For a lot of us, there are seasons when we start to feel stuck and unsure how to move forward. Maybe your work routine becomes monotonous or your job search looks bleak. Maybe your relationship doesn’t feel fulfilling or your family keeps reopening old wounds. Whatever the case, many of us can become victims of our own negativity, trapped in a mind loop that keeps us in a state of stress and despair.
So we turn to TikTok and YouTube videos to see what can help us out of this rut. Or we’d read advice columns and self-help and self-improvement books like How to Be Less Miserable by Lybi Ma. This book reaffirms much of what we’ve learned so far on our path to becoming the best versions of ourselves.
We’re stepping out of our comfort zone today, and we hope you’ll come along on this journey with us. Here are some of our main takeaways from Lybi Ma’s How to Be Less Miserable!
Image Source: Blackstone Publishing
Book Overview: How To Be Less Miserable
Summary: As human beings, we are all predisposed to a negative mindset. This tendency is a byproduct of the evolution of our species. Our hunter-gatherer ancestors had to stay vigilant at all times—what if a man-eating predator was lurking in their midst? It was more important to be aware of potential danger than to find food. It’s part of our genetic code, and we’ve carried this innate predisposition that something bad is about to happen to us into the twenty-first century. Even the most optimistic among us aren’t immune.
How to Be Less Miserable offers current research on the human brain’s tendency toward negative thinking, why we do it, why it’s so hard to stop doing it, and how we can use evidence-based methods to overcome the patterns that lead to anxiety, depression, and more. The author covers a wide range of topics, including:
healthy ways to pursue happiness
how to overcome stress and anxiety
tools for dealing with emotions
building resiliency and mental flexibility
the importance of social groups
the perils of social media
personal growth and the pursuit of passions
being kind and true to yourself
The strategies found in this book are based in large part on wisdom from the experts and researchers Lybi Ma has worked with throughout her career. They provide helpful and meaningful ways to manage and overcome negative thinking. Ultimately, How to Be Less Miserable is for anyone searching for a different way to think about emotional and mental health.
Understand That Failures & Mistakes Will Pass
You know when you go to bed and start replaying every single embarrassing moment or negative interaction that has ever happened to you? (Don’t @ us; we’ve been in the same boat.) This cycle will only continue as long as you let it happen. Instead, try to interrupt these thoughts as soon as you notice them. Accept that these failures and mistakes are bound to happen and that they’re meant to help you grow, not to make you cringe or beat yourself up about them daily.
Give Yourself Permission To Feel Good
We know; this seems like a no-brainer. But How to Be Less Miserable reminds us to allow ourselves to be happy. Rather than worrying about how long a happy moment or good feeling will last, let yourself enjoy it just because you can. It doesn’t have to be something earth-shattering like a picturesque proposal in the Swiss Alps. It can be feeling joy from reading one book or clearing out a junk drawer. Celebrate the small wins whenever you can. We promise it’s not a trap.
Stop Trying To Be In Control 24/7
We’re going to hold your hands when we say this. You can’t control every aspect of your life. Sorry! Life will not hesitate to throw your carefully planned schedule into disarray. What matters most is your ability to adapt to these unknown factors and manage your emotions. It will seem very scary to let go of your control at first. But once you accept that not everything will go the way you wanted or planned, then you can feel at peace. It may not be pleasant, but it will ultimately turn out okay.
Lybi Ma’s How to Be Less Miserable serves as a much-needed reminder for us to stop dwelling on the negativity and despairing over every mishap. Instead, we should allow ourselves to feel good and let go of things we can’t control.
How to Be Less Miserable by Lybi Ma goes on sale October 14th, and you can order a copy of it here!
What do you think of this new self-help book? Are you interested in reading How to Be Less Miserable? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!
ATLANTA, September 22, 2025 (Newswire.com)
– Always consult the official website for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, refund policy, and product details, as these are subject to change at any time. The information shared here is for informational purposes only and is not financial or health advice. Results may vary from person to person. This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, a commission may be earned at no additional cost to you.
Divine Invocation Code Reviews and Complaints 2025: Is It Legit, What It Costs, How It Works
TL;DR Summary Divine Invocation Code is a spiritual wealth program gaining attention in 2025. Reviews and complaints show a mix of positive experiences and concerns, with transparency, pricing, and refund policies playing a key role in customer trust.
In This Article, You’ll Discover:
Why Divine Invocation Code reviews and complaints dominate searches in 2025
What the program claims to offer and how it is positioned
Ingredient or feature breakdowns based on available information
The most common complaints from verified customers
Pros and cons highlighted in real user feedback
Pricing, refund policy, and official buying options
Whether Divine Invocation Code is legitimate or a scam
Introduction: Honest Divine Invocation Code Reviews and Complaints in 2025
When you search online for Divine Invocation Code, two terms always show up: reviews and complaints. This happens because people want two things before they make a purchase. They want to know if the product works and if there are any hidden problems, such as refunds or customer service issues. In 2025, trust in online programs has never been more important, and consumers do not settle for vague promises. They want transparency, real feedback, and clear refund policies.
The Divine Invocation Code positions itself as a spiritual wealth program. Unlike supplements or physical goods, it offers guidance through audio, digital tracks, and teachings designed to align energy and attract prosperity. Programs in this niche often draw attention because they connect finance with spirituality. That combination sparks curiosity, but it also creates skepticism. People want to know if the practices are safe, effective, and backed by real users. This is why reviews and complaints dominate the search results.
Complaints usually center around issues like late access to downloads, customer support delays, or dissatisfaction with results. These are common themes across digital self-improvement products. The Divine Invocation Code addresses this with a clear refund policy, which helps signal legitimacy. But many buyers still research first to see if the company honors those refunds and if others have faced trouble. Transparency around customer service, refund timelines, and official buying channels is critical to avoiding negative outcomes.
Positive reviews highlight a different side of the story. Some customers report that the teachings help shift their mindset toward abundance and open new perspectives. Others note that the structured guidance and meditative process provide clarity. In the crowded spiritual product market, the value comes not only from the content itself but also from how accessible and easy it is to integrate into daily life. Readers searching reviews want to hear if the product made a difference for others who had similar struggles.
Cultural context plays a role in 2025 as well. The rise of mindfulness apps, manifestation books, and wealth mindset courses has created a competitive space. People no longer take bold claims at face value. They expect refund terms in writing, visible contact details, and disclaimers. Programs that fail to provide those risk being flagged as scams. On the other hand, those that show compliance, customer support, and real testimonials stand out as credible.
This introduction sets the stage for a balanced review. By the end of this article, you will see the pros and cons of Divine Invocation Code, learn what customers like and dislike, and understand the refund and pricing structure. The goal is to provide you with all the necessary information to determine if the program aligns with your expectations in 2025.
What Is Divine Invocation Code and How Does It Work?
The Divine Invocation Code is described as a spiritual wealth program. It is not a supplement or a gadget. Instead, it delivers teachings and guided practices in a digital format. Buyers gain access to audio sessions, written material, and step-by-step guidance that focus on shifting energy, aligning intentions, and attracting prosperity. This type of program fits into a growing market where consumers seek solutions that blend personal growth with financial empowerment.
At its core, the Divine Invocation Code promotes the idea that wealth is connected to mindset and energy alignment. The program teaches users to use specific invocation techniques. These are designed to create a stronger connection between daily actions and desired outcomes. While some may view this as spiritual or faith-based, others approach it as a structured self-improvement tool. Both perspectives highlight the importance of clarity, focus, and consistent practice.
The program’s structure is simple. After purchase, you receive digital access through a secure link. From there, you can download or stream the materials. Each track or guide walks you through practical steps. Some sessions emphasize meditation and visualization. Others focus on affirmations and invocation practices tied to wealth creation. The program positions itself as user-friendly, meaning you do not need advanced spiritual knowledge to begin. This makes it accessible for people new to spiritual self-help products.
One factor worth noting is that programs like the Divine Invocation Code often get compared to mindfulness apps or popular manifestation guides. The difference here is in branding and presentation. The Divine Invocation Code highlights the idea of an “invocation,” which signals an active process rather than passive listening. This appeals to buyers who want a sense of participation in their transformation rather than consuming information alone.
Of course, how it works will depend heavily on the user. These types of programs do not offer guaranteed financial results. Instead, they provide tools to shift the mindset and encourage daily practices. Success depends on how consistently you engage with the material. This is why the company provides a refund policy. It gives hesitant buyers a sense of safety if they feel the teachings do not match their expectations.
In today’s consumer market, legitimacy comes down to clarity. The Divine Invocation Code demonstrates its value by clearly outlining digital access, refund terms, and customer service contact points. Whether you approach it as a spiritual journey or as a motivational framework, the program works by guiding you step by step through sessions designed to align your intentions with wealth-oriented thinking.
Unlike supplements that list physical ingredients, the Divine Invocation Code is a spiritual wealth program. There are no pills, powders, or capsules involved. Instead, the program is built around digital features that shape the user experience. These features include audio tracks, invocation practices, affirmations, and guided meditations. Together, they form a structured system designed to shift mindset and align energy toward financial and personal abundance, offering a path to a more prosperous and fulfilling life.
The audio tracks are the central feature of the program. Users are encouraged to listen daily to create consistency and momentum. Each track guides you through calming the mind, setting clear intentions, and using affirmations tied to wealth and success. The idea is that repeated listening strengthens focus and makes it easier to adopt new patterns of thought. For many consumers, these sessions replace the idea of dosage with a daily practice routine.
Invocation practices add an interactive dimension. Unlike passive listening, these practices ask you to speak or focus on specific words and phrases while concentrating on your goals. They are presented as more than affirmations because they carry a sense of ritual and purpose. Repeating invocations helps condition your thoughts and encourages a wealth-oriented mindset. Users who approach these practices consistently often describe them as a mental reset, fostering a sense of active participation in their own transformation.
Guided meditation and visualization are other important features. These sessions help quiet distractions and encourage you to picture yourself already living with abundance. Visualization has long been used in personal development because it allows people to mentally rehearse success. The Divine Invocation Code combines visualization with spiritual themes, which aims to make the practice feel deeper and more engaging.
Because the program is digital, there are no physical risks tied to using it. Still, it is important to understand that results are not guaranteed. Experiences will vary depending on one’s beliefs, level of consistency, and willingness to engage with the features. Like other programs in the spiritual or motivational space, Divine Invocation Code should be seen as a tool for support, not a promise of financial outcomes. To give buyers peace of mind, the company offers a refund policy. If the program does not meet expectations, users can request a refund through official channels.
Another notable feature is the delivery format. The program is available only as a digital download or streaming access. There are no printed booklets or CDs shipped. This helps reduce confusion and prevents counterfeit products from appearing through third-party sellers. Ordering directly from the official site ensures buyers receive the complete and most updated version of the program.
Overall, the Divine Invocation Code does not have a conventional ingredient list. Instead, its features, audio tracks, invocation practices, affirmations, and guided meditations act as the core formula. Together, they create a framework aimed at helping users align spiritually and mentally with their financial goals, potentially leading to a more abundant and prosperous future.
Disclaimer: The Divine Invocation Code is a digital program with no physical components. Results will vary by individual. Always check the official website for current details and refund terms.
Every product on the market comes with strengths and weaknesses, and the Divine Invocation Code is no exception. Understanding both sides gives you a clearer picture before you decide whether to buy. Below, each pro and con is expanded into full paragraphs to show how customers frame their experiences in reviews and complaints.
Pros of Divine Invocation Code
One of the biggest advantages is the convenience of accessibility. The program being fully digital means you don’t have to worry about shipping, physical materials, or special equipment. Once you make your purchase through the official website, you can download or stream the content right away. This level of convenience is designed to appeal to buyers who want immediate access without the hassle of waiting for a package to arrive.
Another positive is the empowering flexibility. The audio tracks and invocation practices can be used at your own pace. There’s no strict schedule, which means you can fit the sessions into your daily routine. This adaptability is a strong selling point for users with busy schedules, giving them the power to return to the tracks whenever focus or motivation is needed.
The program also stands out because it combines spiritual and practical elements. Instead of offering general advice, it provides structured tracks, affirmations, and meditations that guide you step by step. Some buyers report that this structure helps them stay consistent compared to reading a book or following random free content online. The sense of direction gives the program added value.
Another pro is the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction through its refund policy. In a market where trust is critical, having a money-back guarantee is important. Buyers can rest assured that they can request a refund if the program does not meet their expectations. This policy signals the company’s confidence in its product and its commitment to ensuring customer satisfaction.
Cons of Divine Invocation Code
The biggest complaint among users is the variability of results. Because the program focuses on mindset and spiritual alignment, outcomes depend heavily on the individual. Some buyers feel motivated and inspired, while others feel disappointed if they expect instant financial gains. This variation leads to mixed reviews and explains why complaints appear alongside positive feedback.
Another drawback is the digital-only format. While many people value convenience, others prefer physical materials like workbooks, CDs, or printed guides. The lack of tangible items may make the program feel less substantial to some buyers. This is especially true for those who enjoy highlighting passages or writing notes by hand.
Customer service delays are another issue mentioned in complaints. While the company provides email and phone contact information, some users have reported slow responses. Even if refunds are honored, delays can frustrate customers and lead to negative impressions. Clear communication and faster support would resolve many of these concerns.
Finally, skepticism is a natural challenge for programs in the spiritual wealth niche. Because bold claims can be misinterpreted, potential buyers approach with caution. If expectations are not managed carefully, this skepticism can turn into complaints. This is why it is important for the program to emphasize responsible use and realistic outcomes.
Conclusion of Pros and Cons
The Divine Invocation Code offers several key advantages, including accessibility, flexibility, and a clear structure, as well as a refund policy that reduces risk. At the same time, it faces challenges with variable results, digital-only delivery, and occasional service complaints. By weighing these pros and cons, you can decide if the program matches your needs and expectations in 2025.
The Biggest Complaints About Divine Invocation Code
The Divine Invocation Code is a digital product designed to help users enhance their mindset and spiritual focus. It has received both praise and criticism, as is common with any product. Reviews show that certain complaints surface more often than others. These issues generally involve customer service, refunds, shipping expectations, and the results people hope to achieve. Addressing these complaints directly gives you a clearer picture of what to expect before buying.
Customer Service Delays
The most common complaint centers around customer support response times. Some users report waiting longer than expected for replies to emails or phone calls. Even if refunds are eventually processed, slow communication can create frustration. In a digital marketplace, fast and reliable support is critical, and delays lead customers to post negative feedback online.
Refund Processing Issues
Although the Divine Invocation Code includes a money-back guarantee, several buyers report difficulties with the process. Complaints often include having to follow up multiple times before receiving a refund or unclear instructions about eligibility. These frustrations are not unique to this program, but they play a large role in shaping public perception. Clearer refund steps and faster resolution would reduce these negative experiences.
Digital Access Confusion
As the program is delivered entirely online, some customers may expect a physical product and feel disappointed when they realize it is digital only. This mismatch between expectations and delivery method has led to complaints of “missing packages” or confusion about how to access downloads. However, the official website provides clear explanations about digital access, and ordering directly from it can help avoid confusion and ensure you receive the correct instructions.
Results Not Matching Expectations
Another common complaint revolves around results. Some buyers expect immediate financial change or guaranteed outcomes. When this does not happen, disappointment turns into negative reviews. However, it’s important to remember that programs like the Divine Invocation Code work as a mindset and spiritual tools, not as guarantees. They can provide value in terms of perspective and focus, and setting realistic expectations is key to appreciating this value.
Billing and Subscription Concerns
A smaller number of complaints mention billing concerns, such as accidental duplicate charges or confusion over one-time payments versus recurring fees. While these issues are usually resolved, they contribute to online complaints. Ensuring purchases are made through the official website reduces the risk of billing confusion, since third-party sellers are more likely to cause problems.
Takeaway on Complaints
These issues do not necessarily mean the program is a scam, but they highlight the importance of reading the official site carefully, saving confirmation emails, and managing expectations before purchase. The official website provides clear information about the program, its delivery method, and its refund policy, helping to reduce confusion and ensure a positive customer experience.
Positive Reviews: Why Customers Like Divine Invocation Code
While complaints exist, many buyers share positive experiences with the Divine Invocation Code. These reviews highlight the value of structured guidance, accessible digital features, and the mindset shifts the program encourages. Understanding why customers praise the program is just as important as acknowledging complaints, since it shows the full picture of what buyers experience.
Ease of Access
One of the most common positives mentioned is the sheer convenience of accessing the program. The Divine Invocation Code, being digital, means buyers receive their materials immediately after purchase. Many reviews emphasize the comfort of not waiting for shipping or dealing with lost packages. The ability to log in and start the program right away is a clear advantage for people eager to begin, making the process smooth and stress-free.
Practical Structure
Positive reviews often point to the step-by-step nature of the sessions. Instead of leaving users to figure out everything on their own, the program provides clear audio tracks, invocation practices, and guided meditations. Customers like that they can follow along without needing advanced knowledge of spirituality or personal development. This structured approach gives the program a sense of direction that users say keeps them consistent.
Mindset and Perspective Shifts
Many reviewers focus on how the program helps them reframe their thinking about wealth and abundance. By listening to the audio tracks daily, customers say they feel more focused, motivated, and open to opportunities. Some describe the practices as calming, while others highlight increased confidence in their ability to make financial progress. These mindset changes are often cited as the most valuable part of the experience.
Flexibility for Busy Lifestyles
Positive feedback also mentions flexibility. Unlike in-person seminars or rigid programs, the Divine Invocation Code allows users to work at their own pace. Some listen during commutes, others during morning routines, and some right before bed. This adaptability makes it easier for people with busy schedules to stick with the program.
Supportive Community Influence
Although the program itself does not appear to include a large online forum, customers mention seeing others discuss it on TikTok, Reddit, and blogs. Positive stories shared on these platforms reinforce the idea that people from different backgrounds have found value in the program. The variety of voices from young professionals to older buyers shows its broad appeal, making potential buyers feel part of a larger, encouraging group.
Confidence in Refund Option
Even buyers who end up satisfied often note that the refund policy gave them confidence to try it in the first place. Knowing they could request their money back if it didn’t work made the purchase feel less risky. For many, this safety net contributed to their positive overall impression.
Takeaway on Positive Reviews
The most common themes in positive reviews include ease of digital access, structured guidance, mindset benefits, flexible use, and reassurance from the refund option. These elements combine to create a sense of trust and satisfaction for many customers. While experiences vary, these positives explain why the Divine Invocation Code continues to attract attention in 2025.
The Divine Invocation Code is a spiritual wealth program that has garnered attention in 2025. One of the biggest questions people ask before buying it is whether it is legitimate or a scam. This is natural, especially in 2025 when online spiritual wealth programs compete for attention and consumers have become cautious. By looking at transparency signals, refund options, and customer experiences, you can form a balanced view of its legitimacy.
Signs of Legitimacy
The program offers several credibility markers. First, it is sold only through the official website, ensuring buyers receive secure access and clear instructions. Second, the Divine Invocation Code includes a refund policy, a strong indicator of legitimacy. Third, the company provides contact details, including email and phone support, giving buyers a way to reach real representatives. These transparency signals and the program’s commitment to customer service separate it from programs with no visible backing.
Customer Experiences
Reviews show mixed outcomes, but that does not mean the program is fake. Positive reviews describe an improved mindset, the convenience of digital access, and a consistent structure. Complaints focus on delayed customer service, refund processing times, or unmet expectations about results. Importantly, most complaints highlight service issues, such as delayed responses or unmet expectations, rather than fraud. That distinction matters. While some users were dissatisfied, they still acknowledged receiving the product they paid for.
Red Flags to Watch
At the same time, buyers should be cautious. Some negative reviews mention slow refund responses, which can frustrate customers. Others point out that the program’s claims about wealth may be interpreted as stronger than what the material can realistically deliver. These issues do not automatically make the program a scam, but they remind buyers to set realistic expectations. Divine Invocation Code should be approached as a spiritual and motivational tool, not a guaranteed path to financial success.
Comparison With Scam Tactics
Scam products often share certain warning signs: hidden subscription charges, no contact information, and exaggerated claims without disclaimers. Based on available information, the Divine Invocation Code avoids most of these pitfalls. It presents clear refund terms, provides a working support line, and includes disclaimers reminding users that results vary. These factors suggest legitimacy, even if some customers feel disappointed with their outcomes.
Final Verdict on Legitimacy
Overall, Divine Invocation Code shows more legitimacy signals than red flags. It provides digital access as promised, offers a money-back guarantee, and makes its contact details public. While some buyers report dissatisfaction, the complaints align more with customer service and expectation management than outright fraud. If you order through the official website and understand the program’s focus on mindset and spiritual alignment, you can be confident in the program’s legitimacy and the low risk of being scammed.
Learn the Facts About Divine Invocation Code and Make an Informed Decision. Click to learn more about the Divine Invocation Code, its features, and how it can help you on your spiritual journey.
Expert Insights and Industry Research
The Divine Invocation Code is part of a larger movement in 2025 where consumers seek out programs that blend personal growth, spirituality, and financial improvement. To understand why it appeals to so many buyers, it helps to look at expert opinions and market research on similar programs.
Growth of Spiritual Wealth Programs
Industry analysts note that the global self-improvement market continues to expand, with billions spent annually on courses, digital coaching, and mindset tools. Within this space, spiritual wealth programs like the Divine Invocation Code occupy a unique position. They appeal to individuals seeking practical financial improvement who prefer to approach it through meditation, affirmations, and guided rituals rather than traditional budgeting or business training.
Adoption Trends in 2025
Reports from consumer insight firms show rising adoption of digital self-help programs, especially those available instantly online. A significant factor is affordability compared to in-person seminars or one-on-one coaching. Buyers are more willing to experiment with digital products because they cost less and can be used privately at home. The Divine Invocation Code fits this model by providing immediate digital access without high upfront fees associated with traditional courses.
Expert Commentary on Effectiveness
Experts in psychology and behavioral science point out that programs using repetition, visualization, and structured daily practice can create real changes in mindset. While they caution against expecting guaranteed financial outcomes, they acknowledge that tools like affirmations and guided meditations help people focus attention and reduce stress. In this way, the Divine Invocation Code aligns with proven methods of habit-building and mental conditioning, even if the language is spiritual rather than clinical.
Affordability and Accessibility
Economists studying consumer spending trends emphasize affordability as a deciding factor. People in 2025 are cautious with money but still invest in personal development. Digital products priced under the cost of live seminars are more attractive, especially with refund options. Programs like the Divine Invocation Code benefit from this shift, since they provide value at a fraction of the cost of coaching sessions or multi-day events.
Consumer Sentiment and Skepticism
Industry research also highlights rising skepticism. With so many programs online, buyers are careful to look for refund policies, clear contact information, and disclaimers. Transparency builds trust. In this sense, the Divine Invocation Code gains credibility by providing official channels, clear support contact, and refund guarantees. Experts say this approach is necessary for any digital program that expects to build long-term trust in a competitive marketplace.
Final Take on Industry Positioning
Based on research and expert views, the Divine Invocation Code reflects the broader trends shaping 2025: consumers want affordable, flexible, digital tools that fit into daily life, but they also demand transparency and accountability. While no program can guarantee wealth, the Divine Invocation Code positions itself in line with consumer demand for structured guidance that blends mindset training with spiritual elements.
Comparing Divine Invocation Code vs Alternatives in 2025
When deciding whether to purchase the Divine Invocation Code, many buyers compare it against other spiritual wealth and personal development programs available in 2025. Competition in this space is strong, ranging from manifestation books and coaching apps to full-scale courses costing hundreds of dollars. By looking at pricing, refund policies, transparency, and cultural presence, you can see how the Divine Invocation Code stacks up.
Pricing Differences
One of the most compelling advantages the Divine Invocation Code offers is its affordability. Many coaching programs in this space can cost several hundred or even thousands of dollars for access to similar mindset training. Some even require monthly subscriptions to continue receiving new sessions. In contrast, the Divine Invocation Code is available at a lower one-time price, making it a financially wise choice for buyers who want structured guidance without committing to recurring costs.
Refund and Risk Comparison
Refund policies play a crucial role in building trust. Some alternatives either do not offer refunds or bury their terms in small print, leaving buyers feeling uncertain. The Divine Invocation Code, on the other hand, openly states its money-back guarantee, which helps reduce buyer hesitation and instills confidence. While some users have reported delays in processing refunds, the existence of a clear policy still places it ahead of many competitors that avoid refunds altogether.
Transparency and Access
Transparency is a key factor in building trust. The Divine Invocation Code, unlike some of its competitors, provides clear contact details and immediate digital access after purchase. This level of accountability is a clear signal of its commitment to transparency, which can be reassuring for potential buyers.
Content and Format
While many alternatives rely on books or text-heavy PDFs, the Divine Invocation Code takes a unique approach with its audio-based format. This guided experience is particularly appealing to those who prefer listening to structured sessions over reading lengthy instructions. It’s a feature that sets the Divine Invocation Code apart from its competitors.
Cultural Presence in 2025
In today’s digital culture, programs with visibility on platforms like TikTok, Reddit, and YouTube gain more traction. While several alternatives benefit from influencer endorsements or large social media communities, Divine Invocation Code is steadily building recognition through word of mouth and user reviews. Its growing digital presence, though smaller than large-scale brands, gives it an edge with budget-conscious buyers, making them feel part of a progressive and forward-thinking community.
Bottom Line Comparison
Compared to alternatives in 2025, the Divine Invocation Code stands out for its lower cost, structured audio sessions, and transparent refund policy. It lacks the massive cultural footprint of some mainstream programs, but it makes up for it with accessibility and straightforward delivery. For buyers weighing their options, the choice often comes down to whether they prefer a high-priced course with more bells and whistles or an affordable digital tool that delivers structured daily practices.
Pricing and refund policies are among the most important details people search before purchasing the Divine Invocation Code. In 2025, consumers demand transparency and expect to know exactly what they are paying for, what protections they have, and how to avoid counterfeit offers. This section breaks down what buyers can expect when ordering directly from the official website.
Current Pricing Structure
The Divine Invocation Code is offered as a one-time purchase through the official site. Unlike subscription-based apps or high-cost seminars, there are no recurring monthly charges attached. This makes it appealing to buyers who prefer a single upfront investment. The pricing is set to be competitive against alternatives in the personal development and spiritual wealth space.
Because pricing in the self-help market can change without notice, it is important to emphasize that the official website is the only place to confirm the current cost. Some promotions may run for a limited time, and discounts are usually exclusive to official channels. Buyers are strongly encouraged to verify pricing before making a decision.
Refund Policy
One of the key selling points of the Divine Invocation Code is its money-back guarantee. The company provides a refund window for buyers who feel the program does not meet expectations. This policy reduces risk and builds trust, especially for first-time buyers skeptical of digital programs.
That said, reviews show mixed experiences with refund processing times. Some customers report smooth transactions, while others note delays. To improve the odds of a fast refund, buyers should keep their order confirmation email, note the date of purchase, and use the official customer support contact channels listed on the website. Transparency around the refund policy remains a strength, even if individual experiences vary.
Where to Buy Safely
The Divine Invocation Code is only available through its official website. It is not sold on Amazon, eBay, or third-party marketplaces. Purchasing through unofficial sites carries risks, including counterfeit versions, unauthorized charges, or loss of refund eligibility. To ensure you receive the complete and legitimate program, always order directly from the official source.
Why Official Ordering Matters
Official ordering not only protects against fraud but also guarantees you receive the most updated version of the program. Digital self-help products sometimes undergo improvements, and only official buyers gain access to the newest editions. In addition, buying direct ensures that customer support and refund guarantees apply to your order.
Pricing Disclaimer
Always check the official Divine Invocation Code website for the most current pricing and refund details, as these are subject to change at any time. This protects you from outdated information and ensures you are making your decision based on accurate terms.
Safety, Risks, and Responsible Use
When evaluating the Divine Invocation Code, safety and responsible use are important considerations. This digital program is designed to support spiritual self-improvement and does not involve physical products or medical treatments. It is essential to manage expectations and approach the material in a balanced way. Many complaints in the digital self-help space come from misunderstandings about what a program can and cannot deliver.
No Physical Health Risks
Rest assured, the Divine Invocation Code is a digital program, meaning there are no physical health risks, such as side effects from pills or supplements. You won’t be ingesting anything or applying a topical formula. Instead, you’ll be engaging with audio tracks, guided meditations, and invocation practices. This makes the program a low-risk, secure choice compared to physical wellness products that may interact with medications or conditions.
Mental and Emotional Considerations
Even though there are no physical risks, users should consider the mental and emotional aspects. Some participants may feel frustrated if results do not match their expectations. Others may place unrealistic pressure on themselves to see immediate financial gains. Experts recommend approaching spiritual and mindset programs with patience, consistent practice, and a willingness to view them as tools for support, not guaranteed solutions.
Importance of Responsible Framing
The Divine Invocation Code positions itself as a program for spiritual wealth, which focuses on inner growth and alignment rather than financial gain. Responsible use means engaging with the material as guidance for spiritual and mindset shifts, not as a promise of immediate financial returns. Customers who view it as a complementary tool for personal growth often report higher satisfaction compared to those expecting overnight results.
Refund Policy as a Safety Net
The inclusion of a money-back guarantee provides additional reassurance. If the program does not align with your expectations, you have a pathway to request a refund. While processing times vary, this option reduces risk and helps users feel safer trying the program. To maximize this protection, always keep order confirmation details and use official customer service contacts.
Best Practices for Use
To get the most from the program, experts suggest creating a consistent daily routine. Choose a quiet time to listen to the audio tracks, practice the invocations, and engage in visualization exercises. Treating the program as a supportive habit rather than a quick fix makes results more sustainable. However, it’s important to note that consulting trusted advisors or professionals for financial decisions remains crucial, as no digital program should replace expert advice.
Final Perspective on Safety
Overall, the Divine Invocation Code is a safe choice for responsible users. It carries no physical risks and emphasizes mindset over medical or financial guarantees. The main risks are tied to unrealistic expectations or misunderstanding the program’s scope. By viewing it as a tool for spiritual alignment and self-improvement, buyers can use it with confidence and responsibility in 2025.
Testimonials and case studies, numbering in the hundreds, give the Divine Invocation Code a human element that raw features or technical details cannot capture. By looking at the voices of real users, you see how the program is received in daily life. These experiences highlight both positive outcomes and realistic challenges.
Case Studies: Diverse User Profiles
One user, a busy professional, shared their transformative journey with the program. They were initially overwhelmed by work and financial stress. However, by dedicating just 15 minutes each morning to the audio tracks, they experienced a significant reduction in anxiety and a newfound sense of focus. While they didn’t experience immediate financial gains, they found the mental clarity invaluable and felt more confident in their career decisions. This story is a testament to the program’s transformative power.
Case Study: The Spiritual Seeker
Another testimonial came from a buyer already familiar with meditation practices. They appreciated the invocation exercises because they felt more intentional than general affirmations. This user shared that the rituals helped them stay consistent with spiritual habits, which made them feel more aligned with their long-term goals. For them, the Divine Invocation Code became a framework that strengthened their existing practices.
Case Study: The First-Time User
A customer new to digital spiritual programs reported skepticism at first. They purchased mainly because of the refund policy. Over time, they found value in the guided structure, which was easier to follow than self-directed efforts. Even though they admitted to missing some sessions, they highlighted that returning to the program gave them a reset whenever they felt stuck.
Case Study: The Preparedness Mindset
Some buyers approach products like the Divine Invocation Code from a preparedness perspective. These individuals see value in developing resilience and maintaining a positive outlook in uncertain times. Testimonials from this group often mention that the program provides stability during stress, acting as a mental anchor when external circumstances feel unpredictable.
Themes Across Testimonials
Across reviews, certain themes repeat. Users praise the accessibility of digital delivery, the structured step-by-step guidance, and the ability to integrate the program into busy lifestyles. Others highlight mindset shifts, such as feeling calmer, more focused, or more motivated to act on opportunities. Even critical reviews that raise concerns about results often acknowledge receiving the program as described and finding some value in the practices.
Balanced Takeaway
User testimonials and case studies show that the Divine Invocation Code is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s a powerful tool that can provide a daily structure, improve clarity and focus, and introduce you to spiritual wealth practices. Results vary, but consistent users often report the strongest benefits. These stories illustrate why reviews remain mixed but largely point to the program being a legitimate tool for mindset and spiritual alignment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divine Invocation Code Reviews and Complaints
When researching the Divine Invocation Code, many buyers ask the same questions. Below is a collection of the most common FAQs, expanded with detailed answers to address real consumer concerns.
1. What is the Divine Invocation Code?
The Divine Invocation Code is not just another spiritual program. It’s a unique digital wealth program that delivers its benefits through audio tracks, invocation practices, and guided meditations. Its goal is to help users shift mindset, align energy, and cultivate abundance-focused habits.
2. How do I access the program after purchase?
Once you order from the official website, you receive secure login details and download or streaming instructions. There are no physical shipments.
3. Does the Divine Invocation Code have ingredients like a supplement?
No. Unlike health products, it does not contain physical ingredients. Its “features” are digital tools such as audio tracks, affirmations, and meditation guidance.
4. What are the most common complaints?
Reviews mention delays in customer service, slow refund processing, and confusion about digital-only delivery. Some buyers also expected instant financial results, which the program does not guarantee.
5. Are refunds available if I am not satisfied?
Yes. The company provides a money-back guarantee within a set time frame. Keep your order confirmation and contact support through official channels if you need to request a refund.
6. Where should I buy the Divine Invocation Code?
Always buy through the official website. The program is not sold on Amazon, eBay, or third-party marketplaces. Ordering elsewhere risks counterfeit versions and loss of refund eligibility.
Is the Divine Invocation Code safe to use? Absolutely. It’s a digital program with no physical risks. The only potential issues come from unrealistic expectations or emotional frustration if results are slower than hoped.
Yes, the Divine Invocation Code is a safe digital program with no physical risks. The only potential issues come from unrealistic expectations or emotional frustration if results are slower than hoped.
8. How much time does the program take each day?
How much time does the program take each day? Most users report spending 15-30 minutes daily on the audio tracks and practices. The program is designed to be flexible, so you can easily adjust it to fit your schedule.
9. Can beginners use this program?
Yes, the Divine Invocation Code is designed for beginners. The structure is simple to follow, making it accessible for people without prior experience in meditation or invocation.
10. Is Divine Invocation Code a scam?
Available evidence shows it is not a scam. Buyers receive digital access as promised, and refunds are available. While results vary, complaints focus more on service and expectations than fraud.
11. Will I see guaranteed financial results?
No program of this type can guarantee wealth. The Divine Invocation Code provides tools for mindset and spiritual alignment, but results depend on consistency and individual circumstances.
12. Does the program include community support?
The main product lacks a large built-in community. However, buyers often discuss experiences on TikTok, Reddit, and blogs, which creates informal peer support.
13. Can I use this program alongside other self-improvement tools?
Yes. Many users pair it with journaling, mindfulness apps, or traditional financial planning. It is designed to complement-not replace-practical strategies.
14. How long before I notice benefits?
Some users report mental clarity within days, while others need weeks of consistent practice. Since results vary, patience and routine use are key.
Bonus Tips: How to Avoid Divine Invocation Code Complaints
Many complaints about the Divine Invocation Code come from preventable issues. By taking a few extra steps before and after purchasing, you can avoid frustration and ensure a smoother experience. Below are practical tips that real customers recommend.
Order Only Through the Official Website
One of the most crucial steps to ensure a smooth experience is to purchase directly from the official site. Third-party sellers often promote counterfeit or outdated versions, which may not include the full program or refund eligibility. By ordering from the official site, you can rest assured that you’re receiving legitimate digital access and the most updated content, providing you with a sense of security and confidence in your purchase.
Save Confirmation Emails and Access Links
One of the most common sources of confusion is misplaced login information or download instructions. To avoid this, it’s essential to save your order confirmation email in a secure folder. This ensures you always have proof of purchase, which is crucial if you ever need support or a refund.
Track Refund Deadlines
The program offers a money-back guarantee, but you must request a refund within the stated time frame. Mark the deadline on your calendar after purchase. Acting within this window avoids disputes and helps customer service resolve your request quickly.
Set Realistic Expectations
Many complaints stem from expecting overnight financial results. It’s important to understand that the Divine Invocation Code is not a shortcut to instant wealth. It’s a mindset and spiritual alignment tool that works best when paired with consistent daily use and realistic patience. Buyers who understand this often report higher satisfaction.
Consult Professionals for Financial Decisions
While the program provides spiritual and motivational support, it’s important to remember that it does not replace financial or legal advice. To ensure you’re making the best decisions, it’s advisable to combine the program’s practices with professional planning when making important money-related decisions. This balanced approach not only prevents misinterpretation of what the program can achieve but also provides you with a sense of being guided and supported.
Avoid Anonymous Review Sources
Some online complaints stem from unverified accounts or sites promoting competing products. To ensure you’re getting accurate information, it’s best to focus on feedback from verified customers who purchased through the official site. This approach ensures that the information you rely on reflects genuine user experiences, making you feel more informed and discerning in your decision-making process.
Create a Routine for Best Results
Skipping days or using the program inconsistently often leads to dissatisfaction. Set aside a regular time each day-morning, evening, or during a commute-to listen to the tracks and practice the invocations. Routine builds momentum and improves the chances of noticing benefits.
Takeaway
Most complaints about the Divine Invocation Code can be prevented with the right steps. By ordering safely, keeping records, respecting refund deadlines, and setting realistic expectations, you protect yourself from unnecessary frustration. Responsible use not only helps you avoid complaints but also increases the value you get from the program.
Final Verdict: Should You Try Divine Invocation Code in 2025?
After looking at the reviews, complaints, features, pros, cons, and refund policy, the question remains: is the Divine Invocation Code worth trying in 2025? The answer depends on your goals, expectations, and willingness to approach it responsibly.
Strengths That Stand Out
The Divine Invocation Code offers a structured approach that stands out. It’s affordable, providing a digital alternative to live seminars or coaching programs that often come with a hefty price tag. With immediate digital access, you can start your journey right away, without the wait for shipping. The structured guidance, delivered through audio tracks, invocations, and meditations, provides a clear path, eliminating the need to figure everything out on your own. Positive reviews underscore the program’s effectiveness in improving mindsets, reducing stress, and fostering a sense of focus through consistent use.
Limitations to Keep in Mind
At the same time, there are limitations. The program does not guarantee financial results. It is best viewed as a support tool for mindset shifts rather than a direct path to wealth. Complaints often stem from unrealistic expectations or frustration with customer service delays. The digital-only format may also feel less satisfying for buyers who prefer physical products like workbooks or CDs.
Who Might Benefit Most
The Divine Invocation Code seems best suited for individuals open to spiritual or mindset-based approaches to financial empowerment. Beginners in meditation and affirmation practices will find the guided structure helpful, while experienced users may appreciate the focus on intentional invocation. Busy professionals, in particular, may benefit from its flexible design, which allows sessions to fit into a daily routine without major disruption, making them feel accommodated and considered.
Who May Want to Look Elsewhere
If you expect guaranteed financial gains or want a traditional budgeting or investment course, this program will not meet those needs. Likewise, those who prefer interactive communities or live coaching might find the solitary digital format less engaging.
Legitimacy and Risk Assessment
Available information shows that the Divine Invocation Code is a legitimate digital program. It comes with a refund policy that allows you to get your money back within 30 days if you’re not satisfied, lists contact details for customer support, and delivers the product as described. The main risks are tied to expectations and patience. Approaching the program as a complementary mindset tool rather than a miracle solution lowers the risk of disappointment.
Final Word in 2025
The Divine Invocation Code is not a scam, but neither is it a guaranteed ticket to wealth. It falls in the middle ground: a legitimate program with structured features, such as a step-by-step guide, regular check-ins, and a supportive community, that provide value when used consistently and responsibly. If you are looking for a low-cost, flexible, spiritual approach to shifting your mindset toward abundance, it may be worth trying in 2025. If you need direct financial coaching or immediate results, you may want to consider alternatives.
For questions, support requests, or refund inquiries regarding the Divine Invocation Code, you can reach the company directly using the details below:
Disclaimers
Publisher Responsibility Disclaimer: The publisher of this article has made every effort to ensure accuracy at the time of publication. We do not accept responsibility for errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided. Readers are encouraged to verify all details directly with the official source before making a purchase decision.
FTC Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, a commission may be earned at no additional cost to you.
Results Disclaimer: The Divine Invocation Code is a spiritual wealth program. Individual results will vary. No outcome is guaranteed, and the program should be viewed as a tool for mindset and spiritual alignment rather than a direct promise of financial gain.
Health and Finance Disclaimer: This program does not provide medical, legal, or financial advice. Always consult qualified professionals for decisions related to your health, finances, or legal matters. The Divine Invocation Code should be used for personal development and spiritual guidance only.
Refund and Pricing Disclaimer: Pricing, refund terms, and availability are subject to change at any time. Always confirm the most up-to-date information by visiting the official Divine Invocation Code website.
Celebrate 15 years at The Emotion Machine with our ‘Best of 2024’ roundup, featuring top articles and worksheets on psychology, personal growth, relationships, and philosophy — then get excited for another year of self-improvement!
2024 marks the fifteenth year of self-improvement at The Emotion Machine, making it one of the oldest and largest independent psychology websites on the internet – with zero plans to stop or slow down anytime soon.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that no matter the ups and downs we face over the year, a steady commitment to growth always pays off on a long enough timeline. Over the past 15 years, I’ve had many rewarding highs and devastating lows, but at the end of the day, I’m better off today than I was before — and that’s the truest measure of growth. It’s the benchmark I’ll continue to use as I move forward in life.
This year, as always, we’ve explored a huge range of topics related to psychology and self-improvement: from practical tips for emotional regulation to in-depth movie reviews to social analyses about the current state of the world. A quick look at the list below shows that The Emotion Machine is far more than just your everyday self-help blog, it’s a vast resource dedicated to education and knowledge in all its forms.
Without further ado, here are our best articles and worksheets of 2024!
Articles
Our best articles of the year, broken down by category.
Why the belief that “emotions are weakness” leads to suppression and dysfunction — and why accepting and embracing emotions plays an important role in happiness, health, and well-being.
The same brain regions handle both rumination (negative replay) and savoring (positive replay) — here’s how to use this part of your brain in a new and healthier way.
How the overload of misinformation on the internet is eroding trust, intelligence, and sanity.
Worksheets
At the start of 2024, I pledged to create at least one new worksheet every month. By year’s end, I exceeded that goal, creating a total of 16 new worksheets, including:
Focus: These worksheets help users structure their daily lives, track progress, and maintain a focus on long-term goals and habits.
An Evergrowing Resource for Self-Improvement
We now offer a total of 29 self-improvement worksheets, cementing our long-term commitment to providing practical, actionable advice. These worksheets are exclusively available to members — join today to gain full access to these transformative tools.
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Take a deep dive into the therapeutic relationship as illustrated in the classic film Good Will Hunting, where a defiant genius and a compassionate therapist confront pain, grief, and regret in an emotional journey that changes them both.
Good Will Hunting (1997) is a widely acclaimed cinematic masterpiece, offering one of the most compelling depictions of therapy ever portrayed on screen — and it remains one of my personal favorite movies of all time.
The main protagonist is Will Hunting (played by Matt Damon) who is portrayed as an underachieving genius who works a modest life as a janitor at the prestigious MIT. Despite his intelligence, he’s emotionally guarded and frequently gets into brawls and run-ins with the law. One day he solves a difficult math equation on a chalkboard and is then approached by professors and faculty to pursue his talents in mathematics, but first he has to see a therapist and work out his personal problems.
Will’s journey into therapy begins reluctantly with a typical “I don’t need to see a shrink” attitude. But after a series of arrests and getting bailed out, he’s court-ordered to start seeing someone. He cycles through five therapists, including a hypnotist, antagonizing each one to the point that they refuse to work with him. Will’s sharp intellect and deep emotional defenses make it nearly impossible for anyone to break through and connect with him.
Finally he meets Sean Maguire (played by Robin Williams), a compassionate but no-nonsense therapist with a rich life of experiences, including deep wounds from his past, and accumulated wisdom. This article breaks down their relationship, session by session, to explore how it evolved throughout the film and potential lessons we can takeaway from it.
First Meeting: Tensions and Boundary Testing
Will’s first meeting with Sean begins with his usual strategy of intellectual dominance and boundary testing.
He scans Sean’s office, searching for things to criticize, and immediately targets his book collection. “You people baffle me. You spend all this money on beautiful, fancy books, and they’re the wrong f***ing books.” Sean, unfazed, spars back, standing his ground while playfully naming books he assumes Will has read.
Things reach a climax in the scene when Will begins to mock a painting hanging on the wall, which hits a personal nerve for Sean regarding the grief and loss of his wife. Sean’s reaction is striking and unconventional. After listening patiently, he suddenly grabs Will by the throat and threatens him: “If you ever disrespect my wife again, I will end you.”
While it’s an unethical move for a therapist, this unorthodoxy shows Will that he is not dealing with an ordinary therapy. Both Will and Sean share working class Irish backgrounds in the hard streets of Boston. Sean knows this language and he is willing to speak it if it’s the only way to get through to Will. Sean thus establishes himself as someone who understands Will’s world, where strength and confrontation often dominate.
This moment lays the foundation for their relationship. Sean shows he’s human, not just a clinical professional, but also that he won’t be intimidated or dismissed by Will’s antics. It’s the first step in breaking down Will’s defenses.
The Bench Scene: A Turning Point
After their intense first meeting, Sean invites Will to a park, where he delivers one of the most memorable monologues in the film. Sean begins by admitting his vulnerability, sharing that Will’s comments about the painting kept him up all night and genuinely bothered him.
By admitting Will’s comments hurt him, Sean shows he’s willing to show weakness, but then he sharply pivots to challenge Will directly, “But then you know what occurred to me? You’re just a kid. You don’t have the faintest idea what you’re talking about.”
Sean goes on to explain that despite Will’s intellectual brilliance, he lacks lived experience. Sean shares personal moments that defined him — seeing the Sistine Chapel in person, being truly in love with someone, the scars of losing friends in war, and watching a loved one die of cancer. These deep experiences illustrate the limitations of knowledge without life. Sean’s speech is a blend of tough love and empathy, forcing Will to confront the gap between his intellectual defenses and his emotional reality.
The bench scene sets the tone for the remainder of their therapy. Sean acknowledges Will’s brilliance but challenges him to live beyond books and theories. Sean leaves the door open for Will to continue having sessions with him only if he is ready to truly open up.
Second Therapy Session: Silence
The next therapy session begins with complete silence as Sean and Will sit across from each other. After two emotionally charged meetings and still lingering tensions, neither is willing to be the first to reach out or break the quiet.
The entire hour goes by and neither says a word. While this may feel like an unproductive session, this is another important moment in their relationship. The power of silence acts as a reset button in their relationship.
Sometimes, simply sitting in the same room without confrontation (“sharing space”) can be a meaningful step toward healing. It allows both Sean and Will to recalibrate, setting the stage for a more productive dynamic moving forward.
Third Therapy Session: Humor and Opening Up
The silence stand-off continues into their third session, with each still not willing to budge or say the first word.
Finally Will breaks the silence with a dirty joke, immediately breaking the tensions in the room and reinitiating conversation in a fun and light-hearted way. After they share a laugh, Will begins to open up about a girl he’s been dating recently. Will mentions how he worries the girl is “too perfect,” and that getting to know her more would just shatter that illusion. Sean wisely responds back, “That’s a super philosophy, that way you can go through your entire life without ever really getting to know anybody.”
Sean opens up about his wife and the quirks behind their love, like her farting in her sleep and waking up the dog. After all these years, these are the little moments he remembers and cherishes about her. No one is “perfect,” and it’s often the imperfections that make someone special to us.
Robin Williams improvised the story about his wife causing Matt Damon to genuinely burst out into laughter during this scene.
After more light-hearted banter, Will turns the tables and ask why Sean never got remarried. Will firmly replies, “My wife is dead.” Then Will, always testing and challenging, uses one of Sean’s lines against him: “That’s a super philosophy, that way you can go through your entire life without ever really getting to know anybody.”
Fourth Therapy Session: Love, Opportunities, and Regrets
Now on much more amicable terms, Will opens up with an honest question, “Do you ever wonder what your life would be like if you never met your wife?”
Sean accepts that there’s been a lot of pain and suffering in his relationship, but he doesn’t regret any of it, because the good moments were worth it and he wouldn’t trade a single day with her through good or bad times. Will presses to learn more, “When did you know she was the one?”
“October 21, 1975.”
It was game six of the World Series, the biggest game in Red Sox history – and Sean slept on the sidewalk all night with friends to get tickets. He recalls the momentous occasion when the Red Sox hit a game-winning home run and everyone rushed the field.
“Did you rush the field?”
“Hell no, I wasn’t there. I was in a bar having a drink with my future wife.”
The story illustrates how Sean knew his wife was the one when he was willing to miss the opportunity of a life-changing moment (being at a historical sporting event) for an even bigger life-changing moment (finding love and his future wife).
Will is incredulous and yells at Sean for missing the game. He asks, “How did your friends let you get away with that?” And Will simply replies, “I just slid my ticket across the table and said, ‘Sorry guys, I gotta see about a girl.’”
Fifth Therapy Session: Facing Potential and Values
In this session, Will begins to ask deep questions about what he wants to do with the rest of his life and what are the best uses of his intelligence and talents.
After a job interview with the NSA, Will goes into a diatribe about how his talents could be hypothetically used for catastrophic consequences, like overthrowing foreign governments, destabilizing entire countries, or getting his friends sent to fight some war overseas.
Sean asks him directly, “What are you passionate about? What do you want?”
They discuss the honor of work, including construction work and Will’s job as a janitor and the pride he takes in it, even though society may not view it as the most rewarding job in the world. Sean prods further asking why he chose to be a janitor at the most prestigious technical university in the world, and why he secretly finished math problems, highlighting that there may be something else driving Will.
Sean asks again what Will wants to do with his life, and he deflects by joking that he wants to be a shepherd on his own plot of land away from the world. Sean isn’t willing to waste his time and decides to end the session early. Will has a final outburst before leaving, “You’re lecturing me on life? Look at you, you burnout!”
This session reveals how Will is afraid of his potential and talents, including the responsibility that comes with them. “I didn’t ask to be born like this.” He feels safe continuing to live in his hometown, work his everyday job, and hangout with his childhood friends. He’s afraid to dream bigger. There may be something deeper driving Will’s thirst for knowledge, but he doesn’t know his core values and motivations, and doesn’t truly know himself or what he wants out of life.
Sixth Therapy Session: “It’s Not Your Fault”
The next therapy session begins with Sean uncovering more about Will’s painful past, particularly his life as an orphan and the physical abuse he endured with his foster parents. Sean reveals that he, too, grew up with an abusive, alcoholic father, forging another shared bond between them.
As their conversation unfolds, Will correctly guesses that his final psychological report likely diagnoses him with “attachment issues” and a “fear of abandonment.” He acknowledges that these issues may have driven him to push his girlfriend away, leading to their recent breakup. When Sean gently asks if he wants to talk about it, Will declines.
Sean then shifts the focus, holding onto the reports as he says, “I don’t know a lot. But you see this? All this shit? It’s not your fault.”
At first, Will politely agrees, brushing off the comment, but Sean repeats the line: “It’s not your fault.” With each repetition, Will’s emotional defenses begin to crumble, and he cycles through a range of emotions—politeness, confusion, anger, and aggression—until the weight of Sean’s words fully sinks in. Overwhelmed, Will finally breaks down and cries, releasing years of suppressed pain and guilt.
In this profoundly cathartic moment, Sean embraces Will, offering the safe and empathetic connection that has been absent from Will’s life. It’s a turning point where Will confronts his past without blame or self-judgment, finally opening the door to acceptance and healing.
Last Goodbye
In their last meeting, Will thanks Sean for all of his help and shares the good news that he has accepted an exciting new job. Sean, in turn, reveals his plans to travel and explore life on his own terms. They exchange numbers to keep in touch, symbolizing the respect and connection they’ve built.
This moment underscores that therapy is often a chapter in life that prepares individuals to continue their journeys independently. Both Will and Sean needed to say their goodbyes and go their separate ways to continue following their paths in life. Will has learned to face his fears and embrace his potential. Sean has rediscovered purpose and fulfillment through helping Will. Their goodbye is bittersweet but profound, a reminder that growth often requires letting go and moving forward.
In the final scene, Will leaves a letter at Sean’s place that reads, “If the professor calls about that job, just tell him sorry—I had to go see about a girl.” This moment beautifully exemplifies Will’s newfound courage to follow his heart and take meaningful risks.
Conclusion
The therapeutic relationship between Sean and Will in Good Will Hunting is a masterclass in storytelling and psychology. Through humor, vulnerability, and mutual respect, Sean helps Will break through years of pain and fear, while Will reignites Sean’s passion for life. Their journey is a powerful testament to the transformative potential of therapy — and how creating a space of acceptance, healing, and growth can change lives.
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Do you have trouble transforming talk → action? Learn about Personal Growth Initiative (PGI) and the essential components behind a lifelong mindset of self-improvement.
Personal growth doesn’t just happen — it requires intention, planning, and action. While many of us may talk a lot about the things we want to change in our lives, transforming that talk into action can be a real challenge.
Psychologists have identified Personal Growth Initiative as a mindset that bridges this all-too-common gap between “talk” and “action,” helping individuals actively and consciously pursue their development in a clear and deliberate way.
As a reader of this article, you likely already check off some boxes for Personal Growth Initiative. The average person doesn’t consciously seek out knowledge about psychology and self-improvement, so you’re in a unique and special group of people. By virtue of being here right now, you are demonstrating a rare initiative.
Now let’s dive more into what PGI is all about.
Personal Growth Initiative: The 4 Core Components
Personal Growth Initiative (PGI) is a set of beliefs and attitudes that help individuals intentionally engage in their own growth process. It consists of four main components.
Readiness for Change
The first step is to be ready to make a change. A person can have all the help, guidance, and resources in the world at their disposal, but it all amounts to nothing if they aren’t ready to make that final leap. The basic truth is we often need that proverbial “fire under our butts” before we take conscious action. Once you’re ready, the next step is to translate that readiness into a clear plan of action.
Thought Patterns:
“I am aware of when I need to make a change.”
“I take every opportunity to grow as it comes up.”
“I am willing to step out of my comfort zone to achieve growth.”
“I take an active role in my self-improvement.”
“I don’t sit and wait for change to happen.”
Example: Imagine facing burnout at work. Instead of feeling trapped, a person with a high readiness for change may recognize this as a signal to re-evaluate their work habits or career path, making room for new habits and healthier routines (such as sleep, diet, exercise, or leisure time).
The second step is to create realistic plans for your growth. An idea remains just that until you put it on paper and hold yourself accountable. Having a clear vision of your future and where you want to go, then setting small and realistic goals that are within your reach, can help propel you forward in a natural and sustainable way.
Thought Patterns:
“I set realistic goals for what I want to change about myself.”
“I have a specific action plan to help me reach my goals.”
“I break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks.”
“I regularly review my progress and adjust my plan accordingly.”
“I stay committed to my plan even when faced with setbacks.”
Example: Let’s say you want to improve your physical health or lose weight. Instead of jumping into an unsustainable workout routine, a planful person might research the best exercise programs, consult with a trainer, and create a structured plan that best fits their lifestyle, personality, and fitness goals.
Another essential feature of the Personal Growth Initiative is actively seeking help and guidance from outside resources, including learning materials like articles and books, as well as reaching out to friends, mentors, or counselors. This is one of the most common ways people handicap themselves because they wrongly believe “I have to do everything on my own,” when the truth is there are plenty of resources available to take advantage of (including this website).
Thought Patterns:
“I ask for help from others when I need it.”
“I do my own research to learn more about new topics.”
“I like reading articles and books to learn new things.”
“I’m not afraid to reach out to a therapist or coach if I really need one.”
“I connect with communities or groups that align with my values and goals.”
Example: During a stressful life transition, like a divorce or job loss, someone with strong PGI would actively seek out the right books and resources, such as counseling or career coaching, to navigate the situation more smoothly and effectively.
Intentional Behavior refers to the daily or weekly actions you take that are purposefully directed toward achieving your goals. Unlike Readiness for Change, which is about being mentally prepared and open to growth, Intentional Behavior is about translating that readiness into consistent, goal-directed actions. It’s the final step between “talk” and “action.” For example, Readiness for Change might mean deciding that improving your health is necessary, while Intentional Behavior is actually getting up every morning to go for a jog or preparing a healthy meal.
Thought Patterns:
“I turn my intentions into actions.”
“I take small steps forward every day.”
“I build new habits into my daily routine that bring me closer to my goals.”
“I know what steps I can take to make intentional changes in myself.”
Example: After recognizing the need for change and making a plan, intentional behavior would involve committing to daily or weekly actions—whether it’s setting aside time for self-care or networking to explore new career opportunities. Each small step compounds over time, leading to greater progress and resilience.
Each of these components supports and strengthens the next, creating a clear pathway from “ideas” to “actions.”
“Readiness for Change” sets the foundation by keeping you open to new paths and patterns in life, ensuring that you are mentally prepared for growth and change when needed. From there, “Making a Plan” gives direction and a direct course for action, “Using Resources” provides support, knowledge, and inspirational boosts, and “Intentional Behavior” turns plans into consistent daily and weekly action. Together, they create a feedback loop that encourages continuous growth and resilience.
For example, someone with high Readiness for Change will see a major setback, like losing a job, as an opportunity to learn new skills or change their career path. They use Planfulness to plot a course of action they can follow, like going back to school or learning a new trade, seek new resources like career counseling, job fairs, or apprenticeships, and take consistent daily action, such as taking classes, practicing new skills, or sending out resumes – all of which help them not only cope with this major life change, but also thrive and ultimately find a better path forward in the long run.
One study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that PGI is positively related to adaptive coping styles and self-efficacy, suggesting that those who actively engage in personal growth are better equipped to handle negative and stressful events more effectively, because they approach life’s obstacles with the mindset of growth and learning rather than resignation and defeat.
If you aren’t ready to make a change – or you are completely resistant to change – it’s unlikely to happen. This includes therapy and coaching, where studies show that “motivational readiness” can be a contributing factor to how effective a therapeutic intervention is. This aligns with common factors theory, where one of the most important features of successful therapy and counseling is “shared goals” among therapist and client – you have to be on the same page about where you are and where you want to go.
Overall, PGI fosters a mindset that not only supports mental health and well-being but also builds long-term grit and resilience. By approaching challenges with intentional growth, individuals are more prepared to navigate life’s obstacles, setbacks, and inevitable ups and downs.
Embrace the Will to Improve
The best way to prove your commitment to something is through your actions.
Ask yourself, “What is the smallest step I can take today to start moving in the right direction?” Maybe it’s joining a gym, starting a new hobby, setting a 10-minute daily reading habit, or subscribing to our newsletter for more actionable tips and advice on self-improvement.
Personal Growth Initiative is about more than just wanting to improve — it’s about intentionally working toward becoming a better version of yourself. Start today by taking one small step, however small it may be.
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Modern culture has become dominated by sarcasm, irony, and carefully crafted personas. Sincerity and earnestness have become rare, but still powerful forces. Discover how embracing these qualities can transform personal relationships, enrich public discourse, and inspire acts of genuine heroism.
Sincerity is one of the most important yet under-appreciated traits in today’s world. It’s the simple ability to be open and honest about your thoughts, beliefs, and intentions, without needing to play games, try to manipulate, or retreat to humor or sarcasm when conversations get tough.
First and foremost, sincerity requires you to be honest with yourself and what really matters to you. It means you believe in something, and you are willing to speak and act on that conviction even if it makes you unpopular or unlikable. People will often see you as being genuine and authentic if you stand up for what you believe in, especially when it comes with social costs.
Philosopher Thomas Carlyle emphasized the importance of “sincerity” and identified it as one of the universal threads behind all types of heroes, including writers, political leaders, and religious figures. For Carlyle, heroes don’t just preach or philosophize; they embody their beliefs in every action, making them prime examples of what true conviction looks like. They morally refuse to run, hide, or cower in the face of opposition, even when their very lives are at stake.
Sincerity stands out sharply in our current environment, especially on the internet and social media where we are exposed to countless manufactured images and personas, driven by a general pattern of cultural narcissism and “fake it ’till you make it” philosophies. People believe as long as they can appear “happy” and “successful” on social media then it will become a reality in their actual lives. Lies, distortions, and deception are the modus operandi in today’s online world, you see it almost everywhere.
The scary truth for most people is that sincerity makes you vulnerable and open to criticism. It invites others to judge you for who you are and what you really believe in. Negative feedback comes with the territory, and it will hurt because it will feel like a direct attack on you (and maybe it is). The alternative is to not be yourself – then you’ll never be attacked for who you are. That sounds safe and comfortable, but it’s also a form of quiet surrender.
Hiding Behind Sarcasm
One common way people protect themselves from this vulnerability is by being sarcastic or ironic in how they present themselves and their views.
Sarcasm and irony can become convenient cop-outs when you are confronted with opposition or pushback from others. Instead of staking your ground and defending your beliefs, you can always fall back and tell people, “I was just joking,” or “I didn’t really mean that.”
Nowadays it’s hard to tell what anyone really believes or doesn’t believe, which adds an extra layer of chaos and confusion in what is already a toxic environment for healthy dialogue.
Sarcasm is a common defense mechanism in teens and young adults when confronted with a difficult or uncomfortable situation that they aren’t equipped to talk about. In the movie Inside Out 2 (which I wrote a recent article on here), the character Ennui – who represents disinterest and boredom – was a fun illustration of how sarcasm is used to deflect attention away from more serious situations or conversations that a person isn’t ready to tackle head-on.
This is not uncharacteristic of the modern discourse we see in politics and culture, which is – at its core – childish, dishonest, and insincere. We are taught to not be too serious or care too much about the truth, but to focus on cheap wins, sensationalist headlines, silly memes, gotcha moments, snappy slogans, juicy scandals, and mean-spirited insults, trolling, and harassment. We are focused not on what is true, but what makes us “look good” or “feel good.”
In theory, the goal of a healthy debate is to share different perspectives, exchange information, test out your ideas, provide facts and evidence to support your position, and come to some common ground or understanding of differences. None of this is happening in today’s intellectual environment.
Sarcasm is just one way we avoid and shutdown these honest and difficult conversations. It can be a roadblock to understanding in both personal relationships and broader social and political issues.
Of course sarcasm has its place as a vehicle for humor. It can be especially effective when you are responding to someone who is insulting you, or trolling you, or is acting in bad faith and isn’t interested in a sincere conversation from the start.
At the same time, we need to try to give people the benefit of the doubt and at least try to have good faith conversations whenever possible. Without sincerity, there is no real path forward – only more conflict and hostilities.
Sincerity as the Mark of Heroes
As mentioned before, the philosopher and historian Thomas Carlyle identified “sincerity” as one of the universal threads behind all types of heroes, whether they be writers, philosophers, religious leaders, or political leaders.
In his work On Heroes, Hero-Worship, and The Heroic in History, Carlyle champions figures like Martin Luther, the religious reformer who famously nailed his “95 Theses” to the church door, fully aware that it could bring him condemnation and peril. Luther challenged the powerful Catholic Church, especially its practice of selling indulgences, making his public protest an act of great personal risk. This unwavering belief in his cause, despite threats from powerful institutions, is a prime example of sincerity in action.
Similarly, Carlyle held Oliver Cromwell, the military and political leader of the English Civil War, in high regard for his conviction and honesty. Cromwell was often criticized for his decisions, yet he remained steadfast in his mission to reshape England according to his moral and religious beliefs. Carlyle saw Cromwell’s sincerity as his defining characteristic, even if it made him deeply unpopular.
Another chapter is dedicated to the prophet Muhammad. For over a decade, Muhammad faced ridicule, persecution, and exile for preaching his monotheistic beliefs in a society dominated by polytheism. Despite immense personal hardship, including the loss of family and status, Muhammad never wavered or compromised his beliefs, showing an unshakable faith in the truth of his message. As Carlyle writes:
“A silent great soul; he was one of those who cannot but be in earnest; whom Nature herself has appointed to be sincere. While others walk in formulas and hearsays, contented enough to dwell there, this man could not screen himself in formulas; he was alone with his own soul and the reality of things. The great mystery of Existence, as I said, glared in upon him, with its terrors, with its splendors; no hearsays could hide that unspeakable fact, ‘Here am I!’; Such sincerity, as we named it, has in very truth something of divine. The word of such a man is a voice direct from Nature’s own heart. Men do and must listen to that as to nothing else;—all else is wind in comparison.”
Regardless of how you feel about these historical figures, you can’t deny that they were sincere in their intentions and lived according to their values and convictions. These figures, according to Carlyle, demonstrate that heroes are people who not only believe in what they do but live and act upon that belief with wholehearted consistency, even in the face of tremendous personal and social costs.
Sincerity remains a rare force for truth and change, and we need it now more than ever.
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We’ve all been there—stewing over an inconsiderate comment, fuming at a missed opportunity, or harboring resentment over a past wrong. But what if I told you that clinging to anger and resentment only weighs you down, holding you back from a life filled with joy and peace?
It’s time to stop letting these negative emotions rule your life and explore how to let go of anger effectively. Learning the art of emotional release will lead to healthier relationships, increased happiness, and a more fulfilling existence.
This blog post explores 19 transformative strategies for safely releasing anger and negative emotions and embracing tranquility and empowerment.
So buckle up—it’s time to reclaim your calm and transform your stress with intention and mindfulness. Learn how to let go of anger and resentment.
Let’s get to it…
Why Recurring Anger Can Be a Dangerous Habit
Many studies have linked anger and resentment to heart disease and hypertension. The physical energy anger takes from us can have long-term side effects, such as high blood pressure and stroke.
To begin the process of letting go of your anger, it’s important to understand why you’ve become angry in the first place. Anger is a second-hand emotion (or substitute emotion) we use to avoid a primary emotion, such as fear, vulnerability, or pain.
There are many reasons we may experience pain, such as experiencing physical or emotional abuse from a partner or parent. It’s not the experience that has made you angry—your thought process has also contributed.
Memories can trigger anger, assumptions, and interpretations of a situation, making people think someone is out to hurt them. These distorted thinking patterns can jeopardize any relationship you have and lead you to suffer from undue stress. While anger is a natural emotion to have and something that everyone experiences, it often comes in the form of an unwanted and irrational feeling.
You can learn how to let go of resentment.
The good news is that this anger habit can be reversed, and you can learn to let go of resentment.
Chronic feelings of anger are a learned trait.
You may develop chronic anger if you grew up in a hostile household and were often the victim of someone else’s angry behaviors in the past or if you were somehow rewarded for your anger (such as being feared by peers for bullying behavior as a child).
Some ways to start reversing these feelings are becoming aware of your anger, preparing yourself to react differently in the future, taking action by seeking help to manage your emotions, and then maintaining your new mindset.
Letting go of anger involves a lot of learning and self-exploration. It is an ongoing task that requires discipline and a change in perspective. This process is not easy, and it often requires significant outside support. Here are 19 strategies to help you begin to let go of this negative emotion.
19 Strategies on How to Let Go of Anger
1. Recognize the source of your anger.
Recognize when you are feeling angry, and try to determine the cause. Is the cause something you can change or control, or is it out of your hands?
Further, is your anger being caused by someone you will never see again, such as a grocery clerk or a server at a restaurant? Or is a family member or friend making you angry?
This is important to recognize because the anger you feel when dealing with people close to you involves an ongoing interaction. To handle these situations, the best strategies to implement are escaping the situation, relaxing, restructuring your thoughts, or expressing your anger directly in a calm and appropriate tone.
Another way to recognize the source of your anger is to step back and evaluate your life. Are you where you expected yourself to be at this point? You may be experiencing built-up frustration because your life is not meeting your expectations, or you are not living up to the standards that you perceive other people have for you.
Unhealthy relationships and past experiences are also common sources of anger. When one person is often feeling vulnerable or is triggered by a past pain in their relationship, it can lead to feelings of anger to cover up this pain. If you can identify the past experience that is continuing to negatively impact your life, you have to face that situation head-on so you can let it go.
Using simple relaxation strategies can help you soothe your angry feelings. If you practice these strategies often, you will find it easier to resort to them when you feel anger emerging. Finding which techniques work best for you is important to help you process your thoughts with a more evident mindset.
For example, many people enjoy aromatherapy to help them relax. Whether you use essential oils in a bath or a diffuser, this is a great stress reliever and relaxation tool that is easily accessible. Another common technique is to listen to soothing music. This can help remove your mind from the situation at hand and help you re-center your thoughts.
Using simple relaxation strategies can help you soothe your angry feelings.
Practicing mindfulness is another very effective method of relaxation. If you are unfamiliar with mindfulness, here is a post explaining how to practice this method of thinking. Once you understand what mindfulness is, here are some exercises you can practice regularly.
3. Take a brief time out.
It is crucial to realize when to take a minute for yourself. If you are doing something or talking to someone and you can sense your anger building up, simply excuse yourself. Walk away and take a few minutes to gather your thoughts and release the negative emotions. Take this time to think about how you want to respond before you speak.
Taking a timeout will prevent you from saying something out of anger you might regret later. Find a quiet and relaxing place to go if you need a break. Consider some things you could do to cool down during this time, such as slow, deep breathing, and mindfulness exercises.
After your anger has subsided and before returning to the situation, consider what you will say when you return. For example, if you were talking to someone, express that you appreciate their understanding and thank them for allowing you to calm down.
4. Get daily exercise.
Getting physical exercise is one of the most effective ways to reduce anger and stress. Physical exercise gives you a chance to release your emotions, so going for a walk or run every day can help calm you down. Exercise can also help increase the release of endorphins in your body, naturally making you feel better and reducing your stress levels.
Finding a healthy hobby such as exercising will relieve tension, as your mind will become occupied. Try a few things until you find something that you enjoy doing. This will help encourage you to take a break from your everyday routine and help you build your self-esteem.
Physical exercise is one of the most effective ways to reduce anger and stress.
5. Find workable solutions.
Instead of focusing on whatever triggered your anger, work on finding a solution to the issue at hand. Instead of staying angry, do something about it.
For example, is your spouse late for dinner every night? Instead of facing this drama nightly, find a workable solution. Perhaps you can schedule meals for later in the evening or agree to eat on your own on certain nights.
You must recognize the things out of your control and understand that you cannot change them.
Knowing what you can control will let you use your limited energy in the most effective way possible. The time you waste thinking about and trying to change situations that are out of your control could be spent on things you do have control over, allowing you to make progress.
6. Don’t hold grudges.
Holding grudges has more health implications for you than for the other person. Not only do they take up your energy, but they also make your emotional state toxic.
Even if you have been legitimately offended, which most people have, try to take an empathic perspective rather than acting like a victim. Forgiving thoughts will give you a greater sense of perceived control and a reduced physiological stress response, which will help decrease your anger.
7. Practice forgiveness.
Forgiveness may look different for everyone, but it generally involves letting go of resentful feelings and thoughts of revenge. Once this is done, your anger will no longer drain your energy, and you will have peace of mind.
The act that hurt you may always be with you, but forgiveness will free you from the control of the incident or person who caused you harm. When you can forgive someone else, you are not doing it for their sake. Instead, you are doing it to regain control of your life and move on. This doesn’t mean you forget or excuse the harmful behavior, but it will bring you some peace.
Once you forgive, your anger will no longer drain your energy, and you will be able to have peace of mind.
8. Own your anger.
You need to learn how to control your anger before it starts to control you. To do this, acknowledge when you’re angry and remind yourself that you can get over it. Remember that the feeling won’t last and will only get as bad as you allow it to.
The logic of our emotions does not always make sense. For example, if you were hurt as a child by a parent and you are still holding onto that anger as an adult and waiting for someone else to fix it for you, you are never going to get over it. You must realize that it is up to you to own your anger and address it to move on. You are the only person who is in control of your feelings.
9. Talk to a friend.
Reach out to a trusted friend you know will give you their full attention. Let out your anger and frustrations to them and get their feedback. When a friend knows you well, they can often provide the best advice for you that fits in with your life. A good friend may be able to reframe the situation for you and get you to see it in a different light.
It also feels good to vent. Sometimes, you need to talk something through to someone willing to listen so you can get your feelings out. It might be a good idea to set some boundaries for your venting.
For example, ask your friend if you can have five minutes to talk… and then only give yourself five minutes. Pay attention to the number of times you repeat yourself, and you will likely find that you do this a lot to provide emphasis. Set limits to ensure you keep it brief, sort out your thoughts, and focus on a solution.
10. Recite positive affirmations.
Recurring anger is an affirmation. You can choose the path of anger or the path of calm.
You need to replace these negative affirmations with positive ones. You can think in a way that creates a hostile mental atmosphere, or you can believe in a way that helps develop a healthy atmosphere for you and the people around you.
Tell yourself that you are in control and that no one can make you feel inferior. Doing this will help calm you down if you are beginning to feel angry. Learn to practice both present and future affirmations so you can use this technique to prevent anger and deal with it when it occurs.
Recurring anger is an affirmation. You need to replace these negative affirmations with positive ones.
11. Express yourself in a journal
Writing about your anger in a journal is one of the most effective ways to express and understand your feelings. Through writing, you can process your thoughts carefully.
Once you identify the root causes of your anger, you will have the control you need to analyze your responses. Writing about your anger will help you learn from it and take positive action to protect yourself in the future by increasing your self-awareness.
Some people choose to draw or paint what they are feeling instead of writing it down in words. This is also an effective method of journaling. Draw what your anger looks like to you, and express yourself creatively to help yourself move on.
12. Change your environment.
Sometimes, your immediate surroundings cause irritation. Problems may begin to weigh you down and make you feel trapped. You can escape this by making sure you set aside personal time.
Elements in your environment may be making you more likely to get angry. For example, if you often get angry in the mornings when you are rushing around and trying to get everyone up and ready for the day, try to find a way to reduce this stress the night before so you can lighten your load in the morning.
Alternatively, if you have been in a relationship that has gone sour, avoid doing anything that reminds you of the person who hurt you. This includes not going to places where you used to go together and even not listening to songs that remind you of that person. You might need to find alternate routes to work or school to bypass areas that remind you of this person and recreate your routine to avoid negative thoughts.
13. Become more self-aware.
Becoming more self-aware can help you prevent your anger from happening. Becoming aware of your false beliefs requires introspective work, including developing the skills to focus on your mind and dissect some of your negative thoughts. Once you become aware of what triggers your anger, you can apply your techniques to change the dynamics that are going on in your mind and causing your emotions.
If you can embrace yourself and avoid a victim mentality, the results of your self-awareness practices can lead to a permanent change. By becoming self-aware, you can identify the primary elements or feelings that trigger your anger, such as fear or pain.
14. Laugh.
Can you think of an experience where you laughed at something that made you mad? This moment can be transformational because humor is both healing and empowering. If you can laugh about something, you can gain power over it instead of allowing it to control you.
If you can’t find any humor in the situation that makes you angry, turn to things you know will make you laugh and get into this positive frame of mind. For example, you can watch a funny movie or video or meet up with a friend who always makes you laugh. This is a good way to change your mindset and get your mind off whatever makes you angry.
If you laugh about something, you gain power over it instead of allowing it to have power over you.
15. Take deep breaths.
Stopping to take intentional deep breaths will force you to calm down. Stop what you are doing and count down from three while inhaling, hold it for five seconds, and then exhale. This will help you take a moment before reacting to something irrationally.
For example, imagine someone just cut you off in traffic,, and you can feel yourself becoming enraged. Instead of immediately reacting, take a moment for some deep and intentional breaths. This will give your body a chance to calm down and give you time to think twice about how you react.
16. Use a stress-relief tool.
Stress-relief tools and toys can be used as preventative measures or to calm you down in the moment. If you can focus on something you are playing with or channel your aggression into a physical object, you may be able to reduce your feelings of anger.
If you need something to squeeze to let out your aggression, this stress ball is great to keep in your bag or your car so you can take it out at any time and use it.
If you need something to inspire you, these balls have sayings on them that can enhance your positive affirmations and remind you to use them when needed.
17. Avoid the person who causes you pain.
If possible, avoid coming into contact with the person who caused you pain. Instead, surround yourself with people who lift you up and empower you to feel good about yourself. Take control over your emotions by not allowing other people to impact them and avoiding being around people who try to negatively affect your feelings.
After having a bad experience, avoid saying “never” and “always.” Instead, try to isolate your lousy experience and realize no absolutes. Sure, something may happen more than once, and you want to acknowledge that—but using words like never and always is not a rational way of thinking.
18. Be assertive.
Being assertive is an important communication skill, different from being aggressive. When you are assertive, you clearly express yourself and defend your point of view while still respecting other people’s beliefs.
Assertive communication can help you earn the respect of others and boost your self-esteem. It shows that you are confident in what you are talking about and willing to stand your ground while still maintaining self-control.
This can help reduce stress because you will know that you have clearly expressed your wants or needs to another person. To start being assertive, learn to say what you mean and mean what you say.
19. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Do you ever find that you are giving up happiness for minor inconveniences out of your control?
Your happiness is primarily impacted by your ability to let things go and to realize what you can and can’t control.
When something happens, your initial feelings of anger are natural and unavoidable because chemical reactions in your body create them. But those chemicals last only about six seconds. Anything that happens after that is due to your own decision to ruminate.
Let the small things go. If someone jumped in front of you in line, don’t stress over this minor event. Focus instead on the good things in your life. Pick your battles and allow your happiness to overcome your mild frustrations. (Here’s how to not let things bother you so much.)
Final Thoughts on Anger and Resentment
It’s clear that holding onto anger affects you mentally and physically. The steps listed above are a great start to the “letting go” process and free yourself from the pain. Eventually, you need to learn to “burn the boats.”
You can begin reversing your anger habit by taking small steps each day. Visualize how relieved you will feel once you’ve learned to let go of that pent-up emotion.
See more ideas on controlling your anger and bringing more calm to your life:
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Ever feel like you’re living in a social echo chamber, where the stories are always old, told by the same old cast of characters? Well, welcome to the club! How many members? A lot more than you think. In our phone-obsessed world, it’s ironic how disconnected we can feel. Imagine boosting your mood by simply going online.
Let’s explore the positive impact of online connections and emphasize the potential for online social circles to save lives and improve mental health.
The Digital Age and Social Connections
Do you remember those days when “stranger danger” was the mantra of every parent and teacher? Well, times have shifted. The digital revolution transformed how we connect and has turned the whole concept of “stranger” upside down. Talking to new people online helps folks from everywhere learn and make friends. It’s like this big digital cocktail party sans awkward small talk and spilling your drink on someone important.
This online chat with strangers has become the very frontier of social expansion. Oh, the possibilities! In what other era would you be able to discuss philosophy with a professor in Paris, swap recipes with a chef in Tokyo, and get life advice from a wise elder in New Zealand – all before your morning coffee gets cold? The web makes the world smaller, but our friend circles are more prominent.
But here is the million-dollar question: Can these digital connections ever seriously affect our mental health? The answer might surprise you!
Breaking Down Barriers: The Accessibility of Online Connections
Imagine a world where your social circle knows no bounds defined by your location or the reach of your transportation. Enter the internet, where distance is just a number and “nearby” can mean the house next door or the other side of the world.
The beauty of online connections lies in their accessibility. Is social anxiety going to make you feel like you’re trying to climb Mount Everest? Well, no problem. The internet buffers things, enabling you to dip your toes into the social waters at your own pace. Stuck in a small town where finding your tribe is like playing Where’s Waldo? The internet has your back, connecting you with your niche interests.
But that’s not all; online platforms also tear down social barriers. It doesn’t matter how old or young you are, your background, or where you come from – factors get in the way of real life. In cyberspace, you get to show people what you’re made of first: your thoughts, ideas, and personality.
This opens a whole world of diversified connections. You might be talking to a retired teacher one day and a young entrepreneur the next. Each interaction brings a new perspective, challenges your views, and broadens your horizons.
Mental Health Benefits of Expanding Your Online Social Circle
Reduced feelings of isolation and loneliness
Have you ever seen that film with the lonely man on an island, chatting with a sports ball? While it worked out great in cinema, in reality, isolation can only take you on a one-way ticket to Struggle Town, and you are the only resident in it. That’s where online connections enter. Suddenly, you are no longer on that metaphorical desert island. A whole world is ready to chat, share, and connect. This feels like a 24/7 support system with you in your pocket.
Increased social confidence
Online interactions are social training wheels where you can try conversational skills, express your point of view, and work through social scenarios. Think of it like a virtual flight simulator for social butterflies-in-training. Soon enough, you may carry that same confidence into your offline interactions.
Exposure to diverse thinking
Online relations are like an array of thoughts and ideas, with so many thoughts of people who have lived unimaginable lives. This can also challenge assumptions, help expand one’s view of the world, and nurture empathy.
Better emotional support network
Are you feeling a bit sick from life’s rollercoaster? Your online connections might be holding your metaphoric hair out of your face. Whether you’re celebrating a win or need a shoulder to lean on, somebody is available somewhere in the vast online world. It’s like a global cheer squad and support group wrapped into one.
Don’t brush this off – these are helpful advantages. Online solid connections have been found to improve mental health, reduce depression and anxiety, boost self-esteem, and increase overall life satisfaction. Of course, being the powerful tool that online connections are, they call for wisdom. They are not a substitute for professional mental health support when needed but a complementary tool in your mental wellness toolkit.
Before diving into the party, let’s deal with the elephant in the living room: safety in the online world. We want you to grow your social life, but you should not be growing your list of headaches.
First, safeguard your private information. Use prudence when sharing personal information on the internet. After all, your new online buddy doesn’t need to know your social security number or your childhood pet’s name.
Not everyone online has pure intentions. If something doesn’t feel right, it isn’t. It’s like dating—if they ask for your credit card details on your first interaction, it’s perhaps time to swipe left.
Some easy tricks to make your internet chats both fun and secure:
Use reputable platforms with reasonable security measures
Wait a bit before giving out personal facts to new online friends
Stay alert if a new contact wants your data or financial help
If you meet an internet friend in person, do so in a public place
Think of these as your online social seat belts. They may feel slightly restricting initially, but like most seat belts, they’re there for your protection and to ensure the ride goes smoothly and positively.
The idea is to increase your circle of friends, not your list of regrets. By being vigilant and using common sense, you can safely navigate the online social world and get all its mental health benefits.
Balancing Online and Offline Connections
But before you become a digital social butterfly, let’s talk balance. Online connections are great, but they are meant to supplement your offline social life.
Strive for a healthy balance between your digital and in-person connections. Consider your online interactions as a stepping stone to cultivating genuine real-life relationships. That individual with whom you share a deep connection online, such as a mutual love for 80s movies, might reside in your vicinity. How about arranging to meet for a movie night?
Digital connections offer convenience and the ability to connect across distances, but offline or in-person connections provide the irreplaceable warmth of human presence and nonverbal forms of communication. Both kinds of interactions are valuable.
Utilize online connections as a pathway to another purpose rather than as the ultimate goal. In their unique way, they can enhance confidence and expose individuals to social activities outside the internet. It’s akin to social ‘cross-training’: The abilities acquired from online communication could strengthen those offline, and vice versa.
Developing Social Skills Through Online Interactions
Think of online interactions as your personal social skills gym. It’s a place to flex your conversational muscles, try new communication techniques, and build your social confidence – all from the comfort of your home.
This can be a godsend for anybody struggling with social anxiety and provide less pressure. Online interactions allow continued practice of your social skills. They are like your social life training wheels—you control the pace, stop when needed, and build up that confidence.
Online chats, in particular, also provide a unique opportunity to improve your written communication skills. This is an essential skill to develop today because so much of our professional and personal communication now takes place over chat, email, and instant messaging. You’ll learn to express yourself clearly, use tone effectively, and even master the art of emoji diplomacy.
But the benefits continue beyond there. You will learn how to:
Employ empathy through understanding different perspectives
Improve your feedback-giving and receiving skills
These skills work well online and transfer to real-life situations. So next time you debate pineapple on pizza, remember: You’re not just chatting; you are leveling up socially!
Finding Your Tribe: Niche Communities and Support Groups
There’s a community for everything on the internet. The beautiful thing about online connections is finding one’s tribe, as niche as your interests or experiences may be.
Are you interested in basket weaving? There’s a forum for that. Are you struggling with an illness? You can find a support group online. Somehow, the internet always assembles classes of people who would never have found themselves associating with each other in the real world.
These niche communities can be compelling for mental health. They give a sense of belonging, understanding, and validation that you might not get anywhere else. Find an entire group of other people talking in your language—obscure movie quotes or technical jargon—and you’ve just found a new home.
Online support groups hold a special place in the hearts of those suffering from poor mental health. They allow them to share their experiences comfortably and gather advice for comfort and reassurance that they are not alone.
Whether you are looking for anyone who would listen at 3:00 a.m., a new parent seeking advice, or an artist seeking feedback about your work, there is a community for you somewhere. Don’t hesitate to reach out and connect. The tribe is waiting!
Like anything valuable in life, there’s much to be said for practicing moderation in online socializing. It’s simple to become absorbed in the online world, but remember that the objective is to enrich your life, not supplant it. Remember to be mindful when online socializing. Consciously participate in your interactions instead of aimlessly scrolling.
It’s also important to set healthy boundaries. It’s fine to take a break from online interaction. When you feel that an online engagement is causing you more stress or anxiety, it’s pretty alright to take a back seat or end it.
Also, remember your screen time. While being with those online connections can positively impact your mental health, too much screen time can have the opposite effect. Try to balance online social time with some offline activities: take a walk, read a book, or converse with a friend or relative face to face.
Photo by Firmbee from Unsplash
Conclusion
Let’s appreciate the vast potential of online connections one last time. They help improve your mental well-being and create chances to meet new people. Approach them mindfully, set boundaries, and balance them with real-life experiences. Ready for the online social adventure? Log on, reach out, and connect. Happy connecting!
If you’re looking for a therapist to help you develop your social skills, Eddins Counseling Group is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
The “Failure Analyzer” worksheet is designed to help you reflect on a recent failure, identify the underlying causes, and create a mindset to improve and avoid similar mistakes in the future.
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This worksheet will show you how to create a “Social Support Database” to serve as a positive reminder of all the people in your life who have your back, including family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, therapists, and support groups.
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The Ikigai Framework is a Japanese concept that can help us find fulfillment and meaning in our lives.
With questions such as ‘Why am I here?’ or ‘What am I doing with my life?’ often weighing heavy on our minds, this framework provides a structured approach to finding the answers.
By exploring our skills and passions, what the world needs, and what we can be paid for, we can unlock the answers to these existential questions. We can find our own Ikigai – our reason for being.
And this article will explain exactly how to do it.
Background of the Ikigai Framework
The word Ikigai combines two words: “iki” meaning “to live,” and “gai” meaning “reason.” Essentially, it translates to “a reason for being” and, according to the Japanese, is something we all have the ability to hold.
It sounds simple. But finding your Ikigai requires a journey of self-discovery. You’ll need to look closely into what you love doing, what you’re good at, what you can be paid for, and what the world needs.
Only by delving deep into these four aspects will you find your true purpose in life.
The idea of Ikigai has been a part of Japanese culture for as far back as the Heian period. But it was Japanese psychiatrist and scholar, Mieko Kamiya who introduced it to a wider audience in her 1966 book, “Ikigai-ni-Tsuite” (On the Meaning of Life.)
In it, Kamiya describes Ikigai as a form of happiness. But more than that, a feeling that our lives are constantly moving forward, despite any difficulties we may now be facing.
Kamiya, also known as, The Mother of Ikigai, dedicated much of her life to researching the concept. She wrote that, in order to feel Ikigai, our deepest desires must align with our responsibilities.
And by publishing the book, Kamiya found her own reason for being – to write and share her knowledge with the world.
In 2016, Héctor García and Francesc Miralles co-wrote “Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life.” And it was here that we saw the concept of Ikigai pushed into the global spotlight.
While researching for the book, García spent time with the residents of Okinawa in southern Japan, a village known for longevity. He found that their secret to living a long and fruitful life was Ikigai; they had a reason for being.
The book, which includes case studies on the Okinawans, teaches its readers how to apply Ikigai to their own lives. And it has now been translated into 70 languages, making it accessible to anyone hoping to find their own Ikigai.
3 Steps to Finding Your Ikigai
For some people, finding their Ikigai comes naturally. They know from an early age what they are meant to do with their lives; their reason for getting up in the morning. And they embrace life for all it has to offer.
But for the vast majority of people, it’s not that easy. And questions, such as ‘What am I doing with my life?” and “Is this really it?” continue to take up space in their lives.
Thankfully, the Ikigai framework can help you to address these worries. By honestly answering the questions below, you’ll pinpoint the 4 elements that make up your reason for being. And understand where changes need to be made.
So let’s take a look at the Ikigai framework, step by step.
1. Answer the following questions.
Take your time and be honest with yourself. You might find it easier to use a template, such as this Finding Your Ikigai guide.
What Do I Love Doing?
What is it that makes you feel alive? It could be anything from rock climbing to reading; from partying with friends to solo trips around the world. Make a list and prioritize the things that make you want to jump out of bed and seize the day.
Be honest with yourself. And don’t worry about what society expects or what others may think. This is about you and what brings a smile to your face.
What Am I Good At?
What are your strengths and your skills? These might be things you’ve trained in, and dedicated time to. Or they might be things you’re naturally gifted in, like being a great listener, or musician.
We all have something to offer, something we excel in, so embrace these strengths and skills. And celebrate the things that make you stand out from the crowd.
What Does The World Need?
This doesn’t have to be the entire world – it might be your local community or an online group. It may even be within your own home, with your family and friends.
In every walk of life, there will be someone in need. And finding that ‘world’, that need for change that inspires you to do more, will give you a reason to be.
What Can I be Paid To Do?
Look at your previous job experience, your skills, and qualifications. And ask yourself, ‘What can I be paid to do? What do I have to offer in return for a decent wage?’
It could be something similar to your current occupation, where you can harness your existing skills. Or it could be an entirely new vocation, where you can transfer your valuable knowledge.
Remember – don’t be afraid to explore new opportunities. You never know where it could lead.
2. Look at where your answers overlap
Take a look at the answers and in particular, where the areas overlap, for example, What I Love and What The World Needs. The answers to these questions are known as your Mission. And will give you a direction to pursue.
It might be that you’re passionate about art, like the late Frida Kahlo, whose paintings resonated with people who were emotionally struggling. She found her Ikigai by sharing her passion and connecting with like-minded people.
Or it could be that you love sports, like Michael Jordon, who continuously supports young people through charitable work, including the Special Olympics. His Ikigia was found in making sports accessible for everyone.
3. Understand your Ikigai
You should now be able to see where these key aspects of your life overlap. And more importantly, pinpoint where your current life choices might be missing the mark.
Let’s say, for example, that your profession ticks the right boxes. You’re well respected within your job, thanks to your extensive experience and finesse when handling projects. And the pay gives you a comfortable lifestyle.
But you’re not happy in your work. It doesn’t excite you in any way – there’s no passion. And you can’t see that it’s making any real impact on the world. Let’s face it – if you left tomorrow, your post would soon be filled and legacy, non-existent.
In this case, it’s time to try out new things and find what makes you truly happy.
Ikigai Framework Example
Now that we understand how the Ikigai Framework works, let’s examine an instance where these steps are put into practice.
The star of our example will be Emma, and we’ll see how she uses the framework to find her Ikigai.
Firstly, Emma needed to define what she loves doing, what she’s good at, what she can be paid for, and what the world needs.
By identifying these key areas in her life, Emma could see that her profession, an office manager in the city, did tick the What I Can Be Paid For and What I’m Good At boxes.
But she had no passion for the job. It’s just a job. A 9-5 with nowhere to go.
This is something that Emma has always struggled with – a lack of direction. She’s spent most of her adult life working towards her current mundane job – a job that she resents but continues to do as the bills need paying.
However, by completing the Ikigai framework, Emma could identify her overlapping priorities in What The World Needs and What I Love. She longed to throw on a pair of wellies and be outside, away from the stuffy office. And to spend time with animals, rather than shirts and ties.
So, when the local animal shelter posted an advert for volunteers, Emma applied without a second thought. She knew it was what she needed in her life – she felt passionate about helping out at the shelter.
No, giving up the office job wasn’t an option, for now at least. But Emma was able to find her Ikigai by meeting all four areas of her life.
Final Thoughts on Finding Your Ikigai
Finding fulfillment in our lives can be difficult. But by using the Ikigai framework, it’s much easier to see the path we should take to find it.
It’s important to remember that discovering your purpose isn’t a one-time event. You will undoubtedly outgrow where you’re now standing. And it’s perfectly okay to revisit the framework, time and time again.
Remember, it’s all about finding that perfect balance between what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. So, embrace the journey.
And always be open to new experiences and opportunities that come your way.
And if you want more resources on how to find your purpose in life, be sure to check out these blog posts:
Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.
Your vocabulary is an important asset. Every time you meet someone, one of the best ways to make a strong first impression is to showcase a strong vocabulary. It’s a simple demonstration of education and competency, and it can make a huge difference for entrepreneurs meeting potential clients. Your vocabulary can be linked to success, status, and income, and if you want to improve it, Wordela Vocabulary Builder can help.
This intuitive app offers daily vocabulary lessons that you can dive into with just 10 minutes each day. Developed by experts, Wordela leverages advanced technology to help you improve your vocabulary, including an AI-driven spelling and vocabulary training system that generates detailed daily lessons.
You can learn in several ways. Choose your words and create smart flashcards to quiz yourself. Create curated lists from standards-aligned K12 standardized test lists, business communication terms, and more. You can also simply copy and paste words you want to better understand into Wordela and have a practice plan developed for you.
However you want to enhance your vocabulary, Wordela will work with you to develop a learning plan that will make your new vocabulary really stick.
This app was a TopTenReviews Gold Award Winner, and the reviewer wrote, “Works well for students studying for tests, adults looking to improve their comprehension and those who are learning the English language.” My Speed Reading also writes, “Provides scientifically proven approaches to learning new words. Effective learning through immersion using lists, exercises, games, and progress tracking is asserted.”
Learn new words and gain confidence in your vocabulary, no matter the situation.
Do you see your emotions as a source of strength or weakness? New research shows how maladaptive beliefs about feelings can lead to destructive patterns and poor self-regulation. Learn how to better navigate your emotional world by cultivating the right approach and mindset toward every feeling.
Two people can experience the same exact emotion in radically different ways depending on their mindset and perspective.
Ultimately, the beliefs you have about emotions are going to influence how you respond to them. This includes both helpful and unhelpful strategies you use to self-regulate your mood and feelings on a daily basis, which is one of the main pillars of emotional intelligence.
Psychology research has looked into what types of beliefs about emotions are associated with maladaptive strategies. One new study published in Current Psychology identified two types of beliefs that can lead to emotional distress and the development of mood disorders: “emotional undesirability” (the belief that emotions should be avoided) and “emotional uncontrollability” (the belief that there’s nothing you can do to change your emotions).
Both of these maladaptive beliefs lead to a passive approach to mental health. They amount to the idea, “All emotions should be avoided – and if they do happen there’s nothing I can do about it.” Naturally a person who holds these beliefs isn’t going to make much of an effort to listen to their emotions more closely or channel them in a more constructive way.
For example, if a person is overwhelmed with anger and they hold these beliefs, they will always rely on their “default response” however destructive it may be: yelling at someone, drinking alcohol, punching a wall, or storming out of the room. The person doesn’t believe they have a choice in how they respond to their anger, they only blame others for their feelings, so there are limited options whenever anger arises. They say to themselves, “When I’m angry, I act like this! And that’s that!”
When you remove any choice or responsibility for your mood and feelings (and how you act on them), you automatically limit your power. You end up becoming a slave to your emotions, rather than a master of them. That’s why these maladaptive beliefs can lead to serious emotional dysfunction and disorder over time, especially if we don’t learn the proper tools and skills for managing our emotions more effectively.
Now let’s learn more about specific destructive beliefs about emotions and how they can hurt our mental health and well-being. Do you believe any of them (or used to in the past)?
5 Destructive and Maladaptive Beliefs About Emotions
People hold many misconceptions about their emotions, but these are the most popular myths:
Emotions Are Weakness – One of the most common beliefs about emotions is that they are a weakness that should be avoided. Whether it’s love, sadness, or fear, we are told to keep our emotions to ourselves, and any expression of them makes us imperfect and vulnerable. This is a myth especially common among men who strive to be as stoic as possible. Instead of listening to emotions and seeing them as a source of strength and knowledge, we bottle them up and are told to just “think with your head” and “be rational.” While emotions can be misleading and we should question our feelings instead of following them blindly or impulsively, the truth is emotions can contain a lot of power and wisdom when we can listen and respond to them in the right way.
Emotions Should Always Be Positive – Another popular myth about emotions is that we should always “feel good” and never “feel bad.” However, even the most emotionally intelligent person is going to experience their fair share of positive and negative emotions, because it’s an inseparable part of human existence. Negative emotions are not only inevitable, they provide a necessary function that helps us navigate our world and live better lives. All emotions – including sadness, fear, anger, anxiety, and grief – serve a purpose and guide us. Without the experience of pain we would put ourselves in danger, such as keeping our hands in a fire until it is burnt. In the same way, negative emotions are uncomfortable but necessary signals we need to survive.
Emotions Are Fixed and Permanent – Emotions come and go naturally, but in the moment they can feel solid and permanent. If you watch your emotions closely, you’ll notice they are always changing in various dimensions (time, intensity, frequency, shape), and if you wait long enough one emotion usually takes the place of another. This is the lesson of impermanence – it’s best encapsulated by the mantra this too shall pass, and it describes how every experience (sensations, thoughts, feelings, memories, imaginations) will eventually dissipate over time. Once you learn this, you realize that you don’t always have to act on every emotion to move past it, sometimes you can just sit and wait. There’s a mindful gap between every “feeling” and “action,” and we can experience an emotion fully without needing to directly respond to it.
Emotions Are Uncontrollable – In the heat of the moment, emotions can seem uncontrollable. Once an emotion becomes too intense, it can often hijack our brains and cause us to act in ways we later regret. One key aspect of self-regulation is creating a plan for negative emotionsbefore they happen. First identify one emotion you’re stuck in a negative pattern with. Then when you are in a calm and peaceful state of mind, write and brainstorm new ways to respond to that negative emotion in that situation. Put it in the form of an “if, then” statement: “If I feel angry, then I will take ten deep breaths” or “If I feel sad, then I will write for 10 minutes in my journal.” You can change your natural response to intense negative emotions, but like all habits it takes time, practice, and patience.
Emotions Are Irrational – The last common error people make is believing that emotions are the opposite of thinking and that the two are completely separate. We falsely believe we need to choose between “thinking” and “emotions” in a given situation when often they are interconnected and work in tandem. Beliefs ↔ emotions is a two-way street. Thoughts can influence our emotions (such as an idea in your head that makes you feel good/bad), and emotions can influence our thoughts (such as a bad mood making you more pessimistic or cynical). Emotions are just another way of processing information from our environment. In fact our intuition and gut feelings are often described as super fast pattern recognition that happens below the surface of consciousness. In some situations, gut feelings can be a more intelligent guide for making decisions than our conscious logic and reasoning.
What’s your perspective on your emotions? How have your beliefs about emotions changed over time?
Personally, I once viewed emotions as mere background noise, something to be ignored or suppressed in pursuit of pure rationality and self-control. My journey into psychology and self-improvement changed my perspective. I began to discover that “emotions are powerful,” “emotions are a resource,” and “emotions are worth paying attention to.”
This paradigm shift was foundational in shaping my approach to life and one of my core motivations for starting this website.
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A new study finds that a “Science of Happiness” university course, designed to teach students a variety of happiness hacks, provides the most long-term benefits when participants stick with the tools and exercises after completion.
There have been many experiments showing the short-term benefits of positive psychological interventions like gratitude, meditation, kindness, and journaling, but not many studies have looked into these effects on a longer timeline.
At the University of Bristol, there’s a popular course known as “The Science of Happiness” that aims to teach students how to use various happiness hacks to improve their mental health and well-being. This course has been running since 2019 and has been offered both online and in-person.
The program balances practical advice with important information on topics such as: the nature of happiness, the role of biology and environment, cognitive biases, brain mechanisms, problem-solving, and the importance of social connection. At the end of each week, students are instructed to try evidence-based activities or “happiness hacks,” as a way of fostering positive mental well-being.
In previous years, individuals who took the course reported significantly increased mental well-being from the first week to the final week, as shown by a 10-15% increase in their scores on the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale. Participants also reported reduced loneliness and anxiety. A follow-up after six weeks continued to show sustained benefits, but it was unclear how long these positive effects lasted.
In a new study published in the journal Higher Education, researchers analyzed 228 undergraduate students from various disciplines who had completed the positive psychology course either 1 or 2 years ago. Interestingly, while most students reported short-term benefits, later group analysis revealed that these benefits did not persist uniformly across all participants during the long term follow-up period.
A deeper look at the data revealed a crucial factor behind the program’s success: continued engagement. Approximately 51% of the students who actively practiced the recommended activities taught during the course maintained their increased mental well-being over the follow-up period. These students consistently applied positive psychology principles in their daily lives at least a year after they completed the class.
Here’s a chart from the study illustrating the findings:
As you can see, those who continued to follow the “happiness hacks” maintained their gains in subjective well-being during the long term follow-up.
The most commonly reported technique that students continued to use was gratitude (37.17%), including writing letters of gratitude to others and making lists of things that they were grateful for (“three good things”). Other commonly reported techniques were mindfulness/meditation (33.63%), exercise (21.24%), journaling (17.70%) and kindness (10.62%).
How to Create Sustained Positive Change
The study recommends that schools and institutions consider the long-term impact of psychoeducational courses. While initial benefits are essential, sustained effects depend on prolonged engagement and commitment.
Course designs should incorporate mechanisms to encourage continued practice:
The goal of psychology – whether it’s with a course, book, article, therapist, or coach – is always to take what you learn and integrate it into your real world living.
In the moment, learning about these tools and exercises can provide a nice temporary boost of relief, but then we quickly get bored, forget about them, stop applying them, and lose out on their benefits over time.
Much like a diet or exercise regimen, you need to create a mental health system in your life that works for you and is sustainable into the future. Quick fixes are a myth. You’ll always snap back to your old ways if you don’t choose a course of action you can follow continuously and indefinitely.
In theory, choose habits you can do for the rest of your life. That’s the mindset you need for continuous growth, happiness, and well-being. Gratitude, kindness, meditation, exercise, and journaling can become habits that are just as second-nature to you as tying your shoes or driving a car. Make self-care an everyday occurence.
Ultimately, if you want to build a happy life, you have to be in it for the long haul.
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The simple act of writing down your negative beliefs and watching them burn away right in front of you can disempower them and help you let go. Most people feel an instant relief. Try it out for yourself!
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This worksheet mentions several mental tools and relaxation techniques that are essential for making the most of your anxiety hierarchy. Here are links to learn more about each one.
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Want to do something cool in 2024?
One of the best ways to leverage your spare time in the upcoming year is to learn a new skill.
Just think about the most successful people in the world. Those who consistently succeed are those who are best at learning new skills.
With that in mind, there are countless things you can learn in your spare time. This list puts a number to that list and shares with you 101 valuable things to learn that will improve your life — both personally and professionally.
With this list it will not be difficult to find those new skills to learn, it will be difficult narrowing down your list of what you want to learn.
In the following article, we will cover 101 new skills you can learn (with an hour of dedicated time each day) that can dramatically improve your personal and professional life.
And if you’d like a few resources that can teach you all the skills on this page, then I recommend checking out these platforms to learn any skill.
Let’s get to the new skills to start learning today!
Don’t Have Enough Time to Read the Entire Post?
This post is pretty lengthy. So, if you don’t have time to read it, then we’ve simplified this list into a list of courses, each teaching a great skill you can master for the upcoming year. Here are the favorites that other readers love…
Get the Ultimate System for Planning Your Week, Month, Quarter and Year in 60 Minutes Each
General Skills to Learn (The FUN and USEFUL Skills)
The “general skills” are a mixed bag. They do not fall into any specific category of life skills to learn. These are the type of skills we often think of when we want to learn something new, but never invest the time and effort involved to actually learn them. (Here are some life skills worksheets to help you learn faster.)
New skills to learn can be useful, fun, and are often great at making a “well-rounded” person. Who wouldn’t like to be able to play guitar, fix a car, cook a 5-star meal, grow a lush garden, and be able to protect yourself with martial arts?
1. Speak a New Language
You’ve probably heard this before…
Learning a new foreign language can provide a number of amazing results in your life.
How much more work could you accomplish if you were able to complete all of your required reading in one-third of the time? Or even half the time?
Speed reading is basically learning to understand the fundamental principles of the human visual system, allowing you to eliminate inefficiencies in your reading and increase the speed at which you read while also improving your retention.
Even slight improvements in reading time can save a lot of time long term. And many people report massive gains in reading speeds after building the speed reading skill.
Also, if you’d like a quick primer on speed reading, Tim Ferriss has a quick video that teaches a few basics of the process.
3. Basic Home Repairs
I am no expert at-home repairs, but I would argue that most people should be learning the basics of keeping their own home in tip-top shape.
One of the best reasons to learn how to do basic home repairs is because having someone come out to do them for you is incredibly expensive and time-consuming. There are several resources online to help walk you through some basic home repairs, such as DIY Pete and Home Made Modern.
Drawing is actually a basic skill that we were all born with. While we have to be taught to read and write, people are actually born with the natural ability to draw.
Drawing is essential for human survival because it is a form of communication that everyone can understand, no matter what language you speak. Toddlers begin drawing before they start to read or write and continue to do it throughout life.
Take a drawing course that will have you drawing like a professional in no time at all, and perfect your skill and express your creativity with drawing.
Car repairs can drain your wallet quickly, but there are a lot of repairs that you can actually do yourself if you take the time to learn new skills. Even if you don’t have technical skills, you can still do things like changing your oil, fixing fuel filters, and changing alternators. This can help save you time and money.
Check out this video channel and this video channel to get started on learning how to do some of your own basic car repairs. It can also help you learn a bit more about problem-solving.
6. Organize and Declutter Your Home
Have you heard of the Kon Mari Method of decluttering? It is currently the hottest and most popular method of home decluttering.
The Kon Mari Method was created by Marie Kondo, who owns a business in Tokyo, where she teaches her method to help people turn their homes into peaceful and inspiring spaces. It starts with discarding things that you do not need in your home anymore and then organizing what is left. Having a clean home will help you de-stress your life and live in a place that is free from clutter.
The class linked below is actually taught by Marie Kondo herself. Even if you have read her popular book, this organization training will show (in video format) many of her cleaning methods that are difficult to follow in the book. (Like her folding method)
And here’s a talk that Marie Kondo did at Google where she talks about her book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” and the many benefits that come when you declutter your life.
7. Master Photoshop
Everyone should know some Photoshop basics. Learning Photoshop is an important tool if you want to work in graphic or web design or even just use it at home for your own pictures. Because it is such a valued skill, it is great to be able to add to a resume as well.
It is also important to learn Photoshop if you work in a hands-on marketing role. For example, if you create flyers, email newsletters, or brochures, knowing Photoshop will help you optimize your creations and retouch your images. Photoshop actually offers some resources to get you started.
But if you want a bit more “hands-on” training. The course linked below gives over three hours of video training that will help you master the Photoshop basics.
Can learning to play the guitar change your well-being?
Research actually shows that the brains of guitar players work slightly differently than those of everyone else. The process and art of learning to play the chords on a guitar and read sheet music can open up new neural pathways and rewire the brain in a positive way that can lead to cognitive benefits.
If guitar playing has always been a dream, or if you are looking for a skill to build from scratch, check out this guitar training course, made for beginners, but taught by experts. It removes many barriers from learning the guitar. You will find yourself playing recognizable tunes in hours, rather than months.
A criticism that is often heard today is that people spend too much time taking pictures of their experiences instead of living them. However, the photographs play an important role in allowing people to hold on to memories and show the rest of the world a peek into their lives while also telling a story.
In the photography masterclass linked below, you can learn a complete guide to photography with 15 hours of training. It will teach you everything from understanding how your camera works to what gear you will need. It will also give you tips for selling your photographs.
And if you want a quick overview of the photography basics, this video tutorial covers specific elements like ISO settings, aperture, and shutter speed.
10. Gardening: How to Grow Anything
Maybe you’ve tried to grow things in your garden before, but your previous results made this seem like it was not a skill you could master.
However, if you learn how to grow your own flowers, herbs, vegetables, and fruits, you can save a lot of money and have a beautiful yard to look at. Also, eating food straight from your garden is the healthiest way to get the nutrients that your body needs.
Here is a helpful video on growing your own greens to create your own healthy salads. This video will walk you through a garden tour in Southern California. Finally, take a look at this video to learn more about organic gardening.
11. Learn to Cook Like a PRO
While it is certainly one thing to be able to create a four-course meal at the last minute, it is another to be able to at least make a decent pasta dinner, a nice pot of soup, and a winning batch of chocolate chip cookies without the help from a box. Having the skill of cooking well will help you out for your entire life.
First, you will be able to know what is going into your food and therefore what is going into your body. You can control how much fat and salt goes into your dishes to create a healthy diet for yourself and your family. Also, you can impress your friends and family when you have them over for dinner, even if you just make something simple.
Lastly, you will save a lot of money eating at home versus eating at a restaurant. You can make enough food at home to have leftovers for lunch the next day and even to freeze meals for a future dinner.
Learning to play a musical instrument, often a piano or guitar is on many people’s bucket list. The problem with learning these instruments is the perceived high barrier to learning the new skills of playing these instruments.
Many people have tried traditional methods of learning these skills and been turned off by the slow going of plodding through the basics and learning to play “exciting” tunes like “row, row, row your boat.
The Piano for All course is different. It starts you in with the basics and the foundations but as you learn them by playing exciting modern piano songs. With this method of learning, you will love learning how to play the piano and will want to show off your skills after only a handful of hours of lessons and practice.
Nothing feels better than being confident that you can take care of yourself, whether it is mentally, financially, or physically. Being able to physically protect yourself in all situations is a reassurance that can only be gained through self-defense classes. While many people automatically think about women and children when they think about self-defense, it is really a skill for everyone.
And if practicing martial arts isn’t something you can do at this time, then perhaps investing in a 9mm pistol and going to the range to practice would be best. Just don’t forget to have the proper hearing protection.
14. Make Your Own Furniture and Decorations
If you are like me, woodworking seems like a dream. I remember my grandfather making fancy wooden home decorations. I remember my dad building a deck to our home when I was a young boy. But everything I have tried has turned out to be a big mess. I think the woodworking gene skipped a generation with me. It is a skill I don’t seem to have.
This is why I am so intrigued by this woodworking course. It breaks the process down into simple steps and offers many detailed plans. It makes major woodworking projects seem so easy that even someone like me with zero woodworking skill might have a chance of success.
Learning Tai Chi is great for your body and your mind. This practice can help alleviate natural health conditions that come along with aging and encourage people of all ages to relax and let go of nervous tension. The main benefit of Tai Chi is its ability to mitigate the effects of stress.
Learning Tai Chi imparts the six principles of flow and imparts grace and flow to the practitioner.
Find out more about this healthy form of exercise that reduces stress, builds confidence, imparts grace and strength, helps you live longer and helps your mind reach a state of clarity.
Also, if you want to learn the basics of Tai Chi, here is a great free 45+ minute video to help you learn the skill of Tai Chi from Dr. Paul Lim.
16. Perform Basic Dance Moves (For Guys)
Guys, how embarrassing is it to go out to a club and try to impress some ladies and then find yourself completely unconfident and timid on the dance floor?
I have been there.
Trying to do some fancy moves – but only looking like a spastic monkey. Or even worse, sitting on the sidelines, afraid to embarrass me.
You do not need to be a master dancer to go out and meet people and have fun. But having a few good moves in your back pocket will go a long way toward helping your confidence. That is why I think basic dance moves can be an important skill to learn.
To get started, here’s a funny (but helpful) video on how to not dance like a dork.
Get in the habit of reading through things. Articles, blurbs, drafts, books, and volumes of material are all worthy of your time.
How good quality the information is directly proportional to how informative what you read is. Reading comic books, for instance, is worthwhile, but not as good as reading a good non-fiction text on a subject you are interested in.
Flat tires are either silly inconveniences or serious issues. The difference between the two is often in the ability to fix them quickly.
Even with improvements in tire technology and “run flat” tires, everyone gets a flat tire from time-to-time. And, of course, Murphy’s Law will make sure those flat tires come at the most inconvenient time possible.
Don’t rely on a car service to fix your change your flat tires. It is a very easy process and keeps you from being reliant on others.
Plus learning the skill of changing your own flat tires may save you a few dollars in expenses.
Here is a quick video that shows the basics of changing a flat tire.
19. Gain the Skill of Humor
You’re trapped on a desert island with two people. One is annoying, and one is funny. Just about everyone would prefer to be stuck with the guy with a good sense of humor while leaving the annoying one back at camp.
The ability to be humorous is rooted in the ability to recognize absurdity, chance, circumstance, tonality, language choice, and emphasis. These are all powerful skills independently, but together, they form the basis of humor.
When you are able to use humor effectively in writing, speech, and socially, you will find yourself a sought after commodity, like the last hamburger stand before you get to an all-vegan community.
Someone on this planet, at this very second, has a dead battery. What’s worse is that they probably don’t even have jumper cables. A dead battery is not as easy to fix as a flat tire because it inherently requires another person. (Unless you have one of the new battery powerpack jumper cables.)
But what if the other person only has the battery to offer? Or doesn’t really know how to set up the cables either? Will you be ready to affix the cables, go through the motions and get your car up and running? Or will you be left at the roadside?
This is another simple skill that every single adult should know.
And here’s a quick video tutorial on how to jump start a car.
When you are in the wilderness, one of the most important resources is fire. You need fire to purify water. You need it for warmth. You need it to scare off wild animals.
Most people think that starting a fire from scratch is a difficult skill to learn — something to daunt survivalists with years of learning experience.
Well, most people would be wrong. Starting a fire from scratch is painfully simple. With nothing more than friction, airflow, kindling, and a mass to hold the flame.
And here is a video that has fourteen ideas for starting a fire without matches.
22. Survive A MAJOR Crisis
Starting a fire without matches is probably about the limit of my personal “woodsman” skills. (and I am admittedly slow at making fire).
I know I am woefully unprepared for any sort of major worldwide crisis. But like with most things, there is training I can take to get the training I need in case the unthinkable happens.
I am an optimist. I don’t like to think about, and generally don’t believe, any doom-and-gloom prophecies of the world (as we know it) coming to an end due to currency crisis, war, chemical/nuclear/biological attacks, unnatural weather phenomenon or any other disaster situations. But the fact remains that there are many nasty ways the world could change for the worst in minutes.
I don’t think it will ever happen. But it would be nice to have some understanding of what to do and how to help my family to survive if the unthinkable and unbelievable ever happened.
Learning to sew, stitch, and patch is an excellent skill because it is as diverse as it is useful. While it’s been typically considered feminine, there’s nothing feminine about saving an expensive pair of pants from destruction.
The short course below will teach you the basic skills of sewing, using sewing machines and even a few advanced techniques to set you toward the next level of sewing.
Most people want to find love at some point in their lives.
However, it can sometimes seem impossible to find that perfect soulmate. They are out there, but you have to be able to have the confidence and social skills to be attractive to them when you first meet them.
If you are shy or have some doubts with your self-confidence, but it is important to learn how to overcome these things if you want to be able to put yourself out there and meet someone special. Learning how to meet and attract a perfect life partner is important for many people in the quest to live a fulfilling life.
If shyness or social anxiety hold you back from meeting that “perfect someone,” the training below will be a surefire, “must-have.”
or social anxiety hold you back from meeting that “perfect someone,” the training below will be a surefire, “must-have.”
You’re in the middle of a crowded restaurant, and a man is choking on his dinosaur chicken nugget. Not only is he embarrassed to be eating chicken dinosaurs, but he might also die.
His only hope is that someone knows the Heimlich around him. The technique is simple, and anyone can learn it with a little bit of care and research.
This is a skill that every single adult should not only know but have practiced it until it is second nature. Learning this skill just might save a life.
And here’s a quick video that shows the basics of performing the Heimlich maneuver.
26. Perform CPR
CPR is another skill that every adult should not only learn but have practiced many times. The time to learn this skill is not when it is your child or father needing CPR but in your own free time.
CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is the simple art of knowing how to jump-start someone’s heart and lungs with a little bit of your own air and chest compressions. This is an absolute must-have skill in emergency situations, and it’s one of the first things that professional emergency medical transporters are taught.
It is also an easy skill to learn, but the potential payback is immense. Learning this new skill could easily keep a loved one alive until the first responders arrive.
All the skills to learn are not fun things like learning to play guitar, speed cup stacking, or learning a new foreign language. Some of them are far more useful skills than that.
For example, you are learning how to learn. When you learn the intricacies of how to learn, every skill or bit of knowledge learned thereafter just a little bit more quickly and easily, due to the fact that you fully understand the process of learning new skills.
Many of the mental skills to learn are like this. They build on essential skills that will help you learn more, do more, achieve more or generally succeed in life.
Want to learn how to improve your learning? Check out my book: Novice to Expert
27. Ask the Right Questions
The first and most significant mental skill any human being can learn in their lives is knowing how to ask the right questions. Many people seek answers for questions they have never even asked. When we ask ourselves the right question, we cut away any chance of wasting our precious time seeking that which is not what we truly need.
A great way to develop this skill is to constantly ask yourself the following:
It’s a shameful thing to start a conversation if you’re not truly interested anything. You deny all of your listeners your better self. Likewise, it’s a shameful thing not to act, work, and behave in ways that genuinely interest you. It won’t be the real you if you don’t really care.
This is why it is important to truly care about your work, relationships, success, your future, and the rest of the laundry list. Find things in life that hold your attention and that you ENJOY doing.
“Having passion” for the things you do may be a bit trite… but it is true. If you really get behind the things you do, then keeping up the learning process for new skills will not be a chore, but something that you actively pursue.
Critical thinking is the ability to chances of success and understanding by using a higher level of thought. Critical thinking is a mass mix of separate skills that all come together to form thought processes that lead to better results.
Critical thinking is a magnificent tool for achieving higher success, and you can easily improve your results in life by simply being aware of what it’s like to think critically.
I consider mindfulness a “mental” skill, but it touches on many aspects of our lives. It decreases stress, helps reduce suffering from many pains and illness, and can help us feel healthier, happier, and fitter due to the mind-body-spirit connection it fosters.
In short, mindfulness means paying extreme attention to the things you do. Since our world is a busy place and it is hard to be 100% mindful about all things 24/7/364. Mindfulness is usually broken down into specific activities where you pay extreme attention to what is going at specific times, such as “mindful eating.” (If you’d like to learn more about it, then here are 71 mindfulness exercises.)
This is the perfect example of mindfulness as a whole. When you eat mindfully, you do so slowly. You savor the taste and the flavors. Try to discern what ingredients which were used in the cooking process while reflecting on both the heat of the food on your tongue and the crispy “feel” of the food.
Want to learn more details about mindfulness and how you can become more mindful? Why not check out some books I have written with my writing partner Barrie Davenport.
Resources: Our Mindfulness Books and Journal
31. Be Comfortable With Change
If your life sucks, it’s pretty obvious that you’re going to want it to change. Likewise, if it’s amazing, you’re going to want it to either stay the same or get more amazing.
Both of these scenarios present the potential for change. Why fear it if you’re going to want it for the rest of your life potentially?
Change. Specifically, habit change is right in my wheelhouse. I have written dozens of article about how to make a positive change in your life by changing your habits.
There are many ways to go about changing your habits. Some will have extra steps than the skill resource below. Other may have some additional steps. But at its core, all effective change boils down to following the 8 steps below.
If we define useless here as having zero or worse of an impact on your goals, then simply cutting these things away would have dramatic results. Stop reading silly information you don’t really care about if there’s something you already know is better that you could be reading.
Stop watching TV that contributes nothing to you, and you will suddenly find yourself with far more time on your hands for your own success.
Not sure what constitutes a bad habit, that you might want to change? Check out this bad habit list. And take a moment to think about changing out some of these bad habits for their better counterparts from this list of good habits.
Someone asked me how I can take risks so calmly and comfortably. My answer was, “I’m kind of amazing.” The only problem I have with that sentence is that I told them “kind of.”
Now let me be clear. I do not have a superhuman ego. I rarely brag about accomplishments and spend far more time encouraging others than I do talking about myself. I am actually a bit of an introvert.
But it is important to project confidence. Adding qualifiers to statement like “kind of” shows a lack of confidence. It basically means, “if you don’t think I am awesome; I was just kidding.”
Confidence is in recognizing your own strengths and living, breathing, and speaking them. Confident people can have weak moments, but confidence is never weak.
Life can be tough. Bad things happen to us all the time. Sometimes a bad past haunts us every day. It is easy to fill your mind with negative thoughts, but it is essential not to do this.
Positive thinking is a skill. It is something you need to work at intentionally to improve. Learning the skill of positivity is certainly worth the time invested.
When you have a positive mindset, you can take control of the way that you feel, behave and move forward, but you first need to start thinking in those positive, productive ways that provide energy rather than draining it.
If you love quotes, poems, lyrics, or excerpts, you need to be able to memorize them. While it’s great to be able to repeat them to others, we cannot remember everything that crosses us.
By learning to remember the significant words we cross, we become better at instilling them within ourselves. If it’s important enough to remember, it’s probably important enough to embody.
If you are a student, learning to have a sharp memory is even more important. Being able to memorize large amounts of classwork will keep you churning ahead of your peers.
Remember: a good memory is not something you are “born with” unless you are one of the 1 in a million who is born with a truly eidetic memory. For the rest of us, memory is more like a muscle. It is built through work, repetition, and training. It is a skill that needs to be fostered, trained, and built.
Check out some of the best memory exercises below to learn more about building a powerful memory skill.
And iff you’d like to learn simple ways to improve your memory, here is a video that covers the good habits that will immediately improve your recall.
36. Maintain Self-Awareness
Most people get trapped in their own plans, goals, memories, and ideas. Life happens around them without them being aware. As John Lennon said, “Life happens while we are busy making other plans.”
The self-awareness skill is about keeping one foot in the present and truly understanding what is going on in your life even as you reach for the stars of the future.
Being present to everything that’s happening as it happens with no need to judge or analyze it. Embodying what it means to experience life, and awareness will come.
Focus is another meta-skill that influences many other mental skills. The ability to fully focus your mind on a single topic is essential for getting the most creativity and productivity out of your time.
If your mind is jumbled with other thoughts or busy trying to multitask your ability to focus greatly suffers. Like many mental and physical activities, focus can be increased and improved with effort.
Think your skills with focus are good? Try the White Bear Experiment. Try to go 5 minutes working on other things and NOT have the thought of white bears cross your mind.
When you seek the information here in this list of skills to learn, remember that one source can only give you what it has to offer rather than what’s truly available. Be sure to seek more information, even if you think you have all the answers because one little epiphany could change everything.
Neuroplasticity is the ability to rewire your brain. You can increase IQ, recall, reading speed, cognition by using ideas from this new brain science. The idea behind these activities is to create new information pathways. These new pathways will often help you learn like a child would, quickly and with an ease few adults possess.
The science behind neuroplasticity is new and constantly growing. With the skill of neuroplasticity when you learn something new, you are actively forging new pathways in your brain for learning that will help make learning future skills a bit easier.
Think about basketball. You have two guys practicing. Both spend one-hour practicing. The first guy is running around doing a bit of everything. He does some jump shots. He practices dribbling. He chases after balls as they get away from him. He is not focused on his practice; he tries to do everything.
Now, guy number two is focused. He uses deliberate practice. He spends his hour practicing shooting from the key. He has a coach with him to catch his missed shots, gives advice on improving his shots, and make sure there is little or no downtime.
The laser focus on a particular type of shot means guy number two’s practice will be FAR more effective than the same amount of practice time as the first guy.
This is the power of deliberate practice. Deliberate practice is a habit. Once you learn to practice deliberately, everything you practice in life becomes easier to learn because you know how to build your skills the right way.
Many people encounter a problem and immediately react with an emotional, erratic train of thoughts. They panic, worry, fear, or generally become overwhelmed by negative emotion.
Logic is mathematical; it is the process of finding appropriate answers. Remember that the appropriate answers are what matters, not what you are feeling in times of trouble.
Everyone likes to have money. They may not have a need to be rich, but it is certainly nice not to scramble to find creative ways to pay your bills.
However, money and finances are certain skills, and unfortunately, they are skills that most people have not learned.
There are skills in frugal living, budgeting, personal finances, debt management and reduction, saving, investing, and more…
If you want to learn a new skill, and you don’t know the skills of finance these would be a great place to start. They can help you make more money, spend less, keep more of what you make and even save money for an investment, property, or a future, “something special.” (For more on this, check out the article on 26 better money habits.)
42. Creating a Personal Budget
You need to start early to set yourself up for financial success in the future. If you spend beyond your means, you are setting yourself up to accrue debt and develop a poor credit score. Budgets are a lot easier with some good software to back it up.
I recommend you check out Mint to help you to create a personal budget that is reasonable for your income and lifestyle. MINT is a great system that links together many essential services that will help you create (and manage) your budget.
If you are clueless as to what a budget is, how to make one that works and how to manage a budget once you have one, I recommend you check out this class on basic budgeting below.
One of the big problems in our credit-heavy society is all the little fees you pay. You pay to get money out of an ATM. You sometimes pay a small fee to HAVE a credit card. You pay huge fees if you are late with payments. And, of course, you pay interest on your purchases.
It can be nice to turn that around by getting cashback from your purchases. One of the best ways to make and save money is to have an app do it for you automatically on purchases that you make every day anyway.
Tracking receipts is one of the keys to keeping a good budget. These days you don’t need to keep every document on hand. You simply need some system to store you receipt documents.
I take pictures of all my receipts with my phone and store them on Evernote for when/if I need them.
But there are even simpler methods. Using software like Neat allows you to track your receipts and documents. The software extracts the key information from your receipts and integrates it with accounting and business software to help simplify how you work. This will help you keep your finances organized.
To use this, it is best to have a NeatReceipts Mobile Document scanner so you can scan in all of your purchases as you make them. The software will then organize them for you.
45. How to Repair Credit
If you do find yourself in a financial pitfall, you will need to restore your credit to be able to make large purchases in the future such as a home or a car.
It is important to learn how to repair your credit in case you find yourself in a situation where you don’t have the credit you need to buy something that is important.
The simple answer to repairing credit is to make deals on defaulted loans, getting that huge minus off your credit record and then making payments larger than the minimums to pay down debt quickly.
But these are the broad strokes. There are a lot of little things that can be done to improve your credit. Check out the resource below for more bad credit busting tips.
Some people are too scared or lazy to apply for loans and credit cards. Using money that isn’t yours can be extremely powerful, both for better and worse. But you can never enter the territory of trying if you never even applied.
You DO need credit cards to build your credit rating. The important thing to learn is that you don’t need to build a balance. If you only buy what you can afford, and pay it off almost immediately, you get all of the good parts of a credit card, with none of the negatives.
But if credit is still a major issue or fear, there is still the option of secured credit cards, though.
If you learn something new every day, I wish more people would learn the skill of managing debt. This simple skill can help get you out of mountainous debt and get you to the point where your money goes to buy YOU things. Not pay off interest to corporate fat-cats.
After you owe money, remember that managing your debt is a simple matter of making timely payments and paying in a way that pays off the debt in the fastest way that’s reasonable.
In other words, don’t use your rent money to pay off your debt, but it might also help to brew coffee at home sometimes and put that extra money towards your debts.
One of the best skills to learn in relation to managing your debt is the skill of frugal living. Making those simple day-to-day choices that save you small amounts but can add up to real debt reducing amounts.
Spending money is the art of using your money as you see fit to improve your current situation.
Saving money is the art of cutting back and resisting the urge to spend for the sake of your future situation. Investing money is the art of spending money on future gains.
All of these arts are essential financial skills to learn. But the most dangerous can be investing. Investing has an incredible upside. It can make money on top of your money, and hopefully, at some point, lead to independent wealth or comfortable retirement.
But there is also risk involved, and it is important to understand the risk vs. reward of investments.
With all decisions come risk and reward. Some situations are riskier while others are more rewarding. The trick to making these decisions is to consider all potential risks alongside all potential rewards and try to figure out whether or not the choice is really worth the risk.
Part of managing your money is learning how to save it. It is important to live within your means and keep some money aside for when you might need it in the future. You don’t want to have to always take out a line of credit when an emergency comes up, so having a healthy savings account is a great way to have a safety net.
Saving money is a skill. Check out the link below for some tips to help you save more of what you earn.
Sure, it may be easy to walk out of a room and forget to turn the light off. However, making an effort to turn off your lights and appliances when they are not being used in your home, office, or apartment can help save you a significant amount of money when it comes to your monthly utility bill.
You might be surprised how many people do not conserve utilities and by how much can be saved by being diligent with this specific skill.
And, of course, as an added benefit being good about not wasting gas and electric is a nice positive for the environment.
There are a few extra things you can do each day to really benefit from this and get the most out of your efforts:
Make sure that you turn off all of the lights whenever you leave a room.
Turn off your electronics when you are not using them. While many electronics will automatically go into a “standby” mode if they are not used for a certain amount of time, this still uses some electricity.
If the weather is nice outside, open up your windows and use fans around the house to circulate the air and cool down in the summertime. This will help you save money by only using the air conditioning on days that are oppressively hot.
Open up your blinds and shades in the winter to allow sunlight in and warm up your home. Warming your home naturally with the sun will keep you from spending additional money on heating.
When you are cooking, match your pot size to the size of your burner. If you use a small pot or pan on a large burner, you are expending additional energy to get the same result.
Use the smallest pot or appliance that you need. If you are heating up one chicken breast, don’t preheat your entire oven. Rather, heat up your small convection oven, or consider cooking it in a pan.
Wash your clothes in cold water. You will achieve the same results as washing in warm water, but you will save about 40 cents per a load of laundry.
If you are going out of town, turn off the water heater. It only takes an hour for a water heater to reheat the water in your house and turning it off saves quite a bit of energy while you are gone.
Don’t leave your electronics on the charger once they are fully charged. This wastes energy and can possibly harm your batteries.
Whether you’ve inherited some money or you’re saving money every month, you might be wondering about how you should invest your money to make it work for you. Learning how to invest your money is actually easier than a lot of people assume it is.
You do not need to be an experienced trader to be successful in the stock market and in fact, it is often best to not move your money around very often.
While you may have heard that the best time to begin your investments is ten years ago, but the next best time is today. In other words, it’s never too late to get started with investing. So take your time to learn about the stock market, bonds, mutual funds, and trades. But once you learn the basics, you should challenge yourself to take that first step.
Property investing is not a “get rich quick” scheme. But having real estate education will give you a solid foundation to a long-lasting business. There are a lot of possibilities that come along with investing in real estate and getting a step-by-step guide to analyzing, investing, selling, and flipping real estate can be very beneficial to you in the long run.
One of the best resources for this is the Bigger Pockets brand, which includes books, in-depth blog posts, and an active forum for you to talk with other people who are investing in real estate to learn from their mistakes and their successes.
You don’t need to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars to learn about the real estate business. Just do a little research to see what part of real estate interests you the most and go from there. Below are links to some of the best property investment books — the same ones I used to research before buying my first two investment properties.
Okay. This one is more of a hack than a skill. One easy way to invest your money is to use a service like Acorns. Here, all of the purchases you make are rounded up to the next dollar, and the change is sent to your savings account. For example, if you buy a cup of coffee that is $4.50, you will pay $5, and 50 cents will go directly into your savings.
Making purchases with whole dollar amounts also makes tracking your money easier, and the money that is put into your savings account will add up quickly. You will likely not notice the change slowly coming out of your checking account, but it can be invested quickly.
Health & Fitness Skills
Of all the skills to learn, developing your knowledge of health and fitness principles should be a major priority.
Many people want to learn about business, money, and relationships skills. They want to meet people, enjoy their lives, have success, and achieve their dreams of achievement.
However, if you skip on health and fitness skills, in the long term it will come back to haunt you.
These are the skills that keep you alive longer. They are the skills that build a health reservoir, so you are going strong when you reach 60, rather than breaking down like some other peers.
These skills to learn are potential lifesavers and should be approached with that level of importance and reverence.
So, let’s learn something new from health & fitness.
55. Breathing/Deep Breathing Skill
Learning how to breathe properly can make you happier and healthier. It is a key to meditation and mindfulness, and also has a huge positive impact on your body, health, and life.
During difficult times, it’s especially useful to know how to practice deep breathing to keep yourself calm. Just a few minutes of deep conscious breathing can positively affect one’s state of mind.
Oxygen is a catalyst for our bodies that’s so important, we take breaths constantly and hardly even notice. We need a constant supply, or we will lose consciousness in short order.
With that said, it’s important to remember to breath in deeply. It should feel good to let the air in, almost like a reverse hug from the inside. The exhale should be calm and comfortable.
The effects can be felt immediately. Develop this skill and powerful breathing will become second nature. It’s important to remember that you won’t become perfect at breathing better overnight, but it’s well worth the wait to develop.
Swimming is an amazing skill because it’s half recreation and half survival. The ability to swim produces nearly the most health benefits of any form of exercise.
There are a few other good reasons to learn to swim.
First off swimming is the most complete exercise in the world. It exercises just about all the muscles in your body.
Second is that it is no “impact” exercise. In most forms of aerobic exercise, constant movement means constant impact with the ground. Swimming on the other hand, is easy on the joints and muscles.
Finally, due to the last reason, swimming and water exercise are the perfect “rehabilitation” exercise for any time when you get injured in your primary sport or exercise.
At these times a passable ability to swim could be an important plus.
Ideally, you should be prepared to swim in the ocean for a few hours while you wait for rescue, but swimming from the middle of a lake is a decent secondary goal. Start small.
Yoga is a mixture of physical exercise, breathing control, and meditation that has both physical and mental health benefits. Yoga is one of the most popular complementary and alternative medicine therapies to traditional medical care, and its effectiveness is supported by a plethora of evidence.
If you are new to yoga, chances are you can get some great beginner-level instruction at your local gym. If you are too shy, you may want to try a video-based Yoga class.
Resource: Yoga Burn, which provides a natural way to lose weight and build a fun exercise habit at the same time.
Sleep is one of the key health factors few people think about. When you don’t get enough sleep, both your body and mind suffer. Your thinking is unclear. You make bad decisions. Your stress and anxiety increase leading to a whole host of possible medical issues.
While one bad night’s sleep is not likely to kill you, the cumulative effect of months of poor sleeping certainly could lead to some mistake or health issue that actually could kill you.
Yes, poor sleep is nothing to joke about. In this extensive sleep tips post, I covered just about every single method you can use to get better sleep. If none of these methods works, you may seriously want to consider consulting your doctor because it is highly possible you have sleep apnea or another sleeping disorder.
Sleep Apnea is a condition where you actually stop breathing at times during the night. This leads to very restless sleep because you rarely reach the “deep sleep” stage that truly nourishes your body.
Aromatherapy uses aromatic plants and plant materials (often the pressed plant’s oils) to create a sense of both psychological and physical well-being.
Aromatherapists are experts who understand the exact blends, amounts, mixtures, and application methods to achieve desired effects for their clients.
Most aromatherapy is done through smell. Using essential oil diffusers to spread the aromatic and healing oils into the air around the client, but aromatherapy also includes topical application, massage, and water immersion as methods of application.
Aromatherapy not only includes the simple skills of using these relaxing and wonderful smelling oils to get your own personal spa experience, but you can learn the process of making your own collection of spa materials from aromatherapy.
Learning aromatherapy can teach you to make:
Homemade Soap
Spa quality bath bombs
Bath salts
Body Butter
Essential Oils
Specialized essential oil mixes
Soothing creams
Exfoliating body scrubs
Moisturizing body lotions
Basically, any aromatic fragrance products that any spa enthusiast would be proud to use.
Staying hydrated and drinking enough water are keys to health and fitness. Just like getting a good night’s sleep. Poor hydration can have effects that are both far-reaching and often go undetected.
Water is an important aspect of personal responsibility. There are children in third-world countries that literally beg on street corners for water, and yet there are so many people who take their unending access to water for granted.
When you are properly hydrated, your urine should be clear and colorless. This often means 64 ounces of water in a single day. But can mean quite a bit more if you exercise or if you live or work in a hot/ humid area.
Learn exactly what hydration is and feels like. Seek to stay properly hydrated at all times, as it is life-changing to go from being under-hydrated to constantly hydrated.
Good health is not all about “picking things up” and “putting things down.” It is not all about eating right, living a healthy lifestyle, and being aerobically fit. It is all of those things but more. Being healthy also includes your state of mind.
Someone who is fit, eats well and exercises may still have a lot of issues if they are constantly depressed, anxious, and stressed.
We don’t need to live in some false state of nirvana and happiness. But it is important from a healthy mental health perspective to try to put your “best foot forward” mental health-wise when you can.
This means trying to be happy. Having an overall optimistic viewpoint. And being positive. Check out some of the books linked below to get a better grasp on positive thinking, happiness and how to can get your mind in a better place for improved health.
Having a mind-body connection means that you are able to learn to use your mind to positively influence some of your physical responses, which can help you manage anxiety and decrease stress and even help you to get rid of physical ailments.
The idea of a mind-body connection and a truly scientific connection was first introduced by Dr. John Sarno in his book Healing Back Pain: The Mind-Body Connection. In this book, Sarno, an expert in back pain relief, pointed out how many of his back pain sufferers were having their conditions created by or exacerbated by stress, and how sometimes mindfulness techniques and meditation were better for relieving their pain than dangerous spinal surgery.
This idea has been taken by others and expanded outside the realm of back pain. Whether the effects are psychosomatic or show true body healing via mental health techniques is a question that could be debated. Using your “mind” as a cure is certainly not an answer to every medical problem. But there are certain aspects of healthy living like back pain that can be helped by understanding the potential healing powers of a strong mind-body connection.
63. Massage Therapy
Most people enjoy a good massage. If we could give ourselves relaxing massages, the world would certainly be a much nicer place.
Learning a little bit of the skills of a professional massage therapist is not going to directly give you more massages. But if you give a good massage, there are many people who would be glad to reciprocate with a return massage after getting a dose of your healing hands.
Walking is another key to fitness and health. Yes, there are many exercises that are more energetic, calorie-burning, and muscle building.
But walking is and will always be a good baseline. When you get injured from any other sport, walking will always be a way to recuperate. When you get older, and fitness gets difficult, walking becomes a great source of activity.
Walking is low impact. It moves most muscles, groups. It is easy to do, and one of the only places where multitasking is not suboptimal. Walking gives you the time and energy for creative thoughts while also helping you to pad any other daily fitness.
In fact, as a marathon runner, I still find time to incorporate a few long walks into my weekly routine. I think walking is essential to keeping fit and healthy and can easily be used as an addition to existing routines.
Resources: Learn Everything About the Walking Exercise Habit
66. Understand Portion Sizes Without a Need to Measure
This is a key to healthy eating. Many people have no idea how much it is “too much.” So, they either starve themselves by living off of celery, and the lime in their water or they think they are eating reasonable amounts but eating much more than they believe.
Part of these problems stems from the supersizing of the world. Plates used to be 8-9 inches. They now average 12 inches and are growing. Going out to eat you once got the proper amount of food. Now you get handed a plated topped with such generous portions it is impossible to finish it alone.
Here are your proper portion sizes. These sizes represent 1 serving of each item. Some balancing in your mind needs to go on. If your apple is extra-large, you need to realize you have had 1 ½ serving and not just a single serving. You should have these portion measurements stuck in your brain.
Piece of cheese. NO bigger than your index finger
Apple: No bigger than your closed fist
Dry cereal: no bigger than a closed fist
Canned Peaches: No bigger than a fist
Milk: No bigger than a fist
Salad: No bigger than two closed fists side-by-side
Protein: Meat, Nuts, Pork, Chicken” No bigger than a deck of playing cards
Bread: No bigger than your hand
Peanut butter: Spoonful no bigger than your thumb
Noodles, Rice, Oatmeal: NO bigger than the palm of your hand
The above gives you a good idea of what portion sizes really are; probably a little less “per portion” than you thought. Eat the proper portions, and there is little reason you shouldn’t be able to eat ANY food. As long as you are recognizing how much you are actually consuming.
To make this process a little bit easier, you can use some of the portion control plates linked below to make the process of eating right a little bit easier.
Resource: Learn aboutPortion Control Platesto help you get a handle on proper portion sizes.
67. Relax Effectively
You’re going to be doing a lot of work once you absorb the skills on this list. Some of the skills are easy. But some quite difficult.
Time for rest, recuperation, and recovery is going to be essential. For many, this skill may seem amazingly simple: just sit around and do little (or nothing). However, for “go-getters” and “type “A” personalities,” effective relaxing may seem as difficult as swimming for someone who has never been in the water over their waist.
Quality rest is as good as quality work time. When you need a break, take one. Never let your work damage you so much that you have to stop working.
They call stress the silent killer because it is easy to miss the day-to-day damage stress does to your body. By the time you notice these cumulative damages, it may be too late.
Stress matters. If you are constantly stressed, you need to either find a way to reduce your amount of daily stress or find better ways of dealing with your stress. Or even better, do both.
The human body is a delicate system that can be easily ruined by constant, uneven balance under the forces of gravity. Muscles fuse, spines contort, and tendons tear. Maintaining proper posture and alignment allows you to experience less fatigue and there is far less strain being put on your ligaments and muscles.
Learning good posture is the first step you can take in a positive direction toward better postural habits to help your spine.
Once again, this skill is one of the true keys to health.
It only makes sense. After all, you are what you eat. If you live off of potato chips, pizza, and cola, you can expect your body to react negatively. However, if you follow some nutrition rules, you will be far healthier and likely live years longer.
Understanding nutrition means understanding everything that goes into your body and how your body processes these foods — understanding how dieting for weight-loss works, what it means to eat healthily. How to plan meals, and understanding fat loss, carbs, proteins, fat, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and the basics of how our immune system works.
I am not going to make a statement that if you are not doing Paleo, you are not healthy. (Although some Paleo aficionados would make that statement for me).
Paleo is a healthy living and healthy eating option. It is not the only option, but it is a worthwhile option to consider if you want to change up your lifestyle.
In case you are one of the few people who has never heard of the paleo diet. In a nutshell, it means eating like our hunter-gatherer forefathers. Typically, the paleo diet includes meat, vegetables, fruits, roots, and nuts while avoiding or strictly limiting any food that is processed, such as dairy, sugars, oils, salt, legumes, grains, coffee, or alcohol.
As you age, it becomes more difficult to stay fit. First, all your old abuses come back. If you had not treated your body like a temple when you were younger, your body may begin to revolt as you get older.
Consider it payback for health sins of the past.
Then your genetics plays its part. Genetics may be good to you, or you may throw snake-eyes and have genetics make it more difficult to stay healthy as you age.
Either way, staying healthy as you age presents its own unique series of problems, challenges, and accomplishments to overcome.
An important point to remember about building this skill is that it becomes more difficult the longer you wait.
If you start in your 20s, building the skill of staying fit as you age is easy. But if you start to worry about building this skill when you hit 60, you have a much tougher path to fitness.
Stretching can be one of the most overlooked skills leading to a healthy lifestyle. Specifically, when you are young, and your muscles and bones feel loose and limber most of the time, people may think they don’t need to stretch.
Unfortunately, lack of stretching leads directly to injury, tears, sprains, and ultimately, the loss of flexibility. It is important to start stretching young and begin to build flexibility and good posture into your healthy routine as early as possible.
I have been a consistent runner for nearly 30 years now (except for times of injury). So, I may (admittedly)be a bit biased when I discuss the virtues of running. (To learn more, we have a new website that focuses on running for beginners.)
Along with walking, running is one of the best overall forms of exercise to stay fit. It helps tone your muscles, keeps weight off, makes you aerobically, “fit” and even gives you free time to think creatively and work through problems.
But with running often comes injuries. Learn to get the most from your running. Learn good technique and learn how to minimize injuries with this training. If you are going to run, it is important to learn to do so in a way that minimizes damage and maximizes the many positive aspects of running.
Despite what some of my fellow Gen. X ers might think. Self-care is not some pampered ideal created by spoiled Millennials.
No, self-care is an important skill.
Self-care has been an important part of health and fitness for thousands of years. (They have found Aromatherapy recipes in ancient Egypt). It makes a huge difference in our health and well-being — specifically mental health.
Practicing self-care 24/7/365 is certainly indulgent. But everyone needs to take some time for themselves for rest, recovery, and recuperation, and that is what self-care is all about.
Our list of new things to learn keeps going on. Up next are communication skills.
These are useful things to learn in two major places: business and personal life. In both of these places, it becomes important to share your thoughts and learn new things like public speaking.
Without learning some good communication skills and breaking down barriers that hold you back from communicating your thoughts, it may become difficult to get ahead in your chosen profession and find new friends and/or relationships.
76. Write Professional Emails
It is important always to present yourself in a professional manner when meeting with colleagues or clients, communication, and professionalism through email also matters.
Learning how to write emails correctly can spare you some embarrassment in the professional world. Professional emails are a bit of an art form and certainly not meant to contain a lot of shorthand “IM Speak & emoticons.”
Email is such a common form of professional communication that can make or break your reputation as an expert in your field, Even more importantly, your professionalism in your writing will have a big impact on your career path and success, as this may become one of the best ways to network within your field.
Your resume gives potential future employers a very quick snapshot of why you are a better fit for their company than the next guy walking through the door. That is why this skill is so darn important.
An incredibly well-written resume is worth its weight in gold because it will get you that better job, with the better benefits and greater opportunity.
In our culture of constant distractions, your resume will not hold anyone’s attention for very long, so you have to know how to make it effective and efficient to capture an employer’s attention.
Learning how to write a professional resume is likely to be your first step to landing an interview for a job that you are well-suited to do.
But the sad truth is that most resumes do not even make it to the decision-maker. They are screened out of the process due to resume “issues.”
These bad resumes may:
Contain too little information
Contain too much of the wrong information
Do not show the applicants core strengths
Not properly formatted
Don’t “guide the eye” through the resume reading process
Contain information that does not apply to that specific job
Do not “sell” you (or your skills and experience) to the hiring manager
A few simple improvements in your resume writing skills make it far more likely to get it to seem (and approved) by the decision-makers.
Let’s face it. Most writing is boring; specifically, in the context of a work/ business environment.
Deathly dull writing makes everything written simply fade into the background, like the constant drone from a bee buzzing around the room.
Being able to put a little bit of flair or personality into your writing is a big deal. It is essential if you make your living writing and can give you a big boost over your peers if writing is only part of your job description.
Whether you are writing for business, blogs, books, essays or to create a masterpiece that people notice, putting flair, pizazz, and style into your writing will get it noticed. Find out more in the guide below.
The best default psychology for a success story is to have something to offer that people want. It needs to be valuable, and you need to be the one giving it out. You need to communicate the value of what you’re doing to others so that they may understand it.
That’s all it takes to be someone that people seek. Once you understand what it means to offer value, you can start to orient your behavior around creating and developing aspects of yourself that are truly valuable to yourself and others.
One of the biggest benefits of becoming a unique individual is that you can now speak with others very directly and in a way, they can’t find elsewhere. That’s being personable, and it’s invaluable; there is a priceless process in becoming a priceless person.
One of the key components of that, though, is how you relate to others. What better way is there to relate to an individual than individually?
One of the keys to effective communication is the ability to keep your message brief.
In business (and in life) time is money. If you have a moment with a high powered executive, you need to be prepared to present your case in as succinct a manner as possible, but also have the facts and knowledge to expand your message as much as desired depending upon response.
Elevator speeches are a perfect example of that. They do not NEED to take place in an elevator, but any spiel should not last longer than the handful of seconds it takes to go up a few floors.
As a “training” method for this communication skill, why not try to do what my dad did for my brother and me as kids. He had a 10 words or less rule where you had to explain what you wanted in less than 10 words.
When you try this on complicated topics, it helps you build the ability to come up with succinct responses. Add a few details back in… and you have your perfect “elevator” speeches.
82. How to Write an Effective Speech (from Page to Stage)
Speech writing is very different from other forms of writing. It is as much about entertaining as it is about informing. To be effective, you need to create a pace that is unique to speeches.
Speech writing is not a skill everyone needs. Certainly not “all the time,” but most of us will need to give a handful of speeches in our lives. (business, wedding, events, etc.)
Honing a speech writing skill will, therefore, help you both personally and professionally, depending on how much need your career and life presents you to use your communication skill.
Of course, writing a killer speech is only part of the equation. Many people can write a killer speech that could leave people laughing and informed, but do not have the speech-making skills to present a great speech. While other people can go up on stage, with no speech, and deliver a well-received speech.
The main difference between these two is practice. To be at ease in front of groups of people, you need to have spoken in front of other people before.
If you aren’t prepared to speak in front of 1,000 people at this very second, how can you expect to be someone that 1,000 people look up to? Great habits lead to greatness, and greatness attracts attention. Imagine being someone incredible and ruining the speech with nervousness, shaking hands, and stuttered words.
Resource: A Quiet Person’s Guide To Effective Public Speaking
84. Conversation Confidence Skill
Some people have no problem with this skill. They seem destined to talk to others and always seem to leave a wonderful impression.
Truth time: that is not me. I have always been a bit of a shy introvert. Being reserved and sometimes struggling to make even basic conversation with strangers.
“But Steve,” you might ask, “I have heard you on podcasts. How could you do those if you were not a good conversationalist?”
Well, the answer to that is simple: practice, willpower, and work.
I am not “naturally” good at talking to strangers, but like any other skill, you can improve with some time, effort and that “deliberate practice” skill we mentioned a bit earlier.
If you want to improve your confidence in conversations, the best thing you can force yourself to engage strangers in conversation. There will certainly be a few awkward moments, but as you gain your conversation confidence, these moments will become less-and-less frequent.
If you want a shortcut to building your confidence in conversations, check out the guide linked below.
Networking is another of the communication skills that are not natural to me at all. It takes a certain mindset to be great at making friends quickly and connecting with others.
This just isn’t me. But that is why I hold this skill in such high regard. It is a skill I am working hard to improve, bit by bit.
In the long term, your network of business contacts are going to be one of the most powerful tools for your success. I already have gotten some great ideas in the Kindle publishing, blogging, and writing fields from people I have in my network. These burgeoning friendships have made and/or saved me tens of thousands of ideas.
You may be an introvert and not inclined to put effort into meeting strangers and building friendships via networking, but the long term positive benefits are impossible to ignore.
The list of useful skills to learn has to be topped by business skills. These skills improve your performance. They get you your promotions and generally help you to get your job and do it better.
86. Question Conventional Wisdom
Okay, this one is more of a mindset than a skill, but it is worth mentioning.
In business and life, you will often be told some things “can’t be done.” You will be given examples of past failures and shown clearly why some things cannot and will not ever work.
While there is something to learn from the wisdom of past generations, it is also important to question the truth of these ideas.
87. Develop Business Relationships
This is similar to the “networking” skill we just talked about in communication skill # 85. However, this is more focused on just the work environment.
Business relationships are not just the people you network with but all work interactions.
Here are some of the essential business relationships that will help you go above and beyond any peers or competition at work:
Find a mentor
Mentor someone else
Join a professional “mastermind” group
Build networking skills
Discover what your boss really wants
Learn how to DO your boss’s job. And why this is important
If you want to increase any of these skills, check out the networking book I wrote with my writing partner Rebecca Livermore, linked below.
Organization is a productivity and time-saving skill. Being good at business organization can be just as important as being as good as Marie Kondo at home organization and decluttering.
It can often be important to store paperwork around your office, for instance, and being able to find any file, folder or piece of paperwork quickly and easily relies on having a good organizational skill in place.
The lesson linked below is literally everything you might ever need to know about office organization. It is a soup-to-nuts course covering physically decluttering your office and also the main element s of digitally decluttering your office.
12 hours of training spread over 84 different classes means you will learn everything you need to know about business and office organization.
89. Planning: Plan Your Day, Week, Month, Quarter & Year
Hard work is important. But it will be trumped by effective planning every single time.
Good planning takes into account contingencies, emergencies, and setbacks. Good planning can be boiled down to a single page while also having detailed instructions of what is to come and how to do it.
Plans will also be available in varying details over time (5 years, yearly, quarterly, monthly, weekly and daily plans are all common, and when used and written properly, helpful in completing necessary tasks.
Not only is it difficult to find a great employee, but it is also hard to keep them around. Hiring, managing, and firing employees can easily make or break a business. It seems that companies are all competing for the best workers who enable the company to achieve its strategic goals.
This course explores the importance of hiring employees who are in line with the company’s overall strategy. It also goes over how to manage employees so they will stay with the company for the long term and reduce the turnover rate.
Working remotely is a very common thing to do these days. With everyone’s access to the internet and smartphones, there sometimes is no need to add the additional cost of a large brick and mortar office to business. However, you have to know how to hire and manage employees and keep them on track without having the ability to look over their shoulder.
My personal experience with hiring virtual staff has been through the link below. I love this service and highly recommend it to help find oversea virtual staff.
It is easy for email to get out of control. The time involved to keep your email emptied may seem prohibitive unless you have a good system.
If you are a GMAIL user, I recommend the course linked below to help keep your inbox clean and clear without spending an inordinate amount of time dealing with emails.
Everyone wants to know what it takes to be successful in business, and especially how to achieve the kind of success that steadily increases rather than goes through peaks and valleys.
Having critical business skills comes down to having a solid knowledge of the fundamentals of business, along with what other successful companies are doing right.
While accounting and bookkeeping may not be your job, you should still be familiar with some basics. This way, you will be able to check the work of other people and make sure that the bookkeeping is being done correctly for your company.
Unless, of course, accounting or bookkeeping is your job… in which case the basics should seem very simplistic for you.
The ability to influence other people is a fundamental skill that all effective leaders have to master. Without the ability to influence other people, you are not likely to be able to make your vision become a reality because you won’t have anyone helping you.
You have to have the ability to capture the minds and energy of other people to achieve the things in life that you want to achieve.
Effective leaders go beyond commanding and actually inspire, persuade, and encourage others. Leaders are able to tap into the knowledge, skills, and abilities of a group and lead individuals toward a common goal.
The first step to getting the most from what you do is envisioning what you want to accomplish. What do you want out of life? Maybe you want to do satisfying work that allows you to help other people. Maybe you want to find a fulfilling relationship that makes you happy. Maybe you want to get in shape so you can run a marathon. No matter what you are doing, you have to learn how to get the most from it.
To do this, you have to find internal motivation to do what you are doing. Learn to enjoy the process rather than race to the results and learn from your mistakes. Talk to other people who have succeeded in your quest to learn about what they have already been through.
In life, everything is negotiable. Your salary. What you do at your job. How much your business pays for services.
Okay, the counter guy at 7-11 might not negotiate on the price of milk, but most major and important parts of life are open to some form of negotiating. But how good are your negotiating skills?
We don’t have an open barter system in our economy so most negotiating may seem like backroom deals, but they are really a part of the fabric of our society.
If your negotiating skills are lacking, it is important that you take a bit of time and get them up to speed. Just the hiring/firing form of negotiation makes this bit of effort worthwhile.
Keeping your skills active is the ultimate way to stay sharp. Anytime you walk away from something; you move further away from being able to do it at your best unless away time was sincerely needed. Keep at what you care about, or you will be about as useful to achieving your goals as a dull saw is to wood.
99. End Procrastination
Procrastination is the #1 business and life killer. We all procrastinate from time-to-time, but if procrastination actually keeps you from accomplishing important business or personal life tasks, then this quickly becomes something that you MUST address.
If you want more info on why people procrastinate see these causes of procrastination. If you are looking for some quick-fix ideas on how to stop your procrastination tendencies, see some methods for overcoming procrastination.
But if you want to end procrastination once and forever, check out the link below, which I think of as the ultimate guide to fighting procrastination.
Finally, we come to goal setting. It is important to have reachable goals that are lofty enough to stretch your abilities yet still very achievable. A lot goes into the planning, implementation, and execution of goals.
If you are unsure about types of goals, how to create reasonable goals, or how to actually stick to your goals until you accomplish them, you may wish to invest some time in the goal building skill.
The course below is designed for life coaches. It teaches how to reach your personal goals, of course, but has a full bag of hacks & tips for helping others reach their own personal & professional goals.
The final collection of skills is some highly useful training on specific PC software.
Anyone who has a job that is mainly “at the computer” will find all of these software programs familiar. They (or their generic equivalents) are the industry standards of work and productivity tools.
Rather than offer one lone overarching course that might take 100 hours to complete, why not look at the tabbed entry below to find the best training to suit your specific needs.
The course covers an overview of all tools and functions, useful beginner tips and tricks, intermediate formulas and techniques, and how to export your data as charts.
Knowing how to effectively utilize Word, the world’s most widely used word processor can benefit anyone. From resumes to reports, or flyers and invitations, knowing how to navigate Word is truly beneficial.
Microsoft Office Training
This course will introduce you to the three main programs in Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
PowerPoint gives you the tools to create attractive and dynamic presentations. The course covers the basics – editing and creating slides – and then progresses to creating complete professional-looking slideshows that include text, graphics, and video.
This course will provide you with a comprehensive guide to starting your blog, and choosing your niche, making your blog popular and monetizing it.
In Closing…
These are just 101 new skills to learn that can add value to your life.
Odds are, I will add more to this list in the next few months.
But as we close things out, try to imagine what you would be like if you were able to develop some of these skills in your life.
If you can just add one or two skills from this list, then that would be a better use of your time than wasting your time watching T.V. or playing that latest game on your phone.
So, my advice is simple:
Pick one of the skills mentioned in this list and make that commitment to work on it for the next month. Even if you spend only 30 minutes a day on this activity, you will have added something valuable to your life in just a few short weeks. You can even create a 30-day challenge to dedicate yourself to mastering this new skill.
Then please share your thoughts on new things to learn in the comments below.
I arbitrarily ended this list at 101 skills, but there are hundreds, if not thousands, of skills that you can build. So, please share your personal favorite skills to this list to give our readers more ideas.
Also, the success of this post depends upon spreading the message of this post. If you enjoyed the post, then please spread the word by sharing this new skills post on your favorite social media (like Pinterest)!
Explore the world of love through a variety of lenses. Here’s a collection of powerful films that each portray love and romance in a unique way, spanning multiple genres including drama, comedy, fantasy, animation, and sci-fi.
“Cinema is a mirror by which we often see ourselves.”
Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu
Movies give us the opportunity to explore major themes in life in a meaningful and profound way.
A powerful film can lead to a better understanding of your own experiences. It can communicate thoughts and emotions that may have been challenging to express; and, at times, completely reshape our perspective on life.
For better or worse, movies play a pivotal role in shaping our beliefs and map of reality. We pick up ideas through films, sometimes absorbed at a very young age, and those ideas find their way into our daily lives influencing our choices and perspectives.
Filmmakers understand the transformative power of cinema, purposely using it to shake up people’s consciousness. The goal of a solid film is to create an experience that leaves you a different person by the end of it.
As viewers, it’s essential to be aware of a film’s effects both emotionally and intellectually. Often, the movies that linger in our thoughts long after watching are the most impactful and life-changing.
Here’s a collection of classic films about love and romance. Each movie has had a lasting influence on audiences in one way or another. It’s an eclectic list that spans multiple genres, including drama, comedy, animation, fantasy, mystery, and sci-fi.
Titanic (1997)
James Cameron’s epic tale blends love and tragedy against the historical backdrop of the Titanic’s sinking in 1912. The film weaves a captivating narrative of a forbidden romance blossoming amidst a natural disaster.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
In this mind-bending story, a man attempts to erase the memories of a lost love using cutting-edge technology, only to find fate conspiring to bring the couple back together repeatedly. The film explores the complexities of memory, love, and destiny.
Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Disney’s classic adaptation of the French fairy tale is celebrated for its beautiful animation and memorable songs. The film goes beyond appearances, illustrating the transformative power of true love.
Her (2013)
Set in a near-future world, “Her” tells the unconventional love story of a lonely man who forms a deep connection with his computer’s operating system. The film delves into themes of technology, loneliness, and the nature of human connection.
Before Sunrise (1995)
Richard Linklater’s film follows two young tourists who meet on a train in Europe and share an unforgettable night in Vienna. The movie explores the transient nature of connections and the profound impact of brief encounters.
Lost in Translation (2003)
Sofia Coppola’s film features a washed-up American celebrity and a young woman forging an unexpected bond in Tokyo. “Lost in Translation” navigates themes of loneliness, connection, and self-discovery.
Cinema Paradiso (1988)
An Italian filmmaker reflects on his past and learns how to channel his love in a different and creative way through his art and craftsmanship.
Past Lives (2023)
Two childhood friends reconnect after years apart, seeking to unravel the meaning behind their enduring connection. The film explores the complexities of friendship, time, and shared history.
Set in a dystopian future, “The Lobster” challenges societal norms by presenting a world where individuals must choose a romantic partner within 45 days or face transformation into an animal. The film satirizes the pressure to conform in matters of love.
Annie Hall (1977)
Woody Allen’s classic romantic comedy is a hilarious and heartfelt movie that explores neurotic love and the psychological obstacles we commonly face in marriage and long-term relationships.
Your Name. (2016)
A masterful anime that combines elements of science fiction, fantasy, and romance. It centers on a mysterious connection between a boy and girl who swap bodies, learn about each other’s lives, and search to find each other in real life.
A Woman Under the Influence (1974)
John Cassavetes’ uncomfortably raw and dramatic portrayal of the profound impact of mental illness on marriage and family, navigating the complexities with unflinching honesty.
The Fountain (2006)
Darren Aronofsky’s “The Fountain” explores love and mortality through three interconnected storylines spanning different time periods. The film delves into themes of eternal love and the quest for immortality, providing a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience.
Scenes From a Marriage (1974)
Legendary director Ingmar Bergman’s deeply incisive and detailed chronicle of a rocky marriage’s final days.
Choose one movie and analyze it
Each of these films offers a different perspective on love while also pushing the boundaries of cinema and story-telling.
It’s fun to compare each story: How did the couples meet? What defined “love” for them? What obstacles did they face? Did the relationship work out in the end or not? Why?
While films are often seen as just a source of entertainment or healthy escapism, they can also be an avenue for self-improvement and growth.
The “Movie Analysis Worksheet” is designed to make you think about the deeper themes behind a film and extract some lessons from it that you can apply to your life.
Watch with a friend and discuss
If you don’t want to do the worksheet, just watch one of the movies with a friend (or loved one) – then discuss it after.
Watching a film together is an opportunity to share a new experience. It can also spark up interesting conversations. This is one reason why bonding through movies is one of the most common ways we connect with people in today’s world.
Which film will you check out?
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