Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

Kissing Frogs: Dean Kamen’s Advice for Creative Breakthroughs

Do you tend to give up when you don’t reach a breakthrough right away? What’s the best way to find a solution without wasting a lot of time? In The Third Door, Alex Banayan shares the insights into success that he learned from interviewing inventor Dean Kamen. Kamen’s secret is kissing frogs—in other words, persistently trying lots of solutions. Kamen cautions, though, that this must be done strategically so that you don’t waste time. Keep reading to learn how kissing frogs might be your ticket to success as it has been for Kamen.

Focus Investing vs. Modern Portfolio: Warren Buffett’s Choice

What’s focus investing? How is it different from modern portfolio theory? Which approach does Warren Buffett take? According to Robert G. Hagstrom, Warren Buffett departs significantly from the mainstream when it comes to portfolio management. While most investors diversify their portfolios broadly to minimize volatility, Buffett focuses on a select handful of stocks to maximize his chances of above-market returns. Read more to learn about focus investing and why Buffett prefers it to the modern portfolio approach.

How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy

Do you feel the need to be productive all the time? Do you feel guilty when you do nothing? It’s easy to feel like you have to constantly be doing something. Social media declares that, to be a good person, you have to pay attention to the right post or cause; you feel like your time is money and you have to constantly use it productively. Jenny Odell says we must understand and resist this mindset. Keep reading for an overview of Odell’s book How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy.

How to Scale Culture as Your Business Grows (The Voltage Effect)

As your organization grows, how can you maintain your culture? How should your teams be organized, and what should they prioritize? The Voltage Effect by John A. List is an economics text designed to help you understand the characteristics of scalable ideas. He argues that you should focus on building a sustainable culture while you scale your ideas. Read more to learn how to scale culture by embracing collaboration and diversity.

Why Are You So Busy? The Real Reason You’re in the Fast Lane

Why are you so busy? Why does it feel like you’re out of sync when you try to slow down? In The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, pastor and author John Mark Comer explores culture’s obsession with rushing. He explains how this obsession infiltrates and impacts your life and offers an antidote. Read more to learn why you and everyone else are always in a rush.

What Is the Attention Economy—and How Is It Harming Us?

What is the attention economy? Why is it easier for people to be manipulated these days? Why are people more lonely than ever? According to Jenny Odell, the harmful modern need to constantly do something derives from capitalism. Using examples from art, history, and her own life, Odell recommends doing “nothing”—devoting time and attention to “non-productive” activities that deepen your connection with the world. Read more to understand what the “attention economy” is and why you constantly feel pushed to be productive.

Lady Gaga: Failure Can Be Turned Into Success

How to Deal With Failure at Work and Build Resilience

How did Lada Gaga respond to the criticism she received for her album ARTPOP? What can it teach you about failure and success? Many of the people whom Alex Banayan interviewed for his book The Third Door overcame difficult challenges in their lives and their careers. He found that, for Lady Gaga, failure is an opportunity to bounce back and avoid derailing progress. Read more to learn how Lady Gaga has dealt with criticism and failure.

How Does Warren Buffett Invest? Tips to Manage Your Portfolio

How does Warren Buffett invest? What’s the best way to adopt his approach? In The Warren Buffett Way, investment professional Robert G. Hagstrom outlines Warren Buffett’s investment strategies. Hagstrom explains why Buffett believes that focus investing is better than modern portfolio theory, and he shares some pitfalls to avoid as a focus investor. Read on to learn how to manage your portfolio like Buffett and to find an exercise that will help you examine your investing habits.

Accountability in Business: When Leaders Should Apologize

Should you apologize to your team when you mess up? Is it possible to apologize too much? As difficult as it can be, it seems obvious that leaders should admit their mistakes. However, it’s not so cut and dry when and how they should apologize. In The Voltage Effect, John A. List discusses what accountability in business should look like. Keep reading for List’s advice that can help you be a better leader and teammate.