Today was about introspection and reflecting on how mental patterns influence productivity and cybersecurity practices. I’ve been examining concepts like cognitive diffusion, perfectionism, and the psychological underpinnings of my approach to work and learning.
The “Trying to Figure It Out” Loop
A concept I’ve coined recently, “trying to figure it out,” encapsulates a mental habit of incessantly problem-solving, whether reflecting on past mistakes, conceptualizing ideas, or resolving anxieties. It’s a process rooted in the need to control or resolve feelings of uncertainty.
For example:
- A past interaction might resurface, prompting me to strategize ways to “fix” that insecurity.
- A fleeting idea could compel me to build a full plan, even if it never leaves my notebook.
Today, I recognized the power of pausing. Rather than diving into resolution mode last night, I waited until the morning to revisit my thoughts. That act of restraint, choosing intentionality over immediate reaction, felt like progress.
Cognitive Diffusion: Separating Thoughts from Identity
Cognitive diffusion is about creating distance between ourselves and our thoughts. It’s a reminder that thoughts are events in the mind, not absolute truths. By observing them without immediate reaction, I can make space for more deliberate decisions.
In the context of cybersecurity, this parallels incident response. Observing an event (a potential breach or anomaly) without rushing to conclusions allows for a clearer assessment. It’s the difference between reacting impulsively and responding thoughtfully.
Perfectionism and the Need for Mastery
Perfectionism, for me, often comes from a place of insecurity. I might reflect on a past moment, something I said or did, and feel compelled to “transcend” that perceived shortcoming through relentless self-improvement. While this drive can be a strength, it’s also a double-edged sword, amplifying self-criticism.
This is particularly relevant in cybersecurity, where the pressure to “know everything” can be overwhelming. As an Incident Response Analyst, I frequently encounter terms and tools I don’t fully understand, HA, Kubernetes, Docker, frameworks, etc. My instinct is to research immediately, but that can sometimes feel like trying to outrun my own shadow.
Insights from a Conversation with a CISO
A recent conversation with a CISO colleague left me with several gems of wisdom. They emphasized the importance of viewing any situation from a threat actor’s perspective. News, internal processes, and even personal workflows can all be analyzed through this lens. It’s not about knowing every tool or concept but understanding how to approach and prioritize threats within your environment.
This conversation reminded me that growth isn’t linear. Asking questions and admitting gaps in knowledge isn’t a sign of incompetence, it’s a strategy for improvement.
Gamifying the Mind and Productivity
I’ve also been reflecting on how gamification could apply to life and learning. If my mind is a database that can grow and expand even as other faculties decline, how can I optimize it? Concepts like meta-cognition (understanding my own thought processes), systems thinking (navigating complexity), and adaptability (thriving amidst change) feel essential for both personal and professional growth.
Exploring Cybersecurity Trends
Here are some articles that resonated today:
- Growing Enterprise Data and Cybersecurity Risk: A reminder of how expanding digital footprints amplify vulnerabilities.
- Generative AI in Red Team Operations: Exploring how AI can enhance offensive security strategies.
- AI, Python, and Cybersecurity: Highlighting how AI can serve as a gateway to innovation in the field.
Moving Forward
My focus remains on balancing technical growth with psychological well-being. By leveraging cognitive strategies like diffusion and approaching challenges through a systems-thinking lens, I hope to align my personal development with the dynamic demands of cybersecurity. The journey isn’t about perfection but progress, and I’m learning to embrace that.
