Darya Sinusoid, Author at Shortform Books

Why and How to Write a Relationship Agreement

What is a “relationship agreement”? What are some things you should agree on with your partner before deciding to be in a relationship? A relationship agreement is a contract that lays out the rules and expectations that partners have with regard to their relationship. It may seem oddly formal to sign a contract that binds your romantic relationship. But if you don’t set an agreement, it will exist anyway—in an implicit, presumptuous form. Here’s why you should write a relationship agreement, according to dating coach Logan Ury.

How to Work Well With Others: Learn People’s Motivations

Are you a cooperative person? Why is the ability to cooperate effectively with other people so important? No matter how empowered and motivated you are, there will always be limits to what a single person can achieve. Therefore, you need to learn how to work well with others. To that end, you must understand what motivates people on a deep, fundamental level. Here’s why knowing what makes people tick is the key to effective cooperation, according to Tony Robbins.

The Fight-or-Flight Response: What It Is & How It Aids Survival

What is the fight-or-flight response? How can the fight-or-flight response work against you? The fight-or-flight response is a physiological reaction to a perception of threat. It mobilizes your physiological resources to prepare you to face danger. However, this response has negative effects, too: when you perceive danger where there isn’t any, you experience unwarranted fear and anxiety. Keep reading to learn about the psychology of the fight-or-flight response and how it aids survival.

The Best Books About Creativity and Innovation

Can anyone become a creative person? Or is creativity a special talent akin to high IQ? Contrary to a common misconception, creativity isn’t a prerogative of a few gifted minds, but rather a force that lies dormant within each of us. One way you can tap into your creative potential is to read the works of accomplished creative minds. Here’s a roundup of the best books about creativity from our library.

Cancer Progression Explained: How Does Cancer Evolve?

How does cancer evolve from a single cell to a malignant tumor? Why is cancer so persistent in its efforts to survive and spread? According to Dr. Jason Fung, cancer is ultimately a living species that operates by the same principles as all living organisms: It grows, feeds, reproduces, and fights for survival. Using this new model of cancer as a separate species, Fung describes cancer progression as a three-phase process. Here’s how cancer evolves and becomes malignant.

Numbers Don’t Lie: Book Overview (Vaclav Smil)

What is Vaclav Smil’s Numbers Don’t Lie about? What is the key message to take away from the book? In his book Numbers Don’t Lie, Canadian scientist and economist Vaclav Smil wants to help you understand the world by understanding numbers and statistics. Numbers can help you see the world more clearly, but only if you know what they’re actually saying. Below is a brief overview of Vaclav Smil’s Numbers Don’t Lie: 71 Things You Need to Know About the World.

Peter Senge: Mental Models (Discipline 2)

What are “mental models” in Peter Senge’s The Fifth Discipline? What can you, as a leader, do to create a company culture where people strive to constantly grow and update their knowledge in line with new information? Mental models are the second discipline in Peter Senge’s framework for creating a learning organization. In practice, this means improving your ability to see the big picture by constantly assessing and updating what you think you know. Keep reading to learn about the discipline of mental models and how you can implement it in your organization.

The 3 Types of Stress Response, Explained

The 25 Cognitive Biases: Instinctive Reaction Tendency

How do psychologists define stress? What are the three types of stress response? According to psychologist Kelly McGonigal, stress is your response when something valuable to you is at risk. Depending on the stress trigger and your perception of it, McGonigal defines three types of stress response: the fight-or-flight (threat) response, the challenge response, or the tend-and-befriend response. Below, we’ll examine each one.

The Power of NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming)

What is NLP (neuro-linguistic programming)? How can the NLP method help you reprogram your mind for success? Neuro-linguistic programming is a set of techniques aimed at changing one’s behavioral patterns or thinking processes. It is premised on the principle of modeling: You copy what somebody else does to achieve the desired result. Keep reading to learn about the power of NLP, according to Tony Robbins.

Things to Consider Before Moving in Together

When is the right time to move in together? What are some things you should consider before deciding to cohabitate? Moving in together is a huge milestone in a romantic relationship. You should approach it seriously by carefully evaluating your and your partner’s expectations to ensure you’re on the same page about your relationship. Here are a few things to consider before moving in together, according to dating coach Logan Ury.