Self-Improvement Archives

If You Like Steal Like an Artist, Read These 7 Books

Have you read Steal Like an Artist? What other creative self-help books should you read? In Steal Like an Artist, Austin Kleon (a self-described “writer who draws”) shares his tips for maximizing your creativity, finding inspiration, breaking out of a creative rut, and connecting with other people doing exciting work. His advice applies to anyone who uses creative thinking in their work, not just to artists in the traditional sense. Check out these books if Steal Like an Artist made an impact on your life.

The Practice by Seth Godin: Book Overview

What is The Practice by Seth Godin about? What are the main takeaways of the book? Seth Godin’s The Practice dismantles the long-standing myth that creativity requires a special kind of “magic.” Godin argues that making creative work doesn’t require genius, lightning bolts of inspiration, or even confidence. Read below for a brief overview of The Practice by Seth Godin.

The Map Is Not the Territory: The Limitations of Maps & Models

What does “the map is not the territory” mean? What practical lesson can we learn from this? Alfred Korzybski, a scientist and a philosopher, keenly observed that “the map is not the territory.” He meant that a representation (the map) is not the thing it represents (the territory); it’s merely an abstraction of the thing itself. Continue reading to learn what practical implications this principle has for all of us.

How to Write a Critical Essay: Tips for Students

Are you wondering how to write a critical essay? What’s the difference between a research paper and a critical essay? In How to Become a Straight-A Student, Cal Newport gives tips and tricks on acing your college courses. One thing many students struggle with is writing a critical analysis essay. Keep reading to learn how to write a critical essay to get the best grade possible.

How to Make Better Decisions: Consider More Options

Is it a good idea to expand your options when making important decisions? What’s the ideal number of options for a decision? We can significantly improve our decisions by coming up with more options. Doing so guarantees that you have at least two backup options. However, having too many options overwhelms you. It’s best to aim for three to four strong, distinct options. With this in mind, here’s how to make better decisions by widening your pool of options.

Is Creativity a Skill? How Creativity Can Be Learned

Is creativity a skill? How can you learn creativity? The Practice by Seth Godin argues that creativity does not require that you be touched by the “muse.” It doesn’t require genius or suffering or even confidence. Instead, creativity is a skill that can be learned. Read more to learn why Godin believes anyone can be a creative mastermind.

What Are Mental Models, and How Do They Work?

What are mental models? Can they actually help you in life in a practical way? In our unpredictable and competitive world, your ability to make good decisions has an exceptional impact on your success in life and work. Fortunately, you can become a skilled decision maker by using mental models. Keep reading to understand how these powerful thinking tools equip you to cut through complexity and understand the world.

How to Prevent Procrastination: 2 Failproof Strategies

Do you tend to procrastinate until the last minute? How can you prevent procrastination before it takes hold of your mind? The longer you procrastinate on an unpleasant or difficult task, the harder it is to get yourself to do it. That’s why it’s important to counteract procrastination before it has a chance to get started. Here’s how to prevent procrastination before it’s too late.

The Dangers of Overconfidence in Decision-Making

How does overconfidence affect decision-making? What are some ways to mitigate hubris in your decision-making? Our hubris—or overconfidence in decision-making—makes us feel certain in our predictions about a decision’s outcome. If the outcome is different than we predicted, we’re left surprised and unprepared to deal with it. We can overcome our hubris by: 1) accepting that we can’t predict the future, and 2) preparing for a range of possible outcomes. Here are some strategies for overcoming decision-making hubris.

Best Advice for New Parents: 5 Helpful Tips

Are you a new parent? What should you know about raising a child for the first time? Parenting can be difficult at times, especially for first-time parents. Luckily, many books provide the best advice for new parents to make sure they’re equipped for the challenges that are coming their way. Read below for essential tips that will make your parenting journey go smoother.