Darya Sinusoid, Author at Shortform Books

How the Brain Is Like a Computer (+ Examples)

Why is the human brain often compared to a computer? What are the similarities between the human brain’s and a computer’s functioning? Scientists have been using this analogy—that the brain is like a computer—for decades. Today, the question of whether or not we should view the brain as a complex computer is at the heart of a fierce debate. However, some parallels are hard to deny. Keep reading to learn how the brain is like a computer and what this means for you.

J. Gottman: The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work

Why do so many marriages end in divorce? What’s the secret to a happy marriage? That’s the question relationship researcher John Gottman (along with co-author Nan Silver) answers in The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. The book is a step-by-step blueprint for cultivating a happier, emotionally fulfilling marriage. Here’s a brief overview of John Gottman’s The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work.

What to Do If Someone Is Overstepping Boundaries

What should you do when someone is overstepping boundaries with you? What’s the best way to respond to boundary violations? It can be distressing when someone oversteps your boundaries, but you shouldn’t jump to conclusions. When someone crosses your personal boundaries, it doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t respect them. Therapist Nedra Glover Tawwab explains how to deal with boundary violations, both minor and major.

The Importance of Consistency and How to Harness Its Power

Why is consistency important? How can you keep showing up for your goals when the going gets tough? The key to success in anything in life is harnessing the power of consistency. However, doing what needs to be done on a consistent basis remains a stumbling block for many people trying to achieve their goals. Keep reading to learn about the importance of consistency in achieving your goals.

How to Have a Successful Marriage: First, Be Friends

What’s the key to a successful marriage? What do happily married couples do differently? According to relationship researcher John Gottman, the foundation of a successful and emotionally fulfilling marriage is marital friendship. If your marriage lacks this foundation, it’s only a matter of time before cracks begin to appear. Here’s how to have a successful marriage, according to Gottman and Silver.

Louise Hay: Practicing Self-Love Is the Answer to Every Problem

What exactly is meant by self-love? Why do so many people struggle to love themselves as they are? When you love yourself, you feel worthy the way you are and put your happiness and well-being first. However, practicing self-love is difficult for many people because our culture encourages perfectionism, which in turn, breeds self-criticism—the polar opposite of self-love. Here’s why it’s so important to show yourself a little love now and then.

Focus on the Positive and Banish Negativity

Is your mind overwhelmed by negativity? What can you do to combat the tendency to think in negative terms and learn to focus on the positive? The human brain is wired for negativity because it aids survival. However, you have the power to consciously override the negativity bias and train yourself to focus on the positive. Here’s why the human mind is wired for negative thinking and what you can do to reframe it for more positivity.

Dealing With Boundary Issues: Tips From a Therapist

Do people often overstep your personal boundaries? How do you effectively establish and appropriately communicate your boundaries? Setting boundaries can be tricky, but it’s essential for respectful and harmonious relationships. It can be especially challenging to set boundaries with loved ones and at work. Therapist Nedra Glover Tawwab provides strategies for dealing with common boundary issues.

Employee Motivation Strategies: Beyond Financial Incentives

Do you feel like your employees are lacking motivation? What can you do to improve motivation in your organization? Companies are only as good as their employees. Your company can’t grow and improve unless your employees are motivated to go above and beyond. Thus, to keep growing and maintain your company’s success, leaders must keep their employees’ motivation juices flowing. Keep reading to learn about the psychology of motivation, why financial incentives only go so far in motivating employees, and a few employee motivation strategies to consider.

How to Live a Meaningful Life in a Meaningless World

Does life have a meaning? How does one find meaning in a universe that’s meaningless by design? Many people feel like life has no inherent meaning, which gives rise to feelings of apathy and existential angst. This sentiment grows increasingly common as people adopt a more secular worldview where science—not God—prevails. In this article, we’ll discuss several views on how to live a meaningful life, no matter your religious orientation or lack thereof.