Hello, and welcome to The Measured Word. I'm genuinely glad you're here. Your arrival suggests you're tired of the easy answers and are ready for a more interesting set of questions.
My name is Dr. Tom Kane. I'm a biochemist by trade and a student of the human condition by necessity. For years, I've observed a massive gap between the world of neuroscience and the world of "self-improvement." One is filled with rigorous, powerful truths; the other is often filled with well-intentioned fluff.
This newsletter is my attempt to bridge that gap.
Our Mission Here is Simple:
We deconstruct the human mind, one molecule and one mental model at a time. We replace platitudes with pathways, and wishful thinking with workable science.
Think of this as your owner's manual for the most complex machine you'll ever operate.
Your "Operating System" Starter Kit
The archives will grow, but the principles are foundational. To get you started, I’ve selected three cornerstone articles that represent the three core pillars of our work here.
Pillar 1: The Science of Focus
Read: Your Brain Is Not a Computer. It's a Drunken Monkey with a Spotlight.
This piece dismantles the myths of willpower and multitasking, and gives you a more accurate—and useful—model for how your attention actually works.
Pillar 2: The Biochemistry of Resilience
Read: Your Feelings Are Not Your Fault, But They Are Your Responsibility.
This is our foundational guide to emotional regulation. We explore the "Two-Dart Theory" and provide a no-nonsense protocol for managing your brain's primal stress response.
Pillar 3: The Mechanics of Habit
Here, we ditch the idea of "grinding it out" and learn how to become a choice architect, designing systems that make good habits inevitable and bad habits a hassle.
What to Expect
You can expect a new, deeply-researched post from me every week. The style will be witty, direct, and always grounded in science.
If this sounds like your kind of intellectual sparring, the best way to ensure you don't miss a thing is to subscribe. It's free, and it's the start of a fascinating conversation.
Thank you for joining. The lab is now open.
All the best,
Dr. Tom Kane