Shortform Books

The Benefits of Positive Self-Talk: Your Own Personal Mentor

Is your internal dialogue mostly positive or negative? How can you rewire your mind for more positivity? Our internal dialogue or self-talk is extremely important: It influences our happiness, health, and success. When your self-talk is positive, you move through life with calmness, enthusiasm, and ease. And when you encounter challenges, you don’t despair because you genuinely believe everything will turn out well. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of positive self-talk, according to neuroscientist and psychologist Ethan Kross.

The First Life on Land: Migration From the Shallows

What were the first terrestrial lifeforms? Why did life migrate from water to land? Most scientists believe that the first life on land consisted of plants. Plants were followed by simple animals and, later, more complex life forms. Bill Bryson explores the timeline in his book A Short History of Nearly Everything. Keep reading to learn a bit about these milestones in biological history.

What Was the Cambrian Explosion? A Fossil Record Mystery

What was the Cambrian explosion? How can the sudden appearance of so many new species be explained? The fossil record shows something intriguing: A ton of new species suddenly appeared about 540 million years ago. Author Bill Bryson explores what this might mean. Keep reading for a brief overview of the Cambrian explosion.

Ryan Holiday: Stillness Is the Key (Book Overview)

What is Ryan Holiday’s Stillness Is the Key about? What is the key message to take away from the book? In Stillness Is the Key, Ryan Holiday takes us through the dimensions of the mind, soul, and body, explaining how to cultivate stillness. He explains that stillness is a state of being that can enrich our lives, guide us to make better decisions, and encourage a sense of connectedness to everything around us. Keep reading for the key takeaways from the book.

How Close Are We to Fusion Power as an Energy Source?

What is nuclear fusion and how does it produce energy? How close are we to fusion power? Scientists at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) recently achieved net positive energy from a fusion reaction. Scientists hope that fusion will be the foundation of cheap, clean, and sustainable energy for the future. Read on to find out how close we are to fusion power, according to NIF scientists.

The Bezos Blueprint: Book Overview & Key Takeaways

What does Jeff Bezos talk about constantly? Why did he ban PowerPoint presentations at Amazon? What’s parallel structure, and how can it help you communicate more clearly? In The Bezos Blueprint, Carmine Gallo explains how to improve your communication by internalizing the principles that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos uses in his writing and speaking. We organized the book’s ideas into four principles that you can apply in your communication. Continue reading for an overview of this practical book and see how you can put these principles to work for you.

Learning With Flashcards: How Effective Is It?

Is learning with flashcards effective? How do flashcards improve comprehension? Flashcards are a popular method for studying. However, in The Only Study Guide You’ll Ever Need, Jade Bowler explains that they’re ineffective if not created and used correctly. Here’s how to effectively learn with flashcards.

Reasons to Sell a Business (+ How to Make It Sellable)

What are the reasons to sell a business? Should you hand over the responsibility to someone else? Built to Sell by John Warrillow takes you through the process of running and selling a profitable small business. One of the biggest reasons why you should consider selling your business is because it gives you multiple options in life. Let’s look at a few reasons why you should consider selling your business to the highest bidder.

What Is Self-Talk? Psychologist Explains

What is self-talk? What happens in our brains when we’re engaging in self-talk? Self-talk is thoughts that take the form of silent words you “hear” in your mind. For most people, it’s a mundane occurrence because it happens automatically. Behind the scenes, however, it’s a complex psychological process. Keep reading to learn about the phenomenon of self-talk, according to Ethan Kross.

How to Encourage Employees to Speak Up at Work

Do your employees just nod and listen? How can you get employees to speak up? The Fearless Organization by Amy C. Edmondson says that leaders must create a safe space for employees to ask questions, engage in debate, and learn from one another. Building psychologically safe work cultures enables workers to tap into their creativity and innovate, which in turn improves their engagement and performance. Find out how to encourage employees to speak up below.