Shortform Books

American Hospital Bills: A Peek Behind the Curtain

How do hospitals bill for their services? Why does hospital care cost so much more in America compared to other developed countries? American hospital bills can get exorbitantly high because the pricing practices are designed to maximize billing to the point of what’s acceptable. Hospitals can even add optional services without necessary patient benefit—using ultrasound to inject steroids in a knee adds $300. This article takes a look at the hospital billing system in America and gives some practical recommendations on what you can do to reduce your bill.

Autotelic Personality: Traits and Characteristics

How do you know if you have an autotelic personality? What does personality have to do with entering a flow state? If you’re naturally inclined toward finding flow in everyday experiences, you have an autotelic personality. If you’re an autotetic, you likely habitually do these four things 1) observe the environment around you, 2) set goals, 3) concentrate deeply on what you’re doing, and 4) enjoy a wide variety of experiences. Keep reading to learn what personality has to do with flow.

A Brief History of Time: Quotes by Stephen Hawking

Looking for A Brief History of Time quotes by Stephen Hawking? What are some of the most noteworthy passages worth re-visiting? Stephen Hawking’s A Brief History of Time is an exploration of the forces that govern our universe. The following quotes and passages simply but elegantly distill some of the key concepts discussed in the book. Keep reading for quotes and passages from A Brief History of Time: From the Big Bang to Black Holes.

The Infinite Game Quotes Simon Sinek’s Best Passages

Looking for The Infinite Game quotes by Simon Sinek? What are some of the most noteworthy passages worth revisiting? In The Infinite Game, Simon Sinek applies James P. Carse’s concept of finite and infinite games to the domain of business. Games where the players either play to win (finite), or to survive, thrive, and keep playing (infinite). He argues that people who view business as an infinite game are more successful, while those who aim to “win” don’t end up as well-off. Keep reading for The Infinite Game quotes with explanations.

Brené Brown’s Guidepost #10: The Importance of Fun

Why is it so important to laugh, sing, and dance? How can you overcome the feelings of self-consciousness that come with public displays of enjoyment? In the book The Gifts of Imperfection, Brené Brown says that making time to laugh, sing, and dance is the final guidepost to living Wholeheartedly. The importance of fun shouldn’t be overlooked, partaking in these activities can have a significant impact on your life. Continue reading to learn about the importance of fun and how to overcome the fear of embarrassment.

Wal-Mart’s Business Strategy: Low Prices Always

What is Wal-Mart’s business strategy? How does Wal-Mart maintain its low prices and high volume? In his autobiography Sam Walton: Made in America, Walton details his business strategy. This strategy enabled him to grow Wal-Mart from a single five and dime store to a nationwide superstore. Here is Sam Walton’s Wal-Mart business strategy.

The Top 4 Habits of Millionaires You Need to Know

What are the habits of millionaires? Can you adopt the habits of rich people to become a millionaire? The top habits of millionaires are frugality, excellent time management, stock investments, and a tendency to shun high-status vehicles. You can also become a millionaire if you are willing to control your spending and focus on building your wealth. Read more to discover the habits of millionaires that made them rich.

Find Purpose in Your Life: Wisdom From Hal Elrod

Tired of settling for whatever comes your way in life? Feeling directionless and like you have nothing to offer? Ready to find purpose in your life? In The Miracle Morning, Hal Elrod asserts that a lack of purpose leads to a mediocre life. Drawing from his own experience, he offers practical ways for you to find purpose in your life, just as he has in his own. Elrod’s advice can help you overcome both boredom and challenges. Keep reading to learn how to find purpose in your life and take it to a new level.

7 Tips for Developing an Entrepreneur Mentality

Do you have a business idea in mind? More importantly, do you have what it takes to make it into reality? There are oceans of people who come up with brilliant business ideas. They all could be successful entrepreneurs if only this one thing weren’t in the way—their mentality. If you have a business idea but aren’t quite ready to start turning it into reality, start by cultivating an entrepreneur mentality.

Stephen Hawking and A Brief History of Time

Is Stephen Hawking’s A Brief History of Time worth reading? What are some of the key topics explained in the book? A Brief History of Time is an exploration of the forces that govern our universe. It distills a wide range of topics, from Newton’s laws of gravity to special and general relativity, the Big Bang, black holes, the possibilities of time travel, the quantum theory, and more. Here is a brief overview of Stephen Hawking’s book A Brief History of Time: From the Big Bang to Black Holes.