Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

“Blue Mind” Meaning: The Mental State That Water Creates

What does “Blue Mind” mean? How is it different from “Red Mind”? What contributes to these mental states? When you feel serene sitting at the beach, watching the waves, you’re likely experiencing Blue Mind. In his book Blue Mind, Wallace J. Nichols argues that water has a profound impact on our well-being and health because it induces a calming, meditative state, which he calls the Blue Mind state. Read more to understand Blue Mind’s meaning and why such a phenomenon exists.

How to Be Persistent (Without Crossing the Line)

When does persistence go too far and become harassment? How might you be persistent in an appropriate and measured way? Alex Banayan wrote his book The Third Door to share what he learned from interviewing several wildly successful people about their paths toward getting ahead in life. In the process of writing it, he found that persistence (even his own) was important—and that it’s possible to take it too far. Read more to learn how to be persistent without crossing the line, with advice that Banayan learned from inventor Dean Kamen and boxer Sugar Ray Leonard.

What Philip Arthur Fisher Taught Warren Buffett About Investing

Beyond its financial statements, what indicates a company’s health? How can you evaluate the subjective qualities of a company? If you learn investing from Warren Buffett, you indirectly learn a vital principle from Philip Arthur Fisher. Fisher taught that, when you consider whether to invest in a company, you must look beyond its quantitative factors; you must also assess its qualitative factors such as its potential and management. Keep reading to discover what Warren Buffett learned from Philip Arthur Fisher.

How to Control Costs as You Grow: Advice From an Economist

What causes runaway costs? How can you keep your costs from spiraling out of control as your business scales? Managing costs is vital as your organization grows. When scaling up, you can take certain precautions to stay on top of overhead costs and per-unit expenses and keep them at a level that allows for sustained profitability. Continue reading for tips from economist and professor John A. List on how to control costs over time.

Can Election Reform Be a Pathway Out of Political Polarization?

Is there a connection between political polarization and the way America elects its officials? If so, what should be done about it? Progressive journalist, political commentator, and podcaster Ezra Klein says that, if done right, election reform can break up the push toward growing polarization. He proposes the replacement of the Electoral College by a direct popular vote for the presidency as well as the creation of multi-member districts. Keep reading to understand both of these proposals and what Klein hopes they’ll accomplish.

Your Path to Success Might Not Be the Traditional One

Is a low-risk path the right one for you? Would you take more risk if you had less to lose? Many people follow the traditional path to success—slowly ascending from one secure job to a slightly better-paying one. However, as recorded in Tribe of Mentors, some of Tim Ferriss’s experts note that constricting yourself to this path might keep you from building a career you’re passionate about. Continue reading for some advice that can help you figure out your path to success.

Follow Your Own Path: Tips From Larry King & Warren Buffett

Is it a good idea to try to copy someone else’s journey to success? What can you do that will leverage your particular strengths, skills, and circumstances? Alex Banayan interviewed several highly-successful people to learn how they made it to the top. One lesson that he repeatedly came across was that, even if you copy everything someone else has done, you can’t expect to replicate their success. Continue reading to learn why you should follow your own path and get advice on how to do it.

6 Blue Mind Quotes From Wallace J. Nichols (With Context)

Why do you feel so serene sitting on the beach, looking out at the ocean? Why does the mere sound of waves calm you down? This is the Blue Mind experience. In the book Blue Mind, Wallace J. Nichols argues that water has a profound impact on our well-being and health because it induces a calming, meditative state. Read on for six Blue Mind quotes that will help you appreciate this fascinating book.

How to Analyze a Business Model Like Warren Buffett: 3 Metrics

How does Warren Buffett choose his investments? What does he look for in a business model? Investment professional Robert G. Hagstrom lays out Warren Buffett’s investment strategies in his book The Warren Buffett Way. One of the steps in Buffett’s process is to evaluate a company’s business model. He looks for three things: simplicity, predictability, and a competitive edge that will last. Read more to learn how to analyze a business model like Warren Buffett does.

The 4 Characteristics of a Good Business Idea (John List)

How can you know your idea will scale? What should you look for, and what should you avoid? Economist and professor John A. List says that a viable business idea has four characteristics. It has a scalable audience, it’s not dependent on talented individuals, it anticipates spillover effects, and it keeps costs under control. Read on to learn about these four characteristics of a good business idea.