Shortform Books

How to Develop Self-Discipline: 7 Habits to Make You Stronger

Do you start the day off right? When you lose motivation, do you push past the moment? When was the last time you left your comfort zone? Self-discipline is hard. But, you can strengthen your ability to self-discipline. In his book, Daniel Walter argues that the best way to improve this ability is to get rid of bad habits and replace them with good ones that support discipline. Continue reading to learn how to develop self-discipline with good habits.

How to Stick to Your Goals: Tips for Committing 100%

Do you set worthy goals only to give up along the way? What can you do, practically, to make it all the way there? It’s easy to set goals. It can be difficult to achieve them. To make reaching them easier, be careful with the way you set goals and then commit yourself completely. Daniel Walter discusses goals in the context of self-discipline and provides some valuable insights. Read more to learn how to stick to your goals and to get some tips on setting SMART goals to boost your commitment.

How to Recognize Propaganda: 3 Tell-Tale Features

How pervasive is propaganda? How can you tell when a message is manipulative? Propaganda is all around us. It might be a song, an image, an advertisement, or a headline. In Mythologies, Roland Barthes explains how myth is basically propaganda. He warns against its influence, so it’s important to know it when you see it. Keep reading to learn how to recognize propaganda and keep from being deceived and used.

Mel Robbins’s 5 Second Rule: Psychology and Uses

What is the psychology behind the 5 Second Rule? How can you use the Rule to improve your life? In The 5 Second Rule, Mel Robbins explains that the 5 Second Rule can be used to improve your life in three ways. These three ways are to jump into action, be bold and follow your gut, and control impulsiveness. Let’s explore each use in detail and the 5 Second Rule’s psychology.

Desired Reality: How to Identify What You Want to Experience

What’s your desired reality? What brings you joy? What inspires you? Vadim Zeland argues that, since your version of reality simply reflects your emotional energy, you can control which version of reality gets reflected back to you by matching your emotional energy with that reality. One way to redirect your energy is to identify your desired reality. Continue reading for Zeland’s advice on how to do this, along with some input from a few psychologists and self-improvement authors.

Are Humans Rational? No, But We Think We Are

Are humans rational? Are we less rational than we think we are? In Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me), Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson say that we’re naturally inclined to believe that we’re rational actors moving through an ordered existence. However, our rationality can’t justify the bad things we do. Find out why we use rationality to excuse bad decisions, and whether humans are as rational as we think we are.

Bond ETFs vs. Bond Mutual Funds: Which Are Better?

What is the difference between bond ETFs vs. bond mutual funds? Which delivers a higher return on investment? Bond mutual funds are actively managed funds where investors’ capital is distributed among select securities. In contrast, bond ETFs purchase securities that reflect certain bond indices. According to John Bogle, the author of The Little Book of Common Sense Investing, bond index funds deliver better returns than bond mutual funds. Here’s why bond ETFs are more profitable than bond mutual funds, according to Bogle.

Warren Buffett’s Philosophy and Investing Best Practices

What is Warren Buffett’s investment philosophy? What is the best piece of advice you can take on board from the world’s most successful investor? The key philosophy that Buffett drives home is that owning a stock means owning a piece of an actual, real-world business. Using this “owner mindset” as a starting point, Buffett provides guidance to reasonable expectations, best practices in investing, and certain pitfalls to avoid when investing. Keep reading to learn about Warren Buffett’s philosophy and best practices for investing.

How to Induce Alpha Brain Waves Using Meditation

What are alpha brain waves? How can you put your brain into an alpha frequency on demand? Alpha brain waves are low-range brainwaves associated with a state of calm and relaxation. In his book Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself, Joe Dispenza recommends an alpha brain waves meditation practice to induce a state of alert calm. Keep reading to learn how to put your brain into the alpha frequency.

Team Topologies: Enabling Teams Are Here to Help

Does your organization have enabling teams? What difference do they—or could they—make? In Team Topologies, enabling teams function as helpers that come alongside other teams to keep them running with efficiency and relevance. They stay up to date on the latest technologies and skills, and then they share this knowledge with the teams that need it. Read on to understand the purpose and function of enabling teams.