Shortform Books

Gamification Mechanics of Collectibles: Promote User Engagement

How can using collectibles enhance your gamification mechanics? What are the best strategies for integrating collectibles into games? According to gamification consultant Yu-kai Chou, gamification mechanics are the backbone of the player motivation system in games. One such mechanic is cultivating a sense of ownership through the use of collectibles, which encourages players to continue playing and investing in the game. Read on to learn about the gamification mechanics of collectibles, according to Chou.

How to Find Hope: Recalibrate Your Beliefs & Emotions

Does hope always seem beyond your reach? Is there something What strategies can help when you’re feeling hopeless? In his book Everything Is F*cked, Mark Manson explains what to do if you’re struggling to find hope and wondering how to cope with negative emotions and beliefs. He argues that feeling hopeless is a common human experience, but learning how to find hope is not impossible. Keep reading to learn Manson’s strategies for learning how to find hope.

How to Cultivate a Positive Outlook on Life

Do you have a positive or a negative outlook on life? How does your general outlook influence your life outcomes? Your outlook on life is a significant predictor of your experiences and outcomes. If you have a positive outlook, you manifest positive experiences and perceive opportunity even in the most dire situations. But if you have a negative outlook, you’ll feel hopeless even in the most opportune circumstances. Here are some tips on how to cultivate a positive outlook on life and feel optimistic even when life throws curveballs.

Be Your Future Self Now by Benjamin Hardy: Overview

What is Be Your Future Self Now by Benjamin Hardy about? What are the main takeaways of the book? In Be Your Future Self Now, Benjamin Hardy argues that you should commit to becoming your higher self now. This means dedicating yourself to achieving the goals that will bring you to your fullest potential. Read below for a brief overview of Be Your Future Self Now.

How to Find Your Vocation: Follow Your Obsession

What’s a daemon? How can it help you find your vocation in life? Unlike careers, vocations are central to your identity. That’s why it’s important to find yours. In The Second Mountain, David Brooks says that you first need to identify your obsession in life. Read on for Brooks’s advice on how to find your vocation in life.

Dopamine Detox: Book Overview (Thibaut Meurisse)

What is the Dopamine Detox book about? What are the main takeaways of the book? In Dopamine Detox, Thibaut Meurisse claims that if your mind feels scattered and distracted, it might be time for a dopamine detox. He further explores the science of dopamine and what causes sensory overload in the brain. Read below for a Dopamine Detox book overview.

The Language Instinct by Steven Pinker: Overview & Takeaways

What body parts do we use to speak? Is language an innate skill? Is grammar universal? In The Language Instinct, Steven Pinker aims to inspire readers to appreciate the unique qualities of human language. He describes how language works, argues that language is biologically innate, explains why children are linguistic geniuses, and contends that we should embrace language innovation. Keep reading for an overview of this fascinating book.

Fear Not: The Climate Catastrophe Has Been Greatly Exaggerated

What are the projections for climate-related deaths? Will climate change crash the economy? Climate activists have misled the public into thinking there’s proof that our actions have led to global warming and possible climate catastrophe, according to former energy industry scientist Steven E. Koonin. On the contrary, he argues, the facts about climate change are far from certain. Continue reading to learn why Koonin believes that we’re not headed for a climate catastrophe.

How to Use Catalytic Questions to Disrupt the Status Quo

Does your product or business need a breakthrough? How can you find new doors to open? Disruptive innovators ask disruptive questions. In The Innovator’s DNA, Hal Gregersen, Jeff Dyer, and Clayton Christensen argue that anyone can learn to innovate by practicing the five skills of the most successful innovators in the world. One of those skills is asking questions that disrupt the status quo. Read more to learn how to use catalytic questions to unleash your inner innovator.

Pema Chödrön’s Meditation and Mindfulness Tips

What’s Pema Chödrön’s meditation style? What are the benefits of mindful meditation? In When Things Fall Apart, Pema Chödrön asserts that cultivating mindfulness through meditation is the first step in learning how to cope with difficult times. It also allows you to use painful experiences as catalysts for experiencing peace in your life. Continue reading to learn Pema Chödrön’s advice for practicing meditation to experience peace.