5 Anti-Charisma Cues to Avoid (Vanessa Van Edwards)

An annoyed man wearing a denim buttoned shirt and crossing his arms illustrates nonverbal cues associated with anti-charisma

Do you have charisma—or anti-charisma? What subtle cues might be sabotaging your charm without you even realizing it? In Cues: Master the Secret Language of Charismatic Communication, Vanessa Van Edwards lays out the concept of anti-charisma. She identifies several verbal and nonverbal signals that can undermine your charm and offers practical alternatives to enhance your presence. Keep reading to explore the world of anti-charisma and discover how to become a more magnetic communicator.

How Believing in Luck Impacts Your Life (The Luck Factor)

A hand holding a four-leaf clover, showing that they believe in luck

Do you believe in luck? Do you think you’re lucky or unlucky? How might your beliefs change your reality? Psychologist Richard Wiseman performed scientific studies around luck and determined that those who believe in luck tend to have better outcomes in life. Rather than there being a magical force behind luck, it can all be explained with psychology. Here’s a breakdown of why you should believe you’re lucky.

Meditation & Neuroplasticity: The Case for Altered Traits

A woman with her eyes closed while neurons are firing in her brain depicts the link between meditation and neuroplasticity

Is your brain more adaptable than you think? Can meditation really change your fundamental traits? Meditation and neuroplasticity are closely linked, offering exciting possibilities for personal growth. Psychologists Daniel Goleman and Richard Davidson contend that our brains can change in response to mental training, potentially altering our basic characteristics. Read on to explore how meditation can reshape your brain and transform your life, from the book Altered Traits.

Finding Your Genius: How to Embody Your True Self

A woman looking through a magnifying glass to see her reflection in a mirror illustrates finding your genius

What’s your genius? What makes you special and unique in this world? In Awaken Your Genius, Ozan Varol explores the concept of embodying your true self. He argues that connecting with your authentic desires and talents is key to living a fulfilling life. Varol offers insights on overcoming societal pressures and rediscovering your innate creativity. Read more to uncover Varol’s techniques for rekindling your distinctiveness and becoming who you really are.

How Technology Affects Our Brains: Maps, Clocks, & the Web

A woman leaning on a chalkboard with drawings of a brain and various technologies depicts how technology affects our brains

Is technology reshaping our cognitive landscape? How might our digital habits be altering the way we think and process information? The evolution of technology has profoundly impacted our brains. From maps and clocks to the internet, each new tool shapes our perception and mental processes. In The Shallows, Nicholas Carr explores the concept of neuroplasticity and how our online activities are rewiring our neural pathways. Keep reading to understand how technology affects our brains and what it means for our future.

Women and Imposter Syndrome: The Origin and Solution

A woman with imposter syndrome holding a mask to her face at work

What’s the underlying problem with women’s imposter syndrome? How does imposter syndrome prevent leadership growth? Jemma Rodel says that strong leadership and skillful communication hinge on self-confidence. The problem is that self-confidence is often hard to achieve for women because of imposter syndrome. Below, we’ll define imposter syndrome, explore how it undermines self-confidence, and discuss strategies to combat it.

What to Know About the Effects of Imposter Syndrome

A woman experiencing the effects of imposter syndrome, throwing a trophy away in the trashcan at work

Do you doubt yourself a lot at work? Do you think you’re unworthy of everything you’ve accomplished? According to Jemma Roedel, many women struggle with imposter syndrome in the workplace. Some of the effects include fear of being revealed as a fraud and believing you’re not worthy of your achievements. Discover more about these effects of imposter syndrome to see if you have it.

Mingyur Rinpoche’s Brain: The Effects of Long-Term Meditation

A Tibetan yogi seen from the back meditating in the mountains illustrates the effects of long-term meditation

What does long-term meditation do to your brain? Can it really change who you are as a person? Yogi Mingyur Rinpoche’s brain scans reveal fascinating insights into the effects of long-term meditation. Scientists have found evidence of increased brain activity, improved brain health, and enhanced emotional regulation in meditation masters. Keep reading to discover how a dedicated meditation practice can lead to profound changes in your mental and emotional states.

How Charismatic Are You? Find Yourself on the Charisma Spectrum

A man resting his chin in his hand and looking upward is thinking about the question, "How charismatic are you?"

How charismatic are you? Can you tell when someone else is charismatic? Charisma is a fascinating blend of warmth and competence. It’s a quality that can be measured and improved. In her book Cues, Vanessa Van Edwards explores this concept in depth, offering insights into how we judge others and project our own charisma. Read on to understand Van Edwards’s charisma spectrum and discover where you might fall on it.