The World's Best Book Summaries
What is a vulnerability armor? Why are we so afraid of appearing vulnerable to the outside world? We are afraid of what makes us feel most vulnerable, and we are especially afraid of allowing others to see those areas. If you don’t trust that you’re worthy of being seen as you are, your fear can cause you to put up a vulnerability armor to shield your true self. Keep reading to learn about the three types of vulnerability armor.
What is auftragstaktik? How is it different from the conventional command-central military culture? Auftragstaktik is a form of military tactic where the emphasis is on the outcome of a battle as opposed to the specifics involved in executing it. This military philosophy has been inspired by the German general Moltke who believed that flexibility and critical thinking are more important in a battle than following protocol and commands. Keep reading to learn about the principle of auftragstaktik and how it has been implemented in military and business contexts.
Is it a good idea to use humor in a speech or presentation? What type of humor is safe to use in public speaking? Incorporating humor in a speech is a great way to engage your audience. However, not all humor is created equal. Only certain types of humor are safe to use in public speaking. Here is how to use humor in a speech.
What is temptation bundling? How can it help you incorporate new habits into your life? Temptation bundling is the practice of pairing two activities—something you enjoy doing and something you’d rather put off. The idea is that bundling an unpleasant task with an activity that you like doing will reduce the resistance towards it over time. Keep reading to learn about temptation bundling.
What is the difference between system 1 and system 2 thinking? What are the cognitive processes that underlie these two thinking modes? Psychologists often describe human minds as operating on two thinking modes: system 1 and system 2 thinking. System 1 governs unconscious thinking patterns that run without our conscious awareness. System 2, on the other hand, governs deliberation and conscious reasoning. Keep reading to learn about system 1 and system 2 thinking.
What is the best way to approach relationship conflict? What can you do to resolve it in a healthy, constructive way before it escalates into an argument? In a healthy relationship, conflict is unavoidable. Couples that don’t have conflicts will end up falling out of love because of suppressed emotions. The key to handling relationship conflict is not to allow it to escalate into a full-blown argument, and when it does, discuss it in a constructive manner. Here is how to handle relationship conflict in a healthy way.
What is probabilistic thinking? How do probabilistic thinkers approach problems differently from an average person? Probabilistic thinking is essentially an approach to predicting an outcome of a situation or the likelihood of a future event. Most people tend to estimate probabilities in terms of “yes” or “no” options. In contrast, probabilistic thinkers think in terms of percentages. Keep reading to learn about the psychology of probabilistic thinking.
What do we know about the neuroscience of behavior change? What are the brain processes involved in the encoding and reinforcing of habitual behavior? The neuroscience of behavior change studies the brain processes involved in the formation and modification of behavior patterns. In simple terms, the encoding of new behavior is underpinned by a neuroplastic change in the brain, which is powered by the release of the pleasure chemical dopamine. Keep reading to learn about the neuroscience of behavior change.
What are the defining characteristics of growth and fixed mindsets? What is the belief system behind each mindset? The concept of growth and fixed mindsets was developed by American psychologist Carol Dweck. People with a growth mindset believe that skill excellence and accomplishment are achieved through practice. In contrast, people with a fixed mindset attribute success to inborn abilities. Read about the characteristics of growth and fixed mindsets.
How do women behave when stressed? How do women with stress act differently from men with stress? Women under stress respond in a manner that is typically opposite to men’s. While men prefer to retreat and keep their problems to themselves, women seek release by talking them out. Read about women’s stress responses and what you can do to help your partner cope.