Shortform Books

Invest Thoughtfully: 25 Stock Market Questions to Ask Yourself

What kind of investor are you—or should you be? Do you invest according to your age? What’s your ideal asset allocation? If you’re an investor, a speculator, or you’re considering getting into the market, you want to invest with knowledge. That includes knowledge about the stock market as a whole, certain stocks in particular, and you as an investor. Continue reading for several stock market questions designed to help you understand yourself as an investor as well as your current and prospective investments.

Where Did Life Originate on Earth? A Trip to the Bottom of the Sea

Where did life originate on Earth? How can we know? Biochemist Nick Lane’s understanding of a cell’s requirements leads him to a hypothesis of where life began. In his book The Vital Question, he discusses the type of environment that’s best suited to give rise to the first cells. Keep reading to learn what Lane believes is the most likely candidate for where life on Earth originated.

How Diverse Skills Can Help You Get the Lifestyle You Want

Are you a specialist in just one area? If so, are you aware of how that could be holding you back? Retired astrophysicist Jacob Lund Fisker argues in Early Retirement Extreme that it’s possible to break out of the unsatisfying cycle of consumerism. Part of the equation is increasing your financial security by diversifying your skills. Read more to discover how diverse skills can help you get the lifestyle you want.

18 Procrastination Questions to Help You Stop Putting Things Off

Are you a serial procrastinator? A serial procrastinator who’s ready to turn things around and get things done? Nearly 95% of people say they procrastinate. That’s according to Piers Steel, the author of The Procrastination Equation. He defines procrastination as purposefully putting off tasks against your better judgment and contrary to your best interests. If this sounds familiar, you’ve come to the right place. Continue reading for several procrastination questions designed to help you examine and tackle your procrastination habit.

The Optimal Connection Between the Left and Right Brain

How should the brain hemispheres work together? What’s the proper connection between the left and right brain? Popular opinion holds that the left brain does more “important” work than the right brain, so it should dominate. But, Iain McGilchrist takes the opposite view, contending that the left brain should be subservient to the right brain. Continue reading to learn what McGilchrist believes is the optimal relationship between the two brain hemispheres.

ADHD Disorganization: Getting Your Mess Under Control

Why does ADHD cause disorganization? How hard is it to stay organized with ADHD? ADHD can cause you to make impulsive decisions, struggle to stop a task once you’ve begun it, and have difficulty conforming to common organizational methods. These and other traits can make you disorganized, and being disorganized can then make your symptoms worse, creating a negative cycle. Let’s look at ways to clean up your messy habits so you can get your life in order, according to Order From Chaos by Jaclyn Paul,

5 Sci-Fi Writing Prompts: Putting the Science in Science Fiction

Do you want to write a sci-fi story but don’t know where to start? Is it important to you to include real science in your fiction? In A Brief History of Time, Stephen Hawking explains modern physics to a general audience. These ideas provide excellent jumping-off points for science fiction stories. Keep reading for five Hawking-inspired sci-fi writing prompts that will help you use real science in science fiction.

How to Stop Monopolizing Conversations (and Stop Others, Too)

Are you a conversation monopolizer? Or, do you fall victim to this and hardly get a word in edgewise? One-sided conversations aren’t really conversations; they’re monologues. Good conversationalists give each other space to talk. This requires both skill and thoughtfulness. Social interaction specialist Patrick King shows you how to cultivate these traits in his book Better Small Talk. Continue reading to learn how to stop monopolizing conversations and keep others from doing the same.

How to Create a Fine-Dining Experience: 4 Tips From Will Guidara

What does it take to create a fine-dining experience for customers? How did Eleven Madison Park become a four-star restaurant? Along with Daniel Humm, Will Guidara wanted to create a fine-dining experience that was also modern and inclusive. To do that, Eleven Madison Park needed to become a four-star restaurant. These are the lessons Guidara learned on the journey toward providing an outstanding fine-dining experience.

The Everyday Hero Manifesto Quotes on Achieving Greatness

Why Is the Hero's Journey Important and Relevant?

What are the best The Everyday Hero Manifesto quotes? What can you learn about being a hero from these quotes? A hero doesn’t need laser eyes or super strength to be great. The Everyday Hero Manifesto says all you need is a strong mind, body, and heart and determination to live to your fullest potential. Check out these The Everyday Hero Manifesto quotes to learn more.