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Goals and motivation

Photo of a woman on a large horse checking her phone, with a street scene and horse-drawn carriages in the background.

Focus and attention

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How to be indistractable

Stop blaming technology – distraction starts within. Manage your inner triggers to enjoy greater focus and a fuller life

by Nir Eyal

Photo of a woman leaning on a red pillar in a subway station as a train speeds by in a blur.

Goals and motivation

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How to know what you really want

From career choices to new purchases, use René Girard’s mimetic theory to resist the herd and forge your own path in life

by Luke Burgis

Vintage poster by Roger Broders showing a seaside scene with sunbathers and swimmers on Antibes beach.

Learning and education

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How to learn a language (and stick at it)

Forget about fluency and how languages are taught at school: as an adult learner you can take a whole new approach

by John Gallagher

Photo of a person in a yellow onesie sitting at a desk using a laptop, with headphones on and a cluttered background.

Learning and education

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How to study effectively

Forget cramming, ditch the highlighter, and stop passively rereading. The psychology of learning offers better tactics

by Paul Penn

Photo of a racing driver in a helmet and suit, adjusting gear, seen through a reflection or a glass surface.

Goals and motivation

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How to perform well under pressure

Ditch the tough talk, it won’t help. Instead cultivate your mental flexibility so you can handle whatever comes your way

by Josephine Perry

Photo of an office viewed through glass showing a woman at a desk, cityscape reflected outside.

Cognitive and behavioural therapies

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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

Painting of a woman in a yellow dress and hat sitting with a guitar against a green background.

Music

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How to start making music

It’s never too late to play an instrument or learn to sing. Take the leap from listener to maker in the way that suits you

by Gayla M Mills

Black and white photo of a diver mid-flight parallel to a crouched swimmer on a diving board against a plain background.

Change and self-development

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How to motivate yourself to change

Change is hard, but it’s possible. Use motivational interviewing techniques to build your confidence, and take the plunge

by Angela Wood & Ralph Wood

Abstract painting with torn paper layers in orange, blue and black, creating textured geometric shapes and contrasts.

Difficult emotions

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How to get over ‘never good enough’

Learn to spot unhealthy perfectionism, understand its emotional sources and find a way to silence that self-critical voice

by Margaret Rutherford

Photo of a single hot air balloon in a clear blue sky with light clouds.

Goals and motivation

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How to let go of a lifelong dream

Adaptability is as much of a virtue as grit. Overcome any feelings of loss or failure by pivoting toward a new passion

by Christian Jarrett

Abstract collage with statues, a horse head and surreal elements in a vibrant mash-up of historical and dreamlike imagery.

Virtues and vices

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How to be excellent

Plato and Aristotle can help you resist conventional worldly success, direct your energy and find your own highest calling

by Benjamin Studebaker

Photo of coins scattered at the bottom of a pond with tree branches reflected on the water’s surface.

Money and economics

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How to save money

Aside from basic needs, your financial priorities are up to you. Resist short-termism by keeping in mind your values and goals

by Kim Stephenson & Pradnya Surana