Shortform Books

Are Index Funds Better Than Mutual Funds?

Are index funds better than mutual funds? Can actively managed mutual funds outperform index funds in the long run? Some argue that, despite their higher costs, mutual funds could nonetheless be superior to index funds if they generated proportionately higher returns. In The Little Book of Common Sense Investing, Jack Bogle turns to historical data and statistical models to disprove this misconception. Here’s why mutual funds generate significantly lower returns for investors than index funds.

Joe Dispenza: Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself

What is Joe Dispenza’s Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself about? What is the key message to take away from the book? Joe Dispenza suggests that it’s our habits that keep us from growing and creating the life we want. In Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself, he offers a detailed guide on how to get rid of those habits and replace them with habits that move us toward our ideal selves. Below is a brief overview of Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Joe Dispenza.

The Ultimate Guide to Communication in a Marriage

What is the key to effective marital communication? What are some of the most common points of contention when it comes to communication in a marriage? Almost all marriage problems stem from communication errors. There are many possible points of contention when it comes to communication in a marriage, from how often to have sex and how to handle finances to how to raise children. Here’s how to handle some of the most common marital communication problems.

Problem-Solving in Communication: 3 Skills to Master

How does problem-solving in communication work? What skills do you need for conversational problem-solving? According to leadership expert Michael Bungay Stanier, problem-solving in communication is all about adopting a questions-first approach, which results in more productive solutions. By learning to think like a coach, you can let your curiosity lead the way when faced with a problem, says Stanier. Read on to learn Stanier’s three essential skills for problem-solving in communication.

How to Conquer Your Fears and Regain Control of Your Life

Is your fear holding you back? How do you conquer your fears? Everything Is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo advises you to believe that all issues are solvable, but being afraid can get in the way of that. Forleo gives guidelines for tackling fear in general as well as four common fears: fear of pursuing your dreams, not being ready, not being good enough, and being an impostor. Here’s how to conquer your fears so you live your life at ease.

How to Create the Ideal Workspace for Optimal Productivity

What are the qualities of an ideal workspace? How can you arrange and decorate your workspace to optimize your thinking? Science writer Annie Murphy Paul claims that creating the ideal workspace is important because where you decide to work has a significant impact on the quality of your thinking. In The Extended Mind, she provides tips for creating a workspace that optimizes your brain’s productivity. Keep reading to discover how to create the ideal workspace, according to Paul.

Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes: Book Overview

What is Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes about? What are the main takeaways of the book? In Year of Yes, Shonda Rhimes explores her journey from a life of merely surviving to full-hearted thriving. The Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal creator outlines the meaningful lessons she wishes to pass on to her readers so they can reclaim their lives from fear. Read below for a brief overview of Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes.

Why Do People Resist Change? 3 Reasons We Stay in a Rut

Why do people resist change? Why do we prefer consistency in our lives? In The Power of Discipline, Daniel Walter explains that humans struggle with self-discipline, and consequently fail to reach their goals, due to certain biological tendencies. One of those is our tendency to crave consistency. Keep reading to understand this tendency and how it works against us and our ability to self-discipline.

Changing Yourself: Why Is It So Difficult?

Why is it so hard to change yourself? Why do people become stuck in their ways, and what can you do to break free from your old patterns? According to Joe Dispenza, the author of Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself, changing yourself is hard because your habitual patterns become hardwired into your brain and body. He highlights two specific habits that make it difficult to change: emotional addiction and inauthenticity. Here’s why changing yourself is so difficult, according to Dispenza.