Articles Written by Evan Tarver on Life and Philosophy

Build Personal Wealth: Buy Appreciating Assets & Lease Depreciating Assets

January 5, 2020May 4, 2019 by Evan Tarver

Appreciating assets are things that store value and have potential to appreciate in price over time. However, appreciating assets can also decline in price and lose value over time, depending on both micro- and macroeconomic factors. People typically buy appreciating assets as a wealth-building strategy, including real estate, stock, and other tangible and intangible things. …

How to Use the Equity Theory of Motivation in Life & Business

April 6, 2019April 6, 2019 by Evan Tarver

The equity theory of motivation states that a person’s motivation is directly related to their perception of equity, also known as level of fairness. This theory by John Stacey Adams shows that you become more motivated when perceived equity is higher, and vice versa. Key inputs directly increase or decrease equity, affecting things like your salary …

Arousal Theory of Motivation: What it is & How to Use it to Your Advantage

April 6, 2019April 6, 2019 by Evan Tarver

The arousal theory of motivation states that motivation is tied to specific levels of “arousal”, which in psychology represents mentally alertness and attentiveness. People have different levels of optimal arousal that help them maintain motivation. However, studies show that “moderate levels of arousal” result in maximum motivation and ultimate success. How the Arousal Theory of …

What’s Wrong With American Politics & What Can We Do About It?

August 11, 2019March 22, 2019 by Evan Tarver

If you’ve been paying attention to anything in America over the past few years, you know that our political system is failing us. Gone are the days of fair representation and altruistic politicians wanting nothing more than to serve the people who elected them. However, while our first instinct may point to recent events as …

Why America Needs Proportional Representation in 2019

March 1, 2019March 1, 2019 by Evan Tarver

Proportional representation (PR) is a Congressional or Parliamentary voting system where representation is allocated proportionally across multiple candidates or parties. The most common PR system is the Party List system, where people vote for parties instead of candidates. Established western countries like Italy, Switzerland, Canada, and more use a proportional representation voting systems. This is …

How to Get Over Your Case of the Humans: A Guide to Living Happy & Healthy

November 16, 2018November 16, 2018 by Evan Tarver

We’re all afflicted – each and every one of us. Yes, that means you, your friends, your family, and even those you hate. We have a sickness, one we’re born with and one we can’t get rid of, no matter how hard we try. That illness? Being human. I call this a “case of the …

How to Stop Worrying About Things You Can’t Control in 8 Steps

September 16, 2018June 23, 2018 by Evan Tarver

It’s common for people to worry about things they can’t control, causing avoidable mental stress and anxiety that has tangible negative results. Luckily, we can stop worrying about things we can’t affect by defining what we can and can’t control and devising a strategy to change what we can and cope with what we can’t. …

How to Stop Your Never-Ending Cycle of Depression in 8 Steps

September 16, 2018June 19, 2018 by Evan Tarver

end depression and stop your never ending cycle

Depression is a mental illness that causes people to feel sad and lose interest in things they once enjoyed, often for no clear reason. When you want to end depression, you need to identify the reason for your depression, set achievable goals to overcome it, and implement a daily routine to stay on track. The …

Humanity Just Failed a 10-Year Social Experiment

February 10, 2018February 9, 2018 by Evan Tarver

It’s hard for many of us to remember a time before social media, but when you think about it, social media hasn’t been around for long. In fact, if you go by the date Facebook profiles became available to the public, social media has been a “thing” for just about a decade. Yet still, social …

Overcome Social Pressure, Break Social Norms, & Live Your Best Life

January 26, 2018January 26, 2018 by Evan Tarver

social pressure and breaking social norms

Social pressure is the direct influence of other people on your thoughts, desires, and actions. It’s the feeling that you should live your life according to other people’s narratives, following a path that’s considered “acceptable” by modern society. Social pressure confines us to a box, limiting the options of what’s considered a “successful life.” We’ve …