Shortform Books

Examples of Geopolitics: Geography Shapes the World Stage

Why does China seek out Africa’s resources? Why have India and Pakistan wanted control of Kashmir? Why has Korea been colonized and invaded so often? Geography shapes the way that nations interact with each other. Tim Marshall explains that, on the international stage, nations use trade, diplomacy, and military force as they vie for access to geographical bounties—troves of resources, trade routes, and defensive features. Read on to find several examples of geopolitics from Prisoners of Geography.

How to Stop Beating Yourself Up: 5 Ways to Forgive Yourself

Are you too hard on yourself? How can you stop beating yourself up over little mistakes? Making mistakes is part of being human, but many of us chronically beat ourselves up for not being perfect. Over time, that critical self-talk can evolve into debilitating shame that prevents us from pursuing opportunities in life and showing up authentically for ourselves. With this in mind, here’s how to stop beating yourself up and begin showing up for yourself with the care and compassion that you deserve.

Why You Should Focus on Your Smallest Viable Market (Seth Godin)

How to Find Your Target Audience and Competitors

Should you try to sell your product to everyone? What’s the best way to allocate your marketing budget? Seth Godin says that, to be effective at marketing, you must first understand what people need and then seek to fill that need. But, you can’t be all things to all people, so you must apply focus to your marketing efforts. You have to identify your core audience and serve them well. Read more to understand what Godin means by your “smallest viable market.”

How to Unlearn Dysfunctional Family Patterns in Adulthood

What common patterns in dysfunctional families would you recognize? What can you do personally to improve your relationship with your family? Each family is unique in its own way, and all of them come with their own problems. As Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz point out in The Good Life, these problems usually arise from negative patterns that get passed down. Let’s look at how to unlearn these dysfunctional family patterns to improve relational dynamics.

How to Judge Someone’s Character: The 3 Types of People

Can you judge a book by its cover? What type of people are the worst at relationships? In Necessary Endings, Henry Cloud says that to determine who to let go of in life, you must assess relationships based on your impression of the other person’s character. Cloud claims that character is predictive of whether or not people will be receptive to change and feedback. Keep reading to learn how to judge someone’s character.

How to Prevent Procrastination: 3 Focus-Heavy Strategies

How can you prevent procrastination? How can building your confidence help you meet deadlines? The Procrastination Equation by Piers Steel discusses how to avoid procrastination by exploring three areas. These areas include anti-procrastination techniques that will give you the motivation you need to get work done. Continue reading to learn how to prevent procrastination with Steel’s strategies.

Is Extreme Tourism Good or Bad for Society?

What is extreme tourism? What dangers does it pose—and does it offer any redeeming social value? What is its future? On June 20, the US Coast Guard announced that a “catastrophic implosion” had killed five passengers on the Titan submersible. The deadly, $250,000-per-seat escapade raises questions about the perils and possible benefits of extreme tourism—an industry growing in popularity among the world’s financial elite. Keep reading for the two points of view on extreme tourism.

Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall: Overview & Takeaways

Why are the economies of Northern Europe stronger than those of Southern Europe? How does global warming impact trade routes? How is Tibet geopolitically important? Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall is about how geography shapes the development and politics of nations. Marshall’s aim is to help readers gain a deeper understanding of global politics and conflicts by detailing their geographical underpinnings. Continue reading for an overview of this eye-opening book.

Expert Advice on How to Maintain a Healthy Relationship

What’s the secret to a happy long-term relationship? What should you do, and what should you avoid? If you’re regularly fighting with your partner or just feeling a little bored, staying happy may seem more easily said than done. But, maintaining a happy romantic relationship isn’t as difficult as it can seem—as long as you’re armed with the right knowledge. Read on for expert advice on how to maintain a healthy relationship with your partner.

How to Improve the 4 Important Relationships in Your Life

What are the most important relationships to cherish in life? How can you improve these specific relationships? In The Good Life, Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz discuss their strategies for improving specific types of relationships. We’ll discuss the unique characteristics and challenges of your relationships with your partner, your family, your colleagues, and your friends—and how to improve each type. Continue reading for tips on how to boost the relationships you want to thrive.