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Why a little extra effort feels so rewarding
Learn the science behind “sweat equity” and how to leverage it.
Mario Peshev
June 01, 2025
Welcome to The Smarter Brain, a curation of thought-provoking ideas and actionable reads to help you build better habits and become more productive.
Happy reading - See you on Wednesday!
Cheers,
The Smarter Brain Team
Estimated Reading Time: 2 mins
3 Ideas for Better Habits
Small Wins, Big Returns
James Clear, productivity researcher and author, on habit building as a path to sustainable growth.
“Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement.”
Meaningful Effort
Behavioral economist, Dan Ariely, on long‑term focus and the motivational power of effort.
“It shows that when we work harder and spend a bit more time and effort, we feel a greater sense of ownership and thus enjoy more the fruits of our efforts.”
Rise and Shine
Robin Sharma, leadership coach and author, on embracing discomfort as a catalyst for personal transformation.
“All change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and gorgeous at the end.”
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Productivity Tools and Resources
Life Lessons From Elite Athletes
Megan Tady delves into the mental strategies of elite athletes, emphasizing the shift from sheer toughness to cultivating ‘‘prime confidence.’’ The article highlights the importance of mental flexibility and self-belief over traditional notions of resilience.
Doing Nothing With Your Favorite People Is Really, Really Good for You
This piece underscores the mental health benefits of unstructured time with loved ones. It advocates for the value of relaxed, spontaneous interactions in strengthening relationships and reducing stress.
What We're Reading
Ali Abdaal’s Sunday Snippets - A weekly dose of ideas on productivity, learning, and personal growth from a doctor turned YouTuber. Thoughtful insights and tools to help you live a happier, more effective life - Subscribe for free today.
Brain Food
Today I Learned: Chicken living for 18 months without a head. (Source)
Science: Anthropologists have examined the societal consequences of global glacier loss. This article appears alongside new research that estimates that more than three-quarters of the world's glacier mass could disappear by the end of the century under current climate policies. (Source)
Have a productive rest of your week,
The Smarter Brain Team
Resource Spotlight
Time Mastery, Practical Wisdom, Daily Wins
Weekly reflections distill actionable insights from unexpected sources—like professional wrestling—to help creators, professionals, and leaders sharpen their focus, build time-awareness, and make meaningful progress in limited moments.
Where Psychology, Habits, and Hope Intersect
Actionable essays rooted in psychological insight and habit formation offer grounded guidance for building self-worth. Challenging internalized doubt, unpacking the mechanics of confidence, and steering clear of hollow platitudes, these practical reflections guide readers toward resilient self-regard—one small, intentional change at a time.
Rewire Your Mind
A quick, actionable guide spotlighting five science-backed techniques to help shift your mindset toward optimism. This edition blends neuroscience and psychology into a practical toolkit, transforming positive thinking from a vague concept into a measurable daily habit.
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