Growth

Meaning

Is Money More Important Than Meaning?

Nathanael Garrett Novosel, December 1 2021

Money.  Nothing in this world seems to be both sought after and demonized at the same time.  Can money buy happiness, or is it the root of all evil?  Is it more important to earn money or be happy or feel fulfilled by your career?  How you answer the question will go a long way in what your life path looks like.

Read More
Meaning

The Science and Meaning Behind Limited Lifespans

Nathanael Garrett Novosel, November 10 2021

At some point, all living things die.  Why does it have to be that way?  Well, it depends on whether you’re asking that question scientifically or metaphysically.  Let's take a look at why lifespans are limited from a scientific perspective and then derive some positive meanings that one could find in that fact from a "meaning of life, the universe...

Read More
Growth

Flow: Optimal Experience for Optimal Growth

Nathanael Garrett Novosel, October 27 2021

Dedicated to Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (1934-2021) Photo courtesy of Ehirsh and Wikimedia (Public Domain). When I first heard of the idea of positive psychology, i.e., the study of living a healthy, happy life, the first names that came up were Martin Seligman and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi.  Considered to be the pioneers and leaders in the field, these...

Read More
Meaning

Seek Meaning, not a Cause or Crusade

Nathanael Garrett Novosel, September 22 2021

It is, generally speaking, a great time to be alive.  There is less hunger and poverty around the world than in any other time in human history.  Yes, it will continue to get better thanks to people who care enough to dedicate their time and effort to helping people and solving real-world problems.  But there is also a rise in “manufactured problem...

Read More
Growth

Just a Reminder to Take Care of Yourself

Nathanael Garrett Novosel, September 9 2021

During COVID, I did not leave the house for six months out of pressure from my significant other.  I ended up getting a severe Vitamin D deficiency, and my entire body started aching, I was tired all the time, and I didn’t feel like doing anything—not even getting out of bed.  I would spend hours in pain wondering what was wrong with me, and it tur...

Read More
Suffering

The (Seeming) Paradox of Impermanence

Nathanael Garrett Novosel, August 25 2021

“The only constant is change.”  You’ve heard the saying before, usually when something great is coming to an end.  It’s often a harsh reminder that no matter what you do, there will always be more to do and always be entropy slowly eroding the progress you make in this world.  At the same time, many people today can’t even handle 5 minutes without...

Read More
Planning

How HR Cracked Life’s Formula for Success

Nathanael Garrett Novosel, June 23 2021

I know, I know—this headline is going to elicit groans from all of the memories of having to deal with an HR department when getting hired, promoted, or let go.  I get the stigma associated with HR.  But in my research and identifying the keys to success in life, I was looking for analogies that could best explain how it worked.  When doing so, the...

Read More
Planning

Setting Life Goals in 4 Easy Steps

Nathanael Garrett Novosel, May 12 2021

Ahhh, life goals: the symbol that someone has direction and purpose...and also the source of stress and anxiety.  How do you figure out your purpose?  How do you know that you picked the right goals and have the right plan to move forward?  What are the best goals to have?  If you’re like many people, these questions are generating anxiety already.

Read More
Growth

The Origin of Life and the Meaning of Life

Nathanael Garrett Novosel, February 17 2021

When people talk about the meaning of life, many look back to the origin of life for insight.  Scientists and theologians both assess the origins of the universe, life, and everything in it to see what that knowledge can do for our lives today.  Is it possible to definitively know the origins of life and the universe?  Even if we could, would that...

Read More
Growth

Can Negative Events Benefit You?

Nathanael Garrett Novosel, December 16 2020

"There are plenty of fish in the sea."  "Everything happens for a reason."  "Maybe this was a blessing in disguise."  I know, I know...it sucks hearing these clichés when you'd rather be sulking.  Your significant other left you.  You lost your job.  You are facing a career-ending injury.  You've been betrayed or hurt.  You don't understand why, ar...

Read More
Previous
Next