Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

How to Become Emotionally Agile in 4 Clear Steps (Susan David)

Are you honest with yourself about your emotions? Do you allow yourself to feel? Do your values lead toward your ideal future? You don’t have to let narratives—or your emotional responses to them—control you. Instead, you can be emotionally agile—viewing events and emotions objectively and responding deliberately. To do this, label your emotions, accept your emotions, view your emotions objectively, and choose your values. Keep reading to learn how to become emotionally agile by engaging in this four-part process put forth by Susan David in her book Emotional Agility.

Peter Attia: Carbs Probably Should Take a Back Seat in Your Diet

What are your blood sugar levels? Why is it important to know this if you want to figure out the right amount of carbs you should include in your diet? According to Peter Attia, carbs are something you need to watch if you want to lengthen your lifespan. Too many carbs in your diet can lead to deadly chronic diseases. So, you need to get a handle on how your body processes carbs in order to determine the right amount for you. Read more to understand how carbs affect the body and long-term health and to figure out how much

The Question That Unleashes Joy: “What Am I Grateful For?”

Are you chasing happiness? What if you could catch up to it right now? Warren Berger says he has the answer, and it’s a question. His book A More Beautiful Question contains several types of inquiries that he says you should make in order to find success. But, the most beautiful question is the one that can bring you satisfaction immediately: “What am I grateful for?” Read on to learn why this question is so powerful.

The Importance of Instruction in Skills Mastery: Don’t Go It Alone

Are you trying to master a skill? Do you have an instructor? What role should an instructor play in your pursuit of mastery? In Mastery, writer and educator George Leonard describes in detail how you can walk the path of the master—the life lived in disciplined dedication to your chosen skill, craft, or art. He says that you shouldn’t walk this path alone; you should take along an instructor. Continue reading to understand the importance of instruction as you pursue mastery.

Active vs. Passive Personality: How to Communicate With Each

Are you active or passive in your approach to action? What about the people around you? When you understand how people operate, it’s easier to communicate with them effectively and work with them toward a goal. Communication and influencing language expert Shelle Rose Charvet discusses active vs. passive personality and shares tips on how to speak each language. Keep reading for her practical advice as well as a broader discussion about active and passive behavior.

Focus on the Future, Not the Past: Living an Emotionally Agile Life

Do you let your emotional investment in something keep you from moving on when you should? If so, are you missing out on something of even greater value? Clinical psychologist and management consultant Susan David says that emotional agility entails getting real about life and your emotional responses to it. Instead of living by false narratives, you live by true values. Part of the emotionally agile life is having a focus on the future, not the past. Read on to learn how this principle can help you start living by your values and avoid falling back into the trap of

Fats in Your Diet: Peter Attia Weighs in on Olive Oil & Other Fats

How well does your body process saturated fat? Are fats unhealthy? Are some fats more detrimental than others? According to physician Peter Attia, olive oil in your diet is a good thing. That’s generally true for all monounsaturated fats. In his book Outlive, he explains why this type of fat is more healthy for you than polyunsaturated fats and saturated fats. Keep reading to learn the basic ins and outs of fats in your diet.

3 Questions You Should Ask Yourself to Find Fulfillment in Life

Are you going through life on autopilot? Would you like to find more direction and satisfaction? Author Warren Berger started his career as a journalist. That’s when he re-learned the importance of asking questions—an art that we usually lose after childhood. He says that asking questions about your own life can help you discover what makes you happy or what your life purpose is. Keep reading for three questions you should ask yourself if you want to understand where you are and where you’re headed.

Practice and Mastery: For a Master, “Practice” Is a Noun

Is “practice” a noun or a verb? In which sense is it more important for someone who’s pursuing mastery? If you’re a master, you practice your skill. But, you also have a practice. Ultimately, you live and embody a practice. In Mastery, writer and educator George Leonard explains that mastery is not just an ability or an accomplishment; it’s a way of life. Read more to learn about practice and mastery, according to Leonard.

How to Leverage Positive and Negative Motivation to Spur Action

Are you more motivated by promises or by threats? What about the people around you? Communication and influencing language expert Shelle Rose Charvet says that you can figure out whether someone is wired for positive or negative motivation. Then, you can use that information to influence and incentivize them. Continue reading to learn how to leverage positive and negative motivation in others—and yourself.