More than 100 years ago, IQ (intelligence quotient) established what it means to be intelligent. Then came along EQ, which broadened the meaning with emotional intelligence.

Both were helpful frameworks for the time and context which they emerged, but now our world in-flux demands something new: AQ (agility quotient), which I define as the ability to handle change, uncertainty, and the unknown. As an executive coach to founders and CEOs, I’ve found that AQ is no longer a nice-to-have. It’s a non-negotiable orientation toward life.

In my new book, “AQ: A New Kind of Intelligence for a World That’s Always Changing,” I break down the four AQ Archetypes. Identifying yours can help you understand the skills you have at your disposal for handling stress, solving problems, and tackling crises.

This is you if…

• You know what habits work for you and you stick with them.
• In you personal relationships, you value people who have known you for the longest time.
• You will take calculated risks if there is a solid plan in place.
• When faced with an unexpected challenge, you initially feel worried: How can I fix this situation?

Neurosurgeons are motivated by excellence: They hold every aspect of their life to the highest of standards, moving with diligence, conscientiousness, and hard-won expertise.

Strengths: The Neurosurgeon is steadfast and determined. Once they commit to something, they never give up until they’ve succeeded. Neurosurgeons are also a steady and stabilizing force for everyone in their lives, and a source of incredible expertise at work.

Challenges: The Neurosurgeon’s perfectionism can become a fear of failure. They see the world with more skepticism than optimism, and this leads to them saying no to change more than they say yes. They are slow in times of turmoil.

Antidote: The Neurosurgeon must learn to befriend discomfort. They grow by forcing action and decisions at a faster pace than what is typical for them, extending the boundaries of their comfort zone.

This is you if…

• You regularly try out new habits and try to improve what works for you.
• At work, you need lots of space and freedom in your schedule.
• You will take risks if it creates more autonomy for independence.
• When faced with an unexpected challenge, you initially feel annoyed: This wasn’t part of my plan!

Novelists are motivated by freedom: They are unafraid to deviate from the past; thus, they thrive in situations where they are allowed to change directions whenever they want. Freedom gives them the agency to write their own story.

Strengths: The future-­forward Novelist is at the leading edge of their field and up-­to-­date on the latest news. There’s always a bold goal, a big insight, or an exciting book to discuss. Their enthusiasm for proactive change is inspiring to those around them.

Challenges: The Novelist uses change as a way to avoid difficult situations. In hard times, they’d rather pivot than persevere to the finish. Also, when unwanted change rocks the Novelist’s world, they can become overwhelmed and lash out.

Antidote: The Novelist only grows once they learn how to let go of their plans and expectations. When change happens, they must work hard to fight their natural inclinations and embrace reality. Peace comes for the Novelist once they can see the silver lining in unwanted change.

This is you if…

• The wilder a situation gets, the calmer and more focused you become.
• You’re so skilled at in-the-moment responses that you can often neglect planful, future-oriented endeavors. You figure, Everything is always changing. Why waste time with plans that won’t stick?
• You’ll take risks when you have the capacity to deal with the outcome.
• When faced with an unexpected challenge, you initially feel calm: Life is always in flux anyway.

Firefighters are motivated by impact: The Firefighter is an expert at fixing what others believe to be unfixable. Doing work that really matters is a necessity, and they thrive on seeing the tangible results of their efforts.

Strengths: The Firefighter excels when most people would feel stressed out, anxious, or paralyzed. They have an upbeat attitude and a calm demeanor. They see possibility in impossible situations and aren’t deterred by setbacks and surprises. In fact, these shocks keep the Firefighter’s mind sharp and alert.

Challenges: All the time spent fighting fires leaves very little room to be intentional and strategic about the future. Because they do well in emergencies, the Firefighter can tolerate high levels of stress, and sometimes may create chaotic situations, because that’s where they feel comfortable.

Antidote: The Firefighter must push themself to become as adept with proactive change as they are with unwanted change, making the time on a quarterly or annual basis to draw up big­-picture plans.

This is you if…

• You believe that imagination is more important than knowledge.
• You believe that risks are essential to innovation and progress.
• You truly believe that you can do anything you put your mind to.
• When faced with an unexpected challenge, you initially feel accepting: This isn’t what I wanted, but I can make it work.

The Astronaut is motivated by passion: Astronauts follow their passion, whether personal or professional. Their vivid interests and curiosities inform every action and decision. Their intense enthusiasm drowns out any fear, so they hardly register big shifts that can unravel other people.

Strengths: The Astronaut is fast. They are quick to evolve and pivot, moving more swiftly than the other Archetypes. Another gift is authenticity. They are unapologetically themselves, with a unique approach to their life. This combination of speed and passion creates a bold and decisive personality

Challenges: The Astronaut can be so absorbed in their passion that they overlook the boring and tedious details needed to embark on their grand adventure. They may feel like they’re making great strides mentally, but that progress isn’t always reflected in the real world. The Astronaut’s goals may stall from poor follow­through or difficulty rallying others behind their vision.

Antidote: In order to make the most of their natural agility, the Astronaut must learn how to slow down to translate their bold aspirations into digestible and logical components. To find success, they must buckle down to complete the tasks and responsibilities that aren’t their passion but are still necessary.

Even if there were parts of your archetype’s description that didn’t feel 100% like you, don’t dwell on them. The purpose of this exercise is not to match your paradigm perfectly but to give you a thematic lens for self-observation.

These archetypes are intended to be maps, not photorealistic portraits, and like the best maps, they allow for many possible routes. The primary goal is to spend time appreciating you.

Liz Tran is an executive coach to CEOs and leaders and the founder of an AI coaching startup, Inner Genius. She is also the author of the new book ”AQ: A New Kind of Intelligence for a World That’s Always Changing.” Her work has been featured by The New Yorker, The New York Times, TODAY and Bloomberg.

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When Yeli Heidecker and her husband, Benjamin, both 32, decided they were going to downsize to a barndominium — a building designed to look like a barn, but with a traditional living space inside — they started looking for the perfect lot.

In early 2024, the couple purchased a two-acre lot in west-central Texas for $45,000 and began construction on the barndominium. Around the same time, they convinced Yeli’s mom, Liliana Villanueva, to move down and live in an RV on the property.

Yeli says Villanueva was experiencing some health issues at the time. And because she is a stay-at-home mom and content creator, Yeli says it would be easy to be around to help her mom. Plus, the idea of having her kids’ grandmother close by sounded amazing, she adds.

But shortly after the couple moved into the barndominium in late 2025, they began considering a more permanent living arrangement for Villanueva, Yeli says.

“We were afraid she was gonna trip and fall and hurt herself or something. We had the bright idea to do a tiny barndo like ours, but we’ll do it ourselves,” Yeli tells CNBC Make It.

Before taking the DIY route, the Heideckers obtained quotes for a small barndominium measuring about 400 square feet. The quotes ranged from $63,000 to $93,000, so they decided the best option was to do it themselves and stick to a $30,000 budget.

On top of that, Yeli and Benjamin decided to surprise Villanueva by building the tiny home while she was in Mexico visiting family for six weeks.

“I’m not going to sugarcoat it, it was chaotic,” Yeli says. “It was definitely hard, but at the same time, it was so incredibly fulfilling and amazing to see all the work we did.”

The couple hired contractors to handle the shell, electrical work and concrete flooring for the barndominium. The rest of the work, including installing the kitchen, painting the house and putting up the walls and drywall, was done mostly by Benjamin, Yeli says, but she helped out when she wasn’t taking care of their four young children.

“It was special because we built this for Abuela,” Yeli says, using the word for grandmother in Spanish. “It was emotional seeing it finished because of all the memories of my husband and I working on it. It feels like it bonded us on a deeper level.”

When Villanueva returned to Texas in November 2025, she moved into the tiny home even though it wasn’t fully finished.

“It was the most beautiful surprise I could have found after getting back from my trip. I am very happy with it,” Villanueva tells CNBC Make It. “I laugh because the house is small, but I have absolutely everything I need. It’s perfect. I love that I’m close to my daughter and my grandchildren. I feel protected and feel safe.”

“As immigrants, when you come here, you’re fighting the American Dream, and while she’s never owned a home on paper, just seeing her have that for herself was very emotional,” Yeli adds.

The one-bedroom, one-bathroom tiny home fits a washer and dryer as well as a full-size oven, stove and refrigerator. The Heideckers created the layout of the home with Villanueva’s specific needs in mind.

As of January, the only remaining task is tiling the bathroom, which Yeli says will happen soon.

Here’s a breakdown of the major expenses for the tiny home, according to documents reviewed by CNBC Make It. All expenses are rounded.

• Trim: $250
• Paint: $350
• Flooring: $600
• AC mini split: $750
• Cabinets: $1,300
• Plumbing: $1,500
• Drywall and lumber: $1,700
• Electricity: $1,775
• Appliances: $2,000
• Insulation: $2,100
• Miscellaneous: $6,500
• Barn shell: $12,500

In total, the home cost $31,325, including a number of miscellaneous expenses, such as power tools, countertops, lighting and faucets.

Because the tiny home is on the same property as the Heideckers’, it doesn’t have separate utility bills. Instead, the couple covers all monthly expenses, such as water, electricity and gas, while Villanueva pays about $100 a month for cable TV.

Since Villanueva moved in, Yeli says the only thing the couple regrets is not making the tiny home a little bigger, specifically in the bedroom. But for the mother and daughter, the best part is being able to live next to each other.

“It’s nice to see my kids being able to have Grandma just there, especially after we lived away from family for a very long time,” Yeli says.

Although the tiny home isn’t officially finished, Yeli and Villanueva say the barndominium and tiny home are their forever homes, respectively.

“I’m doing very well here and have no plans on ever leaving,” Villanueva says. “I have it very good here and get to enjoy it alongside my family.”

Despite how chaotic the process was for the couple to get the tiny house done in such a short amount of time, Yeli says she would do it all over again — and recommends it to others, too.

“It’s definitely worth it if you have aging parents, but even if you don’t have an aging parent, having a special unit for someone, or when you have family coming over, or something like that, it’s nice,” Yeli says.

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In Japan, snacks are called “oyatsu”: light meals eaten between 2 and 4 p.m. to recharge, and they’re especially important for kids. My own childhood favorites still bring back sweet memories.

Children need constant energy for growth and daily activity, though life can get busy and it’s easy to reach for quick, unhealthy snacks. But I see snacking as a chance for “shokuiku,” or food education, while providing key nutrients.

As a nutritionist and a parent, I focus on real, whole foods that minimize added sugar and ultra-processed ingredients. Basic cooking skills and healthy eating are some of the most valuable life skills you can teach.

To make this practical and sustainable, I divide snacks into three everyday categories. Here are the healthy snacks Japanese parents love feeding their kids.

These are ideal for busy parents and widely available in most grocery stores.

Fruits: Fresh or dried options like bananas, grapes, clementines, goji berries, dates, raisins and mango chips are high in fiber, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. They provide both nutrition and energy density. Perfect for growing kids!

Crackers: Look for whole-grain, multigrain or legume-based crackers. I grew up eating Japanese rice crackers flavored with seaweed, sesame, soy or shrimp. They’re easy, satisfying and low in added sugar. Paired with nuts or fruit, crackers can become an emergency mini-meal.

Seaweed: You can usually find single-serve nori snacks in any grocery store. I like cutting dried kombu into small, chewable pieces. Chewing supports jaw development, digestion and mindful eating, while providing minerals and fiber.

Nuts and beans: Nuts and roasted beans are true grab-and-go snacks rich in healthy fats, protein and minerals. I recommend walnuts for omega-3s, almonds for magnesium and vitamin E, and roasted soybeans for protein and isoflavones (a type of polyphenol). Edamame is also a nutrition powerhouse.

Shokuiku translates to “food and nutrition education.” These are my favorite snacks because they teach lifelong nutrition habits and encourage family connection.

Mochi balls (“dango”)

Ingredients

• ¾ cup (100 g) sweet rice flour (mochiko or shiratamako)
• 150 g silken tofu

Directions

1. In a bowl, mix tofu and rice flour. Knead until the texture resembles a soft earlobe.
2. Shape into small balls (about 10 grams each). Press a small indentation in the center if desired.
3. Boil water and gently drop in the dango. Once they float, continue boiling for about 5 minutes.
4. Transfer to ice water for 5 minutes.

Serve with sweet red bean paste (“anko”), maple syrup, sweet soy sauce, soup or even ice cream.

Tofu dumplings

A lower-sodium, lower-fat alternative to frozen dumplings.

Ingredients

• 14 oz firm tofu, drained
• 3 cups chopped cabbage or coleslaw mix
• ½ cup chopped scallions
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger
• 3 tbsp ground roasted sesame (or 2 tbsp tahini)
• ½ tsp sea salt
• Dumpling wrappers

Directions

Mix all filling ingredients by hand. Place about ½ tablespoon of filling on each wrapper, seal with water, and shape. Pan-fry or steam. Imperfect shapes are welcome!

Small rice balls (“onigiri”)

Use brown rice, multigrain rice or legumes wrapped in nori. Add pickles, fish flakes or seaweed in the center for extra flavor and nutrients.

Hummus or guacamole with vegetables

Use store-bought versions or mash avocado with lemon juice and salt. You can also blend tofu, chickpeas and sesame seeds for a protein-rich dip. Kids love operating the blender.

In Japan, “ofukuro no aji” means “mom’s flavor” — the taste that stays with us for life. These snacks emphasize whole grains, fiber and healthy fats.

Baked or steamed sweet potatoes: Eat as-is or mash with cacao powder, matcha, dates, goji berries or nuts. Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants.

Chia and flax pudding: In a jar, combine chia seeds, ground flax seeds, frozen fruit and milk (unsweetened soy milk works well). Shake and refrigerate overnight. Top with fruit, nuts or dark chocolate chips.

Omega-3 fish pockets: Use canned sardines, mackerel or wild salmon. Drain, add lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, and season with spices. Serve in whole-grain pita with cucumber and tomato.

Chia pancakes: Combine whole wheat or buckwheat flour with chia and flax seeds. Add berries, dark chocolate chips, or a drizzle of maple syrup. Kids can help flip the pancakes, making them both a snack and an interactive cooking experience.

Keep in mind that every child has different needs, so always consult with a doctor or nutritionist before making any drastic dietary changes.

Michiko Tomioka, MBA, RDN is a certified nutritionist and longevity expert. Born and raised Nara, Japan, her approach focuses on a plant-based diet. She has worked in nutritional roles at substance recovery centers, charter schools and food banks. Follow her on Instagram @michian_rd.

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Bitcoin’s latest sell-off may leave investors wondering if they should buy now at bottom-basement prices, sell out and run for the hills or hold tight on the long-term use case.

It also revives a familiar question: What role — if any — should the world’s most widely held cryptocurrency play in your personal investment portfolio?

Bitcoin prices have fallen from a peak of more than $126,000 in October to under $64,000 as of Thursday afternoon — a drop of about 50% in just a few months.

The decline has come even after spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds launched in January 2024, a move that analysts said would bring in more investors and push prices higher. President Donald Trump’s crypto-friendly administration has also been seen as supportive for prices, analysts say.

The pullback comes amid rising geopolitical tensions, increased market volatility and signs of growing investor caution, even as the broader economy has held up.

Historically, bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have tended to respond to periods of elevated market volatility with sharper swings than many traditional assets. Unlike stocks or bonds, crypto prices are driven largely by shifts in investor sentiment and liquidity, making them more sensitive to changes in risk appetite when markets turn cautious, according to a 2023 analysis by S&P Global Ratings.

That dynamic can amplify volatility in both directions. John Blank, chief equity strategist at Zacks Investment Research, said in a CNBC interview on Monday that bitcoin relies heavily on continued demand, which can lead prices to “explode up and down” when buyers or sellers pull back, and warned the cryptocurrency could fall as low as $40,000 if the downturn deepens.

For financial advisors, the sell-off underscores that volatility is part of owning bitcoin.

There is no single right move for bitcoin investors during or after a sell-off. Financial advisors say the decision depends on how bitcoin fits into your broader financial plan and how much volatility you can realistically tolerate. It’s also smart to consult with a trusted financial advisor before making changes to your portfolio.

Historically, bitcoin has moved in pronounced cycles, with sharp price increases often followed by steep pullbacks. While those momentum-driven surges have helped some investors generate significant gains, they have also been followed by declines of 60% or more when sentiment shifts.

“Bitcoin’s recent volatility is a reminder that crypto is still a speculative asset, not a core building block of most portfolios,” says Vered Frank, a certified financial planner and founder of StackWealth. “Big drops after periods of hype show why it’s risky to rely on bitcoin as a standalone wealth-building strategy.”

Frank advises keeping crypto a small part of a diversified portfolio. “A 1% to 5% allocation can make sense for investors with strong financial foundations and high risk tolerance,” she says. “Downturns don’t change crypto’s role, they highlight its uncertainty.”

That volatility, some advisors say, is not a flaw so much as a defining trait.

“Volatility is a feature, not a bug, with bitcoin,” says Douglas Boneparth, a certified financial planner, co-founder of Bone Fide Wealth and member of the CNBC Financial Advisor Council, who has owned bitcoin since 2014. He says bitcoin can have a place in portfolios for some investors with a higher risk tolerance, particularly those who view it as a long-term store-of-value play rather than a short-term trade.

In that view, the latest sell-off does not necessarily undermine the long-term case for owning bitcoin, Boneparth says. Bitcoin’s limited supply and independence from governments and central banks are seen as supporting its value over time, he says.

“If you went into owning bitcoin believing it was a legitimate asset class with long-term opportunity, you have to ask yourself what actually changed” with the recent drop, he says.

Unlike stocks or bonds, bitcoin does not generate income or cash flow, meaning long-term returns depend largely on price appreciation and an investor’s willingness to tolerate sharp swings. That’s why planners who are comfortable with bitcoin at all tend to treat it as a limited, high-risk investment.

That said, the latest swing is a reminder that crypto isn’t essential to a financial plan, says Frank. “For most people, crypto only makes sense as a small part of a diversified portfolio and in an amount they can afford to lose. It shouldn’t replace stocks, bonds or emergency savings,” she says.

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In successful relationships, both partners feel emotionally secure, connected, and comfortable being themselves around each other. But for many of us, romantic relationships can bring out our deepest insecurities.

As a Harvard-trained psychologist who works with couples, I often tell people that emotional security in a relationship starts with seeing yourself as worthy of love, and trusting that your partner is accepting, caring, and truly committed — through the highs and the lows.

Couples who truly trust each other use seven phrases every day, and they should be relationship goals for all of us.

Feeling safe in a relationship means never having to hide parts of yourself. You are comfortable being vulnerable when talking about painful or difficult topics because you trust that your partner will respond with compassion, not judgement.

Similar phrases:

• “Thank you for loving me as I am.”
• “I appreciate that I can be myself with you.”

Trust is the foundation of emotional security. You believe that your partner’s words and actions align, whether you’re together or apart. You know who they are and you believe they have your best interest in mind.

Similar phrases:

• “Thank you for being respectful of me and our relationship.”
• “We’re a team, and I trust that you want what’s best for the both of us.”

Even the most emotionally secure couples have conflict. What differentiates them is how they handle it. They don’t panic or threaten to leave during disagreements because they trust that the relationship can weather the storms.

Similar phrases:

• “One tough phase doesn’t mean it’s over for us.”
• “Let’s figure this out together.”

People who trust their partners don’t feel threatened during time apart. Alone time feels natural. They respect each other’s need for independence, knowing that it strengthens the relationship.

Similar phrases:

• “I’m glad you’re making time for yourself.”
• “Thanks for giving me the space when I need it, too.”

Missing someone doesn’t mean you’re clingy — it means you’re connected. Even when you support each other’s personal space, you still look forward to being together.

Similar phrases:

• “Being apart helps me realize how grateful I am for you.”
• “I’m excited to see you when you get home.”

Secure relationships make room for hard conversations. When something feels off, you’re not afraid to speak up because you believe your partner will be nurturing and listen with care.

Similar phrases:

• “There’s something I’d like to check in about.”
• “I’ve been feeling a little off and I want to make sure we’re okay.”

Looking forward to the future, whether it’s date night or a shared life goal, indicates mutual investment in the relationship. You see your partner in your long-term vision, and they see you in theirs.

Similar phrases:

• “Can we go over our schedules?”
• “I’m really looking forward to our trip.”

Sharing intimate information about ourselves with our partners isn’t easy. It makes us vulnerable — and if we aren’t met with empathy, it can really hurt.

But the goal is to be in a relationship where we can be fully seen, fully known, and fully accepted. It doesn’t happen overnight, though. It requires conscious effort, and it means learning to accept yourself first, seeing your partner for who they truly are, and committing to growing together over time.

Dr. Cortney S. Warren, PhD, is a board-certified psychologist and author of the new book “Letting Go of Your Ex.” She specializes in romantic relationships, addictive behavior, and honesty. She received her clinical training at Harvard Medical School after earning her doctorate in clinical psychology from Texas A&M University. Follow her on Instagram @DrCortneyWarren or Twitter @DrCortneyWarren.

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