Shortform Books

Alternate-Day Fasting: Schedules, Benefits, & More

What are the benefits of alternate-day fasting? How often should you alternate between fasting and eating normally? Alternate-day fasting (ADF) has been shown to promote weight loss and improve overall health. There are several alternate-day fasting schedules, including 5:2, 4:3, and “True ADF,” which means alternating up-and-down nonstop. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of alternate-day fasting and how to time your ADF for maximum effectiveness.

Secrets of Closing the Sale by Zig Ziglar: Overview

What is Zig Ziglar’s Secrets of Closing the Sale about? What are the main takeaways from his book? The process of selling can seem mysterious and incomprehensible. In Secrets of Closing the Sale, Zig Ziglar explains what qualities you must develop as a salesperson, how customers tend to behave in sales situations, and the strategies you can employ to maximize the impact of your pitch and close the sale every time. Here’s a brief overview of Secrets of Closing the Sale by Zig Ziglar.

What Is Social Pressure? The 2 Types

What is social pressure? What are the two types of social pressure? Social pressure is the influence exerted on an individual or group by another individual or group. In The Lucifer Effect, psychologist Philip Zimbardo defines the two types of social pressure that influence someone to be evil: group pressure and authoritative pressure. Keep reading to learn about the two types of social pressures.

The Implications of Human Immortality

Can humans live forever? And if so, should we? What are the wider implications of human immortality? Living forever is an attractive yet controversial idea. There are a number of ethical implications concerning immortality. Some of the chief concerns include overpopulation, economic inequality, and stagnation of scientific and social progress. Biologist David Sinclair addresses these concerns in his book Lifespan, coming to the conclusion that humanity has got what it takes to overcome them. Keep reading to learn about the implications of human immortality, according to David Sinclair.

How to Stop Criticizing Others: Mind Your Business

Do you often find yourself criticizing others? How does unvoiced criticism erode your relationships with people? Being hyper-critical of others is a toxic mental habit. When you criticize others—even if you don’t voice your criticism—you create unnecessary negativity in your interactions with people. Here’s how criticism damages your relationships and how to stop criticizing others.

How to Avoid Toxic People: Happiness 101

Do you have a friend who always complains, judges, and sees things in a negative light? What’s the best way to deal with toxic people? Unconsciously, we adopt the beliefs and habits of people we spend time spend with. Being around toxic people—people who see the world through a negative lens—will make you more like them, no matter your resolve to stay positive. Here’s how to avoid toxic people, according to mind coach Vex King.

Brené Brown on Happiness & Sadness

We often say we’re happy or sad, but what exactly is happiness? And what exactly is sadness? According to Brené Brown, happiness and sadness lie at the opposite ends of the emotional spectrum. As basic emotions, they serve as the foundation of numerous others (e.g. happiness for joy and gratitude, and sadness—for hopelessness). Here’s how Brené Brown explains happiness and sadness.

Understanding the Human Gut Microbiome

What is the human gut microbiome? How does it influence our physical and mental health? We have huge populations of bacteria in the human gut microbiome. These bacteria play a vital role in digestion, and emerging science suggests that they also have other important effects. These include strengthening our immune system and possibly impacting our mental health. Keep reading to learn about the role of these bacteria populations, how we develop them, and how we can maintain a healthy gut.

How to Live With Intention: Be Proactive, Not Reactive

What does it mean to live purposefully or intentionally? Do you think you’re living intentionally, or are you just floating through life without direction? According to psychotherapist Nathaniel Branden, when you live with intention, you don’t just react to what happens. You proactively decide what your goals are, create plans to achieve them, and then implement those plans. Here’s how to live with intention.

How to Improve Your Business’s Bottom Line

Do you want to take your business to the next level? What can you, as a business owner, do to increase your customer satisfaction and improve your company’s bottom line? With business—as with anything in life—there’s always room for improvement. Once your business starts turning profit, the next step is to identify ways you can improve so you can keep growing and adding value to your customers. Here are four strategic tips on how to improve your business’s bottom line.