Self-Improvement Archives

How to Use Focused and Diffuse Modes of Attention in Learning

What’s the best way to use the Pomodoro method when learning something new? Is it possible to deliberately switch between two different modes of attention? In Learn Like a Pro, Barbara Oakley and Olav Schewe explain that the brain has two modes of attention: focused and diffuse mode. They discuss how each mode works and then show how you can use both focused and diffuse modes of attention in learning. Read more to understand how these modes of attention work, and how you can effectively put them to work for you.

How to Meditate Effectively: 4 Phases on the Enlightenment Path

Have you been stressed out and burdened by anxiety recently? What’s the key to meditating effectively? Meditation is one of the best ways to reach a peaceful state of mind. In The Mind Illuminated, you can learn how to meditate effectively by embarking on a stress-free journey that anyone can take. If you want to master the art of meditation, keep reading.

The Benefits of Spiritual Awakening for You and Others

What are the benefits of spiritual awakening? Why should everyone strive to become enlightened? In your meditative journey, you experience what the authors call insights (vipassanā): epiphanies that dispel your illusions about life, revealing how it really is. These insights, which The Mind Illuminated calls “realizations,” enable you to reach enlightenment. Once you’ve reached enlightenment, you and everyone else around you will experience the benefits listed below.

The Procrastination Cure by Damon Zahariades: Overview

What is The Procrastination Cure by Damon Zahariades about? What are the main takeaways of the book? The Procrastination Cure delves into the causes of chronic procrastination and how it negatively affects your life. Zahariades gives helpful tips to address each cause by removing distractions, increasing motivation, and managing your time. Read below for a brief overview of The Procrastination Cure.

How to Learn to Love as an Emotionally Mature Person

How do our parents affect our adult relationships? How can you learn to love in an emotionally mature way? You’ll need to do some inner work to become someone who can love mindfully—an emotionally mature person. David Richo explains how your parents’ love shaped your ability to love mindfully—and how to mature emotionally by healing any childhood wounds you may have sustained. Keep reading if you want to know how to learn to love and not let the past affect you.

Is Procrastination Good or Bad? A Little Bit of Both

What is procrastination? Is procrastination good or bad? Surprisingly, some people actually benefit from procrastinating if they work well under pressure. However, Damon Zahariades’s book The Procrastination Cure says that most procrastinators struggle with the habit, and need to stop it. Below we’ll look at more on if procrastination is beneficial or detrimental to people.

Practicing Enlightenment Meditation: 5 Realizations for Awakening

Apotheosis—The Hero's Journey Leads to Nirvana

What is enlightenment meditation? What are five things you need to understand in order to be enlightened? Enlightenment is the ultimate goal of meditation. In the same way that mindfulness requires strong concentration, enlightenment requires strong mindfulness. Keep reading to learn how to practice enlightenment meditation, according to The Mind Illuminated.

How to Improve Your Working Memory & Learn More Efficiently

What are the limits of your working memory? How can you keep it from getting overloaded? Whether you’re a student, professional, or lifelong learner, Learn Like a Pro by Barbara Oakley and Olav Schewe can help you become a more effective learner. They provide proven techniques for mastering new skills and knowledge quickly and efficiently, including simple strategies for improving your memory. Keep reading to learn how to improve your working memory.

The 3 Meditation States: Samādhi, Sati, and Bodhi

What is meditation? What are the three meditation states everyone should experience? According to The Mind Illuminated, there are three meditation states that will help you stay in the moment: concentration, mindfulness, and enlightenment. Each state has unique benefits that anyone can take advantage of. Let’s look at these states below and how to achieve them.

Think Big: Grace Lordan Explains How to Build the Future You Want

What’s the key to transforming your life? How can little things add up to big achievements? In Think Big, Grace Lordan explains how you can take small steps and build the future you want. One key is to go slow and steady. Another is to overcome the cognitive biases that often get in the way of your goals. Continue reading for an overview of this practical and inspiring book that can propel you toward your ideal future.