The Role of Self-Discipline in Mental Health

Something that I have learned in my attempts to recover from depressive episodes is the vital importance of self-discipline (the ability to make yourself do things that benefit you even when you don’t want to do them). Indeed, the willingness to create a routine of healthy habits – and to be unwavering in sticking to…

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Authenticity is Key to Living a Meaningful Life

The philosopher Bernard Williams defines authenticity as “the idea that some things are in some sense really you, or express what you are, and others aren’t.” This concept can also be encapsulated by the phrase, “to thine own self be true”, spoken by the character Polonius in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Authenticity means realising and manifesting your…

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Travelling Doesn’t Automatically Make You Open-Minded

I’ve always been under the impression that travel broadens your horizons, in that it made you more open to, and tolerant of, different cultures and perspectives, and in turn, less judgemental about others. And for the most part, many travellers I’ve met have bolstered this assumption; they tend to be open to anyone and everyone,…

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How Self-Authoring Can Improve Your Career Development

Self-authoring is a writing exercise and psychological tool that helps you make sense of the past, gain a realistic perspective of your present situation, and plan for the future. It’s a way of adding narrative to your life – turning it into a coherent story. Have you ever really sat down and just written in…

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Keeping Your Inner Critic in Check as a Writer

As a writer, I’ve really struggled with this inner critic that harshly judges the work that I do. We’re our own worst critics – that’s true. And this applies to writing, especially. Every writer should be willing to critique their work and find the faults that need correcting and be actively engaged in this enterprise.…

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