Emily Kitazawa

Emily found her love of reading and writing at a young age, learning to enjoy these activities thanks to being taught them by her mom—Goodnight Moon will forever be a favorite. As a young adult, Emily graduated with her English degree, specializing in Creative Writing and TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), from the University of Central Florida. She later earned her master’s degree in Higher Education from Pennsylvania State University. Emily loves reading fiction, especially modern Japanese, historical, crime, and philosophical fiction. Her personal writing is inspired by observations of people and nature.

Actionable Gamification by Yu-Kai Chou: Book Overview

5 Steps to Practicing Empathy in the Workplace

Looking for an overview of Actionable Gamification by Yu-Kai Chou? Why are businesses turning to game mechanics to motivate customers and employees? Games have the power to unlock deep reserves of human motivation that drive customer and employee behavior. In Actionable Gamification, Yu-Kai Chou explains why many businesses that try to incorporate game elements into their business strategy end up failing. Keep reading for a brief overview of Actionable Gamification by Yu-Kai Chou.

What Is the Purpose of Sadness? The Benefits of Being Sad

What’s the purpose of sadness? Why is sadness such an important emotion? Can sadness be beneficial? Sadness is often seen as a negative emotion—something to be avoided or suppressed—but according to best-selling author Susan Cain, it serves a powerful purpose in our lives. In her book Bittersweet, Cain argues that sadness is a prosocial emotion that inspires compassion and empathy for others. Read on to learn what the purpose of sadness is and why it’s so important, according to Cain.

How to Make a Daily Routine for Yourself (and Stick to It!)

Looking to learn how to make a daily routine for yourself? What strategies do productivity experts suggest? If you want to make the most of your time and be more productive, learning how to make a daily routine for yourself is the first step. Experts agree that learning to prioritize your tasks, protect your focus time, and align your priorities with your values sets the foundation for a fulfilling daily routine. Read on to learn how to make and maintain a daily routine for yourself, according to five expert tips.

Mark Manson’s Everything Is F*cked: Overview & Takeaways

Why are we becoming more and more unhappy despite improved living conditions? Why do we have a mental health crisis? Mark Manson argues that the hope that makes us feel fulfilled inevitably leads us to harm ourselves and others. Thus, to be happy as individuals and thrive as a species, we need to find a source of fulfillment that doesn’t rely on hope for a better future. Keep reading for an overview of Mark Manson’s Everything Is F*cked.

Gamification Rewards: How to Use Them in Business & Marketing

What are gamification rewards? What are the different types? How can you use gamification in your business? According to Yu-kai Chou, gamification rewards can make or break a game, and designing them effectively for your business can be a challenge. In his book Actionable Gamification, he explains that the key to motivating players with rewards is randomness and mystery. Read on to learn how to design the most effective gamification rewards, according to Chou.

Is the Housing Market Crashing? What the Experts Predict

Suburban Flight and The Role of The Government

Is the housing market crashing or is it normalizing? Why do experts offer varied viewpoints on this subject? As the U.S. emerges from the pandemic-fueled housing boom—with high mortgage rates, a potential recession, and now the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank—many are wondering if the housing market is crashing again. As experts offer differing opinions, it can be difficult to determine the market’s future. Read on to discover experts’ viewpoints on the housing market and whether it’s crashing or normalizing.

Empathetic Connections: How & Why They Form

What are empathetic connections? What purpose do they serve? How do we form these connections? According to Susan Cain, empathetic connections are the roots of our humanity, allowing us to feel the pain of others or extend compassion to anyone who needs it. From our evolutionary past to our modern day, empathy has played a critical role in strengthening our social ties. Read on to learn about empathetic connections, including how and why we form these bonds.

Create an Action Plan on How to Achieve Goals: 5 Expert Tips

Want to learn how to create an action plan on how to achieve goals? How can you choose what to focus on and start planning? If you’re struggling to figure out where to focus your energy, creating an action plan can help you prioritize and take actionable steps toward achieving your goals. According to experts, knowing where to focus your energy is the most essential step you must take when goal setting. Read on to learn how to achieve your goals by creating an action plan.

Mark Manson’s Philosophy: Find Meaning Without Hope

What’s Mark Manson’s philosophy of life? How does he say we can live a more meaningful existence? Mark Manson is an accomplished author of self-help books that delve into personal development and philosophy. In his book Everything Is F*cked, he explores his own life philosophy, arguing that it’s better to live for the present moment and to help yourself and others to feel fulfilled. Keep reading to learn about Mark Manson’s life philosophy, according to his book Everything Is F*cked.

Gaming Motivation: Positive vs. Negative Motivations for Players

What is gaming motivation? How do video games positively and negatively motivate players? In Actionable Gamification, Yu-kai Chou explains that understanding positive and negative gaming motivations is essential if you want to keep players motivated and engaged. By blending both motivations, you can create a game that players will stay invested in for the long term. Read on to learn more about positive and negative gaming motivations, according to Chou.