Hannah Aster, Author at Shortform Books

Is Social Security Running Out of Money? No!

Is Social Security running out of money? Why does modern monetary theory say the entitlement program crisis is a lie? Modern monetary theory (MMT) says that social entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicaid will always be safe. This theory goes against the common belief that, due to the number of Baby Boomers, the social entitlement programs will run out of money and future generations will need to find alternative forms of aid. Keep reading for economist and MMT believer Stephanie Kelton’s take on the entitlement crisis.

10% Happier: Review, Background, and Reception

Is Dan Harris’s book 10% Happier worth reading? What are the pros and cons of the book and how was it received upon publication? Former ABC News anchor Dan Harris believes anyone can benefit from meditation. In 10% Happier, he offers a skeptic’s journey through the world of self-help following his meltdown on live television. Harris explains how meditation allowed him to get control of his anxiety, manage his ego, and become a more compassionate person. Below is our 10% Happier review complete with an analysis of the context and approach.

Surrounded by Idiots: Quotes by Thomas Erikson

Are you looking for Surrounded by Idiots quotes? How can understanding these quotes help you better understand Erikson’s message in the book? Erikson’s framework includes four personality types, and each has a unique way of thinking, behaving, and communicating. He shows you how to navigate conflicts, sharpen your communication, and improve your relationships with your boss and colleagues—all by recognizing their personality types as well as your own. Here are some top quotes from the book with explanations.

How to Satisfy Both Internal and External Customers

What’s the difference between internal and external customers? How can you figure out what each type of customer wants? Management experts Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles explain in their business fable Raving Fans that, in order to satisfy both your internal and external customers, you first need to find out what they want. That’s why feedback is so important to a business. Here’s how to satisfy both types of customers.

Being Happy Is a Choice, According to Ichiro Kishimi

Is being happy really a choice? If so, then why do so many people choose to be unhappy? Is it possible to change your mindset? In the book The Courage to Be Disliked, Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga write that being happy is a choice—despite your circumstances in life. They base many of their beliefs on psychologist Alfred Adler’s “individual psychology” school of thought. They propose that even a difficult past cannot make you unhappy if you don’t let it. Read more about Kishimi and Koga’s views on happiness below.

Personality and Communication: The 4 Different Styles

Do you work with a wide variety of personalities? Do you ever struggle to interpret their emails or tone? Thomas Erikson, the author of Surrounded by Idiots, categorizes people into four personality colors: Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue. Each personality has unique characteristics and behaviors that can sometimes make working together difficult. Here’s how to better understand the connection between personality and communication style.

Problems With the Federal Reserve (According to MMT)

How does the federal reserve set monetary policy? Why does economist Stephanie Kelton believe that the Fed is causing needless suffering in the United States? In her book The Deficit Myth, Kelton (a believer in modern monetary theory) thinks that the federal reserve is too conservative and overreacts when it comes to the fear of inflation. Kelton and other MMT proponents believe in using a combination of deficit spending and low interest rates to boost demand and create full employment instead. Below, we will discuss the problems with the Federal Reserve, according to Stephanie Kelton.

The Best Self-Help Authors, According to Dan Harris

Who does self-help author Dan Harris list as the best self-help authors? What made these authors stand apart from the rest? Despite finding a few pieces of helpful advice from Tolle, Chopra, and Brach, Harris still had many questions about mindfulness. He eventually found mentors who introduced him to meditation and Buddhism and who helped shape his appreciation of mindfulness. Three of these gurus were Mark Epstein, Joseph Goldstein, and Spring Washam.

Matching Personalities—The Best and Worst Pairings

Have you taken a personality test (whether it be the color model, DISC, or Myers-Briggs)? Which personalities do you match up best with? Which personality types should you avoid? Probably the three most common personality tests are Myers-Briggs, DISC, and Thomas Erikson’s color model. While matching personalities isn’t an exact science, there are certain pairs that tend to match up well—and others that tend to end in disaster. Here, we’ll go over the personality pairings from the top three personality models.

Exceed Customer Expectations to Gain Loyalty

Does your business exceed customer expectations? Why isn’t it good enough to simply meet customer expectations? In their business fable Raving Fans, management experts Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles say that, if you want to create “raving fans” of your business, you need to go beyond meeting expectations. It’s only when you exceed a customer’s expectations that they become loyal to your company. Here’s why you should aim to exceed rather than satisfy.