The damaging and far-reaching emotional/spiritual consequences of our narcissistic obsession with the self is hardly examined; there is no distinction between practices that fortify the ego and those that weaken it.

Something that we often forget is that we all play a role in the creation of the pain we experience, even if someone else is involved.

Are you looking to be a happier, more productive, more successful person? Are you in the market for self-help? Then the better advice is stop putting so much effort into finding your "authentic" self. Learn to embrace the self as flexible.

Listening to understand is quite different from listening to prove a point, pick a fight, or win an argument. The real point of listening has to do with what the underlying message or meaning is.

My limited understanding of Hellenistic philosophy suggests that cynicism originally developed as an approach to life intended to deliver happiness and freedom in an age of uncertainty.

Sticking to what's wrong can be awfully seductive. But who needs more criticism? My experience suggests that many of us could use assistance in how to turn criticism into positive action.

It really is none of my business what you do with your life. I simply share this information with you because you might be able to use it in a way that could make a meaningful difference to you.

It's our higher motivations that prompt us to ask ourselves "What's the right thing to do?" in any given situation, rather than simply doing what's most expedient, or what other people are doing.

It's going to be pretty difficult to improve damn near anything if you don't start with the assumption that it can improve and that you do something about it.

A common theme running through these articles includes the notion that how you frame the problem is the problem coupled with it's not what happens to you but what you choose to do about it.

UPDATE: The application process for HuffPost Living's 'Life by Design' contest is now closed. Thanks to all who participated and shared their stories!...

There's a huge and powerful difference between positive thinking and taking positive action. Some people will sit in their room, creating positive images and affirmations about wanting a new car. However, they never leave their room.