About 10 percent of the world’s population lives in extreme poverty. But what may surprise you is that, until somewhat recently, poverty was near universal. Almost everyone in the world was extremely impoverished, except for a lucky few. So what happened? Starting around 1820, population and economic growth accelerated dramatically. This expansion happened all over […]
Are You Underestimating Yourself?
The cult of genius tells us to celebrate the heroes of the past for their unique qualities. But what if we looked at them as role models, more than special cases? Even regular folks have an incredible potential for greatness. That’s been one of the big lessons of psychological research in the 21st century. Modern […]
How We Define Addiction
Addiction has genetic, medical, environmental, and emotional roots. That last category — how we feel and what our personality is like — often goes unexamined, but it can be a powerful predictor of who will succumb. People who have a hard time managing big emotions may experience a powerful need to seek outside sources of […]
Don’t Do All the Work
Entrepreneurs are famous for working too hard. They stay up late, work through holidays and weekends, neglect their families, and cancel plans with friends. In many circles, these terrible habits are regarded as part and parcel of getting a successful business off the ground. But what if things could be different? Instead of sacrificing your […]
The Surprising Truth About Nice Guys
You’re never going to get what you want in life when you’re trying too hard to be nice. That’s the view of Dr. Robert A. Glover, who says that “Nice Guy Syndrome” is ruining the lives and relationships of too many modern men. Nice Guy Syndrome isn’t about regular kindness (which is always appreciated). It’s […]
Don’t Overlook This Easy Upgrade
Look around. Is this environment supporting your best life? Switching up your surroundings can boost your mood, productivity levels, and general sense of well-being. But we often take our spaces for granted, when we should cultivate them consciously. Research shows that our environments at home and work influence our quality of sleep, the way we […]
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 […]
