Shortform Books

Are Your Personal Paradigms Truly Your Own?

What are your personal paradigms? How do you see the world at a high level? At the root of your beliefs and behaviors are a collection of personal paradigms, which are influenced by your family, education, work, religion, friends, and culture. A personal paradigm is essentially the lens through which you see the world. If you don’t create your own self-paradigm, you’re left to piece together a self-image that’s based on the opinions and feedback you get from others. Read more to learn about the concept of a personal paradigm and how your paradigms affect your behavior.

Perception Is Subjective: How We Sense Reality

What does it mean that perception is subjective? Do we know what’s real? We don’t sense everything, and what we sense might not be real. In other words, perception is subjective. Authors Miguel Ruiz and Jose Ruiz discuss this point in their book The Fifth Agreement. Keep reading to learn how perception is subjective.

There Are No New Ideas But Don’t Let It Hold You Back

Do you have an idea in mind but aren’t pursuing it because it’s already been realized? Is there even such a thing as a new idea? There are almost no new ideas—it’s a hard truth that Rachel Hollis shares in her book Girl, Stop Apologizing. However, you shouldn’t let that fact hold you back. Just because an idea has been realized, it doesn’t mean that it’s been realized your way. Here’s why it doesn’t matter if it’s already been done.

Olivia Fox Cabane: How to Be a Charismatic Speaker

What does it take to become a charismatic speaker? Which vocal styles are more charismatic than others? In her book The Charisma Myth, charisma expert Olivia Fox Cabane explains how to become a charismatic speaker. She says that you need to make the listener feel important, use a wide range of emotions, and speak with authority. Here are some tips on how to speak with charisma, according to Olivia Fox Cabane.

Beyond Average: 7 Examples of Outlier Success

What are some outlier examples? What stories illustrate that “self-made” success is a myth? In Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell shows us that where you’re from and the opportunities you’re given matter as much as personal advantages such as talent and intelligence. He provides several outlier examples to illustrate his point. Here are seven outlier examples that show how success really happens.

Millennial Burnout: Why Are Millennials So Stressed?

How did millennials become the burnout generation? How do millennials compare to other generations in terms of health and well-being outcomes? Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) are the most stressed-out generation, both physically and emotionally. They have the highest rates of hypertension, depression, anxiety, and even suicide. Continue reading to learn how the focus on efficiency is causing millennial burnout.

The Legacy of George Wallace’s Presidential Campaign

Who is George Wallace? Under what party did Wallace run for president? Former Governor of Alabama George Wallace ran for president in 1968 under the American Independent Party banner. Although George Wallace had little effect on American politics, his 1968 presidential campaign remains a deeply significant event. Read more about the legacy of George Wallace’s presidential campaign below.

Girl, Stop Apologizing: Quotes by Rachel Hollis

What are some of the best Girl, Stop Apologizing quotes? What does Rachel Hollis have to say about chasing your dreams? Hollis’s advice in Girl, Stop Apologizing consists of excuses to let go of, behaviors to adopt, and skills to acquire. In addition, she provides a step-by-step blueprint to take your dream from fantasy to realization. Here are some of the best passages from the book with explanations.

Brian Tracy: Goals! Quotes to Keep You Going

Are you looking for Goals! quotes by Brian Tracy? What are some of the most noteworthy passages worth revisiting? In Goals! How to Get Everything You Want—Faster Than You Ever Thought Possible, motivational speaker Brian Tracy shares the mindset and the steps that will help you reach your goals in the shortest amount of time. He believes that goal-setting requires changing your mindset, being clear about what you want, using visualization, and keeping track of your progress. Here’s a selection of key passages—plus explanations to help you put them into context.

What Acceptance Means in Toltec Philosophy

Do you know what acceptance means in the context of Toltec enlightenment? How does it relate to personal freedom? Acceptance of “what is” is the second stage of Toltec enlightenment. In The Fifth Agreement, don Miguel Ruiz and don Jose Ruiz discuss what acceptance means in this context and how to practice acceptance to reclaim personal freedom. Continue reading to learn what acceptance means in Toltec philosophy.