What predicts achievement better than intelligence, grades or personality?
llow @bakadesuyo Hope. A 3-year longitudinal study explored whether the two-dimensional model of trait hope predicted degree scores after considering intelligence, personality, and previous academic achievement. A sample of 129 respondents (52 males, 77 females) completed measures of trait hope, general intelligence, the five factor model of personality, divergent thinking, as well as objective measures of their academic performance before university (‘A’ level grades) and final degree scores. The findings suggest that hope uniquely predicts objective academic achievement above intelligence,…
2 minutes
Would wearing Mr. Rogers’ sweater make you more friendly?
ny people believe it could. Via The 7 Laws of Magical Thinking: How Irrational Beliefs Keep Us Happy, Healthy, and Sane: In one study, researchers asked American adults to picture someone else wearing one of Mr. Rogers’s sweaters without knowing its history. Eighty percent of subjects said that there was at least a 10 percent chance that Mr. Rogers’s sweater would make the oblivious wearer friendlier— and that it would be due to a transfer of “essence.” And the truth…
2 minutes
What’s the greatest way to say thank you – and make yourself happier at the same time?
's called a "gratitude visit" and research at the University of Pennsylvania by happiness expert Martin Seligman has shown it can dramatically increase your happiness. Via Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being: Close your eyes. Call up the face of someone still alive who years ago did something or said something that changed your life for the better. Someone who you never properly thanked; someone you could meet face-to-face next week. Got a face? Gratitude can make…
2 minutes
Have we got it all wrong about what it takes to live a long life?
llow @bakadesuyo WSJ Ideas Market points to an interesting interview over at APA with Howard Friedman, author of The Longevity Project: Surprising Discoveries for Health and Long Life from the Landmark Eight-Decade Study. Here are some highlights: On stress: There is a terrible misunderstanding about stress. Chronic physiological disturbance is not at all the same thing as hard work, social challenges or demanding careers. People are being given rotten advice to slow down, take it easy, stop worrying and retire…
2 minutes
8 ways to inspire yourself to new heights:
llow @bakadesuyo To have meaning in your life you need a story. You need to reflect on how things could have been and why they turned out the way they did. Seeing that things had a direction and a purpose provides meaning. Can't figure out what your long term goals are? Imagine your funeral. To make radical changes in your life you need the support of friends. It's not over until it's over. Losing can lead to winning. Need something…
1 min read
5 things you didn’t know about alcohol and 3 things you already did:
llow @bakadesuyo 5 things you didn't know about alcohol: 1) How much alcohol would it take for you to blackout? You're probably wrong. 2) There's a reason why men get so sexually aggressive when they drink. 3) The size and shape of the glass affects how much a bartender pours for you. 4) There's a specific group of people who are more likely to get violent when they drink. 5) Getting wasted the night before a big exam doesn't result in lower grades.…
1 min read
What should you absolutely not forget to do today?
llow @bakadesuyo Show gratitude: It will make you happier. It will improve your relationships. It can make you a better person. It can make life better for everyone around you. Thank you for reading. :) Follow me on Twitter here or get updates via email here.
1 min read
5 things you didn’t know about lies, liars and lie-detection:
Ironically, people who are trusting are better lie detectors. 2) Creative people are more dishonest and daydreamers are better liars. 3) You're not going to become a better lie-detector by watching that TV show "Lie to Me." However there are many tips that do work. 4) Sadly, we lie most to those we are closest to. 5) Lying to yourself can improve your performance during competitive tasks. Join 45K+ readers. Get a free weekly update via email here.
1 min read
