Shortform Books

The Ultimate Guide to Letting Go of Toxic People

What are the tell-tale signs of a toxic person? What should you do if you’ve become involved with someone who exhibits toxic behaviors? You’re going to encounter toxic people in your life. With some of them, you’ll even form close and intimate relationships. Sooner or later, however, their toxic traits will come up to the surface and may even negatively impact your life. Keep reading to learn about the importance of letting go of toxic people and how to recognize toxic qualities.

What Is Critical Thinking in Psychology?

What is critical thinking in psychology? What are some things you can do to improve your critical thinking skills? In psychology, critical thinking is an active process of thinking that involves understanding and applying the various levels of cognition to enhance one’s understanding. Specifically, critical thinking involves evaluating information for weaknesses, drawbacks, and inconsistencies. Below, we’ll explore what critical thinking is, what happens when it’s lacking, and why modern culture discourages it. Then, we’ll provide a few suggestions for developing your critical thinking skills.

How to Study Productively & Ace Your Exams

What is the key to studying productively? What are the study methods that Jade Bowler swears by? Studying is a crucial part of your academic life, so you need to know how to do it well. In The Only Study Guide You’ll Ever Need, Jade Bowler elaborates that studying effectively means maximizing productivity by getting the most work done in as little time as possible. Continue reading to learn how to study productively with Bowler’s advice.

How to Create and Run a Scalable Business Model

What is a scalable business model? Do you have a product that you specialize in selling? According to John Warrillow’s book Built to Sell, a scalable business is one that focuses on the efficiency of the services it specializes in. If you’re looking to sell your business, you need to find a product that is scalable. Keep reading to learn how to model a scalable business.

4 Life Lessons From Plants (From Braiding Sweetgrass)

What are some life lessons from plants? What can plants teach us about mutual care? In Braiding Sweetgrass, Robin Wall Kimmerer shows us how the relationships between plants help individuals and communities flourish. Plants engage cooperatively, which can inspire us to practice mutual care with other humans as well as non-human beings. Let’s look at the many life lessons plants teach us about care and respect.

Can Creating New Jobs Actually Be a Bad Thing?

How can creating new jobs cause problems in society? Why does job creation sometimes result in useless jobs? According to anthropology professor David Graeber, useless jobs have become widespread in most modern societies. He claims that creating new jobs, while beneficial when done responsibly, can also cause the proliferation of useless jobs for economic and political reasons. Keep reading to learn how creating new jobs can also produce meaningless jobs, according to Graeber.

How to Become a Leader at Work (Advice for Non-Managers)

Do you have the potential to become a leader at work? What does it take to be a role model for your co-workers? Managers are typically expected to create healthy work environments, but employees can contribute as well. In The Fearless Organization, Amy C. Edmondson says that despite what your role is at work, you too can make a difference. Here’s how to become a leader at work by making co-workers feel psychologically safe.

Blackout: Candace Owens Urges Black America to Break Free

Why are so many Black Americans loyal to the Democratic Party? Are Democrats actually keeping Blacks down? With her book Blackout, Candace Owens is rallying the troops. She sees the Democratic Party as modern-day slavery and is calling on all Black Americans to walk out in a mass exodus. Keep reading for an overview of this eye-opening book.

Why Is It So Hard to Focus? Distractions & Attention Fatigue

Why is it so hard to focus? What are you missing when you get distracted? How is attention like a muscle? Daniel Goleman believes that you can improve your attention—by strengthening it with training and restoring it when it’s fatigued. First, you must understand what weakens and disrupts your attention in the first place. Continue reading to learn why it’s so hard to focus, especially these days.

How to Be a Better Parent: 3 Tips You Should Follow

Do you want to be a better parent? Why is self-compassion important in parenting? Showing self-compassion is crucial for parents. According to Kristin Neff in her book Self-Compassion, practicing self-love sets an example for your children who will model your behavior. Keep reading to learn how to be a better parent through self-compassion.