Though our survival system doesn’t always work to our advantage, it is a mistake to think we should conquer the primitive self completely.
Meditation is not about getting rid of all your thoughts; it’s learning not to get so lost in them that you forget what your goal is. Don’t worry if your focus isn’t perfect when meditating. Just practice coming back to the breath, again and again.
My favorite definition of the mindful path is the one the reveals itself as you walk down it. You cannot find the path until you step on to it.
Go after what it is that creates meaning in your life and then trust yourself to handle the stress that follows.
When you choose to view your stress response as helpful, you create the biology of courage.
Self-compassion-being supportive and kind to yourself, especially in the face of stress and failure-is associated with more motivation and better self-control.
You can deal with stressful life experiences with strength from past ones.
Chasing meaning is better for your health than trying to avoid discomfort.
People come up with resolutions that don’t reflect what matters most to them, and that makes them almost guaranteed to fail.
The is a secret for greater self-control, the science points to one thing: the power of paying attention.
We all have the tendency to believe self-doubt and self-criticism, but listening to this voice never gets us closer to our goals. Instead, try on the point of view of a mentor or good friend who believes in you, wants the best for your, and will encourage you when you feel discouraged.
We wrongly but persistently expect to make different decisions tomorrow than we do today.
When your mind is preoccupied, your impulses – not your long-term goals – will guide your choices.
The development of willpower -I will, I won’t and I want- may define what it means to be human.