Its a new year, but work feels like the same old same old.You want to be excited, but theres just not that much to be pumped about: Youre not in line for a big promotion or raise. And theres not some innovative new project on the horizon. So what do you do to remotivate yourself in 2025?Here are some techniques that have helped my time management coaching clients recommit to their jobs when it could have been easy to check out.Be grateful for whats goodSometimes you can become so fixated on whats wrong with your job that you forget about whats right.Try to think through any of the things that make you happy: Maybe its that you get to work from home two days a week or that you like your coworkers or that theres free coffee in the breakroom.Express at least three things youre grateful for about your job each morning by saying them out loud or writing them down.And if youre really struggling to appreciate anything, be grateful you have a source of income. Making no money and having no benefits can become really stressful, really fast.Lock in your scheduleMaybe you cant change much about your job scope, but you could up-level your time management so that your schedule works optimally for you.If youre working longer hours than you prefer, that could look like practicing planning, prioritizing, and cutting back on distractions to log off on time and not have to get back on later at night.If your hours are already good, see if you can be even more efficient to create space for whats important to you, like working out at lunch or leaving in time to make it to your sons soccer game.Having a personal incentive to up-level your productivity can gamify better time management and make work seem less onerous.Create growth opportunitiesIn almost any situation, you can create opportunities to learn and grow in a way that feels satisfying to you.For example, you could see if there is a special project where you could engage to learn new skills. You could ask to be on a committee where you would get exposure to colleagues in other departments. Or Ive even seen a situation where my clients organization had officially frozen all promotions but was willing to give him a direct report so that he could develop management skills.If development within your job just isnt a possibility, look elsewhere. That might range from attending webinars offered by your trade association to hear the latest industry news to enrolling in online classes to sharpen your skills to applying to a graduate school program to increase your credentials.Your possibilities for development are endless. Ask for what you wantSometimes some small shifts in your work could make a big difference in how motivated you feel to perform.Think about what youd really appreciate in your current role. Then see if you can ask for at least some of those changes.For example:Mentorship: Ask if you can have some consistent one-on-one meetings with your boss or another leader that are primarily focused on your professional development instead of just covering task completion.Development Road Map: See if you can have a discussion with your manager about a personal road map for your growth. Where could you be in one year, three years, and five years? What experience would you need to develop to hit those goals?Flexibility: Maybe you want to leave early one day a week to attend a class or pick your kids up from school. There may be room to ask for those accommodations, particularly if you have a clear plan on how to make up the time.Dont dismiss the upcoming year before its even started. With the right mindset, you can create a motivating job situation in 2025.

Hello and welcome to Modern CEO! Each week this newsletter explores inclusive approaches to leadership drawn from conversations with executives and entrepreneurs, and from the pages of Inc. and Fast Company. If you received this newsletter from a friend, you can sign up to get it yourself every Monday morning.Hello, again. Im Gwen Moran,Modern CEOs editor. Last year, I shared some of my top takeaways from the first year of Stephanie Mehtas weekly newsletter for people who run successful companies. The dedicated team ensuring that Modern CEO hits your inbox each week has been delighted to watch the newsletter turn into an ongoing conversation with a growing base of loyal readers. As we close out 2024, here are some of the most powerful takeaways from a year of exploring leadership, management, innovation, and other issues important to people in the C-suite.Biases get in the way of opportunitiesThe importance of removing bias was a lesson Robert I. Grossman, CEO of NYU Langone Health, reinforced in September. During Grossmans tenure, the health systems revenue grew from $2 billion in 2007 to $14 billion. While being a radiologist might not seem like a natural stepping stone to the C-suite, he says his training has been an important part of his success.I think thats unusual for a CEO to have training that enables them to extract their biases, detect signals from the noise, and manage in a very focused way, he said.In one of our most popular pieces of the year, Lin-Manuel Miranda shared some unconventional wisdom. His creative process includes staying open to every performance he watcheseven when he doesnt like themto figure out opportunities to create: As long as you stay open to all of it and you figure out who you are amidst everything youre consuming, youre going to make stuff that really excites you.AI still dominates conversationsGenerative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) has business leaders abuzz, even if theyre still grappling with exactly how to optimize its use in their organizations. In May, four CEOs shared their thoughts on and experiences with Gen AI with Modern CEO. From cost savings to increased productivity to developing new products and services, their answers ranged from speculation to concrete examples with bottom-line impact. Whats clear is that the technology has grown by leaps and bounds in adoption and applications this year. There will certainly be more to report in 2025.Some initiatives workeven if theyre unpopularThis year, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and environmental, sustainability, and governance (ESG) each came under fire. But Modern CEO heard repeatedly from CEOs about the impact of these initiatives. In June, the newsletter featured leaders from Fast Companys Queer 50 list and found that many of those featured had been with the same company for years or even decades. As Fast Company Senior Editor Julia Herbst said, Theyve found a place that accepts them, where they feel like they can be their true and authentic selves.Beyond retention, some companies are embracing these concepts because theyre good for the bottom line. This month, Modern CEO of the Year Tarang Amin, CEO of E.l.f. Beauty, credited his team with the companys ability to respond quickly to market demands, saying When you have a team that reflects your community, you can move at a much faster pace . . . . And, in July, Modern CEO covered how HP is using innovative concepts in response to resource scarcity and supply chain disruptions by advancing its circular economy efforts.Good leaders need a few key traitsIn January, Modern CEO reported that the No. 1 quality or characteristic CEOs need is humility. Readers had opinions about that assertion, countering that traits like empathy and authenticity were most important, which we reported in February. In November, Alicia Boler Davis, CEO of billion-dollar digital pharmacy Alto, reminded us of another important trait: the ability to unlearneven when your teachers are the people running one of the worlds most successful companies. While learning from Jeff Bezos and Andy Jassy is a rare opportunity, there were also approaches she needed to reconsider in the startup world. We have to be nimble; we have to be fast; we have to be creative, she told Modern CEO. The first solution isnt being built for a million peopleyou have to demonstrate that you have a product that works before you can scale it.Finally, our February headline reporting that 19 CEOs died on the job last year, according to data from outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, held more good advice for leaders: Self-care is part of your jobboth for the good of your company and the people who depend on you.Share your favoritesDid you have a favorite takeaway from Modern CEO this year? Or are you dealing with a challenge youd like Modern CEO to explore? Send your thoughts and feedback tostephaniemehta@mansueto.com. Wed love to hear from you.Read more: additional Modern CEO takeawaysYou dont get to be 173 years old without this leadership traitHow Jessi Hempel gets your attention on MondaysHoneywell Internationals CEO is on a quest to simplify the business

Sure we're biased, but we feel industrial design covers a range unmatched by any other design field. The sheer breadth of the ID case studies we saw this year attests to that. Look at the sheer range of items your average ID firm might be called on to design:A 24-hour hot meal vending machine by Spanner. A backpack for carrying oddly-shaped items by StudioFAR. A beautiful modular mouse, designed with fanaticism by Orbital Works. A carry-on roller that transforms into a stroller by Tricycle. A corrective brace for teenagers by PDR. A grocery packaging elimination system by 219 Design. A new form for the air conditioner by Fresco Design. A robotic massage system by Whipsaw. A wearable VR hand tracker/guider by Hatch Duo. An innovative tool for improving cable connections by Design 1st. Biometric firearm security by SGW Designworks. A better tow-behind bike trailer by DesignThink. Experimental steering wheels by Mixer Design. Minimal's solution to combat single-use package design. An accessible backpack by Nike's in-house design team. Pelican's first backpack line by Studio FAR. This beautiful deflectometer by Eskild Hansen Design Studio. Pensa updates Zero Halliburton's classic aluminum suitcases. This surgery simulator by Acorn Product Development. Lastly,Frost Produkt turned a concept into a successful product acquired by Leica.

As we usher in 2025, its the perfect time to prioritize self-care and treat yourself to something special that sets a positive tone for the year ahead. Whether youre looking to enhance your well-being, boost your productivity, or simply indulge in a little luxury, giving yourself a thoughtful gift can be a meaningful way to celebrate new beginnings.Weve curated a collection of the top five self-gifts that promise to inspire, rejuvenate, and empower you as you embark on your journey through 2025. These products are designed to help you start the year with a renewed sense of purpose and joy. The delightful self-gifts are sure to bring a smile to your face and set the stage for a fulfilling year.1. ClearMind KendamaAs 2024 is coming to an end, and we usher in the new year, you may want to gift yourself something thoughtful and refreshing. Here comes the ClearMind Kendama. Designed by Tokyo Kendama, this tool helps facilitate personal growth. It is designed to sharpen coordination, ignite creativity, and offer a mindful escape from the daily stresses and problems of life.This minimal and handy product is excellent for calming your mind down, and allowing you to destress. It is also great for challenging your mental limitations and successfully combines tranquility and excitement in one visually pleasing and elegant form. It is the perfect combination of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary functionality.Click Here to Buy Now: $59.00Why is it noteworthy?The ClearMind Kendama features two cups which makes landing tricks easy and effective. The tool will boost your confidence and motivate you to play consistently. It is equipped with recalibrated balance, which facilitates smooth movements that enhance accuracy and fun. It also boasts a unique bearing system that reduces string twists, offering players more control.What we likeBuilt using premium walnut and maple wood, delivering durability and visual appeal.The tool will form a unique patina with time, making each product unlike any other.What we dislikeMastering the tool will take time, and have a learning curve.Not an efficient choice for users looking for tech-based or digital entertainment.2. Japanese Lantern CandleCalled Japanese Lantern Candle this stunning piece that infuses any modern home with a touch of traditional elegance. Drawing inspiration from the iconic chouchin lanterns, this candle holder features a minimalist design that casts a soft, soothing glow, promoting tranquility and mindfulness. Each candle is expertly handcrafted by skilled artisans in Kurashiki, Japan, and incorporates patented technology to prevent the outer wax from melting, ensuring a clean and long-lasting burn.This candle not only elevates the ambiance of any room but also creates a serene environment conducive to relaxation and mindfulness. Combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary functionality, it exemplifies how thoughtful minimalism can bring warmth and tranquility into our living spaces, making it a wonderful gift to yourself.Click Here to Buy Now: $69.00Why is it noteworthy?The Japanese Lantern Candle stands out for its artisanal quality and authenticity. Its innovative patented technology ensures a safe and clean burn, making it a dependable addition to your home decor. The sophisticated design adds a layer of elegance to any setting, making it ideal for creating a relaxing atmosphere after a busy day.What we likeProvides a gentle, calming light that enhances the rooms ambiance.Ensures a clean and safe burn, minimizing mess and maximizing safety.What we dislikeOffers only candlelight, which may not be sufficient for all lighting needs.3. Invisible ShoehornThe Invisible Shoehorn is an awesome self-gift for many reasons! It serves as a sleek and modern twist on the traditional shoehorn. Crafted from stainless steel, this innovative accessory is designed to save your back and protect your socks from snags. Its long, elegant form, coupled with a transparent stand, allows it to blend seamlessly into your home decor.The Invisible Shoehorn serves as both a practical tool and a decorative element. When not in use, it harmoniously fades into the background, avoiding any visual clutter. This subtle yet sophisticated piece adds a touch of elegance to your home.Click Here to Buy Now: $299Why is it noteworthy?The Invisible Shoehorn stands out for its blend of functionality and innovation. Its ergonomic design minimizes strain on your lower back, enabling you to slip into your shoes effortlessly without bending over. The polished surface glides smoothly against your socks, keeping them intact and in perfect condition.What we likeDesigned to offer ease and comfort while using.Comes with a transparent stand, allowing it to double as a stylish home accent.What we dislikeIts unique design may not complement all home decor styles.4. Battery-Free Amplifying iSpeakersIf youre someone who loves nifty tech gadgets, then you need to gift yourself the Battery-Free Amplifying iSpeakers. These speakers are sleek and sexy and will elevate smartphone audio without using batteries or electricity. They are made from vibration-resistant Duralumin, and they make use of the golden ratio to amplify sound.Since they have a portable form, you can easily carry them anywhere. They are specially designed for audiophiles who love simplicity and convenience in their audio gear. By cutting down the need for power, these speakers embrace minimalist principles, while meeting your technical requirements.Click Here to Buy Now: $179Why is it noteworthy?Besides being sleek and portable, the speakers are also pretty sustainable. They dont use batteries, hence minimizing the impact on the environment. They offer excellent sound quality, and combine technical innovation with simplicity, functioning as a unique solution that lets you listen to your fav songs anywhere you like.What we likeFunctions as a sustainable and convenient medium to amplify audio.Made from durable Duralumin, ensuring long-lasting quality.What we dislikeThey only enhance smartphone audio, making them unsuitable for other devices.5. AromaCraft Clothes BrushThe AromaCraft Clothes Brush elevates garment care to a luxurious experience. Handcrafted by the Miyakawa Hake Brush Workshop, a family-owned business with over 100 years of expertise, this brush effectively removes dust and pollen while imparting a subtle fragrance to your clothes.Its innovative aromatic paper insert lets you personalize scents using essential oils, adding a unique touch to your wardrobe care routine. Made with premium white boar hair and a walnut wood handle, this brush beautifully marries traditional craftsmanship with modern functionality.Click Here to Buy Now: $149.00Why is it noteworthy?The reusable washi paper insert, crafted from eco-friendly Japanese paper, aligns with sustainable practices while offering a customizable fragrance experience. This product transforms garment care into a mindful ritual, turning a routine task into a moment of meditation. Its elegant design and exceptional functionality make it a valuable addition to any wardrobe.What we likeAllows you to customize scents with essential oils for a unique wardrobe experience.Made from biodegradable washi paper and sustainable wood.What we dislikeRegular cleaning is necessary to maintain the quality of the bristles.The price reflects the craftsmanship and premium materials used.The post Top 5 Self-Gifts For A Delightful & Fulfilling Start To 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

But we love all the Easter eggs.

This character artists meticulous render depicts an ancient figure whos travelled from Norse mythology to PlayStation

This smart temperature-control mattress cover helps you stay cooler, or cozier, to get a better night's sleep.

How well did you follow WIREDs coverage of the biggest science and technology stories from 2024? Answer these 10 questions to test your knowledge.

For all their ability to give the experience of enticing stories, engaging gameplay, and immersive world design, video games can also use these factors to shock us. Some of the darkest moments in any form of media are represented in video games, with their interactivity oftentimes making the anguish-able experience much more tangible than if the same thing happened in a movie or TV show. Your opinion on what constitutes dark may differ, of course, but the 15 moments discussed in this rundown are inarguably disturbing: upsetting at one end of the spectrum, downright harrowing at the other. Also, its worth pointing out that therere spoilers for the games featured.The Bloody Baron The Witcher 3: Wild HuntArguably the most morally bankrupt NPC Geralt encounters in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, The Bloody Barons history as an abuser to wife Anna and daughter Tamara is revealed during Geralts attempts to locate The Barons estranged family in exchange for information on his own daughters whereabouts. Neither of The Barons conclusions are favourable for him (or, indeed, his wife Anna); should both The Baron and Anna survive, Anna will have succumbed to madness whilst a band of witches abscond with the orphans of whom she was residing. Should Anna die, the Baron will tragically hang himself due to a lifetime of grief and guilt.

Hate is probably a strong word here. Yeah, maybe you hated your first playthrough of a game only to come back to it another time and find it a wonderful experience. But, what the games on this list demonstrate is that first impressions can be deceiving, and subsequent playthroughs can be just as, if not more, rewarding.ReturnalRogue-like third-person shooter Returnal is relentlessly unforgiving, a game in which time is an agonising loop for astronaut Selene after she crash lands on the hostile alien world Atrophos. Otherworldly creatures stalk cadaverous biomes, hurling bioluminescent bullet hell between Selenes scavenging for artifacts, resources, and ether. Its challenge can put players off but stick around and the accumulated muscle memory makes subsequent playthroughs a breeze. Returnals emotional narrative weighs heavier on successive runs too when the unfolding of events has already been discovered.