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  Ever notice how we often get stuck in behaviors we claim to dislike? Whether it’s overthinking, getting caught up in drama, or procrastinating, we somehow keep doing it. Why? Because, deep down, a part of our brain actually enjoys these patterns—even if we consciously don’t. That sneaky brain of ours rewards us with dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical, and keeps us coming back for more. Dopamine isn’t just about pleasure—it’s about reward. And it’s not picky. Even when we’re stressed or frustrated, if a behavior gives us some hidden payoff (like validation, attention, or control), our brain gets hooked. That’s why we keep repeating behaviors we think we don’t like. What makes it tricky is that the brain doesn’t distinguish between positive and negative habits when it comes to dopamine. You might say you don’t like procrastinating or engaging in negative self-talk, but if these behaviors offer even a tiny reward—like avoiding discomfort or getting sympathy from others— dopamine is...

  A few days ago, we all woke up to the news of Ratan Tata’s passing. Since then, I’ve been reading countless stories about how he impacted the lives of so many people—those he knew and even those he didn’t. It got me thinking, What does true success really look like? While I was mulling over this, my daughter came to me excitedly, sharing how one of her classmates had scored a perfect 100/100 in their mid-term exams. I could see it in her eyes—she saw that as success. And why wouldn’t she? As kids, they’re constantly shown that grades are a way to be recognized, praised, and celebrated. It’s natural for them to think that’s the ultimate goal. But as we started talking more, it hit me how much the idea of success changes as we grow up. For kids, success often starts with those grades or trophies. As adults, though, our definitions can shift in so many directions. For some, it’s about climbing the career ladder, making money, or gaining recognition. For others, it’s more about perso...