Obsess Over Quality: Cal Newport’s 5 Strategies for Excellence

A craftsman carefully making a product illustrates the desire to obsess over quality

Are you tired of feeling rushed and producing mediocre work? Do you want to create high-quality outputs that stand the test of time? Cal Newport writes that a significant aspect of slow productivity is committing to excellence in everything you do. By adopting the mindset of master craftsmen who obsess over quality, knowledge workers can elevate their work and make a lasting impact. Read on to learn strategies for prioritizing excellence and creating work you’re truly proud of.

The Importance of Rest: A Time for Recovery & Growth

A man in the woods wearing a jacket, hat, and backpack, sitting on a log, and journaling illustrates the importance of rest

Are you feeling exhausted and uninspired at work? Is there a secret to boosting your creativity and productivity? The importance of rest cannot be overstated. In his book Willpower Doesn’t Work, Benjamin Hardy explores how effective rest is crucial not only for recovery but also for skill improvement and creativity. Rest allows your mind to wander, fostering new connections and ideas. Keep reading to discover why rest is just as vital as work and how to strike the right balance for optimal performance and well-being.

How to Deactivate Fight-or-Flight: Take Small Actions

A calm, confident woman with black curly hair and her chin resting in her hand illustrates how to deactivate fight-or-flight

Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed by change? Do you want to know how to deactivate fight-or-flight responses that hold you back? Change doesn’t have to be scary. Clinical psychologist Robert Maurer writes that, by taking small, incremental steps, you can bypass your brain’s alarm system and embrace new possibilities with ease. This approach not only reduces fear but also helps build momentum and establish new behaviors. Keep reading to discover how tiny actions can lead to big transformations in your life.

3 Methods of Persuasion: Getting People to Want What You Want

Five coworkers chatting in an open workspace employ various methods of persuasion

Do you know how to influence others effectively? How effective are you at drawing them in and winning them over to your ways of thinking? Mastering the art of persuasion is a valuable skill in all facets of life. In How to Become a People Magnet, Marc Reklau explores three methods of persuasion: leading people to your ideas, appealing to authority, and focusing on positive responses. Keep reading to discover how you can apply these methods in your daily life and increase your ability to influence others.

Visual Hierarchy in Web Design: How to Make Pages Scannable

A bearded man scrolling through a website on a mobile phone illustrates the importance of visual hierarchy in web design

How can you make your website more user-friendly? What design principles help users find information quickly? Visual hierarchy in web design is a crucial concept for creating intuitive, easy-to-navigate websites. It determines the order in which users scan a page, guiding their attention to the most important elements. By using size, color, and spacing strategically, designers can create a logical flow of information. Read more to learn how to implement these principles and make your website more effective.

White Male Supremacy: From Cowboys to Congress (Ijeoma Oluo)

Several men in business suits in a corporate, academic, or governmental setting illustrate white male supremacy

Why do some people regard certain groups as criminals or terrorists? Why is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized? In Mediocre, Ijeoma Oluo provides an eye-opening exploration of white male supremacy in the United States. She discusses the mythology of violence, examines the monopoly on power, and uncovers the tactics used to maintain dominance. Read more to get Oluo’s take on the dynamics of white male supremacy.

How to Save Humanity: Strategies to Neutralize Existential Risks

A life preserver in outer space floating toward Earth illustrates how to save humanity

Are we on the brink of extinction? Can humanity be saved from existential threats? Toby Ord’s book The Precipice explores these pressing questions. He outlines potential catastrophes and offers strategies to prevent them. Ord believes we can take steps to avoid disaster and reach our full potential as a species. Read on to discover how to save humanity and secure a brighter future for generations to come.

How to Prepare for Speaking in Public: Plan for the Worst

A cartoon of a woman at a desk imagining herself speaking at a podium illustrates how to prepare for speaking in public

Are you nervous about speaking in front of a crowd? Do you need to know how to prepare for speaking in public? Overcoming the fear of public speaking can be challenging, but there are strategies to help. If you have a speech or presentation coming up, a quick method involves planning for worst-case scenarios to build up your confidence and readiness. Read on to discover how you can use your imagination to conquer your public speaking anxiety and deliver a memorable presentation.

The Innate Desire for Independence (Adlerian Psychology)

A man walking away from chains on the ground symbolizes the innate desire for independence described in Adlerian psychology

How free do you feel? Is your past holding you back from becoming the person you want to be? Adlerian psychology offers insights into our innate desire for independence and freedom. It provides strategies to focus on what we can control and reframe our past experiences. These ideas can help us overcome obstacles and achieve personal growth. Keep reading to discover how you can take charge of your life and cultivate true independence.

Kicking Confidence Gremlins to the Curb (The Squiggly Career)

A confident career man with a blue shirt and longish brown hair knows how to keep confidence gremlins at bay

Are you struggling with self-doubt in your career? Do you want to boost your confidence and achieve your goals? In The Squiggly Career, Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis share advice on overcoming “confidence gremlins” in the context of nonlinear careers. They offer practical methods to overcome limiting beliefs, acknowledge your successes, and build a strong support system. Read on to learn three ways to build self-confidence as you chase your career dreams.