The World's Best Book Summaries
What should you do first—create a product or figure out how to sell it? Why do people buy products? Everyone has problems, needs, and desires. Entrepreneur and marketing expert Seth Godin says that effective business people know how to tap into those—creating products that solve customers’ problems and fill their wants and needs. Keep reading to learn why Godin promotes problem-solving marketing.
How do habits form? What is the biological program of a habit? A habit is something you do without thinking because the behavior is programmed into your brain as an automatic response. There are several components to this biological “program”: the cue, the routine, the reward, the craving, repetition, and the belief. Keep reading to learn about the habit-creation process.
Why should you pay attention to your body language if you want to make a great first impression? Do you give closed body language cues without even knowing it? Your body language determines people’s first impressions of you. So, it’s important to understand the various body language cues and learn to leverage them if you want people to find you open and welcoming. Keep reading to learn how to exhibit approachable body language around others.
Do you have a bad habit you want to get rid of? How can you change your habits permanently? Different experts suggest different methods for cultivating habits and breaking bad ones. These methods can be combined for maximum effectiveness so you can erase bad habits for good. Learn how to change habits permanently with the help of experts.
How do children deal with the death of an abusive parent? What can you learn from Jennette McCurdy’s own experience with her abusive mother, Debra? In her memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died, Jennette McCurdy describes how she coped with her mother’s death when she was younger. Despite her mother being emotionally and physically abusive toward her, McCurdy found it difficult to accept that Debra ever harmed her. Let’s look at how McCurdy dealt with such a big loss, and how you can learn from her experience.
What does the science of habits tell us about our brains? What are the different models of habit formation? There are two primary models for understanding habits and how they form. With minor variations, most authors describe habits in the same way, which we’ll call the Standard Model. Meanwhile, in Tiny Habits, Stanford behavioral scientist BJ Fogg presents the Fogg Behavior Model, a different approach to understanding habits. Let’s look at the two models of habits that are often in conflict with one another.
Do you feel uneasy about attending social events? Do you lack confidence when talking to people outside of your social circle? It’s easy to think that you need to change something about yourself before you can boldly meet new people. But, communication experts say that the solution entails looking outward at others rather than inward at yourself. Also, some strategic preparation can go a long way. Continue reading to learn how to overcome social anxiety and shyness by focusing on others and coming prepared.
How is Zen Buddhism different from traditional Buddhism? How does it view awakening and meditation? What are wu-hsin and dhyana? Zen borrowed several concepts from earlier traditions, and it developed some of its own philosophies. That makes it a unique offering in Eastern thought. Alan Watts explores the ideas that differentiate Zen from other schools of Buddhism. Continue reading to learn about the three primary distinctions of Zen Buddhism.
How does a habit loop start? How can you make a good habit stick in the loop? According to Charles Duhigg, the habit loop is a neurological loop that causes habits to develop and stick. It consists of three parts: the cue, routine, and reward. Continue reading to learn how the habit loop works and how to stop it.
What are the four main stages of life? Why is it important to understand these stages? The Good Life by Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz defines the stages of life as adolescence, young adulthood, midlife, and late life. They argue that understanding these stages will help you better meet the challenges you’re facing in your life and be more empathetic to people in different life stages. Discover more about the stages of life so you can understand yourself and others better.