Hannah Aster, Author at Shortform Books

Robin Sharma on the Importance of Mentorship

Why does Robin Sharma say that everyone should have mentors (whether they’re alive or dead)? Why should you go the extra mile to build close friendships? In his book Who Will Cry When You Die?, author and self-help professional Robin Sharma insists that every person should have mentors in life. This is because it’s impossible to learn everything you need by yourself. Mentorship can help you gain second-hand wisdom and speed up your personal growth. Here is why the importance of mentorship cannot be underestimated.

Why We Have Difficulty Making Decisions

Why do we have difficulty making decisions? What are the most common comparisons we make when making decisions? One of the biggest factors that makes decision-making difficult is the fact that people have a tendency to compare their choices to the choices of others. There are four common types of comparisons that we use to weigh our decisions, which can make them seem better or worse. Keep reading to learn about the comparisons we make when making decisions.

What Is Self-Care, and Why Is It Important?

What is self-care, and why is it important? What does detachment have to do with self-care? There are many different definitions of self-care, but the one we will be exploring is the one described by Melody Beattie in her book Codependent No More. Beattie believes that practicing self-care is one of the most important steps in overcoming codependency. Continue below for insights on self-care and how it relates to codependency.

Use Second-Order Thinking to Make Better Choices

What is second-order thinking? How can you use second-order thinking to prioritize decision-making? Second-order thinking is a process that you can use to make better and more deliberate decisions. During second-order thinking, you think about the consequences of your choices in order to make more informed decisions. There are four categories of second-order decisions: rules, presumptions, standards, and routines. Continue reading to learn more about each type of second-order decision.

How to Avoid Deathbed Regrets and Live More Fully

What are the most common deathbed regrets? Is it possible to avoid them before you run out of time? In his book Who Will Cry When You Die? Robin Sharma lays out the most common end-of-life regrets and proposes a plan on how to avoid them. Sharma says that the first step is to regain control of your life by finding your purpose. Continue reading to learn what steps you can take to live a more fulfilling life.

The 4 Biggest Decision-Making Barriers: Explained

What are the biggest decision-making barriers? Why does expanded choice make decisions even more difficult? In his book The Paradox of Choice, Barry Schwartz asserts that expanded choice comes with four distinct pitfalls: missed opportunities, regret, disappointment, and unfavorable comparison. These decision-making barriers can have many side effects, such as decision paralysis, anxiety, and depression. Here’s a breakdown of the four decision-making barriers that come with expanded choice.

6 Tips for Staying Focused on Your Purpose

Do you have a purpose in life but struggle to stay on track? What strategies can you use to focus on your purpose every day? Having a purpose in life that you’re working towards will make you feel more fulfilled and overall happier. However, it can be easy to lose sight of your purpose when you get caught up in the everyday routine. That’s why self-help guru Robin Sharma put together this list of strategies to help you maintain focus on your purpose. Continue below for Sharma’s six tips for focusing on your purpose.

The Psychology of Commitment and Relationships

Does committing to one relationship make you happier—or more anxious? Why do relationships require so much time commitment? In the book The Paradox of Choice, author Barry Schwartz explores the connection between commitment and relationships. He argues that, just like in other areas of your life, you will be happier with limited choices rather than seeking the freedom to be with whomever you want, whenever you want. Here’s an overview of Schwartz’s ideas about relationships.

William Easterly: Foreign Aid Is a Civilizing Mission

What are William Easterly’s views on modern foreign aid efforts? How is the top-down approach to international aid reminiscent of the civilizing mission? According to the author of The White Man’s Burden, William Easterly, foreign aid is doing more damage than good. He compared the common top-down aid model to the civilizing mission of the 19th century—when Europeans and Americans believed they had to fix countries that they saw as backward. Here’s why the top-down foreign aid model is doing more harm than good, according to Easterly.

William Easterly: The Problem With Humanitarian Aid

What are the major problems with humanitarian aid? How does bureaucracy get in the way of aid efforts? According to economist William Easterly in his book The White Man’s Burden, the bureaucracy surrounding international aid efforts is getting in the way of progress. The bureaucratic system causes a lack of accountability, coordination, and clear goals. Continue below to learn more about Easterly’s problems with humanitarian aid programs.