The World's Best Book Summaries
What part of the brain causes depression? What’s the difference between the right and left side of the brain? Author Mo Gawdat explains that a processing error in the brain occurs when we use the wrong side of our brain to process information. Overusing the left side of the brain can cause you to overanalyze things and block emotions, which leads to depression. Read more to learn why left-brain dominance can cause mental health problems.
What are the two types of denial? What are ways you may delay reaching your goals? One certain thing is that, no matter what your goals are in life, something will get in your way. Though unforeseeable circumstances are, by definition, unpredictable, you can predict that something will go wrong and prepare yourself so you won’t get stopped indefinitely. Keep reading to learn about two types of denial that make it hard to move forward in life.
What causes depression in the brain? How does inaccurate information influence your emotional state? Mo Gawdat identifies four processing errors that cause our brains to produce unhappiness. In That Little Voice In Your Head, he discusses each error and explains why it causes you to feel down in the dumps. Discover more about the four brain errors that prevent you from experiencing happiness.
Are you feeling stuck in your life and career? What are the mental barriers you must overcome to reach success? A problem you’ll probably face in life is hitting a wall, whether it’s in your career, an important relationship, or a creative endeavor. Adam Alter breaks down some common characteristics of this experience, from the inevitable slowdowns in the middle of long-term projects to the traps that can sabotage progress. Let’s look at the factors that are keeping you stuck in a mental hole.
What role do emotions play in negotiations? What forms of emotional manipulation can you use while negotiating? Herb Cohen notes that negotiators in the win-lose mindset can profit from emotional manipulation. That is, you do anything you can to evoke a specific emotional reaction from the other party that will help you get your way. Here’s how to handle the other party’s emotions in negotiations so you can win.
Do you know how to feel positive emotions? How does connecting with other people make you feel good? Ali Abdaal says there are three sources of positive emotions that he calls energizers. While there are any number of things that can help you feel good—and therefore make you more productive—they all tie back to one or more of these fundamental sources. Let’s discuss each of Abdaal’s three sources of well-being: having fun, empowering yourself, and connecting with other people.
What is symphorophilia’s meaning? Is it real? Symphorophilia, meaning the love of disasters, is a condition in which people find sexual pleasure in witnessing an accident. In some cases, the condition has driven people to destructive acts. For more on this condition, read this excerpt below summarizing a portion of Bailey Sarian’s Murder, Mystery & Makeup.
Do you experience both anxiety and procrastination? Did you know they might be closely related to each other? Ali Abdaal says that people tend to put off doing things—even things they want to do—when they’re worried about what the outcome might be. For example, people are often hesitant about starting a new hobby because they’re worried about looking foolish in front of more experienced hobbyists. Check out how anxiety can turn into procrastination.
What’s feel-good productivity? Do you want to feel energetic while working? According to Ali Abdaal, productivity doesn’t have to be hard. There’s a way to get your work done while also feeling good about yourself and the tasks you’ve accomplished. Keep reading if you’re tired of feeling burned out while working.
What’s the science of productivity? Why is Ali Abdaal’s feel-good productivity effective? When work feels good, it energizes you instead of draining you, meaning you can get a lot more done. Therefore, the best type of productivity not only boosts your emotional well-being, it also benefits the people who rely on you. Take a closer look at how productivity, particularly Abdaal’s model, keeps you energized throughout the day.