2-1.6 g/kg per day for the general population (adults >65 on top end). For athletes, 1.6 - 2.2 g/kg provides a solid target. This translates to 82-109 g/day for someone weighing 150 lb or 109-145g/day if 200 lb. For athletes/highly active, it converts to 109-150 g (if 150 lbs) and 145 - 200g (if 200 lbs). Easy to find protein content for various foods online. The key is spreading through the day and emphasizing real food vs. the processed alternatives now showing up on our grocery shelves.
Leverage*
We know the importance of quiet surroundings for enhancing sleep. However, with cars, dogs, partners, house creaks, hotel noise when traveling, etc., that’s far easier said than done. As always, we have no sponsorship with this company, but I’ve been using Sleepbuds (originally Bose - now Ozlo) for 5+ years and they are a game changer. Yes - they’re far better than traditional sound machine. Yes - comfortable for side sleeping. Yes - you can hear alarms. If noise is a limiter for your sleep, worth a look.