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
Goals and motivation
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
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
How to study effectively
Forget cramming, ditch the highlighter, and stop passively rereading. The psychology of learning offers better tactics
by Paul Penn
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
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
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
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
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
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
You want people to do the right thing? Save them the guilt trip
If you want to inspire people to do the right thing, don’t guilt-trip them. Positive emotions are a more powerful motivator
by Claudia R Schneider
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
What if your worry problem is really a planning problem?
Clinicians have long recognised the link between worry and planning. New research asks what this means for managing anxiety
by Paul B Sharp
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
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
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