Shortform Books

The Problem With Self-Help Books

Do you read self-help books? Have you ever thought that reading self-help literature can actually hinder, not help, your progress and self-esteem? While the desire to better yourself is commonly accepted as a positive character trait, it can be taken too far—damaging both how you view yourself and how you view other people. There are two main problems with self-help books: 1) they can ingrain the message that there’s something inherently wrong with you, and 2) they overemphasize the self. Keep reading to learn about the problems with self-help books and the self-help genre as a whole.

Planning Your Goals: Practical Tips From Brian Tracy

Why is it important to plan your goals? How do you come up with a plan that is realistic and achievable? Once you’ve clarified what you want, identified the challenges, and determined the resources you need, you are ready to move on to the planning phase. Even though circumstances are bound to change and not everything will go according to plan, the act of planning your goals can better prepare you for the challenges that will come your way. Here’s how to plan your goals, according to Brian Tracy.

Subjective Words: Are You Communicating Reality?

What do we communicate when we use subjective words? Are we conveying reality or merely our perception of it? Subjective words do not convey objective reality. Like everyone else, you use subjective words to convey what you believe to be true. However, your beliefs—just like your perceptions—are subjective. These are the assertions of authors don Miguel Ruiz and don Jose Ruiz, who further argue that linguistic subjectivity—and our blind acceptance of subjective beliefs as concrete facts—are at the root of our unhappiness. Read more to learn how we communicate with subjective words and what impact that has.

Asymmetric Polarization in U.S. Politics: The 2 Causes

What is asymmetric polarization? Why are the political parties becoming increasingly polarized in America? Asymmetric polarization is where one party becomes more extreme than the other in its political stance. In their book How Democracies Die, Levitsky and Ziblatt argue that growing asymmetric polarization in American politics is due to two factors: 1) the power of conservative interest groups, and 2) the cultural homogeneity of the party’s base. We’ll discuss both of these factors below.

How to Be a Good Woman: Re-Writing the Narrative

What does it mean to be a good woman? How is the modern idea of a good woman changing? Traditionally, being a “good woman” meant being a good wife and a good mother. However, society is changing and women are starting to break free from these expectations. In her book Girl, Stop Apologizing, Rachel Hollis asserts that to be a “good woman” is to be true to yourself and to follow your individual desires. Here is how to be a “good woman”, according to Rachel Hollis.

How to Be More Charismatic and Still Be Yourself

Want to know how to be more charismatic? Is charisma a natural talent or can anyone develop it? Many people think that charisma is something you either have or you don’t. However, Olivia Fox Cabane dispels that myth in her book The Charisma Myth and posits that charisma is a quality that can be learned and developed. She says that the first step to becoming more charismatic is to mastering your mind and emotional state. Here’s how to master your mind.

The Top 7 Quotes From Outliers

What are some of the best quotes from the book Outliers? What are their meaning and context? In Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell shows us that where you’re from and the opportunities you’re given matter as much as personal advantages such as talent and intelligence. He pokes holes in the myth that successful people are “self-made.” Continue reading for a few thought-provoking quotes from Outliers and their context.

Crucial Conversations: 3 Quotes for Tough Talks

What are some of the best quotes from Crucial Conversations? What are their context and meaning? Crucial Conversations teaches you an array of dialogue principles and practical skills, explained and demonstrated through numerous examples. After reading this book, you’ll be able to talk to anyone about virtually any topic, no matter how sensitive. Here is a selection of Crucial Conversations quotes with explanations.

Stephen Covey: Synergy and Its Benefits

How does Stephen Covey define synergy (habit six)? How does synergy relate to the previous five habits? According to Stephen Covey, synergy is the culmination of the first five habits. You need a deep conviction of your principles and values, a Win/Win paradigm, and the skills to develop and nurture effective interdependent relationships. Read more to learn about Covey’s concept of synergy, its benefits, what it entails, and how to improve your ability to synergize.

How to Stick to Your Goals: The 2 Qualities You Need

Do you struggle to stick to your goals? How do you keep pushing after the initial motivation wears off? With a clear goal and a solid plan in the execution phase, all that’s left to do is to keep moving forward. However, it’s more easily said than done. Many people struggle to stick to their goals with proper consistency. Here’s how to stick to your goals—no matter what challenges come your way.