Watching Too Much TV Frays Our Social Fabric (Robert Putnam)

A woman, seen from behind, relaxing on the couch and watching TV illustrates how watching too much TV affects society

Are you glued to your TV screen more than you’re connected to your community? Could watching too much TV be eroding the social fabric of our neighborhoods? In Bowling Alone, Robert Putnam reveals that television viewing significantly drains our social capital. When we spend hours in front of the TV, we miss opportunities for meaningful human connection. The convenience makes it an easy choice after a long day, despite being less fulfilling than social interaction. Read on to discover how television transformed leisure from a community experience into a private activity and what this means for our collective well-being.

How Your Role Models Shape Your Success (Ian Robertson)

A teenage boy and a father or father figure sitting on a couch and having a serious conversation illustrates your role models

What shapes your ability to achieve and maintain success? How do your early-life influences affect your response to challenges and opportunities? In his book The Winner Effect, Ian Robertson explores how your role models’ attitudes toward success influence your own approach. How you handle challenges, setbacks, and opportunities today comes, in part, from how your parents and teachers treated you and how they lived their own lives. Read more to understand the power of role models in your life.

How Generational Attitudes Shape Social Capital (Robert Putnam)

People of different ages (young woman, middle-aged man, elderly woman) illustrate various generational attitudes

What causes entire generations to become less interested in civic life? How did major historical events and technological changes impact America’s social capital? In his book Bowling Alone, Robert Putnam identifies generational attitudes as the primary driver behind America’s declining civic participation. The unique experiences of different generations created distinct perspectives on social responsibility. Read on reading to see how these generational shifts occurred, why social capital flourished after World War II, and what patterns offer hope for rebuilding our connections.

Testosterone and Success: How It Can Propel or Derail You

A smiling professional man in a blue suit jacket and white shirt illustrates the link between testosterone and success

Have you ever wondered how your body chemistry influences your achievements? What happens physically when you taste success, and how does it impact your future performance? The relationship between testosterone and success extends beyond what we might expect. In his book The Winner Effect, Ian Robertson writes that testosterone levels increase when we win, shaping both our confidence and behavior in complex ways. Read on to discover how this powerful hormone can both propel your success and potentially derail it if left unchecked.

The Decline of Social Capital & What’s to Blame (Robert Putnam)

A man bowling alone in a bowling alley illustrates the decline of social capital

What’s caused Americans to become increasingly isolated from one another over the last several decades? How does this disconnection impact our communities and political landscape? In his book Bowling Alone, Robert Putnam tracks how America’s social connections have steadily weakened since the 1960s. He documents the decline of social capital across various aspects of society, from church attendance and bowling leagues to family dinners and political participation. Read on to understand how and why meaningful community bonds have deteriorated.

Neuroscience of Success: 3 Chemical Responses to Understand

Three smiling professionals--two men and one woman--in an open workspace illustrates the neuroscience of success

What chemicals in your brain are connected to your success? How can understanding these chemicals help you make better decisions on your path to achievement? The neuroscience of success reveals how specific brain chemicals and hormones influence your ability to achieve goals and maintain momentum. Neuropsychologist Ian Robertson examines how three of them work together to either propel you forward or hold you back when facing challenges. Keep reading to discover how these powerful chemicals affect your decision-making, social relationships, and long-term performance.

Start Finishing: How to Go From Idea to Done (Charlie Gilkey)

A smiling woman with eyes closed holding an open book

How can you finally transform your big ideas into concrete achievements? What’s stopping you from making progress on the goals that matter most to you? In his book Start Finishing: How to Go From Idea to Done, Charlie Gilkey helps you push through procrastination and focus on real work. He walks you through turning abstract dreams into completable projects by making intentional choices, maximizing your resources, and creating realistic plans. Continue reading for an overview of this book that can help you finish what you start.

The Code of the Extraordinary Mind by Vishen Lakhiani: Overview

A smiling woman holding an open book with bookshelves and a window in the background

Are you living by rules that are holding you back? How can you break free from limiting beliefs imposed by society, culture, and your upbringing to create an extraordinary life? In The Code of the Extraordinary Mind, Vishen Lakhiani offers a framework for questioning inherited beliefs and redesigning your life on your own terms. He provides strategies for developing empowering beliefs, adopting beneficial habits, and finding balance between contentment and aspirations. Read on for an overview of this book from the cofounder of Mindvalley.

Social Unity Can Be Rebuilt: Robert Putnam’s Fourfold Vision

A man's hand connecting people-shaped figures on a whiteboard illustrates social unity

Are we experiencing a decline in community bonds? How can we reverse this societal trend and rebuild meaningful connections? In his book Bowling Alone, Robert Putnam examines the erosion of social unity in America since the 1950s. He offers approaches through education, religious communities, neighborhood design, and internet technologies that could strengthen our communal ties. Continue reading to discover Putnam’s vision for restoring social capital and creating a more connected society in the 21st century.

How to Turn Ideas Into Reality: Why You Can’t “Do” an Idea

A upright light bulb resting on the floor with sparkles around it illustrates how to turn ideas into reality

How can you overcome the gap between generating ideas and actually accomplishing them? What separates ordinary projects from those that truly matter? In his book Start Finishing, Charlie Gilkey explores how to turn ideas into reality through concrete planning and meaningful commitment. He distinguishes between regular projects and authentic projects—work that aligns with your unique talents and creates positive change. Read more to learn about overcoming psychological barriers, intentionally curating your project list, and strategically deciding which endeavors deserve your full attention.