Self-Improvement Archives

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.

How to Rewire Your Negative Thinking Patterns

Do you often catch yourself ruminating about the bad experiences from your past? Why do people tend to focus more on the negative and take the positive for granted? People don’t choose to develop negative thinking patterns—they’ve simply developed the habit of dwelling more on the bad experiences in their lives. Psychologists refer to this tendency as negativity bias. Research shows that you’re hardwired to notice and dwell more on negative events than on positive ones. In this article, you’ll learn how negative thought patterns develop, and how you can rewire your mind for positivity.

How to Give a Compliment: Tips for Maximum Impact

Have you ever wanted to compliment someone but felt too awkward to do it? What are the benefits of giving compliments? According to Debra Fine, the author of The Fine Art of Small Talk, giving compliments actually has many benefits—they can break the ice, help establish rapport, and make people feel appreciated. She defines two types of compliments: deep and shallow. Here is how to give a compliment, according to Debra Fine.

Challenge Negative Thoughts by Focusing on the Facts

How to Avoid Negative Thoughts and Embrace Positivity

Is your mind overwhelmed by negativity? Do you often find yourself slipping into negative thinking cycles, ruminating about the past, or imagining the worst-case scenarios in the future? When you are in a negative state of mind, it’s pretty much impossible to slip out of it and attune yourself to a more positive frequency on demand. If you want to think and feel more positive, you need to make a conscious effort to challenge negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones. Here is how reflecting only on the facts can help you challenge your negative cognitions and see that