Najih's Blog

We all face stress. Whether it’s a looming deadline, a financial crisis, or a life-threatening emergency, the external trigger might be the same — but how we react varies wildly. Some people shake, panic, or shut down. Others stay focused, even calm. So what separates the two? Why do some people break while others barely flinch? Here’s what psychology, evolutionary behavior, and science tell us about how humans process stress — and why your reaction isn’t just about “mental toughness.” The Stress Response Is Universal — But Its Expression Is Not What Science Says Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, launching a biological chain reaction: adrenaline spikes, heart rate jumps, blood flow redirects. This is the fight-or-flight response, and it’s baked into all of us. But here’s the key: while the mechanism is shared, the threshold and output are not. In other words, we all have the same internal buttons — but how easily they’re pressed, and how loud the alarm rings, depends on ...

“Everyone is craving dominion. Once you serve dominion to everyone around you in a controlled dose, everyone will be fine with you.” This may sound Machiavellian—but behind this insight lies a deep truth rooted in psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral science. In workplaces, friendships, families—even in fleeting social interactions—people subtly (or overtly) crave control, recognition, and influence. In other words, dominion. When people feel powerless or overlooked, they resist, resent, or rebel. But when they are seen, heard, and given even a small sense of power, the social fabric stays intact. Let’s explore the science behind this. 🔹  The Psychology of Power: A Basic Human Drive From Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, we know that once basic needs are met, humans yearn for esteem and self-actualization. Esteem includes respect, recognition, and status—essentially, a sense of personal dominion. David McClelland’s Theory of Needs adds more structure. He identified three co...

In the world of business, strategy is key to achieving long-term success. One of the most well-known frameworks for understanding business strategy comes from Michael Porter, a renowned economist and professor at Harvard Business School. His “Generic Strategies” offer businesses a clear path to gaining a competitive advantage in their industry. Whether you’re running a startup or managing a multinational corporation, Porter’s strategies can help you identify how to differentiate your business in a crowded market. The Three Generic Strategies Porter identified three basic strategies that companies can use to gain a competitive edge: 1. Cost Leadership Strategy Objective: Become the lowest-cost producer in the industry. How it Works: A company pursues cost leadership by producing goods or services at a lower cost than competitors while maintaining acceptable quality. This often involves achieving economies of scale, streamlining operations, or negotiating lower input costs. Benefits: Com...

Stephen Hawking ( 1942–2018) was an extraordinary British theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and best-selling author whose pioneering work reshaped our understanding of the universe. Born on January 8, 1942, in Oxford, England, he became one of the most influential scientists of the 20th and 21st centuries, despite facing significant personal challenges. Hawking is widely known for his groundbreaking research on black holes and cosmology. His revolutionary theory of Hawking radiation—which proposed that black holes emit radiation and eventually evaporate—was a monumental breakthrough in linking quantum mechanics with general relativity. his discovery continues to shape scientific research on the origins and evolution of the universe. At just 21 years old, Hawking was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Despite being given a short life expectancy, he lived for more than five decades, making extraordinary contributions to science while...

In the heart of a bustling city lived a young woman named Maya, whose life seemed to be a series of unpredictable events. She had heard about the Black Swan theory, the idea that rare and unexpected occurrences could have a significant impact, but she never truly grasped its relevance until she experienced it firsthand. Maya worked diligently at her job, navigating through the daily grind with determination and resilience. Yet, despite her best efforts, she often found herself facing unexpected challenges and setbacks. Each time, she would pick herself up, dust off the disappointment, and forge ahead. One day, as Maya was rushing to catch a train, she stumbled upon an old bookstore tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. Intrigued, she stepped inside and was immediately captivated by the musty scent of old books and the cozy atmosphere. Little did she know, this chance encounter would change the course of her life. Among the shelves of books, Maya stumbled upon a dusty volume titled...

In the dimly lit office of Dr. Evelyn Brooks, a seasoned psychoanalyst, sat a troubled young woman named Sarah. With furrowed brows and a trembling voice, Sarah recounted her recent experiences of paranoia and distrust towards her colleagues at work. Dr. Brooks listened intently, her pen poised over her notepad as she delved into the depths of Sarah's psyche. As Sarah spoke, Dr. Brooks detected a recurring theme: projection. Over the course of several sessions, Dr. Brooks guided Sarah through the intricacies of projection, explaining how it was a defense mechanism in which individuals unconsciously attribute their own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or impulses onto others. Sarah began to realize that her distrust towards her colleagues stemmed from her own insecurities and fears of inadequacy. Through guided introspection and analysis, Sarah slowly peeled back the layers of her subconscious, uncovering suppressed emotions and unresolved conflicts. As she confronted her inner demo...