motivation
3 rules for choosing an archnemesis
Eric Weinstein explains why choosing a nemesis is both energizing and necessary for success.
The surprising psychological reasons you’re procrastinating — and how to fight it
Could procrastination actually be a form of self-protection?
4 ways to inject more creativity into your craft (and life)
Sometimes you have to take the road less traveled.
Is self-actualization a biological need?
We think of self-actualization as a lofty goal, but research suggests it may just be another way of obeying our biological programming.
Maslow’s forgotten pinnacle: Self-transcendence
Abraham Maslow's famous hierarchy of needs is depicted as a triangle with self-actualization at the very top. Right before his death, Maslow wanted to add another to the hierarchy: Self-transcendence.
How does your productivity stack up?
Research from MIT reveals common habits and skills present among highly productive managers.
We’ve heard of self-actualization, but what is secondary integration?
Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a well-known model of human development, but Maslow's friend and colleague Kazimierz Dąbrowski believed humans developed in a different way.
9 self-actualized historical figures
When he was developing his famous hierarchy of needs, Abraham Maslow cited 9 historical figures that achieved self-actualization.
Should people really pursue self-actualization?
It's a popular buzzword among the self-help community, but does trying to become self-actualized do any good?
The compliment sandwich doesn’t work, but the “complaint sandwich” does — this is why
We're too afraid to voice our complaints, and for good reason — it often doesn't go well.
Does hitting the snooze button really help you feel better?
"Bottom line: It's probably best to set your alarm for a specific time and get up then."
Good leaders don’t give advice — they coach
Stop prescribing advice and start helping people come up with their own solutions.
How to make sure you stay on track with your goals
Setting goals might be easy, but sticking to them? That's when it gets tough.
Want to know the meaning of life? It starts with health.
A new study discovered that lack of purpose leads to earlier death.
Happiness doesn’t follow success: It’s the other way round
Don't wait for happiness — start there instead.
Perfectionism is on the rise – and we’re all paying the cost
New research shows elevated risks of anxiety, depression, and suicide linked to perfectionism.
6 simple ways to get the most out of your workout
Any exercise is better than none, but no one wants to waste their time in the gym. Learn how to get the most out of your workout here.
Creativity isn’t just for the young, new research shows
It all depends on what type of creativity we're discussing.
Philosopher Alan Watts on the meaning of life
He reminds us that meaning is wherever we choose to look.
Want to achieve your goals? The Finnish have a word for that.
Sisu is an ancient concept that is an integral part of Finland's national character.
Big Think is evolving. Learn habits of mind from the world’s greatest thinkers.
At Big Think, we capture the thoughts of the world's most brilliant thinkers.
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How storytelling gives life meaning
Since the advent of communication, humans have used stories to create meaningful lives.
Why procrastination is a form of self-harm
Chronic procrastination is associated with a slew of negative health outcomes.
5 realistic ways to save money, according to experts
Saving money doesn't mean sacrificing quality of life; in fact, it can be a way to improve it.
Do participation trophies hinder child development?
The fierce debate over participation trophies ignores a crucial fact: Children aren't idiots.
Is science synonymous with ‘truth’? Game theory says, ‘not always.’
Good science is sometimes trumped by the craving for a "big splash."
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Habits come from what we do, not what we want to do
A new study takes a fresh look at the mechanics of forming habits.