The people who inspire us

February 13, 2026By Travisthings that inspire

When we work hard to surround ourselves with the people who inspire us, the things that we aspire to have a way of working themselves out. It’s important to choose wisely the people who take up our space, time, and energy. Where our attention goes, our direction flows.

‘It Begins With You’ Jillian Turecki on The Rich Roll Podcast

November 4, 2025By Travispsychology, behavior, and other science things

Sharing a few of my favorite snippets from Rich Roll’s interview with relationship expert and bestselling author Jillian Turecki, published on November 3, 2025. On relational accountability “There are only two things that determine the quality of your relationships: who you choose and who you decide to show up as.” On selflessness “The highest form … Read More

Don’t wait

August 24, 2025By Travisthings that inspire

Don’t wait. On your ideas, your plans, your goals. That trip you’ve wanted to take, that career change you’ve considered making, that course you’ve considered taking, that skill or hobby you’ve always wanted to pick up, that person you’ve wanted to be honest with, that loved one you care about but haven’t reminded lately. Because … Read More

Some Tuesday thoughts for you

July 8, 2025By Travisthings that inspire

“You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” – Marcus Aurelius “The more varied your training, the more creative your solutions.” – David Epstein (author of Range) “Dark horses win not by beating others at their game, but by figuring out their own game and playing it better … Read More

On “What’s Next?” Cycles and False Fulfillment

May 29, 2025By Travisthings that inspire

Tim Ferriss was asked about success on his podcast (#813) and this was his answer, paraphrased: “Becoming successful (financially) makes the successful more predisposed to depression and anxiety. The reason is that when you’re striving you have two things: 1) you have the hope/belief that the vast majority of your problems, the things that keep … Read More

Vulnerability in relationships

February 19, 2024By Travispsychology, behavior, and other science things

I came across a Reddit post recently in the r/AskMenAdvice sub regarding vulnerability in relationships. The OP posed the question: help me understand the fear that someone will use your vulnerability against you. How does someone hurt you if you share personal feelings or vulnerable info? Several male redditors chimed in detailing accounts with their … Read More

2023 Review

January 1, 2024By Travisstory time, things that inspire

I challenged myself. I completed a masters program. I traveled solo by bike through Europe. I competed in the pro division of an XC mountain bike race. I moved to a new place. I read many books. I wrote hundreds of thousands of words. I met amazing people. I prioritized my mental and physical health. … Read More

Disappointing affirmations

December 18, 2023By Travispsychology, behavior, and other science things

Disappointing Affirmations is a popular instagram handle that pairs the comedy of sarcastic affirmations, a parody of the current trend in wellness content, against the beauty of nature and landscape photos. There is an overwhelming amount of wellness content out there. Assuredly, people are becoming fatigued by it. The verdict is out on whether practicing … Read More

Invaluable Commodities

August 30, 2023By Travisthings that inspire

Some people are kind or present only as far you are useful to them. Choose wisely those you surround yourself with. Your time, heart, and mind are invaluable commodities. ❤️🧠😊👍🏼

Lobha

August 22, 2023By Travisthings that inspire

Lobha, a Pāli word for “craving,” or “greed”. Our world revolves around wanting. This tendency to crave affects our relationships. There’s a distinction between love and wanting, or grasping. We’re all capable of love in its true sense. When we allow our friends and loved ones to be who they are, this is love. When … Read More

Research Proposal: Predicting and Reducing Impulse Behavior: Can biometric technology reduce impulse decisions, improve empathy, and reduce conflict?

May 3, 2023By Travisinnovative things, research

When couples enter a conflict, their emotions can become escalated, often lending to self- protection and aggression, and even good partners can end up in intense fights that damage the relationship. Understanding this impulse, and learning how to calm down, to shift out of fight or flight mode, and connect, can help couples develop awareness, … Read More