Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

The Bigger Leaner Stronger Workout: Get Strong & Healthy Fast

What’s the most significant driver of muscle growth? How often should you strength train? How can you make sure you cover all of the major muscle groups? Michael Matthews promotes progressive tension overload—a workout approach that maximizes muscle growth. In his book Bigger Leaner Stronger, he teaches you how to apply this technique to your personal fitness goals and get strong and healthy fast. Continue reading to understand the principles of the Bigger Leaner Stronger workout and to learn how to create a plan for yourself.

The Downside of Empathy: 5 Ways It Harms More Than Helps

When is kindness not in harmony with morality? Why is empathy unsustainable? Yale psychologist Paul Bloom makes a case against empathy—specifically, emotional empathy. He argues that emotional empathy reinforces our biases, motivates actions that are kind but morally wrong, prioritizes individuals over groups, wears us out, and even motivates violence. Continue reading to learn about the downside of empathy.

How to Use Empathetic Parenting to Meet 3 Big Challenges

Do your children ever throw tantrums? Do they fight with each other? Are they scared or anxious sometimes? Dr. Becky Kennedy discusses the importance of empathy in parenting in her book Good Inside. She identifies common parenting challenges and explains how you can use empathy as a tool to deal with tantrums, sibling rivalry, and kids who are fearful, anxious, or crying. Keep reading to understand the power of empathetic parenting and how you can use this practical tool with your children.

How to Get Your Kids to Listen: 3 Tools to Elicit Cooperation

Do your kids ignore you when you tell them to do something? Do they talk back or attempt to negotiate? Clinical psychologist Dr. Becky Kennedy is also a mother of three, so she knows the struggle. She recommends using connection, validation, and playfulness to make your interactions less confrontational and more effective. Continue reading to learn how to get your kids to listen with these three tools.

How to Practice Intentional Focus: Choosing to Stay on Task

Do you struggle to stay on task? How much more could you get done if you stayed focused? Focus doesn’t just happen; it’s a result of a decision you make. Manage Your Day-to-Day provides advice on practicing intentional focus, including setting up the right environment, handling internal discomforts to minimize distractions, focusing for longer periods of time, and embracing boredom. Read more to learn about these practical tips from Dan Ariely, Chris Bailey, Nir Eyal, Cal Newport, and Leo Babauta.

4 Tiers of Managerial Goals: From To-Dos to the Ultimate Vision

Do you set goals for your team members? Do you help them set and reach their own objectives? Regardless of your managerial level, you have a duty to help your team set and reach their own goals as well as contribute to the overall objectives of your organization. In When They Win, You Win, Russ Laraway outlines four tiers of managerial goals and shares two ways to measure your effectiveness. Keep reading to learn how you can help your team set and reach goals that benefit the organization as a whole.

Fitness Discipline: 3 Ways to Boost Willpower & Stay on Track

How can you neutralize the urgency of temptations? What are some ways you can minimize distractions while you exercise? Even if you’re motivated to get and stay fit and have an excellent plan to do it, temptations can creep in and get you off track. Michael Matthews, a certified personal trainer and the founder of Legion Athletics, shares three tips to help you build up your willpower while you build up your body. Keep reading for this practical advice that will improve your fitness discipline.

Parenting Siblings: 3 Tools to Help Them Manage Their Emotions

Should you allow your children to complain about each other? How can you minimize sibling rivalry among your kids? When should you intervene in their fights? Dr. Becky Kennedy is a clinical psychologist. She’s also a mother of three, so she knows all about sibling dynamics and the special challenges they can bring. In Good Inside, Dr. Becky shares three tools you can use to help your children navigate the emotions involved in sibling relationships. Keep reading for Kennedy’s advice for parenting siblings.

How to Manage Distractions at Work: Tell Email & Social Who’s Boss

Who’s in control of your electronic devices and notifications? Do they serve you, or do you let them waste your time? Email and social media can be a blessing or a curse. Manage Your Day-to-Day offers insights and advice to help you use these tools to enhance your work rather than distract you from it. Keep reading to get practical tips for managing distractions at work from Chris Bailey, Cal Newport, and others.

How to Coach Employees to Improve Performance & Build Trust

Do your employees regard you as approachable? What’s the best way to coach an underperforming team member? In his book When They Win, You Win, Russ Laraway contends that bad management is everywhere and that it’s causing enormous harm to employees and companies alike. He believes that managers should cultivate the skill of coaching to boost employee engagement and performance. Keep reading to learn how to coach employees with Laraway’s insights as an employee experience expert.