Goals and motivation
The self
idea
What makes some of us crave self-insight more than others?
Some people have a powerful desire to understand themselves, but their path to self-knowledge is rarely straightforward
by Christoph Heine
Learning and education
idea
The ‘secret strategy’ that could boost your ability to learn
It may sound illogical, but growing evidence shows the benefits of testing yourself before you start learning new material
by Ajdina Halilovic
Goals and motivation
guide
How to do mental time travel
Feeling overwhelmed by the present moment? Find a connection to the longer view and a wiser perspective on what matters
by Richard Fisher
Dance
film
Nigeria’s first ballet school brings tutus and joy to the streets of Lagos
Directed by Jacob Krupnick
Goals and motivation
idea
How temptation works, and why it nearly stopped me writing this
Temptation can be sneaky – a rationalising voice that subtly undermines your resolve. But there are ways to outsmart it
by John Schwenkler
Freedom and choice
idea
Why Charlie Chaplin was an ‘angel of peace’ for Walter Benjamin
Though a tramp and a misfit, Chaplin’s world fit him like a glove. His life of contingency appealed to the émigré Benjamin
by Eli Friedlander
Cognitive and behavioural therapies
guide
How to stop living on auto-pilot
Are you going through the motions? Use these therapy techniques to set meaningful goals and build a ‘life worth living’
by Kiki Fehling
Sports and games
film
Passion, agility, invisibility – do you have what it takes to become a ball person?
Directed by Scott Lazer
Goals and motivation
idea
So-called ‘SMART goals’ are a case of style over substance
From fitness to finance, the SMART goal-setting method is ubiquitous, but often detrimental. There are better approaches
by Christian Swann
Goals and motivation
idea
Eight ways to give yourself a pep talk when you feel stuck
All of us could do with more words of encouragement and perspective, and they don’t need to come from another person
by Rachel Goldsmith Turow
Sports and games
guide
How to be a better loser
As a competitor, you can’t avoid the hurt of losing. But you can learn ways to bounce back stronger and more motivated
by Blakely Low-Scott
Sports and games
film
With a hushed intensity, Tuvsho finds her place in the sumo ring
Directed by George Thomson and Lukas Schrank