Shortform Books

How to Be More Optimistic (Even if You’re a Pessimist)

Want to learn how to be more optimistic? How can you become an optimist if you’re naturally pessimistic? In Martin Seligman’s book, Learned Optimism, Seligman explains how you don’t have to live your life being pessimistic just because you weren’t conditioned to be an optimist. Seligman believes anyone can learn optimism by cultivating a balanced mindset. Read on to learn Seligman’s advice for how to be more optimistic, including a short exercise at the end.

The Meaning of Emotional Development for Children

What does emotional development mean in early childhood? Why is emotional development so important for children, according to psychology? Lisa Feldman Barrett’s book, How Emotions Are Made, explains a new theory of emotions, according to Barrett’s background in neuroscience and psychology. Barrett’s new theory of constructed emotions impacts the meaning and importance of emotional development for young children. Read on to find out the meaning of emotional development in early childhood, according to Barrett’s new theory.

The 2 Simple Rules for Objective Decision-Making

Do you base your decisions on emotions or facts? Why is objectivity important in decision-making? When we make decisions, we’re prone to confirmation bias—seeking information that confirms our existing beliefs and biases. This prevents us from making credible predictions by distorting how we interpret information, leading to suboptimal decisions. Here are two simple rules for objective decision-making.

How Your “Predictive Brain” Takes Care of You

What is your “predictive brain,” according to psychology? How do humans use prediction to maintain well-being? Your predictive brain is in charge of monitoring all of your body’s needs, according to neuroscientist and psychologist Lisa Feldman Barrett. In her studies of the brain and emotions, Barrett found that the predictive brain plays a large role in regulating your mood, too. Read on to learn more about the function of your predictive brain, according to Barrett’s research.

How to Develop a New Market to Expand Your Business

Why does your business need a new market? How can you develop a new market? A new market is where you’ve created a novel solution for consumers. This type of solution isn’t just improving on other solutions because it completely alters peoples’ lives and renders old markets obsolete. Check out how to develop a new market, according to the book Play Bigger.

Learn Forex: Best Blogs, Books, Courses, & Podcasts

Are you a foreign exchange (Forex) trader? Perhaps you aspire to become one but aren’t sure where to start? What are the best resources to get market insights and learn Forex trading? With its low capital requirements and ease of entry, Forex trading is an attractive way to earn some extra cash— and is even some people’s primary source of income. While the barriers to entry are relatively low, Forex trading is complex and requires specialized knowledge. In this article, we’ve rounded up a list of the best resources to learn Forex, including books, blogs, courses, and podcasts.

How Do Genes Work? Biologist Explains

How do genes work? How are genetic instructions stored in the DNA? DNA encodes the genetic information that determines how an organism will develop. From the color of your eyes to your temperament, genes carry information that makes you who you are. So, in a very real sense, your genes contain the blueprints for your body and, to some extent, your personality. Here’s how genes work, explained in simple terms.

Why Multigenerational Households Are in Decline

Why is multigenerational living in decline? What are the advantages of living in a multigenerational family? It was once typical for the elderly to live with their children and grandchildren under one roof. This arrangement wasn’t always easy, but it met many of the core needs of the elderly that we neglect today. Moreover, living in a multigenerational household made younger generations more aware of mortality by exposing them to the realities of aging and dying. Here’s why multigenerational living is in decline, according to Atul Gawande.

Customer Segmentation Analysis: 3 Steps to Proper Positioning

Who’s most likely to buy your product? How can you figure that out? To help you position any product well, April Dunford provides a 12-step process. Step 7 is to pinpoint customer segments most likely to buy your product. Read more to learn about Dunford’s three-step process of customer segmentation analysis.

The Housing Shortage: Causes, Effects, & Outlook

What factors are contributing to the housing shortage? Does it look like prices will go down, or are the high prices here to stay? How is it affecting renters? If you’ve looked into buying or selling a house recently, then you will have noticed the exorbitant prices of homes at the moment. Unlike the 2006 housing crisis, the high costs have a more complicated cause this time. Continue reading to learn what factors are causing the current housing shortage and if the prices will go back down.