Every day, whether consciously or not, we’re faced with a choice: Do we embrace the pain of discipline, or do we suffer the pain of regret? It sounds simple, but it’s one of the most powerful truths that shapes our lives. Waking up early, sticking to a workout routine, saying no to short-term temptations, staying … More The Pain of Discipline vs. The Pain of Regret: The Choice We Make Daily
Growing up, I didn’t have a role model, not in the traditional sense. I was the type of kid who didn’t believe in idolizing other humans. I saw people as flawed, complex, and too multidimensional to fit into neat boxes of heroism or perfection. The idea of placing someone on a pedestal felt disingenuous to … More From Reluctance to Reverence: How I Came to Embrace the Power of Role Models
I would never pass up the opportunity to wear a cute all white outfit. I was invited to attend LIV Golf’s tournament at Maridoe Golf Course last Sunday and had a time. I have a daily goal of 10k steps/ 5 miles and was able to enjoy getting them in while golf spectating. Despite the … More Making Yourself 1% Better Every Day: A Lookbook
Author: Khirstyn-Lien Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Date: June 2025 Abstract The Default Mode Network (DMN) is a prominent resting state network involved in introspective functions such as autobiographical memory, self referential processing, and future simulation. Although initially characterized as task negative, emerging evidence reveals the DMN’s essential role in creative cognition, particularly during durations of … More The Default Mode Network (DMN) and Spontaneous Cognition: A Neurobiological Basis for Insight During Mundane Tasks
So grateful for another year filled with family, friends, and travel. Every year is truly better than the last (I know I say this every year but it’s true). Every day is a blessing and isn’t guaranteed so don’t take it for granted! I can’t wait to see what travels, milestones, and new successes this … More Happy New Year!
Owning a home in one of the well known cities in the world on my own at the age of 24. Getting a promotion at one of my first corporate jobs at 23. Graduating with my masters during the second world shut down due to covid at 22. Earning my university degree and graduating during … More Over Achieving
In honor of finishing my first business course through Harvard Business School today I wanted to share this sentiment that I’ve lived by forever. From my journey through education earning undergraduate and graduate degrees, to neuroscience research, and earning certifications after higher education: I truly believe you can never be over educated. If anything interests … More You Can NEVER Be Overdressed Or Overeducated
Finding your signature look, signature style, signature cake, or even your literal signature can make living your authentic life feel that much more YOU. To sum it up finding what you genuinely like and resonate with can be liberating and satisfying in terms of truly knowing yourself. Over the span of my life I’ve found … More Finding Your Signature
I’m a big advocate for expressing gratitude and thankfulness on days beyond Thanksgiving. One way to do that is through journaling. No matter how big or how small the topic it is, there’s always something you can find to be thankful for. Taking the time to journal and show gratitude for things in my life … More Being Thankful
Self concept and self perception is key to navigating this world. To really drive the point home I want to emphasize how others perceive you should never affect your true self. In a world where we seem to be easily accessible to those who don’t know us it can be easy to lose sight of … More The World Is A Mirror
khirstyn 