My Experiments in the Practice of Everyday Life

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Tag Archives: "psychology"



Are You More Drawn to Simplicity or to Abundance?

I love dividing the world into categories. Abstainers and moderators. Radiators and drains. Leopards and alchemists. Marathoners and sprinters (formerly known as “tortoises and hares”–I like this terminology better, how about you?) I’ve come up with a new distinction, but I’m still turning it over in my mind. I’m not sure it works out…I would love to hear your response. …


The Happiness Lesson from the Finale of the TV Show “The Office.”

My daughters and I are huge fans of the TV show, The Office (the American version). We have the DVDs, we’ve watched every episode several times, and they get funnier each time. Now, admittedly, you may question the wisdom of allowing an eight-year-old to watch the show. But I always watch with her, and I skip through the inappropriate parts. …


How Well Do You Know Yourself? Take This Quiz.

Every Wednesday is Tip Day. This Wednesday: Quiz–Answer these questions to boost your self-knowledge. A key–perhaps the key–to a happy life is self-knowledge, because as the Fifth Splendid Truth holds, I can build a happy life only on the foundation of my own nature. In my own case, I’ve found that the more my life reflects my real interests, values, …


Story: Get a Hold of Yourself, Meredith.

For the weekly videos, I now tell a story. I’ve realized that for me, and I think for many people, a story is what holds my attention and makes a point most powerfully. This week’s story: Get a hold of yourself, Meredith.   Can’t see the video? Click here. Do you have any catch-phrases or mantras that work for you? …


A Surprising But Effective Way To Figure Out What Someone Really Thinks.

Over the weekend, I was trying to remember something I’d read in Tyler Cowen’s book, Discover Your Inner Economist: Using Incentives to Fall in Love, Survive Your Next Meeting, and Motivate Your Dentist. And I looked it up–so interesting! Sometimes when we ask a question, we know that people might be reluctant to give a true opinion. Maybe they’re worried …