Goals and motivation

Self-knowledge and personal growth Relationships, work and leisure Values and ethical living

A woman jogging along a paved riverside path with modern buildings and a cloudy sky in the background. She is wearing a grey hoodie, black leggings, and trainers while listening to music on earphones.

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

A woman looking anxious on a subway train

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

A coastal scene with a stone wall on the left, sandy beach below, and calm sea extending to the horizon. The sun is partially obscured by clouds, casting rays over the water. A distant ship is visible on the horizon.

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

Close-up of feet in white trainers near four tennis balls on a blue tennis court, with blurred background of a few people.

Sports and games

film

Passion, agility, invisibility – do you have what it takes to become a ball person?

Directed by Scott Lazer

A woman sits at a cafe at night with a beer and a cigarette

Addiction

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You can want things you don’t like and like things you don’t want

The distinct neurochemistry of wanting and liking is helping to make sense of addiction – and more everyday behaviours

by Shayla Love

A kitchen with various items including a red coffee dripper on top of a glass, a strainer, a globe, a small clock, a cat-shaped dish, olive oil, soy sauce, pasta in a glass jar, and a reflective black surface.

Habits and routines

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Is it better to live in ‘clock time’ or ‘event time’?

Do you stick to a set schedule, or have a looser relationship to the clock? It can affect more than how you plan your day

by Shayla Love

A woman sits alone at a wooden desk in a modern office with large glass windows, reflecting buildings and trees outside.

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

Two sumo wrestlers and a referee on a sumo ring during a match, with spectators in the background at the 2019 World Sumo Championships.

Sports and games

film

With a hushed intensity, Tuvsho finds her place in the sumo ring

Directed by George Thomson and Lukas Schrank

A tabby cat sleeps upon a home office desk next to a laptop and various desk items

Goals and motivation

idea

Facing a tedious to-do list? This trick could make it easier

The ‘easy addendum effect’: how careful timing of your easier tasks could help you feel better at the end of the day

by Shayla Love

A baby in floral pyjamas lying on a bed, holding hands with a woman in a polka-dot dress who leans over, smiling.

Psychotherapy

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Getting what we think we want can reveal just how complex desire is

Helping my clients probe their unspoken wants creates a space of freedom to express the possibilities that lie dormant

by Charlotte Fox Weber

A football player in green lies on his back on the field while a young boy stands next to a football nearby.

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

Two men in suits and white trainers crouch on a sandy beach, appearing to sprint forward with intense expressions.

Dance

film

Bent out of shape by the surreal corporate dance towards success

Directed by Bear Damen