In economics and planning, there is a thing called the sunk cost fallacy. It comes about when people continue with something that isn’t working because they have put so much effort into it that they don’t want to abandon it. Rather than cutting their losses, they continue because, in part, they can’t let go of the […] … learn more→

Family vacations are more than photo opportunities and hotel stays. They can become powerful learning experiences that shape how children see the world. When families travel with intention, every destination becomes a living classroom. History feels real. Geography becomes visible. Culture becomes personal. Even simple moments, like ordering food in a local market, turn into […] … learn more→

For most young people, learning about social and political issues doesn’t start with a textbook. It starts with a phone. While debates intensify about whether to impose a social media ban on under-16s in the UK, it’s important to consider how social media can be a route for learning as well as potential harm. Young people aged […] … learn more→

Where kids are born in a family can be important. But it is not just about who gets more grown-up privileges or parental pressure. Research tells us firstborn children, on average, tend to do better on a range of outcomes. This includes doing better at school and being more likely to be top managers when compared to those born […] … learn more→

In November 2012, during my first year as a PhD student, a 23-year-old medical student knocked on my door. Earlier that day, we had been discussing our ages in our shared kitchen. At 30, I had stayed silent, feeling a sharp sting of embarrassment next to my 20-something housemates. But this student was determined to […] … learn more→

Before I start this post – a quick announcement. My business partner and pod cohost, Dr Jason Downs, is visiting the UK in late April. If you’d like to meet and chat with him about the products we have planned for On The Reg Team in 2026, shoot us an email to [email protected] with the subject line […] … learn more→

Reading promises so much: better mental health, a sense of wellbeing, cultural and educational enrichment, even greater confidence and eloquence. It sounds irresistible; yet for many of us, the reality is very different. Half of the adults in the UK don’t read regularly for pleasure, and more than one in ten find reading difficult. So why does something […] … learn more→

It’s that time of year when the internet turns into a giant group chat about self-improvement. New year, new you. Better habits. Better boundaries. A year older, and maybe wiser. Right on cue, the wisdom hucksters appear. They are the “one weird trick” crowd — the gurus with a microphone, a smirk and a promise of […] … learn more→

January 1st has something of a “psychological switch” about it. Suddenly, it seems easier to imagine and commit to an improved version of yourself: more active, more organized, healthier. It’s as if the calendar offers a clear starting line and, with it, a sense of control: “I’m starting from scratch,” “this is the time,” “this […] … learn more→

A popular New Year’s resolution is to take up meditation – specifically mindfulness meditation. This is a healthy choice. Regular mindfulness practice has been linked to many positive health benefits, including reduced stress and anxiety, better sleep and quicker healing after injury and illness. Mindfulness can help us to be present in a distracted world and to feel […] … learn more→