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Goals and motivation

A young woman in cut-off jean shorts on a brown-and-white horse in a town street looking at her phone, with people and buildings behind her.

Focus and attention

guide

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

A woman leans against a red column on a train platform, with a moving train blurred in the background.

Goals and motivation

guide

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 depicting Antibes beach with swimmers, umbrellas, and two women in the foreground.

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

Person in a yellow onesie, resting head on desk, wearing headphones, and using a laptop in a cluttered room with a window.

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

Racing driver in a white suit and balaclava, adjusting his attire, seen through a reflective surface.

Goals and motivation

guide

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

Painting of a woman in a yellow sleeveless dress and black hat, holding 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

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 yellow and grey paper layers on a dark background. The colours create random shapes and textures.

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

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

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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

A hot air balloon with colourful stripes floating in a clear blue sky with scattered 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 artwork featuring a statue head, a horse, leaves and ancient figures on a colourful background.

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 numerous coins submerged in water reflecting tree branches. The water’s surface shows a mix of silver, gold and copper coins.

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