How to Build a Life
A column about pointing yourself toward happiness
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Jan Buchczik Those Who Share a Roof Share Emotions
Feelings are contagious—but you can help your loved ones when they’re sad without sacrificing your own good mood.
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Jan Buchczik Different Cultures Define Happiness Differently
Well-being is far from universal. Here are four models to help you understand the world—and your own mind.
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Jan Buchczik The Link Between Self-Reliance and Well-Being
Individualism is about having the freedom to be who you are—not going it alone.
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Jan Buchczik The Happy Patriot, the Unhappy Nationalist
Having pride in your country can lead to greater well-being, but only if you do it right.
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Jan Buchczik Plan Ahead. Don’t Post.
And seven other rules for a happy vacation
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Jan Buchczik Dads Just Want to Help
Sacrificing for their kids makes fathers happier. Acknowledging that sacrifice will make everyone happier.
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Jan Buchczik The Lie We Tell Ourselves About Going to Bed Early
To get better sleep, stop treating it like a chore.
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JAN BUCHCZIK How to Escape the Happiness Guilt Trap
There’s plenty wrong in the world. Acting gloomy won’t fix any of it.
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JAN BUCHCZIK Don’t Approach Life Like a Picky Eater
Try new things. Not too much. Mostly experiences.
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JAN BUCHCZIK What Introverts and Extroverts Can Learn From Each Other
Going against your instincts can help make you happier.
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JAN BUCHCZIK A Once-in-a-Lifetime Chance to Start Over
It’s time to prepare for a new and better normal than your pre-pandemic life.
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JAN BUCHCZIK How Adult Children Affect Their Mother’s Happiness
Plenty of moms feel something less than unmitigated joy around their grown-up kids. Make sure yours feels that she’s getting as much out of her relationship with you as she gives.
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JAN BUCHCZIK Stop Spending Time on Things You Hate
Your time on Earth is precious and limited. Here’s how to waste it.
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JAN BUCHCZIK Don’t Wish for Happiness. Work for It.
If you want to improve your well-being, you need to make a plan and act on it.
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JAN BUCHCZIK How to Buy Happiness
The joys of money are nothing without other people.
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JAN BUCHCZIK The Best Friends Can Do Nothing for You
If your social life is leaving you unfulfilled, you might have too many deal friends, and not enough real friends.
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JAN BUCHCZIK The Hidden Toll of Remote Work
Switching to Zoom forever might be convenient, but it’s a recipe for loneliness.
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Jan Buchczik Are You Dreaming Too Big?
Lifelong, hard-to-achieve goals might not make you happier. Small steps will.
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Jan Buchczik Here’s 10,000 Hours. Don’t Spend It All in One Place.
Evidence shows that hyper-specialization is not the best strategy for happiness.
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JAN BUCHCZIK Changing Your Mind Can Make You Less Anxious
Humans are programmed to think we’re right at all costs. Fighting that instinct will set you free.
