The Importance of Seeing People as Individuals vs. People

A man walking alone beside a crowd, representing individuals vs. people

Why do people deserve to be seen as individuals? How can you stop relying on stereotypes to judge someone? David Brooks claims that to really know another person, you first have to see them as an individual. Unlike a collective group of people, individuals have a unique set of life experiences, characteristics, motivations, and goals. Here’s why you should start looking at people as individuals vs. people you can’t tell apart.

Why Is Technology Addictive? 4 Ways Developers Hook You

A man staring at his computer screen, showing why technology is addictive

Is technology like gambling? Why is technology addictive? Adam Alter says mobile devices and wearable technology amplify the addictive potential of technology since they make it possible to engage in addictive behaviors no matter where you are. He identifies four common strategies technology developers use to capture and keep your time, attention, and money. Let’s explore those strategies that keep you hooked on technology.

How a Psychosomatic Disorder Diagnosis Is Made

A doctor giving a psychosomatic disorder diagnosis in a hospital room

How are psychosomatic disorders diagnosed? Why do these types of disorders exist on a spectrum? Douglas Hoffman is an orthopedist with decades of experience in sports medicine. He takes a particular interest in how psychological and social factors lead to mindbody disorders, and diagnosing them with a thorough exam.  Check out how Hoffman conducts a psychosomatic disorder diagnosis to help struggling patients.

Gabor Maté’s The Myth of Normal: Book Overview

A woman sitting on a floral couch and reading a book

What does it mean to be “normal”? What role does trauma play in your health? What is the biopsychosocial model of health? In The Myth of Normal, physician and trauma expert Gabor Maté writes that much of what society labels as abnormal behavior, mental illness, or dysfunction actually represents normal responses to adverse life experiences. He advocates a trauma-informed perspective that addresses the root psychological and social causes of what we label as illness. Continue reading for an overview of Gabor Maté’s The Myth of Normal.

Why Gambling Is Addictive (and Why Technology Is Just Like It)

A woman in a casino with slot machines, showing why gambling is addictive

Why is gambling addictive? What features does technology share with gambling? Adam Alter explains that some technology is designed to exploit the same psychological vulnerabilities as gambling, another behavioral addiction, to keep users engaged and coming back for more. He names four such design features: exciting audiovisual design, early hooks, variable rewards, and deceptive superiority to real life. Check out the similarities between gambling and technology that make these addictions hard to quit.

Everyone Has Value: Here’s How to Remind Them

Three people showing that everyone has value, wearing gold medals

Does everyone have value? How can you recognize someone’s worth to make them feel loved? To get to know someone deeply, you must recognize each person’s great worth as a human being. David Brooks emphasizes that this is crucial even when you’ve just met a person or expect to never see them again. Take a look at how you should remind someone that they’re worthy.

How to Raise Strong Children: Let Them Experience Hardship

Two young sisters standing in a living room flexing their arms to show that they are strong children

Do you want to raise mentally strong children? Why must you let your children struggle sometimes? According to psychotherapist Amy Morin, parents must push past their instincts to coddle their children and fix their problems for them. Children must learn to experience pain, make mistakes, cope with discomfort, and work through their emotions. Here are four things you can do to raise strong children.

Shape Your Reality by Directing Your Focus & Rethinking Time

A woman painting the word "REALITY" on a canvas illustrates how you can shape your reality

What if you could attract more opportunities simply by changing your focus? How can shifting your perception of time help you achieve more in life? In The Power of One More, Ed Mylett’s strategies for consciously shaping reality offer practical ways to create an extraordinary life. His approach combines the power of focused attention with innovative time management techniques to help you manifest your goals. Keep reading to discover how to shape your reality by leveraging your brain’s natural filtering system and transforming your relationship with time.