Shortform Books

Geography and Economic Development: How Strong Is the Link?

How much does a nation’s geography impact its economic development? What difference does access to trade routes make? Tim Marshall argues that, much like the starting hand in a card game, the geography of a region determines its economic development. If it’s dealt a naturally winning hand—filled with natural resources and defensible natural boundaries—it’s likely that it will develop into a stable, successful state. Continue reading to understand the link between geography and economic development.

How to Help Kids With ADHD: 3 Parenting Tips

Have you been researching non-stop about ADHD? What can you do as a parent to help your child cope with ADHD? Scattered Minds by Gabor Maté’s advice for helping a child with ADHD heal is to not force them to take medicine if it does more harm than good, and to do your best to provide the psychological and physical nourishment they need. However, children with ADHD—and their parents—face some unique challenges as well. Let’s explore how to help kids with ADHD by providing a nurturing and supportive environment.

5 Damaging Relationship Patterns & How to Avoid Them

Do you acknowledge the difference between constructive criticism and destructive criticism? Do you sometimes shut down because you’re feeling overwhelmed? Like every couple, you and your partner face conflict at times. But, you can still have a happy relationship despite these conflicts as long as you learn to manage them effectively. Specifically, experts recommend that you learn to recognize damaging relationship patterns so that you can avoid them. Read more to understand these patterns and see whether they’re in your own relationship.

How to Utilize Empathy in Communication Skills

Why exactly is empathy? How can you successfully use empathy in communication? In communication, empathy is important because it sets the tone for all subsequent interactions. Expressing yourself with empathy means clearly and accurately vocalizing your emotions and thoughts in a way that makes the other person willing to listen. Keep reading to learn about the psychology of empathy, how it develops, and how to express yourself emphatically.

What to Take Away From the Food Disgust Sensitivity Test

Is it okay to eat old bread if you cut the moldy part off? Is the red juice from steak really blood? What foods can you eat beyond their expiration dates? A viral food disgust test called the Food Disgust Sensitivity Test has people debating whether some foods can turn your stomach—or literally make you sick. While the test is amusing to take, it’s important to know what foods you should actually be avoiding. From moldy bread and jam to yogurt past its use-by date, keep reading to learn what the experts say about what you can safely eat.

Seth Godin: Branding & Price Help You Reach the Right Audience

What is it about Coca-Cola’s brand that makes it so effective? What should you consider when setting a price for your product or service? According to Seth Godin, branding and price are powerful tools. Used well, they can help you align your product’s story with the story that your audience tells. In This Is Marketing, he explains how to leverage branding and price effectively. Keep reading to understand how to use these important tools to your advantage.

How to Improve Work Relationships (+ Why It’s Important)

Do you talk to your coworkers much? How can you improve work relationships and enjoy your job more? Making friendships on the job may not seem like the biggest priority at work, but it doesn’t mean you have to distance yourself from your coworkers. In fact, The Good Life by Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz advises you to cultivate healthy relationships while working. Learn how to improve work relationships and, in turn, your life in general.

How to Evaluate Your Relationships’ Place in Your Life

Why should you evaluate your relationships? What are things to look out for as red flags in relationships? Some relationships just aren’t meant to last forever. If you feel as though a relationship is taking a negative toll on your life, you need to take a step back and assess how important it is to you. Here are the factors you need to evaluate in your relationships, according to Necessary Endings by Henry Cloud.

The Negative Effects of Procrastination on Your Health & Wallet

What are the negative effects of procrastination? How does procrastination affect your health and finances? Procrastination doesn’t just prevent you from getting work done. It can have a drastic impact on your health and finances if it gets out of control. Check out the negative consequences of procrastination to see why you need to get your work habits in shape.

Tara Brach’s RAIN Technique: A Guide to Everyday Mindfulness

How is mindfulness applied to everyday life? What’s the difference between the RAIN technique and the STOP technique? At a Buddhist conference, former ABC News anchor Dan Harris heard Tara Brach speak about loving and accepting yourself as you are. She presented a technique that he found helpful in applying mindfulness in everyday situations. Keep reading to learn about the RAIN technique and how it might benefit you as it benefited Harris.