Professor Peter Vishton

Most people assume that impressive levels of performance are associated with talent. However, new data suggests that aptitude tests such as the SAT are not as accurate at predicting success as practice. Dr. Vishton explains. […]

Is your to-do list a mile long (and somehow nothing ever gets done)? Dr. Vishton explains why, when it comes to lists, shorter is better—and how to accomplish this. […]

Have you ever spent hours trying to decide on a new insurance plan, only to give up and end up not buying one at all? Our modern culture presents us with an infinite array of choices. Dr. Vishton explains how too many choices leads to decision deadlock. […]

Dr. Vishton has given us a number of tips to improve our decision-making skills. Here he explains how to avoid analysis paralysis. […]

Do you weigh out every decision carefully, analyzing all the pros and cons? Dr. Vishton reveals studies that show why quick decision-making is more compatible with our future happiness. We can reasonably apply the conclusions to choices about houses, cars, jobs, and even whom to marry. […]

If we know the results of our actions will hurt us immediately—for example, causing us to lose our job or not make rent—we likely won’t engage in them. However, this doesn’t stop us from indulging in habitual bad behaviors where the effects are less immediate. Dr. Vishton shows us a simple mind trick for closing that gap between present and future. […]

Several researchers have described a mental conflict that occurs as we negotiate between decisions that will satisfy our present self at the expense of hurting our future self. Dr. Vishton explains why we’re sometimes willing to pursue pleasures that will harm us in the long run. […]

To make better decisions, brain scientists recommend spending a few minutes engaged in mental time travel, having a brief visit with your future self as you ponder what to do in certain situations. Dr. Vishton explains how mental time travel can result in a happier, healthier, and wealthier future you. […]

Why is multitasking frowned upon? Dr. Vishton explains exactly why it’s so bad for the brain and offers solutions for regaining clarity. […]