Becoming More Ethical

Most people know the ethical thing to do, but when it's inexpedient, they may succumb to the temptations of money, power, or hooking-in the romantic partner they want.

Most people act ethically when it is expedient — for example, making a sizeable charitable donation when the right people will see it. Only a tiny percentage of charitable donations are made anonymously. The challenge is to do the right thing when it's inexpedient.

This refers not just to obvious malfeasance such as absconding with employer or shareholder money, sandbagging a rival for a promotion, or feigning love to trap a desirable romantic partner. It's more often such issues as a salesperson withholding information that would nix a sale, a romantic partner being unduly selfish, or a boss earning enough to live richly while worker bees struggle to pay the rent on a modest place.

In my Psychology Today article today, I lay out the elements of an ethical self-improvement plan.

Should You Be Self-Employed, and how to boost your chances of success

Even before the economy slowed because of COVID, the shortage of decent-paying, ethical, reasonably secure jobs made people eager to try being their own boss. But should you be self-employed, and what will be key for you in boosting your chances of success.  I tackle that in my Psychology Today article today.

Should You Have a Child?

My Psychology Today article today asks you questions to help you decide if having a child is right for you.

Should You Be in a Romantic Relationship?

Despite the high breakup rate, many people want to be in a relationship. Some of the reason is volitional —They simply feel better in a couple. But other people are heavily driven by convention: It’s normative to be a couple.  

Whether you're currently in a relationship or not, my Psychology Today article today offers some questions that may help you get clearer on what’s right for you, at least for now.

What Your Daily Routines Say About You

By definition, habits are done automatically. So we rarely think much about them.

But our habits can tell us a lot about ourselves. That's especially true of our daily routines. Over decades and thousands of repetitions, we’ve been refining those routines to fit who we are.

My Psychology Today article today asks you questions about your daily routines that may help you identify your core characteristics. Also, they'll confirm what you already believe about yourself, or maybe inspire you to make a change.

Life Lessons from 43 Years of Playing Cards with My Wife

Playing cards is often dismissed as a waste of time. But in addition to the pleasure my wife and I have derived, we’ve acquired life lessons. I describe them in my Psychology Today article today.

Rereading Favorite Books

Rereading favorite books is an under-considered approach to insight and pleasure. My Psychology Today article today makes the case, lists my board of advisors' and my favorites, and offer suggestions on how to recall your faves.