Shortform Books

What Are Cognitive Distortions? How We Self-Sabotage

What are cognitive distortions? How do they negatively impact our lives? Cognitive distortions, also known as Saboteurs in Shirzad Chamine’s book Positive Intelligence, are inaccurate or irrational thoughts that negatively impact our lives. They are survival mechanisms developed in response to stress. But, in adulthood, they hinder our happiness and success. Read on to learn how cognitive distortions develop and discover what the most common types are.

Is the Metaverse Dead? The 2 Sides of the Argument

What is the metaverse? Is the metaverse dead or just evolving more quietly than anticipated? When Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg launched the metaverse in October 2021 he called the immersive virtual world “the next chapter for the internet.” But some say the metaverse didn’t just fail to live up to its promise to revolutionize human interactions in the virtual world, it actually died. We’ll take a look at what the metaverse is and the concerns for its welfare.

How to Avoid a Sedentary Lifestyle: Move Like Your Ancestors

Do you sit most of the day? Would you like to find an enjoyable and sustainable solution to an inactive lifestyle? Michael Easter discusses the negative effects of sedentary lifestyles and how to get your body moving the way it’s made to move. Then, he examines the benefits of exercising and provides some context about the types of movement humans are meant to perform. Read on to learn how to avoid a sedentary lifestyle by moving the way you’re designed to.

The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again—Book Overview

When was the last time you did something fun? What if fun didn’t have to take a backseat to your neverending list of adult responsibilities? For many of us, the older we get, the less we prioritize having fun. Catherine Price uses research and personal anecdotes to explain why fun is fundamental to living a happy and healthy life and how everyone can start having more fun. Continue reading for an overview of The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again.

How the Expectation Effect Impacts the Brain & Body Connection

How do the brain and body work together? How do expectation effects impact this connection? In The Expectation Effect, David Robson looks at the mechanisms that make physiological expectation effects work. They’re especially powerful because of the way they influence your brain to interact with other systems in your body. Let’s look at how the brain and body connection makes your predictions come true.

Secondary Trauma Treatment: 5 Self-Care Strategies

Are you suffering from secondary trauma? How do you treat this form of emotional duress? Recognizing secondary trauma as a real infliction is an important first step in coping with it. If you want to continue being a trauma steward, but don’t want to experience the stress of it, you need to follow these five strategies. Here are successful strategies for secondary trauma treatment that you should try.

Why Do People Fall for Scams? How Con Artists Build Trust

Why do people fall for scams? How do con artists gain the trust of their victims? If you’ve ever fallen for a scam, you probably feel embarrassed or ashamed. But the con artist manipulated you to think you could trust them like an old family friend. Check out how con artists use a false sense of trust to get what they want, according to The Confidence Game by Maria Konnikova.

Kevin Rudd: Xi Jinping’s Priorities & Strategies for China

How did China’s policies change when Xi Jinping came to power? What’s Xi’s vision for China? According to Australian diplomat Kevin Rudd, Xi Jinping has serious goals in mind for China. They include maintaining the power of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), unifying what they perceive as their territory, and increasing their global influence. Keep reading to learn about each of these priorities and the strategies that Xi is using to achieve them.

How to Focus on Learning: Dedicating Time & Space to Learn

How far in advance do you schedule study or practice time? Do you have a dedicated learning space? An important step in preparing yourself to learn is to set aside the time and create the right environment in which you can maximize your ability to focus. This involves prioritizing your activities, planning your schedule, eliminating distractions, and creating the proper atmosphere for yourself. Continue reading for advice on how to focus on learning and get the most out of your studies.

How to Create a Vision for Your Business in 3 Clear Steps

What will your industry look like in 10 years? How will the market change? How might your company need to adjust to meet new demands in a different business landscape? Drawing on insights from their research and experience working with prominent companies, Mark W. Johnson and Josh Suskewicz provide a practical, three-stage framework that enables you to stay ahead of your competition and unlock new possibilities for your organization. The first stage is creating a vision. Read on to learn how to create a vision for your business with the three steps provided in Lead From the Future.