We all want to stand out in some way, and working harder than others and being better at our jobs seems a straightforward way to do so. This is a normal human drive, but it can nonetheless lead to destructive ends.

The great irony is that by trying to be special, we end up reducing ourselv...

Having friends outside your professional circles is important. Striking up friendships with people who don’t have any connection to your professional life encourages you to develop nonwork interests and virtues, and thus be a fuller person.

The way to do this goes hand in hand with recomm...

Use this principle in your professional life. To begin with, it should be the main goal of your vacation—to get a break from work and spend time with people you love. As obvious as this may sound, that means taking your vacation, and not working during it at all.

Your employer sh...

• Reducing yourself to any single characteristic, whether it be your title or your job performance, is a deeply damaging act.
• Too many people who work hard and strive for success self-objectify as excellent work machines and tools of performance.
• Strivers seek professional s...

Ask yourself a few questions, and answer them honestly.

• Is your job the biggest part of your identity? Is it the way you introduce yourself, or even understand yourself?
• Do you find yourself sacrificing love relationships for work? Have you forgone romance, friendship, or start...