The idea of being driven by a calling goes back centuries. It was the language used to describe religious people who were called to the priesthood. Today, millions of people in secular professions yearn to be similarly galvanized by their work. This week, researcher Jennifer Tosti-Kharas explores the immense power — and the downsides — of finding a job that gives you purpose.
Passion vs. Paycheck Read More »
It’s not easy for most of us to receive negative feedback. We’ll explore what causes so many of us to resist constructive criticism, and how we can get better at giving and receiving such feedback.
It’s Not My Fault! Read More »
Many of us have been raised to believe that if we want to get something done, we just need to set our minds to it. Where there’s a will, there’s a way, right? Yet somehow we end up polishing off that pint of ice cream in the freezer, or spending more than our budget allows.
Winning the Battle Against Yourself Read More »
Perfectionism is everyone’s favorite flaw. It’s easy to assume that our push to be perfect is what leads to academic, athletic and professional success. But psychologist Thomas Curran says perfectionism has a dark side, and that there are much healthier ways to strive for excellence.
Escaping Perfectionism Read More »
When tragedy strikes, it’s natural to be devastated. But psychologist George Bonanno finds that many of us recover from life’s blows more quickly than we might expect. This week, we talk with Bonanno about his research and why it has changed how many scientists think about trauma and resilience. Do you have follow-up questions or comments after
Have you ever fallen asleep in school or during a work meeting? What’s missing from these classrooms and conference rooms is engagement: A state of being absorbed, alert, and eager to learn.
How Our Brains Learn Read More »
Aging isn’t just a biological process. Our outlooks and emotions also change as we age, often in ways that boost our well-being.
The Best Years of Your Life Read More »
Why do some people risk their own lives to help another person, or give away their fortunes for the benefit of strangers? This week, we talk with psychologist and neuroscientist Abigail Marsh, who studies the science of altruism. We’ll explore what’s known about the brains of people who perform acts of remarkable selflessness, and how the
Fear is a normal and healthy response to things that may harm us. But fear can also hold us back from doing the things we want to do.
We all tell stories about ourselves, often without realizing we’re doing so. How we frame those stories can profoundly shape our lives. In the kickoff episode to our monthlong series on healing, psychologist Jonathan Adler shares how to tell our stories in ways that enhance our wellbeing.
You 2.0: Change Your Story, Change Your Life Read More »
