Decision-making
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Why small annoyances can harm us more than big disruptions
A largely forgotten psychological concept helps explain the insidiousness of minor problems – and what to do about it
by Shayla Love
Ageing
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Rather than fearing getting old, here’s how to embrace it
Whether you are 20 or 90, each moment of life presents an opportunity to focus on what really matters to you
by Berit Lewis
Life stages
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Legal definitions aside – what makes you think you’re an adult?
Achieving adult status is a momentous part of life. Our research suggests getting there takes more than years or milestones
by Megan Wright
Fear and phobia
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To fear well is virtuous and more important than being brave
Fear is not the enemy, but a real and legitimate emotion. To truly support another in their fear, let them give it a voice
by Ami Harbin
Personality
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To improve your life, consider changing your personality
New research supports the idea that intentionally developing certain traits is not only possible, but comes with benefits
by Christian Jarrett
Change and self-development
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What can we learn from those who have a moral change of heart?
Stories of sharp adjustments in moral perspective show the potential of unusual experiences to open people’s minds
by Joshua May
Sadness and sorrow
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When emotions rot, they compost and transform into something new
A self that fractures through loss or grief marks a psychological shift, beginning a cycle of regrowth through decomposition
by Kelsey Day
Goals and motivation
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A commitment is different from a goal – here’s why that matters
Whatever your aims in life, the words you use matter. Here’s an important distinction that will help you stay on track
by Justin Kompf
Fairness and equality
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Teaching self-confidence can backfire and perpetuate inequality
It’s true that self-confidence is beneficial, but the way in which it’s often taught is misguided and can be harmful
by Eddie Brummelman & Kelly Ziemer
Sleep and dreams
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Five ways to take control of your dreams
Lucid dreaming lets you shape your dreamscape, whether your aims are practical or fantastical. These tips can get you started
by Christian Jarrett
Change and self-development
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The cult of being confident and why it doesn’t help women
By making women solely responsible for their own empowerment, the culture of confidence masks the true causes of inequality
by Rosalind Gill & Shani Orgad
Change and self-development
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Personal transformation can start with a whisper, not a bang
To understand personal transformation, we should listen to the incessant whispers in our stream of consciousness
by Jennifer Windt