...Your brain loves questions and won’t reject them . . . unless the question is so big it triggers fear. By asking small, gentle questions, we keep the fight-or-flight response in the “off” position. Kaizen questions such as “What’s the smallest step I can take to be more efficient?” They allow the brain to focus on problem-solving and, eventually, action. Ask a question often enough, and you’ll find your brain storing the questions, turning them over, and eventually generating some interesting and useful responses...

...“Our microbes turn around and reward us when we feed them fiber. They create short-chain fatty acids, which optimize our immune systems. [But] 97% of Americans are not getting adequate supply of fiber in their diet. And that’s creating issues for us"...

...For the same amount of deliciousness in a fraction of the time, flip the script...

...Having this collection of personal templates in place helps me stay more focused, balanced, self-aware, context-aware, and in-control of my workflow on a daily basis...

...If you’re downsizing in retirement or cleaning out a loved one’s home after they die, the daunting business of sifting through a lifetime of possessions can be complicated...

...It won't change this year's tax bill, but it can help prevent investment slippage and lower taxes on future gains...

...If you’re suffering because of a low credit score, there are ways to boost it—including by just paying your rent...

...That is the most enduring lesson of the Madoff scandal: in a world full of lies, the most dangerous ones are those we tell ourselves...

...Good pizza is rare, even though the method to create it is well known...

...A mix of five different alliums—shallots, scallions, and sweet, yellow, and red onions—upgrades this classic caramelized onion dip with layers of flavor...

...The person who says he knows what he thinks but cannot express it usually does not know what he thinks...

...The obvious benefit to working quickly is that you’ll finish more stuff per unit time. But there’s more to it than that. If you work quickly, the cost of doing something new will seem lower in your mind. So you’ll be inclined to do more...

...If productivity is useful work created by time or money, it’s worth thinking about what we mean by ‘useful’...

...You were told that choosing a lane would lead to clarity, but all it seems to be leading to is a healthy serving of existential angst...

...like it or not, your genes have constructed you to achieve three main goals: 1. Deliver genes into the future by reproducing. 2. Ensure the survival of your genetic copies or other similar copies. 3. After accomplishing #1 and #2, get out of the way so you don’t compete for limited resources with your offspring...

...Ice dams are the result of a freeze-and-thaw cycle when there’s snow on your roof, and they suck. They can cause damage to your roof and gutters, and in the worst scenarios they can even damage your home’s structure. But there are things you can (and should) do to prevent and mitigate ice dams...

...You only need five ingredients to fix this thick and flavorful stew. It's so easy to make and always a favorite with my family. I top bowls of it with a sprinkling of shredded cheese...

...If your landlord won't budge on the rent, try negotiating these perks instead...

...There’s no harm in appealing: any college that has admitted your student wants them to attend, and asking for more money won’t change that. Your odds of success will be better if you understand both the type of aid you’re being offered and the process for appealing...

...The Beatles famously sang, 'Money can't buy me love,' but married couples who manage their finances together may love each other longer, according to new research...