Self-Improvement Archives

Maxwell Maltz: Why Do We Self-Sabotage?

Is there any goal that you want to achieve yet you keep sabotaging yourself by engaging in behavior that takes you further and further from the desired end result? Why do we self-sabotage? According to Maxwell Maltz, the author of Psycho-Cybernetics, people self-sabotage when their conscious goals are in contradiction with their internal programming. He argues that the reason this incongruence occurs is one’s self-image. In this article, you’ll learn how your self-image impacts your programming and, consequently, your progress toward achieving your conscious goals.

How to Heal Emotional Trauma: Forgive and Forget

How do people form emotional scars? Why do some people move on from emotional hurt relatively quickly while others form emotional scars that last a lifetime? Emotional scars—otherwise known as psychological trauma—result from situations that threaten your sense of emotional or physical safety. Psychologists argue that your subjective emotional experience of a situation defines whether you find it traumatic—the more powerless you feel, the more likely you are to feel traumatized and form an emotional scar. In this article, we’ll explore what determines your ability to heal from emotional trauma and how to speed up your recovery.

Is There a Link Between Good Health and Happiness?

What role does mental attitude play in physical health? Is it true that happy people tend to be physically healthier? Looking after your body (eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly) is just one side of the coin when it comes to good health. The other side of the coin is how happy you feel internally—your mental attitude influences the way that your body heals. In this article, we’ll explore the link between good health and happiness, and how your mental attitude influences your physical health.

Angela Duckworth: What Is the Meaning of “Grit?”

What is the meaning of “grit”? Is the idea of grit something new and revolutionary, or is it an old concept with a new name? In her New York Times bestselling book Grit, Angela Duckworth defines grit as a personality trait that combines perseverance and passion. She asserts that having grit is more important than any natural intelligence or talent. However, not everyone agrees with Duckworth’s conclusions. Continue reading to learn more about the meaning of grit from opposing viewpoints.

David Epstein: Generalist vs. Specialist

Is it better to have a wide range of skills or be an expert in one specialty? What are the downsides of being an expert in one field? In his book Range, David Epstein explains why, contrary to traditional belief, it’s better to have a wide variety of general skills rather than being an expert in one specialty. There are three major reasons why the specialist path falls short. Read more to learn about the generalist vs. specialist conundrum.

How to Fix Poor Impulse Control: Pause and Think

Do you often act on impulse? What can you do to keep your impulsive reactions at bay? Emotions get the better of all of us from time to time, especially when we are under stress or pressure. One way you can train yourself to take control of how you react to situations is by delaying your response to stimuli. In this article, you will learn how to deal with poor impulse control by delaying your responses.

Subconscious Self-Sabotaging: Why You Keep Failing

What exactly is the subconscious mind? How is the subconscious mind implicated in self-sabotaging behavior? Your subconscious mind is a reservoir of thoughts, feelings, and memories that are beneath your conscious awareness. It records and stores your every experience. In fact, your subconscious mind is always directing you towards a goal, even if you’re not aware of it. If you are consistently failing to achieve the goals you set for yourself, your subconscious is at fault. In this article, we’ll explain why subconscious self-sabotaging occurs—the answer lies with your self-image.

How to Ask Someone Out on a Date

Want advice on how to ask someone on a date? What do you do if you get turned down? Asking someone on a date can be nerve-wracking—especially when you’re afraid of being turned down. Additionally, when planning the date, you should always provide full details rather than trying to surprise them and pick an activity where you can converse in a casual environment. Here are more tips from The Fine Art of Small Talk on how to ask someone out.

Angela Duckworth: Your Grit Level Changes Over Time

How is it possible for your grit level to change? What factors lead to changes in your grit level? In her book Grit, Angela Duckworth describes grit as a trait that combines passion and perseverance. She says that your level of grit matters more than natural talent or intelligence when it comes to success. However, Duckworth also explains that your grit level is not set and can change over the span of your life. Here’s how your grit level can change over time, according to Angela Duckworth.

How to Cope With Chronic Worrying

Is your mind constantly overwhelmed by worrisome and racing thoughts? How can chronic worrying affect your mental and physical health? Chronic worrying is a toxic mental habit that wears out your mind and can even sabotage physical health. Chronic worry is also dangerous because when you worry about something for a long time, you can actually draw it into your life. Here are some tips on how to deal with chronic worrying.