A large part of getting what you want from life is about setting and achieving goals. So why is sticking to your New Year’s resolutions so hard? Research suggests we try to form habits the wrong way, trying to make bold intentions without much commitment behind them. The real key…

Many of us want to start the new year feeling more organized, without cabinets full of containers with missing lids or heaping piles of mail. And for good reason: Your brain likes order. And just looking at clutter drains its resources and reduces its ability to focus. So when your…

Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a holiday gift exchange but your mind wandering elsewhere? Gift-giving might be a meaningful holiday tradition, but we’re making the case for a different kind of present: Your presence. Focusing on the here and now can help you create more genuine…

Have you ever ordered something from a restaurant’s menu, only to wish you’d picked something else when the food arrived? Making decisions is hard. That’s because your brain’s goal is to make the right choice every time, even if there’s not actually a perfect solution. And since you can now…

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… or is it? The end-of-year holidays can be a happy time. But managing your schedule and all the extra cooking, shopping, and socializing can deplete your mental energy quicker than usual. So if you’re hoping to overcome the usual holiday haze this…

Cyber Monday is the biggest online shopping day of the year. And this year, it’s estimated that people spent over $11 billion on electronics, toys, and more. But before you begin searching for the best coupon codes and comparing prices online, we recommend refreshing your mental math skills and reminding…

Racing heart rate. Sweaty palms. Dry mouth. If you’re like some 75% of people who fear public speaking, the mere thought of talking in front of others might produce some of these symptoms. …

When you come across an unfamiliar word, what do you do? It’s verisimilar you use context clues to figure out what it means. Context clues are hints that help you understand difficult or unusual words. …

Have you ever heard the saying, “It’s just an expression”? To broach the subject, an expression combines words to convey feelings and ideas more creatively. In other words, when used correctly, expressions are an effective way to enhance what you’re saying. Consider these examples: “Cold-hearted” is used to describe someone…