Self-Improvement Archives

Deviate by Beau Lotto: Book Overview & Takeaways

How do you know the world you see around you is real? It’s not, according to neuroscientist and entrepreneur Beau Lotto. In Deviate, Lotto explains that our brains don’t simply record the world as it is, but actively construct reality based on past experiences and evolutionary adaptations. Below, we’ll explain how our perceptual abilities don’t give us access to objective reality, as well as the evolutionary reasons why this is true. Then, we’ll outline how you can use this understanding of your brain’s abilities to change the way you think and foster innovation. Read more in our overview.

Unplug by Richard Simon: Overview, Lessons, & Exercises

A girl unplugging her cell phone from its charger

Do you reach for your smartphone dozens of times a day, even when you don’t need it? If so, you’re not alone. You’re caught in a cycle that affects millions of people worldwide—one where the very device designed to make life easier has become a source of distraction, anxiety, and disconnection. The solution isn’t about finding better apps or setting screen time limits; it requires a complete shift in focus away from constant digital stimulation and toward intentional, meaningful engagement with your real-world priorities. In his book Unplug, Richard Simon argues that breaking free from smartphone dependency demands radical action:

Me, But Better by Olga Khazan: Book Overview & Lessons

A woman looking at herself in the mirror and smiling

What if the anxious, disorganized, or introverted parts of your personality aren’t permanent fixtures, but changeable patterns you can reshape? Most people assume their personality traits are fixed characteristics they simply have to live with, but emerging research reveals otherwise: personality is malleable. In Me, But Better, Atlantic staff writer Olga Khazan chronicles both the science of personality transformation and her own year-long experiment to become more extroverted, emotionally stable, and socially confident. Here’s an overview of her book.

Shortform Articles: Read Something Worthwhile Today

A woman sitting at a dining room table using a laptop to read Shortform Articles

Here at Shortform, we’ve made a name for ourselves with our trademark book guides, but you might not know that we also produce human-written, high-quality articles. Shortform Articles are included with every Shortform subscription. Whether you want to stay updated on trending topics, get inspired by influential authors, or explore timeless topics like self-care and human connection, Shortform Articles are designed to inform, engage, and enrich your daily thinking. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Shortform Articles different—and why they might be exactly what your brain’s been craving. What Are Shortform Articles? Shortform Articles are original pieces of

I Used Shortform for a Month—Here’s What Happened

Working on the blog team at Shortform, I spend a lot of time writing about books, ideas, and how people learn. But, outside of work, I’ve always thought of myself as a fairly engaged reader, too—that’s a big part of why I was drawn to working here in the first place. So, I decided to challenge myself: I’d use Shortform every single day for a month. I wanted to put myself in the shoes of a Shortform subscriber and see how it actually fits into daily life. Week 1: Getting Oriented I wanted to experience the app the same way

Edward de Bono’s Lateral Thinking: Creativity Step by Step

A sketch of a man with eyeglasses and a beard looking up with a thoughtful expression illustrates lateral thinking

What if the key to breakthrough thinking lies in doing the opposite of what we usually do? Edward de Bono’s Lateral Thinking: Creativity Step by Step introduces a revolutionary approach to problem-solving that challenges our conventional thought patterns. Instead of following predictable logical sequences, lateral thinking encourages us to explore unexpected connections, embrace temporary confusion, and generate multiple possibilities before settling on solutions. Continue reading to get an overview of this groundbreaking book and discover how shifting your mental approach can give you access to creative insights you never knew were possible.

Reset by Dan Heath: Book Overview & Takeaways

A woman looking at a neon sign that reads "CHANGE"

What if creating lasting change didn’t require endless energy, big budgets, or radical overhauls? In Reset, Dan Heath shows that progress often comes from small but strategic shifts. Whether you’re trying to improve your personal habits or lead your organization through a tough transition, Reset argues that you don’t need to do everything—you just need to do the right things in the right places. Drawing on research and case studies, Reset distills practical strategies for making meaningful improvements without burning out. Continue reading for an overview of the book.

Shortform vs. Blinkist vs. Headway: Comparing the Apps (2025)

Do you want to read and learn more, but struggle to find the time to sit down with a book for hours? That’s where book summary apps come in—offering a faster way to absorb key insights from popular books while filtering out the extraneous information. If you’re researching book summary apps, then you’re likely comparing Shortform vs. Blinkist vs. Headway. These three platforms are leading the charge in helping busy people learn more in less time. But, while they all promise to distill big ideas into bite-sized formats, the experience—and the value—can differ quite a bit depending on which one

The Next Day: Transitions, Change, and Moving Forward

Melinda French Gates at the World Economic Forum

How do we navigate life’s major upheavals when our plans suddenly fall apart? What can we learn from someone who successfully rebuilt her identity after divorce, career changes, and personal transformation? Melinda French Gates offers a roadmap for handling transitions in The Next Day: Transitions, Change, and Moving Forward. Drawing from her experiences leaving Microsoft, co-founding the Gates Foundation, divorcing Bill Gates, and becoming a grandmother, she presents practical strategies for moving through uncertainty with grace and purpose. Read more to discover her framework for turning life’s most challenging moments into opportunities.

Habits of a Happy Brain: Book Overview (Loretta Breuning)

How does the brain create that sweet feeling of happiness? Why is happiness defined as a survival mechanism? Loretta Breuning says that by understanding how your brain achieves happiness, you can rewire it to build positive, sustainable happiness habits. In Habits of a Happy Brain, Breuning discusses the brain chemistry of happiness, how harmful happiness-seeking patterns develop, and her methods for building and maintaining healthier happiness habits. Read more in our Habits of a Happy Brain book overview.

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