In everyday life,we are often faced with important decisions — such as whether to apply for a new job or start a new course. 【小题1】 The more we can test our limits and abilities,the more we will learn about ourselves.New challenges are opportunities for us.

【小题2】 Rather than seeing the opportunity, often, we focus on what it will be like to fail.As a result,taking on a new challenge can be frightening. In these cases,we may avoid the challenge altogether and carry on down the same path we were on.

We make some excuses to ourselves so that we can stay in our comfort zone. 【小题3】 By avoiding challenges,we don’t have the opportunities to learn about ourselves.We feel trapped.We are troubled by discomfort,anxiety,and the sense that things are not quite right.

There are times when we might want to avoid a challenge for good,realistic reasons.Perhaps,deep down ,we are frightened of what other people might say and of what we might learn about ourselves.But instead of acknowledging that,we tell ourselves that now is not a good time,or that this isn’t the right opportunity. 【小题4】

To lead an authentic life,we need to take on new challenges that give us   more opportunities to be ourselves.It is not that authentic people don’t feel the same fear;rather,they are simply more willing to face their fear. 【小题5】 The question is not how to lead a life in which we never feel the fear of failure,but rather,how we can moved forward despite our fear.

The Psychology of Spending

Have you ever stayed up “chopping your hands” during the Double Eleventh Shopping Festival? Does possessing the latest iPhone 12, designer purse or limited sneakers really brighten your day? 【小题1】

Dr. Thomas Gilovich, psychology professor at Cornell University, has studied the topic for over 20 years. According to Dr. Gilovich, “We buy things to make us happy, and we succeed, but only for a while. New things are exciting to us initially, but then we adapt to them.” 【小题2】

Dr. Gilovich has found that our satisfaction with possessions fades over time. Yet our happiness over things we’ve experienced increases.

Why experiences are the better investment?

1. 【小题3】

A trip, an adventure or a hobby etc. tend to bring the participants together and unite them over a shared interest. According to Gilovich, “We consume experiences directly with other people.” As a result, these experiences typically create a positive link and good feelings toward the other person or people.

2. Your experiences become a part of your identity.

You might be someone who loves taking cooking classes. 【小题4】 They won’t know you as someone who owns the latest kitchen equipment.

3. Experiences provide lasting memories.

Planned experiences are frequently something we expect. Then when the moment arrives, if we enjoy the time involved in the activity, we’re left with fond memories. These memories will often last a lifetime. Even our worst trips, on many occasions, are later committed to memory with laughter.

Materialism VS Meaningful Experiences

【小题5】 Why not spend them on things that will make the greatest difference to our lives — meaningful experiences?

I was easily upset by the “bad things” before I met my secondary school English teacher Ms. Smith. I always believed bad luck hovering over me all the time. I seldom felt joy until that day when I helped Ms. Smith with her heavy documents to the office. She had got to know me and she told me a method to practise happiness.

If you are feeling that life just cannot be any worse for you, it can be challenging to think positive thoughts. When we are stressed, depressed, upset, or otherwise in a negative state of mind because we perceive that “bad things” keep happening to us, it is important to shift those negative thoughts to something positive. If we don’t, we will only attract more “bad things” .

Ms. Smith told me to say my practice out loud and with feeling! I started with one small, positive thing and repeated it during the course of my day, I began to move into a more positive situation: positive thoughts, feelings, opportunities. With practice, I found that over time, I changed my outlook and chose to be happy.

I began and ended each day with a “Thank you” for this wonderful, glorious day! When I saw the gas prices hiking, I said, “I am so glad that I am blessed to have a vehicle in which to get around. ” When I was late for work, I said, “I am so happy and grateful for my job as I know that many don’t have one. ”

The possibilities here are endless: insert what does work for you and feel good about it! The key is to move yourself into a positive thought and keep it there long enough to make it a moment of blissful peace. The more you practice, the happier you’ll be. I believe so, and have enjoyed my life ever since.