How to Build Willpower: Treat It Like a Battery

An orange AA battery on its side illustrates how to build willpower by treating it like a battery that drains and charges

Many people operate under the belief that willpower is an unlimited resource—a well of strength we can dip into whenever we need to push through a challenge. However, in The ONE Thing, Gary Keller explains that this is a dangerous misconception. The truth is that willpower is a finite energy source that depletes as the day goes on. Understanding this “battery” model of self-control is the first step in learning how to build willpower that actually lasts. Keep reading to learn how to stop blaming a lack of character and start managing your energy more strategically by recognizing that your

Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy: Book Overview & Lessons

The silhouette of a person hiking to the peak of a mountain

In Inner Excellence, performance coach Jim Murphy argues that chasing external achievements like promotions, trophies, or perfect scores creates a cycle of temporary satisfaction followed by endless wanting. Instead, he presents a counterintuitive approach: focus on developing yourself from the inside out through mastering your values, beliefs, emotions, and mental focus. When you shift your attention from external validation to internal development, you naturally perform better under stress while experiencing the sense of purpose and aliveness that external success promises but rarely delivers. Keep reading for a full book overview.

Get It Done: Surprising Lessons From the Science of Motivation

A man on a mountaintop triumphantly raising his arm represents Get It Done: Surprising Lessons From the Science of Motivation

Why do so many people struggle to stick with their goals, even when they start with the best intentions? What if the problem isn’t your willpower, but how you design and pursue your objectives? Ayelet Fishbach’s Get It Done: Surprising Lessons From the Science of Motivation reveals science-backed strategies for achieving what matters most. Fishbach’s approach shows how to craft compelling objectives, push through the inevitable middle slump, and balance competing priorities without burning out. Read on to discover how small changes in your goal-setting strategy can improve your success rate and help you finally accomplish what you’ve been putting

Why Shortform Is the Best App for Productivity & Habits

A man sitting at a table with a coffee who is using the Shortform app on his phone

Time feels more limited than ever, and it’s easy to get pulled in a dozen directions at once. You might’ve already tried productivity apps, color-coded calendars, and endless to-do lists, but they don’t always help and can sometimes cause you to become even more stressed.  Shortform takes a different approach. While Shortform is known mostly as a premium book summary app, it’s also one of the best apps for productivity. Here’s why. Get to the Important Stuff, Faster  Shortform has an impressive library of productivity books—from timeless classics like Getting Things Done and Atomic Habits to newer titles like The

Stick With It by Sean Young: Book Overview & Takeaways

A confident woman with curly dark hair, dark suit jacket, and crossed arms

Do your New Year’s resolutions fall apart by February? What if the problem isn’t your willpower, but your approach to change itself? In Stick With It, Sean Young offers a refreshing perspective. The UCLA psychologist’s research-backed method focuses on working with your brain’s natural tendencies rather than fighting against them. Young’s “SCIENCE framework” provides seven tools that make lasting transformation possible. Read on to discover how matching the right strategies to your specific type of behavior can finally help you create changes that actually stick.

Wild Courage by Jenny Wood—Book Overview & Takeaways

A drawing of a business woman reading a book and drinking from a mug while sitting in a chair by a window

Are you letting fear hold you back from your goals? How can you muster the courage it takes to go after what you want? In Wild Courage, Jenny Wood explains that many people struggle in their lives and careers because they’re afraid of taking the bold actions necessary to succeed. To become a success, Wood says to be courageous and act boldly—be authentic, driven, curious, persuasive, and don’t be afraid to lead others.  Continue reading for an overview of Wild Courage.

Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well (Overview)

A woman reading a book with the word "FAILED" behind her on a wall

Do you cringe when things don’t go according to plan? Is your fear of failure holding you back from success? Amy Edmondson’s book Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well can help you turn your defeats into stepping stones for growth. Edmondson’s process involves learning from past failures to achieve better outcomes in the future, putting a positive spin on mistakes and setbacks. Read more in our book overview of Right Kind of Wrong.

Ikigai & Kaizen by Anthony Raymond—Book Overview

A woman reading a book while sitting in a Japanese garden

Do you struggle to take action and make progress toward your goals? How can you overcome the three most common obstacles to reaching your goals? In Ikigai & Kaizen, Anthony Raymond suggests that three obstacles contribute to this struggle—insufficient motivation, unawareness of self-sabotaging behaviors, and fear of taking action. He argues that you can overcome these obstacles by integrating three Japanese strategies: ikigai, hansei, and kaizen. Continue reading for an overview of Ikigai & Kaizen and learn how to reach your goals.

Fumio Sasaki’s 4 Minimalism Tips (From Goodbye, Things)

A minimalist living room that contains a white couch and a side table with a plant next to a large window

Do you want to be a minimalist but struggle to let go of things? How can you keep yourself from buying more stuff? In his book Goodbye, Things, minimalist Fumio Sasaki shares his recommendations for transitioning into a minimalist lifestyle. He explains that minimalism isn’t just about throwing things away; rather, it’s a complete mindset shift. Continue reading for Fumio Sasaki’s minimalism tips.

Motivated to Succeed: How Drive Can Make a Huge Difference

A drawing of a smiling woman with closed eyes and arms raised in victory illustrates motivation to succeed

Are you struggling to achieve lasting success in your career or personal goals? What truly drives people who consistently accomplish their ambitions? Your motivation to succeed can make all the difference between mediocre results and exceptional achievement. In his book The Winner Effect, Ian Robertson explains that those driven by internal rewards tend to outperform people focused solely on external rewards. Read on to discover how identifying your true motivations can lead to sustainable success.