You don’t need a fancy degree to get the most out of your reading. But learning even a little bit more about literature will enhance every book you read for the rest of your life. Yes, even those paperbacks they sell at the airport. Take the opening page of a novel. That first page—or even […]
A Mother’s Worst Nightmare
In 1948, a striking black-and-white photograph ran in a newspaper. A group of small children sat under a sign: “4 children for sale.” Their mother cried into her hands in the background. The picture was taken in Chicago. Some claim it was staged. At least two of the children have come forward to say that […]
How to Invest in These Volatile Times
The last few weeks have been yet another reminder that the world is changing very quickly. While these changes may feel new to us, students of history know that certain patterns crop up as empires rise and fall. History repeats itself. And when we study these patterns, it becomes possible to predict with more accuracy […]
How to Toughen Up
Every day you live and breathe is proof that you’re unstoppable. Your tenaciousness is a matter of fact, so you may as well believe it. You don’t have to feel emotionally bulletproof every day. We all have moments of weakness. But the evidence that you made it through yesterday strongly suggests that you’ll endure tomorrow. […]
How to Learn a Language in Three Months
Learning a new language is easier than you think, but old-fashioned methods like memorizing vocabulary lists aren’t going to cut it. Here’s the secret: get your head out of the books and start speaking to real people as soon as possible. The goal here is to spend more time speaking the language rather than studying […]
Cut Yourself Some Slack
Are you your own worst enemy? Your inner voice can be a harsh critic, comparing yourself to others and making you feel bad about yourself. When you beat up on yourself too often, it can have terrible long-term effects, sapping your happiness, self-confidence, and self-esteem. To cut down on self-criticism, start by reflecting on past […]
The Secret to Investing in Short-Term Rentals
Money matters are emotional because they’re tied to some of our most deeply held fears and aspirations. But if you want to be a successful investor, you must learn to put those feelings aside when it’s time to make a big decision. This rule is especially important when you’re investing in short-term rental and vacation […]
Raise Your Emotional IQ
With war in the headlines (again), we’re reminded that, at its worst, modern life can feel gray and hopeless. Hopelessness is an emotion that’s caused by difficult life events that are out of your control. But hope is an entirely different animal. In fact, hope isn’t an emotion at all. It’s a way of thinking. […]
A Data-Based Approach to Weight Control
Do you dread stepping on the scale to check your weight? It’s time to adjust your mindset. Your weight is just a data point—a simple, straightforward update on how your daily eating habits are affecting your body. While some experts recommend relatively infrequent weigh-ins (such as once a week), others think daily feedback is better. […]
How to Mix Things Up
Companies like Facebook, Google, and Twitter are constantly harvesting your data in the name of improving their offerings. But did you know that, if you use their services frequently, they are also likely performing experiments on you? It’s all part of smart experimentation in the age of Big Data. Companies in the 21st century have learned […]
