Any search for self-help related topics produces thousands of results with headlines like, “4 Ways to Motivate Ourselves” or “16 Life Hacks to Take You from Good to Great,” or “5 Ways to Win a Nobel Peace Prize by Next Week” (OK, that last one is made up). 

These titles grab our attention because they simplify the complex science of self-improvement into an easy-to-digest formula. Their promise? Click the link, read the tips, and BOOM — your transformation is halfway done.