LONDON - The leading smart contract platform is currently grappling with significant scalability issues, as highlighted by Crypto Rand, a respected voice in the cryptocurrency community. Ethereum's high transaction fees, which can average close to $5, are posing a substantial barrier to the broader adoption and efficiency of decentralized applications (dApps).

In stark contrast, Layer 2 solutions such as Optimism are emerging as viable alternatives by offering significantly lower transaction costs, sometimes even below $0.01. These solutions are designed to enhance the Ethereum network by providing faster processing times and reduced fees, all while ensuring compatibility with the existing Ethereum ecosystem.

Despite the hurdles presented by higher fees, Ethereum continues to hold its ground as the preeminent platform for smart contracts. Its sustained position is largely attributed to the strong network effect it has cultivated over time and the vibrant community of developers dedicated to its growth and improvement.

Layer 2 platforms like Optimism are not just complementary technologies but are increasingly seen as critical for the evolution of Ethereum. They are poised to play a pivotal role in resolving the scalability challenges, enabling Ethereum to maintain its leadership in the space by aligning cost and performance with user expectations and the demands of an expanding dApp marketplace.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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Ethereum faces scalability hurdles as high fees challenge dApp adoption By Investing.com - Investing.com

Shell Token Launch On January 22, 2024, Arbitrum-based DeFi protocol Shell launched its long-awaited SHELL governance token. Airdrop recipients can check their eligibility through the Shell app. Once claimed, SHELL tokens can be staked to generate yield. ...

On January 22, 2024, Arbitrum-based DeFi protocol Shell launched its long-awaited SHELL governance token. Airdrop recipients can check their eligibility through the Shell app. Once claimed, SHELL tokens can be staked to generate yield. Staked tokens grant voting power in the Shell DAO, which governs the protocol.

Shell aims to unify DeFi with a single swap interface for NFTs and one-to-many swaps across every major protocol. The protocol was built by a Hawaii-based DeFi development team, and has grown to a user base of 45,000.

Shell is a longtime DeFi protocol, created in 2020 by Cowri Labs. Cowri is helmed by chief economist and founder Kenny White. In 2021, Shell v2 became one of the first Arbitrum-native DEXs, launching with a novel smart contract design for swaps.

With Shell v3, developers at Cowri Labs hope to combine their unique technology with the massive liquidity of major projects like Uniswap and OpenSea, delivering a unified DeFi experience in a single app. It's the first real omni dapp, says Cowri Labs head of developer relations Petar Popovic, the app where you can do everything. That's the goal.

At launch, Shell v3 supports Balancer and Curve pools, allowing users to trade tokens and NFTs through multiple protocols from within the Shell app. Unlike aggregators, Shell v3 also allows users to manage LP positions across all supported protocols.

White hopes that Shell v3 will combine the best features of DEX aggregator 1inch and data aggregator DeFi Llama, becoming a place where people come to trade and explore the DeFi ecosystem. Shell v2 benefitted from an impressive UI and contract design, but nevertheless struggled to offer competitive swap rates in the face of older protocols with much larger TVL. Consequently, Shell v2 users had to choose between staying within the Shell app or hunting for better rates.

Shell v3 aims to solve this dilemma by integrating all major pools across all protocols with the Shell contracts and app. To start, the Cowri team is focusing on Arbitrum, but with the launch of the DAO the future will be shaped by community vote.

One big change with Shell v3 is a de-emphasis on native protocol TVL. Since Shell now serves to connect external pools, the Cowri team feels volume is the key to success. One major responsibility of the DAO is control over the protocol unwrap fee, which is currently set to zero but may be activated in the future to generate DAO revenue.

The total SHELL token supply is 200 million, unlocked every block after token launch through two-year linear vesting. 40 million have been allocated to users who contributed to the protocol over the past four years.

80 million tokens are split across the Cowri Labs core team, Cowri Labs itself, protocol contributors, and Cowri Labs investors such as BlueYard. 80 million are in the newly-formed DAO treasury, fully under the control of DAO members.

Tokens are not available in full upon claiming the airdrop. All investors, core team members, and airdrop recipients will unlock their SHELL on a block-by-block two-year linear vesting schedule.

The vesting system uses tradeable vesting NFTs from Sablier. From launch, the NFTs can be bought and sold via NFT marketplaces. Shell is also building a vesting stream AMM to allow instant in-app buying and selling of vesting NFTs. This AMM is expected to launch later in Q1 2024.

The SHELL token is currently trading through the Shell app. As for Cowri Labs, the team is already planning future integrations, with Uniswap and Aave on the near horizon.

Website: http://www.shellprotocol.io App: https://app.shellprotocol.io/trade Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShellProtocol Discord: https://discord.gg/shellprotocol Telegram: https://t.me/shellprotocol GitHub: https://github.com/shell-protocol

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DeFi Unifier Shell Protocol Launches Token, Staking, and Arbitrum Airdrop - The Defiant - DeFi News

Why Belonging Is The Key To Authentic Leadership  Forbes

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Why Belonging Is The Key To Authentic Leadership - Forbes

Shakespeare and Aristotle had it right all along: Self-awareness is where its at (To thine own self be true and Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom, respectively, were the OG #inspo). What exactly is being the most authentic, best version of you anyway? Your best self is where you experience the highest level of growth in your character, you operate in your unique gifts and skills, and you use those things to impact the world around you in a positive way, explained Dr. Josh Axe, doctor of natural medicine and clinical nutritionistand best-selling author. As if we needed more incentive to find our true north, studieshave found that identifying with the concept of true self leads to a stronger sense of well-being and purpose.

It sounds easy enough to achieve in theory, but we all have mental hang-ups that get in the way of realizing our fullest potential and becoming our best selves. The good news is you can overcome these obstacles with toolswhat Dr. Axe calls mindshiftswhich will help elevate your thinking so you can live authentically. Whether you want to gain physical, mental, or financial health, improve the quality of your relationships, or level up your career, shifting your mindset will give you the boost you need to transform your life by reshaping your beliefs. Ahead, four common mental blocks that may be stopping you from tapping into best-self energy and the mindshift Dr. Axe recommends for each one.

No matter where your preconceived notions were formedyour upbringing, education, past experiences, relationships, society, mediathey make a difference in whether you run the marathon or quit before you even begin, are part of a loving relationship or find dating hopeless, or discover your passion or remain stuck at a dead-end job. As Dr. Axe explains, your beliefs may be the single greatest determining factor of what your future will look like. Beliefs are so strong that false beliefs (I am not smart) can overpower what is actually true (I can learn), Dr. Axe explained. When left unchallenged, limiting beliefs will keep you from becoming the person you were born to be.

Thats where flipping the script, or in his words, unlimiting your beliefs, comes in. A limiting belief about the self (such as I cant) literally limits us, telling us whats not possible. So, an unlimiting belief (I can) tells us what is possible. To identify beliefs, you need to switch from limited to unlimited and ask what false narratives have kept you from chasing your dreams or being the best version of yourself. Try unlimiting any negative beliefs that have become the soundtrack of your life with affirmations, journaling, or visualization. The more you practice turning those I cants into I cans, the more itll become second nature.

We all strive to be successful, but were so focused on the end goal that we dont acknowledge or enjoy the journey and what we pick up along the way. An accomplishing mindset associates success with the accumulation of achievements or possessions, Dr. Axe conveyed. Our success isnt about what we accomplish, its about who we become. Instead of fixating on our to-do lists, we should be creating to-be lists instead. Our goal should be becoming the greatest versions of ourselves in character and skill and using those to bless others. True success is about maximizing your unique skills for the greater good.

So, how do we adopt a becoming mindset? According to Dr. Axe, it takes developing good character and healthy relationships. Heres a foolproof formula: Follow through on your promises, treat everyone kindly, reflect on whether your actions align with your future best self, nurture meaningful connections by spending quality time and practicing open communication, and set and respect boundaries. In other words, focus less on what you want to accomplish and more on who you want to be.

Between limiting beliefs, endless mind chatter, comparisons on social media, and the everyday pressures of work andrelationships, its no wonder we get stuck in ruts. But when we are mindful of our actionsfrom how we spend our time to who we spend our time withwe can realize our purpose and potential. When you are self-aware, you are mindful of what is happening to you and in you, rather than letting it consume and overwhelm you, Dr. Axe expressed. You can recognize your blind spots, your weaknesses, and areas needing improvement. Self-awareness allows you to discover where you are now so you can get to where you truly want to be. Start practicing this mindfulness by learning how to pause (think: taking a walk, doing breathing exercises, saying affirmations), reflecting on who you are today and who you want to be, incorporating regular and consistent movement, and expressing gratitude.

Your why, or your purpose in life, is going to look different than your BFFs or your S.O.s, but it will be the missions, passions, or dreams that make you excited to wake up every day. Dr. Axe believes that each of us has multiple purposes. The point is that finding a passion or mission that you connect deeply to allows you to feel like your life has value, meaning, and a specific purpose. When you live life with purpose, you adjust your lifestyle choices and behaviors to align with it (AKA best-self energy).

Unsure what your purpose is? Think about what lights a fire under you, what leaves you wanting more, and what are your greatest strengths. Put pen to paper to self-reflect, work through your thoughts, and explore your feelings, or visualize your future self and what youd be doing by creating a vision board. At the end of the day, the purpose of being your best self is to live your purpose, so start with your why and your best self will follow.

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Mental Blocks to Overcome to Be Your Best Self - The Everygirl

Going through a divorce can be tough for anyone. People handle it in their own ways, and it's interesting to see how each zodiac sign deals with it. Let's take a look at how they approach this challenging time. Aries people are strong and independent. When they face a divorce, they tackle it head-on. They use the experience to grow and make positive changes in their lives. Taurus are practical and down-to-earth. While they may struggle initially, they slowly rebuild their lives by focusing on stability and creating a secure foundation. Geminis are adaptable and good at communicating. They handle divorce by talking with friends and family. They take the chance to reflect on themselves and start fresh. Cancer individuals are emotional and sensitive. Going through a divorce is hard for them, but they prioritize healing and rely on close relationships for support. Leos are confident and charismatic. They bounce back from divorce by rebuilding their self-esteem and seeking new opportunities to regain control. Virgos are practical and pay attention to details. They go through divorce methodically, analyzing the situation, identifying areas for improvement, and focusing on routines for healing.

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Gemini's healing journey to Libra's diplomatic recovery; How each Zodiac sign handle divorce - Times of India

Jimmy Kimmel has accused Donald Trump of having "no self-awareness whatsoever" in a searing assessment of his comments about the Iowa caucuses.

The Associated Press called the race on Monday soon after the caucuses convened across the state before some sites had even finished making speeches in support of each candidate.

With virtually all votes accounted for, the former president was at 51 percent, 30 points ahead of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in second place, with around 21 percent, and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley at just over 19 percent. Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy received 7.7 percent and dropped out of the race, immediately endorsing Trump.

Trump's success in Iowa has cemented his place early on as the clear favorite to clinch the GOP presidential nomination.

Speaking about the Iowa caucuses on Jimmy Kimmel Live! the following day, the host quipped that Trump won "tiny handedly," a reference to a long-running insult about the size of the former president's hands.

"Even though he barely spent any time in Iowa, he somehow made voters love him more," Kimmel, a frequent Trump critic, went on. "It's the same strategy he used raising [his sons] Eric and Don Jr."

Kimmel then played a clip of Trump speaking at a rally in Indianola, Iowa, where the former president spoke about the value of the state's caucuses.

"These caucuses are your personal chance to score the ultimate victory over all of the liars, cheaters, thugs, perverts, frauds, crooks, freaks, creeps and other quite nice people," Trump told his supporters.

"It's like he's reading his own LinkedIn rsum," Kimmel said about Trump. "I mean, seriously. It's no self-awareness whatsoever."

After replaying each of the insults Trump leveled at his detractors, Kimmel concluded: "Yeah, that's him. That's exactly him. That's the guy."

Newsweek has contacted a Trump campaign representative via email for comment.

Trump has long been the GOP front-runner in the polls, which predicted that he would have no trouble winning in Iowa. All eyes will now be on the first-in-the-nation primary vote in New Hampshire on January 23, which is expected to be a closer race, albeit with Trump still considered the leader.

While Trump continues to march forward with his efforts to reclaim the White House, he is facing a raft of legal troubles after being indicted in four criminal cases.

Trump still maintains that he was cheated in the 2020 election after losing to President Joe Biden, despite a lack of any evidence. On January 6, 2021, a violent mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol to try to stop Congress from certifying the states' electoral votes.

Last August, Trump was indicted on four counts by the Department of Justice in connection with his actions before and during the riot: conspiracy to defraud the United States; conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding; obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding; and conspiracy against rights. He has pleaded not guilty and says that the case against him is politically motivated.

Trump also faces legal challenges that seek to remove him from the ballot in several states, with two having already acted to bar his name from primary voters' consideration. The lawsuits argue that Trump is ineligible to run under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which bars officials who have sworn an oath to the U.S. Constitution from holding office if they engage in insurrection.

Maine's secretary of state and Colorado's Supreme Court decided to remove the former president from the 2024 ballot in their primaries.

Trump has maintained that he did not engage in an insurrection and has accused those filing lawsuits against him of election interference. The former president has also filed an appeal against the Colorado decision, which the U.S. Supreme Court said it will take up. Oral arguments are set to begin on February 8.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

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Jimmy Kimmel Calls Out Donald Trump'No Self-Awareness Whatsoever' - Newsweek

In the changing world of EHS, being a leader having emotional intelligence is incredibly valuable. Technical expertise is important but what truly sets good EHS leaders apart is their ability to navigate human relationships and build genuine connections. EHS leaders carry the responsibility of helping protect their organizations and workforce and face a range of challenges from ensuring compliance with regulations to fostering a culture focused on safety. In this high-stakes environment, emotional intelligence plays a more vital role by enabling leaders to establish connections, inspire others and to drive positive change.

Empathy lies at the heart of emotional intelligence. It involves understanding and sharing the emotions of others. Leaders who effectively demonstrate empathy can connect with their employees on a much deeper level by caring about their well-being. This fosters trust and encourages communication as employees feel comfortable sharing concerns or reporting safety issues to leaders who truly have their best interests in mind.

Self-awareness is another aspect of emotional intelligence that forms the foundation for effective leadership. It empowers leaders to understand their strengths and weaknesses and recognize how their actions and decisions impact those around them. Without self-awareness leaders might unknowingly make choices that compromise safety or undermine employee morale. Eleanor Roosevelt, U.S. First Lady, wisely remarked, "You wouldnt worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do". This sentiment relates to EHS leadership since leaders who truly possess positive self-awareness can focus on their responsibilities without concern for validation. This allows them to make decisions that prioritize the safety and well being of their teams.

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Elevating EHS leadership with emotional intelligence - Canadian Occupational Safety

Performing regular breast self-exams (BSE) is a proactive way for individuals to monitor their breast health and potentially detect early signs of breast cancer. It is important to note that while self-exams can be a valuable tool, they are not a substitute for regular mammograms or clinical breast exams conducted by healthcare professionals.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Monika Pansari, HOD and Senior Consultant Surgical Oncology (Breast and Gyneac) at Gleneagles Hospitals in Bengaluru, shared a step-by-step guide on how to perform a breast self-exam -

1. Choose a Regular Time: Perform the self-exam at the same time each month, preferably a few days after your menstrual period ends. For postmenopausal women, choose a specific day each month.

2. Visual Inspection:

3. Raise Your Arms:

4. Feel for Changes while Lying Down:

5. Feel for Changes while Sitting Up:

6. Repeat for the Left Breast:

7. Check the Nipples:

8. Note Any Changes:

Remember, regular breast self-exams should be part of a comprehensive approach to breast health, which includes regular clinical breast exams and mammograms as recommended by your healthcare provider. If you have any concerns or questions, seek professional medical advice.

According to Dr Monika Pansari, regular self-checks of the breast are important for several reasons:

Asserting that self-awareness plays a crucial role in the early detection of breast cancer, Dr Monika Pansari highlighted several aspects of self-awareness that contribute to identifying potential issues at an early stage -

She concluded, It's important to note that while self-checks are valuable, they should be combined with regular clinical breast exams and mammograms as part of a comprehensive approach to breast health. Individuals should discuss their breast health and screening options with their healthcare providers to determine the most appropriate plan for their individual circumstances. In summary, self-awareness is a proactive and empowering aspect of breast health. By actively engaging in self-exams, monitoring changes, understanding risk factors, and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers, individuals contribute significantly to the early detection of breast cancer. Early detection often leads to more effective treatment options and improved outcomes.

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Breast self-examination: How to check for early signs of breast cancer - Hindustan Times

Activate your best tool for self-perfection  Times of India

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Activate your best tool for self-perfection - Times of India

What if you could tap into a part of yourself that held the keys to unlocking your most significant potential, overcoming struggles, and relating better with others? Developing self-awareness allows you to do precisely that in a meaningful way.

Self-awareness provides you with an intimate understanding of what makes you tick. With knowledge of your strengths, growth areas, emotions, drives, and values, you can make choices aligned with your identity. This fuels greater fulfillment and self-actualization.

This article will guide you through:

Follow this roadmap to construct a more crystallized sense of your authentic self. It wont always be comfortable, but leaning into new levels of self-understanding will profoundly change your life.

Self-awareness involves developing a clear personality perspective, including your unique quirks. It relates to objectively understanding your emotions, drivers, strengths, and weaknesses.

The core components of self-awareness include:

Research reveals that people with higher self-awareness form more genuine relationships. They also tend to be more successful leaders and experience greater career satisfaction. Self-awareness appears pivotal for both personal and professional thriving.

Cultivating impactful self-awareness necessitates courage, emotional tolerance, and dismantling the egos defense mechanisms. It further requires cutting through assumptions instilled since childhood to access ones inner truth. The journey can feel intense, yet incredible freedom lies on the other side.

A dedication to self-reflection serves as the nonnegotiable foundation for increasing self-awareness. Unless youre intentionally looking inward, theres little opportunity for unpacking what defines you. Carving out space for regular introspection will allow self-knowledge to develop organically.

Try incorporating the following reflective strategies into your routine:

Schedule 10-30 minutes for your chosen contemplative activity at the same time daily. Consistency lifts the veil and creates momentum in gaining self-awareness.

While self-reflection reveals the what behind your experience, expanding your emotional intelligence spotlights the why. EQ measures your ability to understand, express, and manage emotions effectively.

Heres how EQ connectivity cultivates self-awareness:

There are myriad ways to lift your EQ. Seek books delving into emotions, relationships, and communication for tailor-made tips. Awareness starts with conscious commitment.

While personal effort lays the bedrock for increasing self-awareness, external input catalyzes profound transformation. Feedback verbalizes subtle aspects that you miss or deny about yourself. It accents the hidden and highlights blindspots.

Here are the best practices for integrating constructive criticism:

Yes, the mirror of feedback may sting, illuminating areas where self-improvement is needed. Yet, it also sheds light on strengths to harness. Both ends of this spectrum lead to actualization. Walk confidently beyond discomfort into new levels of self-awareness.

Beyond techniques for intermittent reflection, establishing a continuous mindful presence will nourish self-awareness over time. Mindfulness means sustained, nonjudgemental attention centered on the now. Maintaining receptive awareness allows you to tune into messages from within more clearly.

Try incorporating these mindfulness practices into your day for direct access to inner wisdom:

Regular time with mindful engagement increases understanding of your moment-to-moment experience. Your responses become conscious rather than automated, aligning choices with your values.

Dont be surprised if adversity arises while nurturing self-awareness. Developing a crystalline view of your inner landscape can feel intensely vulnerable. The ego is designed to uphold status quo identity unless overridden.

Common obstacles faced include:

When facing these roadblocks, focus on growth possibilities now available because of increased awareness. Leaning into self-expansion ultimately empowers while protecting rigidity and further limits. Meet yourself where youre at with compassiontiny steps forward, which suffices when the going gets tough.

Lifelong learning is essential for sustaining self-awareness. Conduct consistent check-ins to avoid complacency and backsliding into old patterns. Dedicate time annually for intensive self-reflection and harvesting feedback.

Further, consciously curate new situations which accentuate unseen aspects of your character. These may highlight areas requiring attention. Be willing to learn beyond comfortable boxes housing your identity.

Setting self-awareness goals for your 12-month and 3 to 5-year plan guarantees you stick with long-term positive progression. The exact aspiration depends on your starting point and developmental arc. You are reaching hitherto unknown levels of self-knowing, which promises to be enormously fulfilling.

Embarking on the continuous path toward self-awareness marks a radical commitment to self-honoring. By repeatedly digging beneath the surface, you discover the breadth of who you are beyond limiting labels. You gain agency in crafting your character.

The curriculum promises a challenge interwoven with freedom. While temporarily destabilizing, increased consciousness around your essence allows for moreover authentic living. You become poised to manifest your highest intentional potential. No longer defined by programming, you set the terms of your identity.

Self-awareness is the greatest gift you can give yourself, illuminating all available paths while spotlighting roadblocks. May continual curiosity color your voyage towards expanded self-understanding. Beyond Distraction lies your waiting magnificence.

Sarah felt perpetually stressed and unsatisfied without understanding why. She had achieved outward success as a lawyer but handled internally misaligned. After an anxiety attack, she decided to commit to self-awareness practices radically.

Sarah began journaling before bed, chronicling what she did, felt, and wanted each day. After several months, she noticed a craving for more interpersonal connection, though she had initially feared vulnerability. Sarah also reflected on recurrent feedback that she seemed impatient and aloof.

These discoveries contrasted with Sarahs self-image as independent and emotionally self-sufficient. With compassionate objectivity, she systematically explored her avoidance of intimacy. Mindfulness meditation revealed attachment wounds from childhood lurking under Sarahs autonomous facade.

Owning these hidden parts unlocked deep self-acceptance. Sarah gradually risked sharing her authentic self in social settings, finding folks responded positively. As she continued vocalizing her needs, Sarah built profoundly nourishing friendships. Her anxiety likewise eased with reduced pretense and mindful presence.

Three years in, Sarah feels fully self-expressed yet still keeps learning. Her continuous self-awareness practice remains life-affirming, carving space for whoever she grows into through each phase. There is joy in the journey of actualizing.

There is genius locked inside, longing for expression. Embracing the adventure of self-discovery promises to unveil untapped potential and new freedom. While excising demons that uphold disguise and denial poses challenges, authentic living waits as the reward. Lean into intrigue about the mystery within. Your highest self awaits activation through courage and unrelenting commitment to self-awareness. The choice to know yourself sets you on the most thrilling journey.

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How To Build Self-Awareness That Transforms You - New Trader U