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The Art of Self-Improvement

Cutting-edge and ancient techniques for overcoming exhaustion.

Burnout
The Truth About Burnout

Anna Katharina Schaffner Ph.D. on March 27, 2024

When 50% of the workforce report burnout, the problem is more than a lack of resilience. Here are two unconventional reasons why so many of us struggle with our work-life balance.

When 50% of the workforce report burnout, the problem is more than a lack of resilience. Here are two unconventional reasons why so many of us struggle with our work-life balance.

Attention
Your Attention, Please!

Anna Katharina Schaffner Ph.D. on March 15, 2024

Damaging myths about attention keep us from cognitive thriving. We have much to gain if we change our perspective and treat attention as a precious and limited resource.

Damaging myths about attention keep us from cognitive thriving. We have much to gain if we change our perspective and treat attention as a precious and limited resource.

Career
Work as a Keystone Habit

Anna Katharina Schaffner Ph.D. on February 27, 2024

Changing our keystone habits can have a ripple effect on other habits. What if changing the way we think about and engage with work is the key to unlocking transformation?

Changing our keystone habits can have a ripple effect on other habits. What if changing the way we think about and engage with work is the key to unlocking transformation?

Philosophy
On 'Cosmic Insignificance Therapy'

Anna Katharina Schaffner Ph.D. on January 23, 2024

Learn how adopting a cosmological perspective can create an empowering distance to your challenges and unhelpful thoughts so that you can become more serene and lighthearted.

Learn how adopting a cosmological perspective can create an empowering distance to your challenges and unhelpful thoughts so that you can become more serene and lighthearted.

Social Media
Why Decision Paralysis Is Trending on TikTok

Anna Katharina Schaffner Ph.D. on November 21, 2023

The reason why decision fatigue is trending is related to perfectionism, fear of failure, and overwhelm with endless optionality and the imperative to self-realise all the time.

The reason why decision fatigue is trending is related to perfectionism, fear of failure, and overwhelm with endless optionality and the imperative to self-realise all the time.

Burnout
5 Surprising Ways to Combat Burnout

Anna Katharina Schaffner Ph.D. on October 10, 2023

Appreciation is one of our core psychological needs. If we don't receive it at work, our chances of burnout almost double. But there are ways of coping without it.

Appreciation is one of our core psychological needs. If we don't receive it at work, our chances of burnout almost double. But there are ways of coping without it.

Scripts
Career
Recognizing the Toxic Cultural Scripts That Shape Us

Anna Katharina Schaffner Ph.D. on May 2, 2023

What deeper cultural scripts are running you unconsciously? Selecting the playbooks you want to live by more discerningly can be a key to flourishing and living more purposefully.

What deeper cultural scripts are running you unconsciously? Selecting the playbooks you want to live by more discerningly can be a key to flourishing and living more purposefully.

Anger
The Truth About Self-Hatred

Anna Katharina Schaffner Ph.D. on January 17, 2023

The true origins of self-hatred are sadder than you may think. But it is possible to move from self-hatred to self-compassion.

The true origins of self-hatred are sadder than you may think. But it is possible to move from self-hatred to self-compassion.

Burnout
5 Steps to Overcome Burnout

Anna Katharina Schaffner Ph.D. on November 20, 2022

Are you languishing or labouring at the brink of exhaustion? Exploring your deeper beliefs about work, time and value can hold the key to flourishing again.

Are you languishing or labouring at the brink of exhaustion? Exploring your deeper beliefs about work, time and value can hold the key to flourishing again.

Career
What Ever Happened to 'Workaholism'?

Anna Katharina Schaffner Ph.D. on October 25, 2022

Do you struggle to stop working, and do you feel the pressure of "burnout culture" at your organisation? The roots of our compulsion to work too much go deeper than you think.

Do you struggle to stop working, and do you feel the pressure of "burnout culture" at your organisation? The roots of our compulsion to work too much go deeper than you think.