Shortform Books

How to Empty Your Mind & Quiet Your Inner Dialogue

Are your thoughts always racing out of control? Do you find it difficult to empty your mind so you can relax and be at peace? Many people struggle with incessant mental chatter, which drives anxiety and wastes a lot of cognitive energy. As a result, they can never find peace because their minds are always thinking—ruminating about the past or time-traveling into the future. Here are a few strategies for emptying your mind of unnecessary mental noise so you can focus and think straight.

The Surprising Reasons Behind the Shortage of Skilled Labor

What’s causing the shortage of skilled labor in the U.S.? What are some possible solutions? As the overall labor shortage begins to ease in the U.S., there’s still a chronic shortage of skilled labor. In the long term, efforts to resolve the shortage focus on educating young people about the trades to clear up misconceptions and increase interest. Keep reading to learn what’s causing the shortage of skilled labor and some proposed solutions.

Project Management Issues: How to Avoid & Handle Them

What are some avoidable project management issues? What should you do as a manager when a problem occurs? In Making Things Happen, Scott Berkun explains how good project leaders are able to avoid or mitigate project management issues by following some best practices. He argues that being accountable and making a plan of action are the keys to handling most project issues. Read on for an overview of Berkun’s advice for avoiding or handling project management issues.

Ca$hvertising by Drew Eric Whitman: Book Recap

Looking for an overview of Ca$hvertising by Drew Eric Whitman? What are his fundamental advertising techniques? Advertising coach Drew Whitman claims many advertisers put a lot of money into ads but see little return on their investments. In Ca$hvertising, he claims that he can help you turn your mediocre ads into money-making machines by letting you in on one big secret. Read on for a brief overview of Ca$hvertising by Drew Eric Whitman.

How to Save a Failing Business & Avoid Major Pitfalls

Are you a business owner? Is your business failing to make money? One of the hardest parts about being a business owner is seeing your company struggle. There are many reasons why a business might fail, but there are ways to come back from these pitfalls. Let’s look at how to save a failing business and turn things around for the better.

Competitive Relationships: Why Do We Have Them?

Why do we enter competitive relationships? Or, why do some of our relationships become competitive? According to author Luke Burgis, most of our desires aren’t actually our own. In his book Wanting, he uses the theory of “mimetic desire” to explain how we mimic what others want or have, which can unknowingly lead us into competitive relationships. Read on to learn the psychological reasons why we enter competitive relationships, according to Burgis.

Prince Harry’s Marriage to Meghan Markle: A Timeline

Why is Prince Harry’s marriage to Meghan Markle so controversial? How did Harry and Meghan meet? In 2018, Prince Harry married American actress Meghan Markle and now has two children with her. However, as Harry points out in his book Spare, their marriage has been highly criticized by family members and the British press. Here’s a breakdown of Prince Harry’s marriage to Meghan, from an Instagram meet cute to living in California with their children.

Just Listen: Book Overview (Mark Goulston)

What is Mark Goulston’s book Just Listen about? What’s the key message to take away from the book? In his book Just Listen, Mark Goulston explains that if you want to change someone’s mind or behavior, listening is the most important step. When you listen effectively, the person you’re trying to connect with feels heard, understood, and valuable, and it motivates them to open up to you in return. Below is a brief overview of Mark Goulston’s book Just Listen: Discover the Secret to Getting Through to Absolutely Anyone.

Shortform Reads: Where Witchcraft, Ecology, and Psychology Collide

What book acts as a portal to another realm? What lesser-known book inspired some of the Harry Potter series? Lauren is a Shortform guide writer from Colorado. She’ll read pretty much anything (unless it has to do with money).

Chatter by Ethan Kross: Book Overview

What is Ethan Kross’s Chatter about? What is the key message to take away from the book? In his book Chatter, neuroscientist and experimental psychologist Ethan Kross explores the private conversations we have with ourselves and how they impact our well-being and life outcomes. Further, he lays out practical strategies to help you silence your inner critic and rewire your mind for more positivity. Keep reading for a brief overview of Ethan Kross’s book The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It.