Shortform Books

Gamification Motivations: Understanding & Balancing Them

What is gamification motivation? What are the different kinds of motivations? How can you use them to attract and retain players? According to author Yu-kai Chou, gamification is an effective tool to enhance motivation and engagement in various contexts, such as education, business, and personal development. But simply having a range of gamification motivations isn’t enough to create an engaging system. Read on to learn more about gamification motivations and how to balance them, according to Chou.

Dispelling 3 Misconceptions About Climate Change

Is the weather more extreme these days? Why are sea levels rising? Are we headed for a climate apocalypse? Former energy industry scientist Steven E. Koonin contends that climate activists have misled the public into thinking there’s proof that our actions have led to global warming and possible climate catastrophe. On the contrary, Koonin argues that the facts about climate change are far from certain. Keep reading to learn how Koonin dispels three significant misconceptions about climate change.

Mark Manson: Happiness Requires Letting Go of Hope

What’s Mark Manson’s view on happiness? What’s the relationship between happiness and hope? According to Mark Manson, happiness is becoming less meaningful and more elusive. He blames it on an epidemic of hopelessness. However, he argues that hope can lead to harm, so it’s essential to learn how to live a fulfilling life without hope for the future. Read on to learn more about Mark Manson’s views on happiness and living a life without hope.

How to Set Goals in Life: Achievements in a Year to 5 Years

Do you believe there’s room for improvement in your life? How do you set goals in life? Goals help us keep track of our personal progress and push us in the right direction. In Be Your Future Self Now, Benjamin Hardy claims that setting life-changing goals is the key to reaching your fullest potential. Continue reading to learn how to set goals in life that will change you for the better.

How Does the Subconscious Mind Work?

How does the subconscious mind work? How do the contents of your subconscious influence your life outcomes? According to Napoleon Hill, the author of The Law of Success, your subconscious mind creates your life experiences because it’s connected to the higher consciousness. So, you can only attract the experiences, ideas, and people into your life that are on the same wavelength as the contents of your subconscious. Here’s how your subconscious mind creates your reality.

Priya Parker’s The Art of Gathering: Book Overview

What is Priya Parker’s The Art of Gathering about? What are the main takeaways of the book? In The Art of Gathering, Priya Parker discusses what to do before a gathering to set the stage for a potentially transformative experience. Then she shares how to begin and end the gathering in a meaningful way so that you and your guests will have a great time. Read below for a brief overview of Priya Parker’s The Art of Gathering.

How to Have a Successful Marriage: 3 Areas to Improve On

What role does blame play in a marriage? How can you get through the tough times? When should you “recommit”? David Brooks argues that you should embrace relationalism—the worldview that prioritizes selflessness and service to others—to lead a deeply fulfilling life. That includes enjoying a satisfying marriage. In The Second Mountain, he offers recommendations for how to have a successful marriage. Read on to learn how to keep a marriage commitment strong, based on the relationalist approach to life.

Stem Cells: The Anti-Aging Breakthrough

Can stem cells reverse aging? How do stem cells repair aged tissue? What are the main challenges in using stem cells for anti-aging? Stem cells are a promising solution for reversing the aging process. Injecting stem cells can induce healing of the tissues damaged in the process of aging and restore overall cellular function. Keep reading to learn about stem cell therapy for anti-aging.

What Is the Placebo Effect in Psychology?

What is the placebo effect in psychology? What role does the mind play in healing the body? Placebo is the beneficial effect experienced by a patient who has received a fake treatment but believes they’ve received real treatment. The placebo effect is proof that your beliefs can influence your physical health, conferring healing or inflicting sickness. Here is how you can harness the power of placebo to heal your body.

Idea Networking: How Disruptive Innovators Mingle

What’s idea networking? How is it different from traditional professional networking? Disruptive innovators don’t just network; they network for ideas. Idea networking is one of the five Discovery Skills that the authors discuss in The Innovator’s DNA. They explain what it is, and they outline three ways you can cultivate this effective practice. Keep reading to learn how to mingle like the world’s best innovators.