Stop blaming your willpower. Discover why biology makes January the worst time for resolutions and how a “Soft Start” can save your year.
Becoming the Luminary: Why Your New Year’s Resolution Should Be About Character, Not Weight
Tired of failed weight-loss resolutions? This New Year, try a “Character Resolution.” Learn how to become a “Luminary”—a source of light, warmth, and stability in your workplace and home.
Traditions of Light: How the World Fights the Winter Darkness
From the fireballs of Scotland to the candles of Scandinavia, join us on a global tour of light traditions. Discover the meaning behind St. Lucia, Diwali, Kwanzaa, and Hogmanay, and why we all crave light in the dark.
Starlight and Science: Why Winter is the Best Time to Look Up
Cold nights mean clear skies. Discover the science and philosophy of winter stargazing, from the “time travel” of looking at stars to the psychology of awe. Connect with the cosmos this season.
The Warmth of Forgiveness: Why You Should Drop the Grudge Before New Year’s Eve
Carrying a grudge is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to suffer. As the New Year approaches, learn why “unilateral forgiveness” is the ultimate act of self-care and how to let go of the heavy baggage from the past year.
The Cold Truth: Why We Love Reading About Winter While We Stay Warm
Why do we love reading about freezing characters? From Dickens to Narnia, we explore how literature uses winter as a powerful symbol of isolation, clarity, and the necessity of warmth.
The Lighthouse Effect: How to Find Peace in Family Conflict and Polarization
Feeling overwhelmed by political arguments and family tension? Learn the “Lighthouse Effect”—a strategy to remain a calm, non-anxious beacon in a polarized world. Master active listening and empathy this season.
The Power of the Plate: Why Sharing Meals Matters More Than Ever
Why do we eat together? From the biology of bonding to the sociology of the dinner table, we explore how feasting acts as a universal language of peace and reconciliation across cultures.
Presence Over Presents: How to De-commercialize the Holidays and Find Meaning
Are you tired of the holiday shopping frenzy? Discover how to reclaim the “sacred” in the season by choosing presence over presents. We explore meaningful alternatives to buying stuff, from experiences to the art of the handwritten letter.
The Empty Chair: Why It’s Okay to Be Lonely (and How to Find Peace) During the Holidays
Does the festive season feel more like a struggle than a celebration? We explore the “Empty Chair,” reframe loneliness as solitude, and offer a guide to inclusive hospitality and finding peace in the noise.
Recent Posts
The Heavy Door of Perfection: Why You’re Still Standing Outside
Are you waiting for the “perfect time” to change your life? The Doorman explains why waiting for the perfect gap in the revolving door will leave you out in the cold, and why real fresh starts are usually boring, uncomfortable, and quiet.
The Memory Pawnshop | The Story and The Crucible
A cyberpunk short story by Danny Ballan about a man who trades his painful memories for success—only to discover that resilience, empathy, and humanity cannot be bought without suffering.
The Great January Hoax: Why Your Biological Clock Hates Your New Year’s Resolution
Stop blaming your willpower. Discover why biology makes January the worst time for resolutions and how a “Soft Start” can save your year.
The Fresh Start Blueprint 1 | The Monday Myth
Learn how to leverage the “Fresh Start Effect” and “Temporal Landmarks” to set strategic OKRs and master the Future Perfect tense.
The Bittersweet Science of Nostalgia | Word Power
Why do we yearn for the past? In this Word Power episode, we explore the psychology of nostalgia while mastering advanced vocabulary like wistful, evocative, and rose-colored glasses.
The Year of the Open Door: A Manifesto for 2026
Happy New Year! Kick off 2026 with my biggest update yet. We’re introducing a new community-funded model, revealing an ambitious AI game project, and opening the vault on 15 years of unreleased music and stories. Plus, join our new creative challenges and Discord server. Let’s make this year unforgettable together!