Perception and Experience: How Our Brains Distort Reality

A distorted reflection of a building in a rippling lake illustrates faulty perception and memory of reality

How much can you trust your own perception of reality? What role do your personal experiences play in shaping your beliefs and decisions? In You Are Not So Smart, David McRaney reveals how our brains create a distorted view of reality based on available information and external influences. The relationship between perception and experience affects everything from our buying decisions to our deeply held beliefs. Keep reading to discover why your brain takes these mental shortcuts and learn practical ways to make better decisions.

Where Does Self-Esteem Come From? 3 Influencing Factors

A woman with a black blazer, glasses, and brown hair in a ponytail illustrates the question, "Where does self-esteem come from?"

Where does self-esteem come from? How much control do you have over your confidence levels? Self-esteem stems from three main sources: your genetic makeup, your past behaviors, and other people’s opinions. Experts including Katty Kay, Claire Shipman, and Nathaniel Branden reveal fascinating insights about how these factors work together to build or diminish your sense of self-worth. Keep reading to discover the science behind self-esteem and learn how much power you have to change it.

Willpower by Roy Baumeister & John Tierney: Book Overview

A woman wearing a pink shirt and blue jeans holding an open book on her lap while sitting on a couch

What fuels your ability to resist temptation and make good decisions? Why do some days leave you feeling completely drained of self-control? In their book Willpower, Roy Baumeister and John Tierney reveal that willpower operates like a muscle—it can be strengthened, depleted, and restored through proper nourishment. Their findings show that understanding and managing willpower is crucial for achieving goals and maintaining self-control. Continue reading to explore the science behind willpower and discover practical strategies to boost your mental strength.

Where Does Willpower Come From? How Glucose Plays a Role

A woman smiling and holding an orange illustrates where willpower comes from

What drives our ability to resist temptation and stay focused? How can understanding the science of willpower help us maintain better self-control? Where does willpower come from? In their book Willpower, Roy Baumeister and John Tierney reveal that willpower functions like a physical force, powered by the glucose in our bodies. They explore where willpower comes from and how our eating habits directly influence our ability to maintain self-control. Keep reading to discover the fascinating connection between glucose and willpower, and learn practical ways to boost your mental strength through smart dietary choices.

Raise Your Self-Esteem With These 5 Habits

A woman floating in the air and holding helium balloons by the strings illustrates how to raise your self-esteem

What’s holding you back from feeling truly confident? Why do some people seem naturally self-assured while others constantly doubt themselves? According to leading psychologists and self-development experts, there are specific habits that can help raise your self-esteem. These practices focus on actions rather than just positive thinking, offering concrete ways to build lasting confidence. Keep reading to learn five habits that will help you raise your self-esteem and transform how you view yourself.

Reconstructive Memory: How Our Minds Rebuild Events

A man trying to remember something (with a questioning look on his face) illustrates the concept of reconstructive memory

How accurate are your memories of past events? What happens to your recollections each time you recall them? Memory isn’t the reliable recording device many assume it to be. In You Are Not So Smart, David McRaney explores how reconstructive memory works, revealing that our minds rebuild memories from scratch with each recollection, often incorporating new details and perspectives along the way. Keep reading to discover how your memories change over time and what you can do to protect yourself from manipulation.

Peter Levine’s Felt Sense Exercise for Processing Trauma

A woman sitting on a sofa with her eyes closed and head tilted back illustrates the felt sense method for processing trauma

Do you have unprocessed trauma? How can you process trauma without becoming overwhelmed by it? In Waking the Tiger, Peter Levine introduces a powerful approach to healing trauma through body awareness. His method centers on developing what he calls the “felt sense”—your body’s physical responses to memories and experiences. Keep reading to discover how Peter Levine’s felt sense technique can help you navigate traumatic memories while staying grounded in the present moment.

Decision Fatigue: John Tierney & Roy Baumeister Explain

A tired man with a beard and green jacket looking at a menu in a cafe illustrates decision fatigue

Why does making decisions become harder as the day goes on? What makes us more likely to choose impulsively or avoid making choices altogether? According to Roy Baumeister and John Tierney, decision fatigue is the depletion of our willpower, and it affects our ability to make sound choices. Their findings in the book Willpower show that modern life, with its endless options and temptations, constantly taxes our mental resources. Keep reading to discover how Baumeister and Tierney’s research can help you make better choices and preserve your willpower when it matters most.

What Is Somatic Experiencing for Trauma? (Peter Levine)

A woman with blonde curly hair closing her eyes as bits of red material wash over her depicts what Somatic Experiencing is

What is Somatic Experiencing for trauma? Could it be your path toward healing? In Waking the Tiger, trauma expert Peter Levine describes his Somatic Experiencing method and explains how it can help release trapped trauma from the body. His groundbreaking approach focuses on completing the body’s natural stress response rather than solely addressing psychological symptoms. Keep reading to discover a gentle, step-by-step process for healing trauma through body awareness and natural movement patterns.

4 Growth Mindset Benefits That Will Improve Your Life

A person watering a brain with a watering can, representing growth mindset benefits

What are the benefits of a growth mindset? How can a positive outlook on life improve your mental health and career? David Emerald asserts that a growth mindset allows you to begin moving toward your long-term vision, one small, proactive step at a time. He lists four benefits that you’ll receive from adopting a visionary mindset instead of a helpless one: improved mental health, improved relationships, improved outcomes, and even improved fortunes. Keep reading to discover more about several growth mindset benefits you can experience today.