Description: Brief essay on the benefits of focused pratice and the idea that differences between expert performers and normal adults reflect a long-life persistence of deliberate effort to improve performance.

Description: Adapted from Chapter 1 of the book "Awake at Work" by Michael Carroll, the article discusses the ongoing dilemma the actuary faces in determining the appropriate amount of effort and analysis to put into a given actuarial assignment being juggled with several competing priorities.

Description: The author describes the Society of Actuaries’ Competency Framework [CF], and discusses how actuaries can benefit from using the CF Self-Assessment Tool, which measures your skill level for each of the eight competencies. At the end of the assessment, a PDF file is generated that graphically shows your results along with all the supporting detail. From ‘The Stepping Stone’ issue number 43.

Description: Article describes the importance of reading, following, and commenting on ASOPs

Description: This article provides a description, definition and protocol to increase resilience, the ability to bounce back from adversities, large and small.

Description: Third installment in a series of articles applying Buddhist principles to the challenges that actuaries face in applying their craft. The themes are adapted from the book "Awake at Work", by Michael Carroll. This particular installment covers the concept of "li" to the compliance aspects of an actuary's work, moving beyond minimum or literal compliance to a work product that provides multiple uses and meets a much higher standard

Description: The article covers 6 actions that leaders can do to cut down on over-load, remove stress and keep targeted on priority items. Reducing multi-tasking is key.

Description: Fourth installment in an ongoing series of articles adapted from Michael Carroll's "Awake at Work", applying Buddhist principles to the challenges faced by actuaries. This installment examines the often chaotic work circumstances faced by actuaries and encourages the reader to see such situations as opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Description: The author describes his recent experience taking in only water and vegetable juice for 2 days and translating his lessons to actuarial practice.