Use Forcing Functions, Not Willpower, to Reach Your Goals

A sleek home office designed for productivity illustrates using forcing functions to achieve goals

Is it hard for you to stay motivated and achieve your goals? Do you find yourself relying too heavily on willpower and discipline? Forcing functions might be the solution you’re looking for. These self-imposed restrictions can help design an environment that naturally pushes you toward your objectives. By creating the right conditions, you can minimize the need for constant self-control. Read on to discover how to harness the power of forcing functions in both your work and rest environments.

The Basic UX Goal: Help Users Find Content Quickly & Easily

A man in a denim shirt looking at a website on a desktop computer illustrates the UX goal

What do the visitors to your website want? What’s the secret to keeping them engaged and satisfied? Effective UX design is all about meeting users’ needs quickly and effortlessly. By understanding what people want from websites, designers can create intuitive, scannable pages that guide visitors to their desired content. Steve Krug says the basic UX goal is to minimize mental effort and maximize efficiency. Keep reading to discover how well-designed websites can make users happier and more likely to return.

Creative Leadership: Tips for Entrepreneurial Thinking

A manager embracing creative leadership by cheering at his desk with colors splashing behind him

Do you know how to be an innovative leader? How can you communicate innovation to your team? Peter F. Drucker argues that businesses have a social obligation to innovate since their stability impacts jobs and the economy. To enable innovation, businesses must restructure themselves to reward entrepreneurial thinking. Continue reading to learn how to embrace creative leadership.

3 Anthropogenic Threats to Humanity (Toby Ord’s The Precipice)

A fiery mushroom cloud from a nuclear bomb explosion illustrates anthropogenic threats to humanity

Are we on the brink of a human-made disaster? What catastrophic threats to our existence could be our own fault? Toby Ord’s book The Precipice explores the dangers posed by anthropogenic threats. He speculates on the potential consequences of nuclear weapons, climate change, and environmental damage. These human-driven risks could lead to civilization collapse or even extinction. Keep reading to get Ord’s take on these potential existential challenges.

Higher Education and Race: Why Do US Schools Get a Bad Rap?

Racially diverse students on a university campus illustrate the intersection of higher education and race

How has the history of college admissions shaped our current educational landscape? Why do conservative politicians deride higher education? Ijeoma Oluo’s exploration of higher education and race reveals a complex history of exclusion and change. In her book Mediocre, she examines how American universities were initially designed for wealthy white men and how this legacy continues to impact our educational system today. Continue reading for Oluo’s analysis of race and American educational institutions.

How to Get Along With Other People: 2 Strategies for Harmony

A smiling couple, the woman with her arm around the man, illustrates how to get along with other people

Do people enjoy being around you? Is there more tension between you and others than you would like to have? Getting along with others is a crucial skill that can enhance your personal and professional life. Marc Reklau, in his book How to Become a People Magnet, says you can build stronger connections and create a more harmonious environment around you by showing appreciation and avoiding conflict. Keep reading for Reklau’s advice on how to get along with other people.

What Causes the Fear of Public Speaking? Past Trauma

A woman at a podium with a scared look on her face illustrates the question, "What causes the fear of public speaking?"

What causes the fear of public speaking? If you could pinpoint the reason for your own fear, how could that help you overcome your anxiety? In Speak With No Fear, Mike Acker suggests that the root of the fear of public speaking often lies in past traumatic experiences. He offers strategies to identify and work through these memories, helping you move past your anxiety and become a more confident speaker. Keep reading to understand Acker’s insights on uncovering—and healing from—the experiences that hold you back.

How to Accept Yourself for Who You Are (Flaws and All)

A woman who knows how to accept herself for who she is, smiling in a mirror

What are you insecure about? How can you embrace your insecurities to be your best self? Phil Stutz and Barry Michels recommend that you become vulnerable with yourself and others about your strengths and weaknesses. By doing this, you’ll stop wasting energy on hiding insecurities and redirect it toward performing better in your daily life. Discover how to accept yourself for who you are below.

The Top 3 Healthy Sleep Habits for a Better Night in Bed

A woman sleeping next to her phone in bed, trying to use healthy sleep habits

What are the best habits for good sleep? How does your phone disrupt your sleep patterns? Shawn Stevenson claims that to reap the benefits of quality sleep, you need to align your sleeping habits with your circadian rhythm. Your circadian rhythm acts like a 24-hour timer, telling you when to sleep and when to wake up, coordinating with the cycles of day and night.  Here are the three healthy sleep habits Stevenson advises incorporating into your routine.

Gemeinschaftsgefühl: Adler Believed It Was Critical for Happiness

A group of four female friends talking and smiling illustrate Gemeinschaftsgefühl, Adler's concept of community feeling

Do you enjoy happiness and fulfillment in your relationships? Would you like to cultivate a stronger sense of community in your life? In The Courage to Be Happy, counselor Ichiro Kishimi and author Fumitake Koga explore the work of early 20th-century psychotherapist Alfred Adler and discuss why his ideas are still relevant. They explain Gemeinschaftsgefühl, Adler’s concept that translates to “community feeling,” or sense of community. Continue reading to discover how Adler’s teachings can transform your approach to relationships and community.