The World's Best Book Summaries
What is the sunk cost effect? Why do we keep following through on projects that stop paying off? The sunk cost effect is a general tendency to continue on an endeavor once considerable resources have been invested into it—even when the costs start to outweigh the benefits. It’s human nature to respond this way—the more you invest, the harder it is to pull the plug on a commitment. Keep reading to learn about the sunk cost effect.
What was the Michael Oher car accident scene in The Blind Side about? Did Oher and SJ really get in an accident? In The Blind Side, Michael Oher gets into a car accident with his younger brother, Sean Junior, in the front seat. Oher was able to save SJ from serious injury by blocking the airbag from hitting him, showing he had strong protective instincts. Read more about Michael Oher, the car accident, and the real story.
How can breaking out of homeostasis help you reach new mental and physical levels? Is it possible to push yourself beyond your limits without burning yourself out? By pushing your body or mind hard enough and long enough, you can “trick” it into using its desire for homeostasis to your advantage. Over time, your body will change in ways that enable you to run that extra mile or lift that extra 50 pounds. The more you push yourself, the more the structure and chemistry of your brain will adapt to breaking out of homeostasis. Keep reading to learn how breaking
In Patrick Lencioni’s book, Death by Meeting, how did Yip CEO Casey go from a PGA golfer to making videogames? What factors halted Yip’s potential growth? Patrick Lencioni’s book Death by Meeting is a business parable about a CEO named Casey who doesn’t know how to lead a productive team meeting. Casey gave up his golf career after a case of the yips and decided to turn his passion for golf into a videogame. Continue reading to learn more about how Casey started Yip Software in the Death by Meeting book.
Do you often find yourself spending time on unproductive activities that add neither value nor enjoyment? How do you stop wasting time and start getting things done? Studies show that most people waste more valuable work time in a day than they realize. This time is wasted dealing with the various distractions thrown their way while they’re trying to work. To stop wasting time, you must learn to say “no” to distractions and “yes” to active focus. Keep reading for tips on how to stop wasting time and start getting things done.
How do you know when it’s time to start building an official process at your company? How can well-defined processes help minimize company politics? When adding new employees feels harder than adding more work to your current employees and it’s hindering growth, it’s time to build processes. Processes may seem tedious, but without processes, workplace politics develop and make it a bad place to work. Continue on to learn how to build a company process.
What are the Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance themes? How are these themes conveyed? There are several important Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance themes. They include technology, a good quality of life, and treating life like a journey. Read more about the Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance themes.
What are Colton Burpo’s descriptions of Heaven? Do they match those from the Bible? Could he have gone to Heaven if he didn’t die? In Heaven Is for Real, toddler Colton Burpo claims he went to Heaven during a surgery on his appendix. Over the next few years, Colton reveals descriptions of Heaven to his father, pastor Todd. Keep reading for Colton’s descriptions of Heaven.
What is the problem with nationalism? How does nationalism erode the collective spirit and what are its implications for the world at large? Many people around the world are finding comfort in the identity and community of their nations, but there is a major problem with nationalism. Specifically, nationalism creates an “us” and “them” mentality, which makes it difficult to come together as a global civilization to address collective problems. Keep reading to learn about the problem with nationalism.
What is the history of Airbnb? How did the company grow from a seedling to a billion-dollar juggernaut? The history of Airbnb is a success story of an unassuming start-up started by two housemates who, strapped for cash, were looking for a “way to make a few bucks.” Little did they know that they were to become the founders of one of the most valued companies in the world. Read about the history of Airbnb from 2007 to 2016.