The brains of humans contain a mechanism that is designed to give priority to bad news.

Courage is willingness to take the risk once you know the odds. Optimistic overconfidence means you are taking the risk because you don't know the odds. It's a big difference.

Establish a closing ritual. Know when to stop working. Try to end each work day the same way, too. Straighten up your desk. Back up your computer. Make a list of what you need to do tomorrow.

Facts that challenge basic assumptions-and thereby threaten people's livelihood and self-esteem-are simply not absorbed. The mind does not digest them.

Some memories come with a very compelling sense of truth about them. And that happens to be the case even with memories that are not true.

Often, the most enjoyable part of an activity is the anticipation.

The conclusion is straightforward : self-control requires attention and effort.