Chris Loper

We all have unhealthy cravings that we struggle to resist: pizza, Netflix, whiskey, Twitter, chocolate, (insert your go-to vices here). That you have such cravings means nothing. Well, it means you’re human. But it doesn’t mean you’re a lazy chocoholic with no self-control. And critically, having these cravings isn’t the same as acting on them. It’s all in how you respond to unhealthy cravings. Becoming better at responding to unhealthy… Read More »How to Respond to Unhealthy Cravings

There are really just two kinds of behavioral change: starting things and stopping things. And whether you’re trying to establish a good habit or quit a bad habit, your success will depend on the reason – the motivation – behind your effort. Get the why right, and you’ll figure out the how. With that in mind, here are two golden rules for changing your habits. 1. Reward Motivates Action Our… Read More »Two Golden Rules for Habit Change

We recently adopted an adorable black and white cat named Benny. Benny’s behavior rotates through a handful of distinct modes: exploring, playing, napping, cuddling, grooming, hunting, and begging for food. And his behavioral modes demonstrate a very important concept about the human mind: mental modules. The theory of mental modules asserts that your mind is composed of many distinct modules –programs that drive your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.1 Which program… Read More »Practical Applications of the Modular Theory of the Mind