Darya Sinusoid

Darya’s love for reading started with fantasy novels (The LOTR trilogy is still her all-time-favorite). Growing up, however, she found herself transitioning to non-fiction, psychological, and self-help books. She has a degree in Psychology and a deep passion for the subject. She likes reading research-informed books that distill the workings of the human brain/mind/consciousness and thinking of ways to apply the insights to her own life. Some of her favorites include Thinking, Fast and Slow, How We Decide, and The Wisdom of the Enneagram.

What Are System 1 and System 2 Thinking?

What is the difference between system 1 and system 2 thinking? What are the cognitive processes that underlie these two thinking modes? Psychologists often describe human minds as operating on two thinking modes: system 1 and system 2 thinking. System 1 governs unconscious thinking patterns that run without our conscious awareness. System 2, on the other hand, governs deliberation and conscious reasoning. Keep reading to learn about system 1 and system 2 thinking.

How to Resolve Relationship Conflict in a Healthy Way

What is the best way to approach relationship conflict? What can you do to resolve it in a healthy, constructive way before it escalates into an argument? In a healthy relationship, conflict is unavoidable. Couples that don’t have conflicts will end up falling out of love because of suppressed emotions. The key to handling relationship conflict is not to allow it to escalate into a full-blown argument, and when it does, discuss it in a constructive manner. Here is how to handle relationship conflict in a healthy way.

Probabilistic Thinking Puts Everything in Percentages

What is probabilistic thinking? How do probabilistic thinkers approach problems differently from an average person? Probabilistic thinking is essentially an approach to predicting an outcome of a situation or the likelihood of a future event. Most people tend to estimate probabilities in terms of “yes” or “no” options. In contrast, probabilistic thinkers think in terms of percentages. Keep reading to learn about the psychology of probabilistic thinking.

Understanding the Neuroscience of Behavior Change

What do we know about the neuroscience of behavior change? What are the brain processes involved in the encoding and reinforcing of habitual behavior? The neuroscience of behavior change studies the brain processes involved in the formation and modification of behavior patterns. In simple terms, the encoding of new behavior is underpinned by a neuroplastic change in the brain, which is powered by the release of the pleasure chemical dopamine. Keep reading to learn about the neuroscience of behavior change.

Growth and Fixed Mindsets: The Psychology of Success

What are the defining characteristics of growth and fixed mindsets? What is the belief system behind each mindset? The concept of growth and fixed mindsets was developed by American psychologist Carol Dweck. People with a growth mindset believe that skill excellence and accomplishment are achieved through practice. In contrast, people with a fixed mindset attribute success to inborn abilities. Read about the characteristics of growth and fixed mindsets.

Women, Stress, and Coping: How It Differs From Men

How do women behave when stressed? How do women with stress act differently from men with stress? Women under stress respond in a manner that is typically opposite to men’s. While men prefer to retreat and keep their problems to themselves, women seek release by talking them out. Read about women’s stress responses and what you can do to help your partner cope.

Systems vs Goals: What Is the Path to Success?

Why do they say to focus on systems vs goals? How is creating a system different from setting a goal? If you are into personal development, chances are you are already familiar with the systems vs goals concept. A goal is the end result you desire. Systems, on the other hand, are the processes that lead to the result. Read about why it is important to focus on systems vs goals, according to personal development speaker James Clear.

Superforecaster: Born Geniuses or Learned Skills?

What makes a superforecaster? Are extraordinary prediction abilities a result of inborn intelligence or are they acquired through practice? A superforecaster is a person who makes highly accurate predictions of future events, as compared to the general public or experts. According to Tetlock, superforecasters are not necessarily off-the-charts geniuses. Rather, their forecasting success comes to methodology. Keep reading to learn about what makes a superforecaster.

Intuitive Thinking: It’s More Than a Fluke

How does intuitive thinking work? Is there a mechanism behind the way we arrive at intuitive, seemingly unexplainable insights or is it all just a fluke? Typically, we think about intuition as a “gut feeling.” However, intuitive thinking is not all that mysterious. Just because we can’t pinpoint the logical sequence of how we arrived at an insight, it doesn’t mean there’s no mechanism behind its workings. Here is how intuitive thinking works.

Love Needs: Men and Women Need Different Things

What do men and women need when it comes to love? How do they express their love needs? Everybody needs love, regardless of gender. But men and women express love differently, which can make romantic partners feel like they love more than they are loved. Understanding the differences in the way men and women express love is key to an emotionally fulfilling relationship. Read about the primary love needs of men versus women.