Shortform Books

Is National Debt a Problem? Don’t Believe the Hysteria

Is national debt a problem in the United States? Why does Stephanie Kelton believe that government officials are promoting debt hysteria? Stephanie Kelton is an economist, a believer of modern monetary theory, and the controversial author of The Deficit Myth. In her book, she argues that there is no threat from the national debt and that conversations surrounding the United States debt are full of fearmongering. Continue reading to learn why Kelton thinks the United States could wipe its debt at any time.

How to Use Meditation for Success

Do you believe the myth that meditation can hinder your success? Is there a way to use meditation for success? In his book 10% Happier, former meditation skeptic Dan Harris said that he used to believe that mindfulness and ambition could not coexist. He thought that if he took up mindfulness meditation, he would need to sacrifice his career. As it turns out, he was able to find a balance between the two. Here’s how you can make your meditation practice work with your career.

How to Work With a Blue Personality Type

What are the traits of a Blue personality type? In what ways should you adapt your behavior when working with a Blue-dominant person? According to Thomas Erikson in Surrounded by Idiots, Blue-dominant people are extremely organized. Erikson says they have a place for everything, know where every cent goes, and keep detailed schedules. It would not be unusual for a Blue type to plan meals weeks in advance. Keep reading for advice on how to work with a Blue-dominant person.

Speed in Sports: Nature or Nurture?

Is speed ability a matter of genetics or training? Which is more important when it comes to speed in sports? While it’s not a physical characteristic, speed is a necessary trait shared by athletes in many sports. Sports and science have yet to determine the exact recipe that makes an athlete fast. Here’s what research has to say on the matter.

Codependent No More: Quotes by Melody Beattie

Are you looking for Codependent No More quotes from Melody Beattie? What are the best passages worth revisiting? In Codependent No More, Melody Beattie explores codependency and how it affects people’s lives. A self-help classic and the book that inspired codependency 12 Step Programs around the country, Codependent No More provides explanations, advice, and compassion for people struggling with codependency. Continue reading for quotes from Codependent No More.

Ray Dalio: The “Shaper” Archetype

What is the “shaper” personality type? What are the key traits of Dalio’s shaper archetype? According to Ray Dalio, “shaper” is a personality type characterized by a visionary outlook and critical thinking. The shaper comes up with unique and valuable visions and builds them out, despite the doubts of others. Keep reading to learn about the characteristics of shapers, according to Dalio.

4 Tips From Codependent No More by Melody Beattie

Are you looking for tips from Codependent No More by Melody Beattie? What steps can you take to become more independent and happy? In Codependent No More, Melody Beattie explores codependency and how it affects people’s lives. A self-help classic and the book that inspired codependency 12 Step Programs around the country, Codependent No More provides explanations, advice, and compassion for people struggling with codependency. Here are four helpful tips from her book.

Career Self-Management: Own Your Success

What does it mean to manage yourself? Why is it important to take responsibility for developing your own career? According to Peter Drucker, managing yourself is taking responsibility for yourself and your career development so that you can grow and learn throughout your working life. In other words, it means taking the initiative to develop your skills so that you maximize your chances of having a successful career. Keep reading to learn what career self-management is and why it’s a practice that Drucker believes you should engage in.

The Different Personality Tests and Their Uses

What are the different personality tests used in personality typing? Is personality typing useful in the modern-day? Personality typing is not a new phenomenon. In fact, it can be traced back thousands of years. In the modern-day, personality typing is a useful tool when it comes to communication and human resources in the workplace. Below, we’ll go over the history of personality tests and their uses, with special attention to Thomas Erickson’s color model from Surrounded by Idiots.

Mindfulness and Creativity: Artists Don’t Need to Starve

Have you heard the myth that the best artists are the ones who suffer the most? Would you believe that you can combine mindfulness and creativity? The starving artist is a famous trope. Many believe that the best art comes from those who are suffering—whether that be mentally, financially, or physically. However, in his book 10% Happier, Dan Harris asserts that you don’t need to suffer to be creative. In fact, he says that mindfulness can actually boost creativity. Let’s debunk the starving artist myth.