The Carpe Diem Project

On the Creative Use of Limited Time

Stress
I've Cracked the Code: Wordle Is Golf

Bruce Grierson on January 26, 2022

Wordle is the simple, Zen-like stress reliever we've been waiting for. And if you've been wondering what it reminds you of ... consider the mystery solved.

Wordle is the simple, Zen-like stress reliever we've been waiting for. And if you've been wondering what it reminds you of ... consider the mystery solved.

Empathy
We Are All Bystanders

Bruce Grierson on December 18, 2021

Bystander-invervention training is on the rise. It's really about cultivating the ability to see ourselves in each other.

Bystander-invervention training is on the rise. It's really about cultivating the ability to see ourselves in each other.

Happiness
The Ted Lasso Prescription

Bruce Grierson on October 22, 2021

This show scatters lessons like confetti. Let’s look at some of the social science that’s propping it all up.

This show scatters lessons like confetti. Let’s look at some of the social science that’s propping it all up.

Fear
How Do I Know If I'm Wrong?

Bruce Grierson on May 21, 2021

There's a lot of "duff gen" out there, as the Irish say—unreliable information. So how do we sort out what's right from what's (seductively) wrong?

There's a lot of "duff gen" out there, as the Irish say—unreliable information. So how do we sort out what's right from what's (seductively) wrong?

Trust
Why It's Best to "Own It" When You're Wrong

Bruce Grierson on May 11, 2021

These days, the soundest strategy may be not to trust our instincts but to distrust them. To say to ourselves, at every turn, “What if I’m wrong?”

These days, the soundest strategy may be not to trust our instincts but to distrust them. To say to ourselves, at every turn, “What if I’m wrong?”

Procrastination
The Fruits of Procrastination

Bruce Grierson on March 14, 2021

Procrastinating isn't always cowardly. Sometimes there's something more precious to tend to, and your brain knows it.

Procrastinating isn't always cowardly. Sometimes there's something more precious to tend to, and your brain knows it.

Intelligence
What's Your Jeopardy Dream Board?

Bruce Grierson on November 12, 2020

Your areas of expertise are like latent superpowers. It's good to remind yourself what you're bringing into battle.

Your areas of expertise are like latent superpowers. It's good to remind yourself what you're bringing into battle.

Memory
How to Remember Stories

Bruce Grierson on October 10, 2020

These days, our own stories are our most reliable form of entertainment. Here's the ropes course on how to remember them.

These days, our own stories are our most reliable form of entertainment. Here's the ropes course on how to remember them.

Attention
That Reminds Me of a Story...

Bruce Grierson on September 29, 2020

Answering a question with a story is a move as old as the prophets. But it just might be a superpower in the 21st century.

Answering a question with a story is a move as old as the prophets. But it just might be a superpower in the 21st century.

Stress
Your Back-Pocket Story

Bruce Grierson on July 17, 2020

At some point, we all find ourselves on the spot. In those moments, it pays to have your best thoughts ready to go.

At some point, we all find ourselves on the spot. In those moments, it pays to have your best thoughts ready to go.

Gratitude
The Evening Solidarity Yawp

Bruce Grierson on May 5, 2020

By borrowing this protest tool, people everywhere are performing the ultimate act of transmutation — turning rage into gratitude.

By borrowing this protest tool, people everywhere are performing the ultimate act of transmutation — turning rage into gratitude.

Coronavirus Disease 2019
To Mask or Not to Mask

Bruce Grierson on April 10, 2020

Inside the bizarre piecemeal worldwide adoption of masks to slow the spread of COVID-19; What’s making some cultures go all in, but others hold back?

Inside the bizarre piecemeal worldwide adoption of masks to slow the spread of COVID-19; What’s making some cultures go all in, but others hold back?

Coronavirus Disease 2019
To See and Be Seen

Bruce Grierson on March 26, 2020

In a time of "social distancing" we can, if fleetingly, still connect. Science reveals the power of looking strangers in the eye.

In a time of "social distancing" we can, if fleetingly, still connect. Science reveals the power of looking strangers in the eye.

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Magazine
November 2025 magazine cover
November 2025
Healing Family Splits

Cut-offs cut deep and wide, their emotional impact reverberating far beyond the combatants. Because much of the suffering is hidden, repair is challenging for everyone, not least of all therapists.

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Tests
Self Tests
Self Tests

Self Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.

Self Assessments
Quizzes