What $500 and a Yale Professor Taught Me About What Matters
Article Round-Up: 4.9.23
Enjoy this week’s curated round-up of articles, podcasts, and more from the web to help you live a happier, more joyful life.
“How To Make Others Feel Significant”
Takeaway: There is a difference between making someone feel appreciated and making them feel significant. Our personal and professional success often rely on the support and contributions of others, so it's important to make those people feel valued and irreplaceable. To cross the threshold into significance, don’t just verbalize appreciation. Learn to understand what these people need and help them accomplish meaningful goals in their life.
“I Wasted $500 on a Useless Car Repair: How This Taught Me A Powerful Lesson In Weight Loss”
Takeaway: In this article, I share my experience of spending $500 on a car repair that didn't fix the problem. We explore parallels between this situation and people's struggles to change their behavior, highlighting the importance of investigating the root causes of behaviors rather than jumping to conclusions and trying to fix the most obvious issue.
“Favorite Places To Travel Solo”
Takeaway: Solo travel destinations should fit some criteria, including: friendly people, great public transportation, lots to do, and a certain level of safety—especially on public transportation and in public spaces. This list of destinations, both exotic locales and cities across the mainland US, could help you plan your first solo adventure.
“What Is Essential For a Meaningful Life? According To a Yale Professor”
Takeaway: Yale professor, Miroslav Volf, outlines how to find a life filled with meaning. He notes that the first step to achieving this is reevaluating what makes us happy, as we often become interested in things other people value. Volf believes that community and friendship are also essential tenets of a good life and that listening to and embracing those we disagree with can help us discover something new.