Shortform Books

His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, a Life (Book Overview)

What did Jimmy Carter learn from Admiral Rickover? What did Carter do during the Civil Rights Movement that he later regretted? What dominated his last year in the White House? In His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, a Life, Jonathan Alter presents a fresh perspective on the complicated history of the person he suggests is one of the US’s most underrated presidents. He chronicles the life of Jimmy Carter, from his childhood to the decades after his presidency. Continue reading for an overview of this book that asks us to see Jimmy Carter’s presidency in a different light.

The Genius Move: 5 Steps to Turn Your Focus to What You Control

When you feel unhappy, do you know the cause? What’s the solution? Each moment, you can choose to focus on the things you can control or the things you can’t. Psychologist Gay Hendricks writes that the way to be content is to let go of the things you can’t control and instead devote your time and energy to things you can change. Keep reading to learn how to perform the Genius Move when you start thinking about things you can’t control.

How to Examine Your Life to Align It With Your Goals

What’s the purpose of examining your life? Do your current circumstances reflect your goals? Making changes in your life doesn’t just happen overnight. It takes time to reflect on your behaviors and habits that need to be transformed in order to become the best version of yourself. Let’s look at how to examine your life to make some great improvements, as advised in Built Through Courage by Dave Hollis.

How to Create a Psychologically Safe Work Environment

What does a psychologically safe work environment look like? How can you encourage an environment of psychological safety? When a workplace doesn’t feel psychologically safe, employees will hesitate to speak up and participate. Leadership Is Language by L. David Marquet encourages leaders to break down barriers that employees are afraid to destroy themselves. Find out more on how to create a work environment that’s psychologically safe enough for your employees to participate in.

How to Get Rid of Bad Thoughts and Unhealthy Emotions

What’s the key to getting rid of bad thoughts? How should you remind yourself that you’re a worthy and capable person? The High 5 Habit by Mel Robbins says that giving yourself a high five is the boost of confidence that you need every day, but sometimes negative thoughts are too loud to overcome. To challenge them, she offers a three-step process to help you. Discover how to get rid of bad thoughts and turn your day around.

The Problem With Pride: Why Leaders Should Stay Humble

What’s the problem with pride in a business setting? How can failing actually help you? Confidence is a great thing to have as a leader or entrepreneur, but it’s another thing to be too prideful. According to The Road Less Stupid by Keith Cunningham, pride can cloud your judgment on important decisions that increase risk for your company. Let’s look at why pride can turn into a problem for leaders.

How to Learn From Others: Practical Advice From Confucius

When you observe others, what do you learn? What kind of people should you seek to learn from? In The Analects, Confucius discusses the importance of learning from other people. This might be through an actual teacher-learner dynamic or simply through observation. He says it’s important to learn from the right people, and he explains how you can find them. Keep reading for advice from Confucius on how to learn from others.

How to Write an Effective Speech: Tips From John C. Maxwell

Do you know how to write an effective speech? When and how should you use stories and visual aids? How should transitions be structured? According to John C. Maxwell, even experienced speakers prepare extensively before speaking in front of an audience. Of course, preparation includes the actual writing of your speech. Maxwell describes several steps for turning your research and preparation into a memorable message. Continue reading for Maxwell’s expert recommendations that you can put to work for you right away.

Jimmy Carter in the Navy: Under the Tutelage of Adm. Rickover

Who influenced Jimmy Carter as much as his parents did? Why did his naval service end prematurely? We all think of Jimmy Carter as a president and humanitarian, but sometimes we forget that he served in the US Navy in the first part of his career. Biographer Jonathan Alter recounts Carter’s naval service in his book His Very Best. Read more to learn about Jimmy Carter in the Navy.

3 Benefits of Doing What You Love: Life in the Genius Zone

Does your mind tend to get stuck in negative places? Do you feel like you’re not really able to be yourself and thrive in your own way? Gay Hendricks uses the term “Genius Zone” to refer to the mind-body space that you enter when two conditions are met: You’re doing what you love to do, and you’re using your skills to make a positive impact in the world. This, he says, is where you should devote your time and attention. Continue reading to learn the three benefits of doing what you love and making a difference in the process.