Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

What Skill Do You Want to Learn? How to Take the First Step

What skill do you want to learn? How should you go about choosing among the countless options? Skill acquisition expert Josh Kaufman provides a step-by-step process for mastering the basics of any new skill with only 20 hours of practice. His system favors efficiency, so the first step is to choose a skill wisely and then attach a specific goal to it. Continue reading to learn how to take the first step toward learning a new skill in a way that sets you up for success.

5 Reasons to Stop Chasing Success: It’s a Treadmill to Nowhere

Do you tend to fixate on your goals? What do success stories often leave out? Common self-help advice encourages you to set and relentlessly pursue goals designed to realize your ideal version of yourself. Oliver Burkeman notes that striving to achieve such goals creates five adverse effects that prevent you from attaining true happiness and success. Keep reading to learn how chasing success too often leads to failure and dissatisfaction.

Exploitation of the Poor: 4 Ways the Rich Keep Them Down

Why are some people poor? Are they keeping themselves down, or are they victims of others who don’t want them to succeed? In Poverty, by America, social scientist Matthew Desmond explores how and why the commonly cited explanations for poverty fall flat. Then he turns his attention to what he believes does explain the persistence of poverty in America. Read on to learn why Desmond thinks the exploitation of the poor is a reality in the US.

How to Enjoy Work: 3 Ways to Turn Drudgery Into Delight

Does work drain you or energize you? Do you look forward to starting your work day, or do you dread it? If all of your enjoyable moments in your day are outside of work hours, Grace Beverley has some good news for you. She says that you don’t need to quit your job or find a new one to find satisfaction throughout your day; you can simply make your current work more enjoyable. Keep reading to discover how to enjoy work by following Beverley’s recommendations.

How to Prepare to Learn a New Skill: 5 Tips for Efficiency

If you want to learn a new skill, should you just dive in? How can you maximize your chances for success and keep from squandering resources? Once you’ve chosen a new skill to learn, Josh Kaufman suggests you conduct research to learn about the skill and prepare what you need to practice it. Acquiring knowledge and information about the skill beforehand allows you to practice smarter and avoid wasting time and energy on ineffective techniques. Read on for Kaufman’s advice on how to prepare to learn a new skill before you start practicing.

3 Drawbacks of Positive Thinking in the Pursuit of Happiness

Are self-help books truly helpful? What common theme has problems of its own? If you’ve explored self-help advice, you’ve likely come across the belief that thinking positively is the only way to achieve true happiness and success. According to Oliver Burkeman, this widely accepted belief has three downsides that impede happiness. Continue reading to learn about these drawbacks of positive thinking.

Poverty, by America Quotes by Matthew Desmond (With Context)

Which developed nation has the most poverty? What effect does poverty have on people? Which comes first: economic security or better choices? In Poverty, by America, Matthew Desmond argues that poverty in the US persists because it benefits many Americans to keep a share of their fellow Americans in a state of want. He issues a call to arms to readers to examine their role in benefiting from and perpetuating the cycle of poverty. Read more for several Poverty, by America quotes that provide insights into the book’s ideas.

Flow State at Work: Where Productivity & Self-Care Meet

Do you ever lose track of time when you’re working? What type of tasks engross you? Grace Beverley brings productivity and self-care together in her book Working Hard, Hardly Working. She says that flow makes productivity a form of self-care because the feeling of being engrossed in a task is joyful and satisfying. Read more to learn why a flow state at work is beneficial and how to achieve it.

14 Technology Addiction Group Discussion Exercises

Do you have a technology addiction? Are you ready to tackle it? Compulsively checking your Instagram feed may seem like a far cry from drug addiction, but the two are more closely related than you might think. The good news is that you can meet your technology addiction head-on by answering questions that get to the root of the issue and provide a path forward. Continue reading for several exercises designed for personal use or as part of a technology addiction group discussion.

3 Obstacles to Learning a New Skill & How to Avoid Them

If you want to learn a new skill, how can you make it easier for yourself? Should you aim for proficiency or mastery? Josh Kaufman says you can gain competency in a skill with just 20 hours of practice. But, you must make the road as smooth as possible first. Before you start practicing a new skill, he recommends that you think ahead and prepare for potential obstacles that might affect the quality of your practice. Let’s look at a few common obstacles to learning a new skill and how to avoid them.