Shortform Books

The 3 Levels of Engagement: Play, Test, and Practice

What are the three levels of engagement? Which level is the most effective for learning a skill? According to Angela Duckworth in Grit, the three levels of engagement are play, testing, and deliberate practice. Duckworth thought that deliberate practice was the only way to really improve at something, but many experts disagree and say that play and testing are just as important. Continue reading to learn more about the three levels of engagement, according to Angela Duckworth.

Habits of Success: Progress Slowly but Surely

Do your habits help or hinder your progress towards your goals? What are some things you could do on a consistent basis to get closer to your goal? A habit is an action repeated over time until it becomes automatic. Good habits that create your desired results are crucial for success because when completed consistently, they automatically get you closer to achieving your goals over time. In this article, we’ll explore the science of creating habits of success.

Analogical Thinking: Connecting the Unconnectable

What is analogical thinking? How can analogies be used to solve complex problems? In his book Range, David Epstein explains why analogical thinking is a valuable problem-solving tool. Using analogies can help you solve complex problems because it helps you make connections between seemingly unrelated concepts. Keep reading to learn how analogical thinking can help you yield new ideas by connecting the unconnectable.

How to Identify Your Circle of Competence

What is the meaning of a circle of competence? Why must you know what you are good at? Charlie Munger defines your circle of competence as an area of expertise that matches your skills and experience. It is the subject area you are good at. Knowing your area of expertise helps you recognize where your boundary is and avoid dabbling in ventures that will lead to failure. Read more about the importance of knowing your circle of competence.

The Fallout of Progressive Politics in America

Why have progressive politics in America started to slow down and, in some cases, even move backward? How did the election of Barack Obama divide the country? The election of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States was an important step forward for Black representation and for racial equality. However, the election had some unexpected consequences and ended up setting back some diversity and equality progress due to many white Americans wanting revenge. Here’s what Isabel Wilkerson, the author of Caste, had to say about the fallout of progressive politics in America.

The 2 Types of Competition in Business

What are the types of competition in business? Why are conservative companies reluctant to invest in hot new technologies? In Poor Charlie’s Alamanack, Charlie Munger identifies both competition between rivals and creative destruction through technology as the two primary types of competition in business. Competition between rivals can be friendly or fierce, while competition caused by new technology can either level the playing field or give a company a decisive advantage. This is why Berkshire Hathaway is reluctant to invest in hot new technologies. New technologies are not always easy to understand and the company’s operators prefer to invest in

Psycho-Cybernetics: Review, Context, Critical Reception

A little boy with a surprised look holding a book

Is Maxwell Maltz’s Psycho-Cybernetics worth reading? How can applying Maxwell’s cybernetic principles help you realign your behavior for success? Psycho-Cybernetics is based on the theory that your mind functions according to cybernetic principles—you can program your mind to achieve success and happiness in the same way that you’d program a machine to achieve the results that you want. Maltz suggests a number of methods to help you to consciously: raise awareness of your current self-image, release your limitations, build your self-confidence, and increase your ability to achieve success. This Psycho-Cybernetics review covers the book’s context, background, and critical reception by

How to Invest Wisely in the Stock Market

How do you master how to invest wisely? What is the investment strategy of Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger? You master how to invest wisely when you learn to find fairly-priced, high-quality businesses with good management. Buffett and Munger applied these principles along with a focus on investing in companies that are underpriced by the market to become the legends they are today. Read on to fully discover how to invest wisely in the stock market.

How to Program Your Mind for Success

Is it possible to condition yourself for success? How can you make yourself act in ways that are conducive to your goals? According to Maxwell Maltz, the author of Psycho-Cybernetics, your mind works similar to a machine. Therefore, he argues, you can program yourself to act in a goal-oriented way—the key is to learn to use your imagination constructively. In this article, we’ll explore how to program your mind for success, according to Maltz.

Expect the Best: Belief Unfolds Opportunity

Do you consider yourself an optimistic person? Do you always bank on the best possible outcome even if all odds are against you? The basic factor of succeeding in anything is learning to believe it’s possible. William James summed it up with this famous quote: “Our belief at the beginning of a doubtful undertaking is the one thing that ensures a successful outcome.” Here is how expecting the best can actually draw the best to you.