Sherlock Holmes’s Brain Attic: How to Form & Curate Memories

A Victorian-era library with tall bookshelves, leaded windows, and a chandelier illustrates Sherlock Holmes's brain attic

How does Sherlock Holmes manage to recall crucial details at just the right moment? What if you could harness the power of your own memory archive? In Mastermind, Maria Konnikova explores the concept of Sherlock Holmes’s brain attic and how we can apply his memory techniques to our own lives. She explains the autopilot mode of thinking and offers strategies for consciously creating and organizing memories. Read more to understand and capitalize on the fascinating world of memory management.

Why Is Change So Hard? The 2 Reasons (Bruce Feiler)

A cartoon image of a boy crying over a tombstone that reads "my old life" because life changes are so hard to overcome

Why is change so hard? What gives us a sense of meaning in life? What are the three stages of adaptation? In his book Life is in the Transitions, Bruce Feiler explains that many people struggle to navigate life changes, especially transformations, for two reasons. The first reason is that change can alter the meaning of your life and the second is that adapting to change is similar to grieving a death. We’ll go over each reason in detail below.

What Is Mindful Parenting and How Can You Practice It?

Children creating a mess while an overwhelmed mother is trying to practice mindful parenting

What is mindful parenting? How can you stay calm when your kids are pushing your buttons? According to Hunter Clarke-Fields, mindful parenting starts with you. You need to pay better attention to what’s going on internally before you can focus on your relationship with your kids. Find out how to take better care of yourself so you can form a healthy relationship with your children.

What Does a Customer Want? Russell Brunson & Maslow Agree

A man looking at products on a shelf at a grocery store illustrates the question What does a customer want?

What does a customer want? What drives someone to make purchasing decisions? How can understanding customer desires help businesses create more effective marketing strategies? In Traffic Secrets, Russell Brunson explores the core desires that motivate customers to buy products or services. He identifies health, wealth, and relationships as the primary drivers behind consumer behavior. Keep reading to discover what a customer wants and how you can leverage this knowledge to improve your marketing approach.

Sherlock Holmes’s Observation Skills: How to See Like He Sees

Sherlock Holmes's observation skills on display as he investigates a letter in a Victorian-era drawing room

How does Sherlock Holmes notice pertinent details? What if you could develop similar abilities? In Mastermind, Maria Konnikova explores the foundations of Sherlock Holmes’s observation skills. She reveals how keen awareness and conscious control of our mental processes can enhance our ability to pick up on crucial details in our environment. Read on to discover practical strategies for sharpening your own observational prowess and avoiding common pitfalls that cloud perceptions.

The Blank Slate by Steven Pinker: Book Overview & Takeaways

A woman with black hair reading a book outdoors in a city setting

What shapes human nature? Are we born as blank slates, or do our genes play a role in who we become? The Blank Slate by Steven Pinker challenges long-held beliefs about human nature. Pinker argues that science shows we’re not blank slates. Instead, we have innate tendencies shaped by our genes. He explores how this view impacts our understanding of personality, morality, and social issues. Read more for an overview of this book that explores what makes us human.

How to Not Jump to Conclusions: Use Your Imagination

A kid with several thought bubbles over his head illustrates how to not jump to conclusions by using your imagination

Do you find yourself making assumptions only to find out later that you were wrong? What if you approached problems more like Sherlock Holmes? In Mastermind, Maria Konnikova explores how to not jump to conclusions and instead think more creatively like the famous detective. She offers insights into why we tend to make hasty decisions and assumptions and provides strategies for engaging our imagination to solve problems more effectively. Read on to discover how you can cultivate Holmes-like thinking and approach challenges with a fresh perspective.

How to Adapt to Changes: 7 Life Altering Strategies

A drawing of a man standing between two signs. One reads "old life" and the other reads "new life" to signify adapting to life changes

Want to know how to adapt to changes in your life? How can you embrace a new way of being? Navigating life changes can be difficult, but Bruce Feiler, the author of Life Is in the Transitions, argues that you can make it easier by approaching it intentionally and proactively. He proposes seven strategies that can help you adapt to life changes. Keep reading for an in-depth look at each strategy.

Steven Pinker’s Critique of Romanticism—With Help From Science

A magnifying glass magnifying the word "ROMANTICISM" illustrates a critique of romanticism

Is human nature inherently good or bad? Are we born altruistic or selfish? In The Blank Slate, Steven Pinker explores the philosophy of romanticism and its impact on our understanding of human nature. He challenges the notion that humans are naturally benevolent and examines the scientific evidence against this view. Read on for a thought-provoking critique of romanticism and its implications for individual and social progress.

How to Take Control of Your Parenting Triggers

A dad holding his ears from a parenting trigger: his child screaming in his ear

Do you have parenting triggers? Do little things set you off easily? A regular mindfulness practice will not only help you become less reactive, but it will also help you understand why you respond so strongly in certain situations. Using mindfulness to increase self-awareness will help you better identify patterns and root issues that may be fueling your stress and making parenting harder.  Check out how to become more aware of your parenting triggers with a mindfulness exercise.