The World's Best Book Summaries
What is the psychology behind the 5 Second Rule? How can you use the Rule to improve your life? In The 5 Second Rule, Mel Robbins explains that the 5 Second Rule can be used to improve your life in three ways. These three ways are to jump into action, be bold and follow your gut, and control impulsiveness. Let’s explore each use in detail and the 5 Second Rule’s psychology.
What’s your desired reality? What brings you joy? What inspires you? Vadim Zeland argues that, since your version of reality simply reflects your emotional energy, you can control which version of reality gets reflected back to you by matching your emotional energy with that reality. One way to redirect your energy is to identify your desired reality. Continue reading for Zeland’s advice on how to do this, along with some input from a few psychologists and self-improvement authors.
Are humans rational? Are we less rational than we think we are? In Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me), Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson say that we’re naturally inclined to believe that we’re rational actors moving through an ordered existence. However, our rationality can’t justify the bad things we do. Find out why we use rationality to excuse bad decisions, and whether humans are as rational as we think we are.
What is the difference between bond ETFs vs. bond mutual funds? Which delivers a higher return on investment? Bond mutual funds are actively managed funds where investors’ capital is distributed among select securities. In contrast, bond ETFs purchase securities that reflect certain bond indices. According to John Bogle, the author of The Little Book of Common Sense Investing, bond index funds deliver better returns than bond mutual funds. Here’s why bond ETFs are more profitable than bond mutual funds, according to Bogle.
What is Warren Buffett’s investment philosophy? What is the best piece of advice you can take on board from the world’s most successful investor? The key philosophy that Buffett drives home is that owning a stock means owning a piece of an actual, real-world business. Using this “owner mindset” as a starting point, Buffett provides guidance to reasonable expectations, best practices in investing, and certain pitfalls to avoid when investing. Keep reading to learn about Warren Buffett’s philosophy and best practices for investing.
What are alpha brain waves? How can you put your brain into an alpha frequency on demand? Alpha brain waves are low-range brainwaves associated with a state of calm and relaxation. In his book Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself, Joe Dispenza recommends an alpha brain waves meditation practice to induce a state of alert calm. Keep reading to learn how to put your brain into the alpha frequency.
Does your organization have enabling teams? What difference do they—or could they—make? In Team Topologies, enabling teams function as helpers that come alongside other teams to keep them running with efficiency and relevance. They stay up to date on the latest technologies and skills, and then they share this knowledge with the teams that need it. Read on to understand the purpose and function of enabling teams.
Are there hidden messages in the way news is reported? What myths does Hollywood perpetuate? Many of Roland Barthes’s essays provide concrete examples of how myths are used to reinforce cultural norms and values. Particularly, these essays seek to unmask class, gender, race, beauty, and political constructs. Read more to see how Roland Barthes’s essays shed light on cultural myths.
If you were living your ideal life, how would you behave? How would you feel? What would your mindset be? According to Vadim Zeland, infinite versions of reality exist. Furthermore, you can train yourself to control which version of reality you live in. One way to do this is to redirect your energy. This involves identifying what you want and then practicing living in your ideal version of reality. To learn how to see your future self, consider this brief discussion of Zeland’s technique along with a related idea from the book Psycho-Cybernetics.
What are the benefits of waking up early in the morning? How does getting an early start help you take initiative in life? Mel Robbins’s book The 5 Second Rule explains that there are three main uses of her Rule: jumping into action, being bold and following your gut, and controlling impulsiveness. But she says you’ll receive the most benefits of the Rule if you get out of bed earlier. Here are the benefits of waking up early in the morning and how to get an early start.