Motivation Archives

Procrastination & Emotional Regulation: The Surprising Connection

How do negative emotions affect procrastination? How can you use emotional regulation to overcome procrastination? In The Procrastination Cure, Damon Zahariades considers possible psychological sources of procrastination. He presents several models of how a task that stirs up strong emotions or triggers negative thoughts can lead you to procrastinate. Keep reading to learn about the psychological roots of procrastination, emotional regulation’s role in defeating the habit, and how negative self-esteem stalls tasks.

How to Build Up Confidence by Proving Yourself Wrong

Are you lazy, unskilled, or hard to get along with? How can you prove yourself wrong about any of these beliefs? Behavioral science expert Grace Lordan urges you to make and implement a plan to transform yourself into the person you want to be. She discusses how to recognize and address internal obstacles by getting confident about your abilities and potential. Read on to learn how to build up confidence in yourself and your dreams.

How to Manage Tasks With Effective Lists and Schedules

Do you have trouble keeping track of your to-do items? How do you manage tasks to stay organized? Throughout The Procrastination Cure, Damon Zahariades mentions a few tools that he suggests you include in your system for managing your time and tasks. We’ve collected his tips and tricks for using lists and schedules to support your success. Learn how to manage tasks and stay on top of things below.

How to Practice Effectively: 3 Ways to Make the Most of Practice

Do you keep a practice journal? Is your practice too easy or repetitive, or does it stretch you? In Decoding Greatness, Ron Friedman shares his advice for doing great work—whether that means getting a show at an art gallery, winning a marathon, or nailing a big product pitch. One strategy for improving your performance is effective practice. Read on to learn how to practice effectively by implementing Friedman’s three recommendations.

What Causes Procrastination? The 3 Psychological Culprits

What causes procrastination? Why is it so hard to take the first step to get to work? In The Procrastination Cure, Damon Zahariades offers several reasons why people procrastinate. We’ve compiled these reasons into three categories: your brain prefers immediate rewards, fear and negative self-esteem get in the way, and you’re scared to take the first step. Let’s look at these causes of procrastination to get a better idea.

Confident Body Language 101: Master the Nonverbal Cues

Want to learn how to have more confident body language? What kind of body language expresses confidence? In the quest for confidence, understanding the secrets of body language can be your greatest ally. Renowned communication experts Allan and Barbara Pease reveal the key to unlocking confident body language in their book, The Definitive Book of Body Language. Read on to learn the basics of expressing confident body language, according to Allan and Barbara Pease.

How to Track Your Progress—and Why You Should

How does setting goals help you do great work? Why is it important to track your progress toward your goals? Ron Friedman believes you can do and make great things by reverse engineering work you admire. Part of the process is improving your own work performance. This invariably entails setting goals and tracking your progress. Read on to learn how to improve your performance with metrics.

How to Become More Resilient: 3 Tips for Bouncing Back

Do you get discouraged? Does it stop you from trying again? What if you could turn that around? Setbacks are unavoidable. How you react to them is up to you. You can train yourself—not only to bounce back—but to turn one step backward into two steps forward. Behavioral science expert Grace Lordan shares three ways to do that. Keep reading to learn how to become more resilient and move forward in strength.

How to Overcome Cognitive Biases & Be Who You Want to Be

How do cognitive biases affect your decision-making? What false stories in your head keep you from your goals? If you want to change your life, you must understand how to overcome the cognitive biases—the mental shortcuts that all humans take—that hinder you from achieving your goals. Grace Lordan shares four ways you can tackle cognitive biases head-on and get on with pursuing your dreams. Keep reading to learn how to overcome cognitive biases and become the person you want to be.

The Importance of Routines for Children: Benefits & Strategies

Why are routines important for children? How can you get kids to establish them and stick to them? Clinical psychologist Thomas W. Phelan suggests routines as an effective strategy for helping kids get things done. Setting up routines takes time and effort. But, his routine-building tips foster self-sufficiency and responsibility in kids so that, over time, kids do more and more. Continue reading to learn the importance of routines for children and how to make them a reality in your home.