Shortform Books

The Bigger Leaner Stronger Diet: Calories in, Calories Out

What’s the best diet to lose fat and build muscle? Which matters more—how much you eat or what you eat? In Bigger Leaner Stronger, Michael Matthews argues that you can get the physique you want without a trendy diet or a brutal workout. All it takes is a simple and scientific approach to nutrition and exercise. He advocates flexible dieting—a diet that allows you to lose fat, gain muscle, and eat the foods you love. Read more to learn about the Bigger Leaner Stronger diet and its “calories in, calories out” approach.

The 1980s Savings and Loan Crisis: An Investor’s Solution

What was the 1980s savings and loan crisis? How did Salomon Brothers and Lewis Ranieri navigate this crisis? Right on the cusp of the 1980s, the savings and loan industry suffered a shock that threatened to stop the housing market in its tracks. In Liar’s Poker, Michael Lewis says that instead of backing out of the mortgage bond business, Salomon Brothers dove head-first into the market, turning the US government’s plan to bail out local banks into a way to funnel money to itself. Continue reading to learn more about how the investment bank took advantage of the savings and

Importance of Gratitude in Leadership (+ How to Practice It)

How to Use the Law of Gratitude to Attract Wealth

Do you show your employees that you appreciate them? Why is it important to practice gratitude in leadership? The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership argues that effective leaders must practice gratitude. This involves being grateful for everything that comes your way and accepting gratitude from others. Keep reading to learn how to practice gratitude daily.

How to Start Living a Healthy Lifestyle: 3 Changes to Make Today

Are you a participant in today’s productivity culture? Are you ready to step off the treadmill and get a real life? In Do Nothing, Celeste Headlee argues that, by trying to do too much, people are working less efficiently and suffering professionally and personally. She shares several tips for changing the way we work and making space in our life for leisure and human connection. Keep reading for Headlee’s advice on how to start living a healthy lifestyle.

Red Flags in Interviews for Candidates and Interviewers

What are some common red flags in interviews? What should candidates and interviewers be on the lookout for during an interview? Interviews can be intimidating to sit down for. Candidates might be interviewing for a company they’ll spend years working at, and interviewers are making a major change by hiring a new employee. If either spots a red flag that seems concerning, they should take note and possibly take action. Below are major red flags in interviews that both candidates and interviewers shouldn’t ignore during the process.

How to Slow Down in Life: 4 Ways to Enjoy the Little Moments

Do you always feel rushed? What are some ways to slow down in life? Life goes by quicker than you expect. One minute you’re catching up with friends on the phone, and the next minute your entire day has ended. But there are solutions to feeling like life is passing by too quickly. Let’s look at how to slow down in life and why we tend to rush through it.

How Myside Bias Fuels Irrationality & an “Us vs. Them” Mentality

Which do you value more—the truth or fitting in? Do you allow your group’s beliefs to trump your better judgment? Most people agree on the importance of rational thinking and behavior. Still, irrationality is rampant. Steven Pinker explores why people hold irrational beliefs such as paranormal phenomena or conspiracy theories in his book Rationality. He identifies myside bias as one of the culprits. Read more to learn about this all-too-common tendency that impacts individuals and society as a whole.

Carolyn Elliott’s Existential Kink: Book Overview & Takeaways

What are your deepest desires? Are you even in touch with them? How can you take control of your life by taking control of your desires? We all have negative patterns we see playing out again and again in our lives. In Existential Kink, writer and teacher Carolyn Elliott argues that the negative patterns in our lives are manifestations of what we unconsciously desire. Read below for a brief Existential Kink book overview.

The 3 Essential Leadership Skills for Managers

What’s the difference between a leader and a manager? Should managers bother to develop leadership skills? If so, which ones? Employee experience expert Russ Laraway laments the widespread problem of bad management. But, he has good news. He believes anyone can become a better manager by learning and practicing basic leadership skills: setting and reaching goals, coaching, and helping employees with career development. Continue reading to learn what Laraway thinks are essential leadership skills for managers.

The 5 Steps to Creating Your Bigger Leaner Stronger Meal Plan

Are you looking to burn fat and build muscle? What nutrients will help you do that? Are supplements recommended? In Bigger Leaner Stronger, personal trainer Michael Matthews promotes flexible dieting—a method of eating that helps you trim fat and build muscle without sacrificing the foods you love. He shares five steps to creating a Bigger Leaner Stronger meal plan that works for you. Read more to get the details on determining your goal, calculating your calorie target, calculating your calories-per-macro target, planning your meal schedule, and creating your meals.