Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

How to Be a Moral Person: Rethinking Empathy’s Role in Morality

Do we need empathy to understand and practice morality? What should guide our moral decisions? In Against Empathy, psychologist Paul Bloom argues that we rely too heavily on our emotions—especially empathy—to guide our judgments, decisions, and behavior. He suggests that our empathic responses to other people can lead us away from the morally good and right course of action. Read more to learn how to be a moral person by putting empathy in what Bloom believes is its proper place.

When Are You Most Creative? Identify Your Focus Period

When are you most creative? What’s your chronotype? Do you leverage this information for maximum creativity and productivity? You have a particular rhythm of energy and alertness. When you’re aware of your ebbs and flows, you can schedule your day accordingly. This can help you maximize your creative work. Read on to get practical tips from creativity coach Mark McGuinness and bestselling authors Daniel H. Pink and Cal Newport.

Fear of Wasting Time: How Doing Less Makes Us More Anxious

How valuable is your time? Does the “time is money” mentality make you anxious? In her book Do Nothing, Celeste Headlee writes that, for many people, time feels scarce and too valuable to squander. She argues that the modern pressure to constantly be productive stems, in part, from changing perceptions of how valuable one’s time is. Keep reading to learn about the fear of wasting time and where it comes from.

Your Business’s Long-Term Objectives & Its Ultimate Aspiration

How can every employee contribute to an organization’s objectives? Why is it important to set both short-term and long-term goals? In When They Win, You Win, employee experience expert Russ Laraway explains how you, as a manager, are responsible for helping your team contribute to your business’s goals. He divides these objectives into four tiers, starting with shorter-term goals and culminating in the company’s long-term goal. Read more to learn about a business’s long-term objectives and its ultimate aspiration—and how these complement each other.

Why a Consistent Schedule Is Important for Creative Work

Do you work on your creative pursuits only when inspiration strikes you? Do you tend to start more than you finish? Often, creatives are thought of as free and unstructured. But, successful creative professionals know the importance of a consistent schedule. Not only can a routine help you follow through and get things done, but it also can spark creativity and confidence. Read more to learn about the importance of a consistent schedule with insights from Gretchen Rubin and James Clear.

The Bigger Leaner Stronger Workout: Get Strong & Healthy Fast

What’s the most significant driver of muscle growth? How often should you strength train? How can you make sure you cover all of the major muscle groups? Michael Matthews promotes progressive tension overload—a workout approach that maximizes muscle growth. In his book Bigger Leaner Stronger, he teaches you how to apply this technique to your personal fitness goals and get strong and healthy fast. Continue reading to understand the principles of the Bigger Leaner Stronger workout and to learn how to create a plan for yourself.

The Downside of Empathy: 5 Ways It Harms More Than Helps

When is kindness not in harmony with morality? Why is empathy unsustainable? Yale psychologist Paul Bloom makes a case against empathy—specifically, emotional empathy. He argues that emotional empathy reinforces our biases, motivates actions that are kind but morally wrong, prioritizes individuals over groups, wears us out, and even motivates violence. Continue reading to learn about the downside of empathy.

How to Use Empathetic Parenting to Meet 3 Big Challenges

Do your children ever throw tantrums? Do they fight with each other? Are they scared or anxious sometimes? Dr. Becky Kennedy discusses the importance of empathy in parenting in her book Good Inside. She identifies common parenting challenges and explains how you can use empathy as a tool to deal with tantrums, sibling rivalry, and kids who are fearful, anxious, or crying. Keep reading to understand the power of empathetic parenting and how you can use this practical tool with your children.

How to Get Your Kids to Listen: 3 Tools to Elicit Cooperation

Do your kids ignore you when you tell them to do something? Do they talk back or attempt to negotiate? Clinical psychologist Dr. Becky Kennedy is also a mother of three, so she knows the struggle. She recommends using connection, validation, and playfulness to make your interactions less confrontational and more effective. Continue reading to learn how to get your kids to listen with these three tools.

How to Practice Intentional Focus: Choosing to Stay on Task

Do you struggle to stay on task? How much more could you get done if you stayed focused? Focus doesn’t just happen; it’s a result of a decision you make. Manage Your Day-to-Day provides advice on practicing intentional focus, including setting up the right environment, handling internal discomforts to minimize distractions, focusing for longer periods of time, and embracing boredom. Read more to learn about these practical tips from Dan Ariely, Chris Bailey, Nir Eyal, Cal Newport, and Leo Babauta.