Curbing impulses: what are some simple, in-the-moment tricks for interrupting reflexive behavior patterns and restoring self-control? [more inside]
posted by Bardolph on Apr 27, 2009 - 9 answers

Can anyone recommend some projects or self-improvement/self-studying for a high school senior taking a gap year between high school and college? [more inside]
posted by zhang.chuck on Mar 8, 2009 - 5 answers

I have no visual arts skills and want to change that this year. Where do I start? [more inside]
posted by mendel on Jan 4, 2009 - 19 answers

I'm not happy. Can I be happy? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Dec 6, 2008 - 17 answers

Please help me achieve inner peace on my morning commute. Looking for audio book recommendations. [more inside]
posted by Otis on Nov 20, 2008 - 18 answers

How can a loser like me change, and get more involved in the world around me? [more inside]
posted by Ephilation on Nov 6, 2008 - 30 answers

So I just broke up with somebody I've been dating for several years. For the next few months I want to keep busy, improve my health, and do some things with my spare time. I'm thinking nanowrimo in November, and maybe something like the 100 pushup challenge. I'm cycling to work. What other daily self-improvement-y 'lifehacks' will make me healthy, happy and wise as I get over the bump? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 8, 2008 - 16 answers

Brain Training Games like Brain Age are a big hit lately -- Do you think they actually improve cognition? [more inside]
posted by phylum sinter on Sep 6, 2008 - 9 answers

It’s almost the New Year! There’s a lot I want to accomplish in 2008, but I find New Year’s Resolutions to be kinda lame, plus I always end up forgetting them by February. I’d like some sort of substitute that will get me excited about self-improvement right away and still keep me going strong for months/years to come. Ritual value is nice, but more importantly, it has to work. [more inside]
posted by Metroid Baby on Dec 14, 2007 - 16 answers

I’m not materialistic, just far too attached to my worldly possessions. How can I break my addiction to stuff? [more inside]
posted by Metroid Baby on Oct 25, 2007 - 34 answers

I'm trying to get my life organized. As I've mentioned here before , I'm also bipolar. Any ideas? [more inside]
posted by SteveTheRed on May 16, 2007 - 10 answers

How can I get past the fear that I'm totally going to botch the very important job of parenthood, and just be a good mom? [more inside]
posted by justonegirl on Jan 24, 2007 - 27 answers

My girlfriend wants somewhere to, in her words, "detox" in the USA. But it's not drug or booze related. She wants somewhere go, chill, clear her head, be quiet for a while and concentrate on starting her life again. And she wants to do it for free. Any ideas? [more inside]
posted by rileyray3000 on Dec 31, 2006 - 37 answers

Based on my job skills, what should I go back to school and study, in order to have one of those "career" thingys? [more inside]
posted by weirdoactor on Oct 24, 2006 - 8 answers

I suddenly find myself with excessive amounts of free time. What are some fulfilling and productive ways to fill it? [more inside]
posted by Willie0248 on Oct 13, 2006 - 21 answers

Does anyone know any techniques for creating new habits. I find it fraustrating that the habits I do have and don't want, are hard to break, and the habits I want are hard to establish. Thanks [more inside]
posted by matholio on Sep 26, 2006 - 11 answers

I work at a national retail store full-time, and the majority of the time when I'm not working the register it's all very simple stuff like straightening and folding clothes. It only takes maybe 15%* of my focus. I need suggestions for things to think about, mental games, and methods of mental improvement to take up the other 85%. [more inside]
posted by ElfWord on May 18, 2006 - 25 answers

I'm thinking about spending some time at a monastery. [more inside]
posted by diocletian on Apr 16, 2006 - 8 answers

Emotional Intelligence - can I regain it? How much damage/habit can be undone? Looking for book recommendations and/or mental exercises. [long inside] [more inside]
posted by twiggy on Feb 8, 2006 - 31 answers

I am preparing a critically important presentation whose outcome will decide my future for the next five years+. Sometimes I feel ready to take on the world, other times I feel useless. Where do you draw inspiration to rise up to the occasion? How do you get yourself pumped for those life-altering, work-related situations?
posted by Voyageman on Nov 28, 2005 - 19 answers

How do I become the person I know I should be? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 19, 2005 - 36 answers

How can I learn how to read aloud? [more inside]
posted by louigi on May 25, 2005 - 13 answers

I reconnected with an old acquaintance at my highschool reunion. We've spoken a few times since then, and this person speaks very enthusiastically about their experiences with Landmark Forum. (MI) [more inside]
posted by extrabox on Feb 25, 2005 - 42 answers

Now that 2004 is over, what things did you discover during the year—books, movies, art, philosophies, spiritual discoveries, travel opportunities, software, gadgets, products—which improved your life?
posted by dhoyt on Jan 8, 2005 - 37 answers