Imagine that you could guarantee your happiness. How happy would you want to be? Would you go for “Can’t complain,” or maybe “Delighted,” is more your style? Perhaps you’d want to be “Jubilant” or even “Ecstatic!” If some happiness is good, is more even better? If so, when? For thousands of years philosophers have debated...Read More

It’s the last minute of the big basketball game. I watch a player set up for a 3-point shot. He misses. His face crumples, and he slumps onto the floor. I’ve seen him miss that shot in practice, but that time he fought for the rebound. Why did he bounce back in practice, but assume...Read More

I hear the blaring alarm clock at the homeless shelter. It’s time for me to get up and prepare breakfast for the residents. I know that I should pop up and help, but I want to fake sleeping so I can rest longer. I know what I should do, but I’m tempted to act otherwise!...Read More

After an unbelievably tough day, I slump through the door. I should get to work on my assignments or chores, or at least eat a healthy dinner, but I feel way too defeated to do any of that. I just want to relax! I grab a bag of chips, flop on the sofa, and lose...Read More

I wake up, an underslept mess because I was tossing and turning all night, pestered by regrets and worries. The morning starts in a confused fog of bad feelings and muddy thinking. I’m sullen towards everyone I see, and I’m angry at myself. I want to get things done! I want to get along with...Read More

It’s my birthday. My friends serenade me as my mom brings out the birthday cake, the candles glowing. I’m about to blow them out and make a wish when the negativity hits. My birthday will be over soon, and then it’s back to chores and assignments. What if I don’t get what I wish for?...Read More

Sitting with my interview file on my lap, I try hard to pay attention to my interviewer. I know it’ll be important to respond that what she’s saying, but my thoughts keep wandering. Do I look okay? Can she hear the waver in my voice? Will she smell that “everything” bagel I ate for breakfast?...Read More

Want to transform your growth year (a self-development-focused gap year) dreams into reality? You’ve come to the right place. In our Growth Year blog series, you’ve learned how to Be Strategic, how to Be Realistic, and how to Be Intentional. Your final key skill to learn is Be Prepared. With this last tool in your...Read More

Read on if you’re leaning towards taking a growth year (a personal growth-oriented gap year). If you’ve been following our Growth Year series (you can get started here), you’ve learned how to Be Strategic (see Blog #1), how to Be Realistic (check out Blog #2), and you’re looking to make your next move. You’ve identified...Read More

If you’re inclined to answer the question of, “To gap year, or not to gap year?” with “Gap year, heck yes!” read on (if undecided on the gap year question, click here). You are committed to designing next year as a self-selected project where you build skills and enhance your opportunities for the future. You...Read More