Mysteries of the Mind – February 2012
“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will spend its whole life believing that it is stupid.” -Albert Einstein
Welcome to February’s “Mysteries of the Mind” monthly newsletter!
A recent study by professor of medicine Donald Redelmeier at the University of Toronto in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that Oscar winners live nearly four years longer than nominees.
And multiple winners, he says, live an average of six years longer. This echoes broader findings that suggest rich people live longer.
The study claims that the elevated social standing that goes along with getting an Oscar is what may contribute to a longer life. Researchers believe that most Oscar winners live longer because they have an increased level of control over their work and therefore, they’re less stressed. (The most common cause of death among all performers was heart disease.)
Winning directors exceed the aforementioned 4 years of actors and live on average 4.5 years longer than nominated directors.
“Once you’ve got that statuette on your mantel place, it’s an uncontested sign of peer approval that nobody can take away from you, so that any subsequent harsh reviews, it leaves you more resilient,” Redelmeier said. “It doesn’t quite get under your skin. The normal stresses and strains of everyday life do not drag you down.“
Perhaps Oscar winners feel pressure to preserve their image, which could lead to healthier behavior. Oscar winners are also likely to benefit from managers, trainers,personal chefs, and other support staff that help them live a healthy lifestyle. The researchers conclude, “The main implication is that higher status may be linked to lower mortality rates even at very impressive levels of achievement.“
However, my writer friends are the ones who should really be concerned about too much success,Oscar-winning screenwriters usually live 3.6 years less than screenwriters who were just nominated. One possible reason is the different type of lifestyle required for writing screenplays. In other words, while actors spend time working out and eating well, writers are often hunched over their computers pounding out words.
Fascinating findings. I believe, however, that there are many things that we can do with attitude, consciousness and action to create the same benefits of winning an Oscar without actually having to have one of those gold guys on the shelf. Take action today to see yourself as a winner without having to have the approval of others and you will live a longer life because of it!
-Paul
“I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.“
-Michael Jordan
Acknowledge your personal Genius! Life is about the journey and every day is a gift.
Thank you for being my friend.
Your friend,
-Paul Draper
paul@mentalmysteries.com
801-541-2976
Websites:
www.MentalMysteries.com
www.MentalMystery.com (agent friendly site)
www.helpinghospitalsheal.com
“It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell.“
– Buddha
The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore (2011)
As a book lover and classic film buff, this is one that I just need to share.
At Sunday’s Academy Awards it seemed that looking back paid off big as two different homages to silent cinema, The Artist and Hugo, earned five Oscars a piece. Yet these were not the night’s only Oscar-honored tributes to silent film -just the longest. In the often overlooked category of Best Animated Short Film, it was the whimsically titled The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore that explored the possibilities of dialogue-free storytelling to come out on top. Watch for the fun Buster Keaton references.
Success at the Magic Castle!
The Magic Castle is now showcasing my poster in the Gallerie d’ Arte between the dining room and the Palace of Mystery in Hollywood, California.
To get to this moment, it took an amazing number of creative people. Nathan Meier directed the photo, Dave Tada took the photo and edited it, R. Black drew the image and created the concept, everyone on my Facebook page and in my creative group added insight and suggestions that lead to the final design, Norm Nielsen printed the artwork on canvas, Tracy Quattrin framed it, Paula Draper and Shahene Pezeshki provided the funds for the poster production, Jack Goldfinger booked me and Milt Larsen hung it at the Castle. Wow. It takes many creative people to make something good happen. I am so very blessed with the amazing people in my life, you included!
Paul Draper Mysteries of the Mind
Now available: “Mysteries of the Mind” Canvas Giclees
Printed in Color with UV inks on museum quality matte canvas.
The price for a 22″ x 34″ is $150
The price for an 11″ x 17″ is $50
