Shortform Books

The Organized Mind: Daniel Levitin Helps Us Think Straight

How can we live less stressfully in the modern world, where we have more demands on our attention than ever before? How should we organize information, our physical spaces, and even our relationships? In his book The Organized Mind, Daniel Levitin explains how our attention and memory work and shows how we can leverage them to make better decisions. He argues that we can give our brains a break by physically or digitally sorting and storing both information and objects. Keep reading for an overview of this book that can help you feel less overwhelmed and more relaxed and in

The 3 Qualities of Innovators That Entrepreneurs Need

What are the main qualities of innovators? How are innovators so creative? To achieve and maintain success in the digital era, Peter Diamandis and Steven Kotler’s book Bold argues that entrepreneurs must become exponential innovators. This means adopting a ceaseless commitment to creating daring and novel ideas. Below we’ll explain the major psychological strengths that innovators must have to succeed.

Are There Multiple Realities? The Infinite & Invisible (Vadim Zeland)

Are there multiple realities? If so, how many? How can we access them? In Reality Transurfing Steps I–V, Vadim Zeland redefines reality, arguing that we live in a world of consciousness in which infinite versions of reality exist simultaneously. He believes that what we identify as reality is just one version of it. Read more for an intriguing exploration of Zeland’s thoughts on the nature of reality.

How to Pursue Your Passions With the 5 Second Rule

What are your passions? How can you pursue your passions using the 5 Second Rule? Once you stop waiting to make life changes, you can begin working toward one specific change: spending more time on your passions. In The 5 Second Rule, Mel Robbins advises using the Rule for this because it’s often difficult to set aside time for your passions. Let’s look at how to pursue your passions by making time for them.

What Makes a Good Manager & Leader? 2 Must-Have Traits

What makes a good manager and leader? What do nearly all great leaders do? In Making Things Happen, management expert Scott Berkun explains what makes a good manager and leader, based on his former management experience for major companies like Microsoft and WordPress. He claims that there are two must-have qualities that define good managers and leaders. Read on to learn what makes a good manager and leader, according to Berkun.

Phil M. Jones’s Exactly What to Say: Book Overview

Want an overview of Phil M. Jones’s Exactly What to Say? What are the book’s key takeaways and suggestions for sales techniques? In Exactly What to Say, Phil M. Jones describes how to improve your business interactions by using key phrases that appeal to your listener’s subconscious mind. He claims that you can guide them to a decisive “yes” by capitalizing on conversational selling skills. Read on for an overview of the sales techniques and key phrases in Phil M. Jones’s Exactly What to Say.

Why Good People Do Bad Things: Self-Justification Psychology

Why do good people do bad things? What defines goodness? To keep us free from cognitive dissonance, we often convince ourselves that the bad things we’ve done don’t matter because we’re good people. In Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me), Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson question whether the bad things we do ruin our image as good people. Let’s look at why good people do bad things and try to justify their actions.

Warren Buffett: Financial Advisors Are Scamming You

The 4 Common Investment Mistakes to Avoid

Do you need a financial advisor to manage your investments? Why does Warren Buffett scorn brokers and financial advisors? Many people who aren’t well-versed in finance believe they need professional advice to invest profitably. But according to Warren Buffett, financial advisors aren’t worth the money. Furthermore, advisers can give misguided financial advice because they bear none of the risks as their clients’ fortunes rise or fall. Here’s why Warren Buffett says you should steer clear of financial advisors.

Dealing With Toxic People: Tips From a Psychiatrist

What’s the best way to deal with toxic people? How can you get through to someone who only responds to toxic, negative emotions? We’ve all encountered toxic people in our lives: drama queens who blow things out of proportion, bullies who thrive on provocation, or narcissists who only look out for their best interests. Each type of toxic trait requires a different strategy, but the main thing to keep in mind is not to let their behavior rub off you. Keep reading for tips for dealing with toxic people.

The Art of Seduction: Book Overview (Robert Greene)

What is Robert Greene’s The Art of Seduction about? What is the key message to take away from the book? In his book The Art of Seduction, Robert Greene offers insight into the psychology of attraction and provides a template for how to successfully entice lovers or devoted followers. According to Greene, we all want the power to seduce, whether we admit it or not. Below is a brief overview of The Art of Seduction by Robert Greene.