It’s natural to label emotions as good and bad. But joy and anger are just feelings. One is pleasant and the other is not, but both will pass eventually. It may be more helpful to look at your emotions as a series of shifting urges and sensations without categories. That’s because labeling an emotion as […]
Learn to Ask the Right Questions
When we were kids, we happily asked any question that popped into our heads. But as we grew older, we stopped asking questions in order to hide our ignorance. When did we become so fearful of asking silly questions, or wrong questions, or annoying questions? This avoidance has high costs, particularly when we refuse to […]
How to Start the Day Right
Everything we do is influenced by our emotions. We can’t always control how we feel, but we can choose the emotions we wish to focus on—or ignore. Start by selecting five emotions you want to focus on for the rest of the day. This core collection of emotions should be positive and affirming. That doesn’t mean […]
How To Do Almost Anything
Did you know that your brain is capable of learning new things without ever having to experience them firsthand? This is the magic of visualization, which you can use to prepare for any challenge. Neurologically speaking, actions and thoughts have the same effect on your brain and its neurotransmitters. This means that practicing something in […]
Does Being a Genius Mean Being a Jerk?
A genius is easy to love in theory. But the truth is that some of our greatest minds were less-than-great people. Many of the geniuses we celebrate today were self-centered and obsessive, or even downright abusive. Sure, there are exceptions to the rule. Marie Curie and Leonardo da Vinci were considered exemplary human beings. But […]
Dump Your Emotional Baggage
Emotions can get trapped in our subconscious mind after unsettling events, leading to physical and mental discomfort. How can we learn to let go? Bradley Nelson, a “medical intuitive” who specializes in energy psychology and healing, believes that emotions are energy vibrations produced by the body. When they’re working for us, emotions can inspire, guide […]
Why Fear is so Useful
Fear is like a wild horse; if you learn how to control it, you can use its power to your benefit. In order to tame your fear, first you need to reframe your attitude. Try to be pleasant, welcoming, trustful, and even affectionate toward it, like you would treat an old friend. This isn’t just […]
How to Push Through Anything
Grieving is a natural process, which means the only way out is through. Losing a loved one touches everything in your life. But many cultures treat it as a problem that has a quick fix. Instead of pretending like you’re not in pain, treat your emotional wound as something that needs tending. Your inner life […]
Are You an Imposter?
If you’ve ever felt that you’re unworthy of your success, your friendships, or your family, you’re likely struggling with imposter syndrome. Feelings are important, but they aren’t always accurate. And they have a way of shaping the way we see the world, like looking through a distorted lens. As humans, we tend to look for […]
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
Some of us have always struggled to strike up conversations and make good first impressions. And plenty more people felt their social skills erode over the course of the pandemic. Don’t worry: feeling a little nervous around new people is very common, and the easiest way to overcome it is just accepting the discomfort, which […]
