Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

The Gap and the Gain: Overview & Key Takeaways

What does “the gap and the gain” mean? What’s the difference between these two ways of measuring progress and success? You might need to make one simple shift in your thinking. That’s the core idea of The Gap and the Gain that was developed by entrepreneurial coach Dan Sullivan. In the book, organizational psychologist Benjamin Hardy connects Sullivan’s ideas to scientific concepts that help explain why we tend to focus on the future and how we can train ourselves to focus on the past instead. Hardy and Sullivan argue that making this change can drastically improve your quality of life.

What Is Anti-Science? Carl Sagan Debunks 4 Criticisms

What is anti-science? Is it different from scientific skepticism? What are some of the most common criticisms of science? Science isn’t perfect. It should be challenged, questioned, and even criticized. Some of these criticisms, though, don’t hold water and amount to what could be called anti-science. This is the view of Carl Sagan, who discusses anti-science and addresses four of the most common criticisms that scientists face: science is evil, science is too narrow, science changes too fast, and we might be better off not knowing. Let’s take a look at how Sagan explains anti-science and unpacks these four criticisms.

Naval Ravikant: Specific Knowledge Is a Key to Success

What does Naval Ravikant mean by “specific knowledge”? What’s his advice for developing a specialization? According to Naval Ravikant, specific knowledge is required if you want to build wealth over time. To develop a specialization, you first have to learn the basics of communication and math. Then, you must discover where your true interest lies. Continue reading to learn how to develop specific knowledge on your path to success.

How to Overcome Trauma: The 2 Steps Toward Healing

What are some practical ways to heal from the trauma you’ve experienced? How might you deal with your past in a way that gives you a brighter future? In The Gap and the Gain, entrepreneurial coach Dan Sullivan and organizational psychologist Benjamin Hardy contend that Gap- and Gain-thinking affect your well-being. Gain-thinking, they argue, can lead to a happier life. If you’ve experienced trauma, though, a happy life might seem out of reach. The authors provide techniques that help you frame your past trauma in a way that promotes Gain-thinking and puts you on the path toward healing. Read more

Outwitting the Devil: Quotes by Napoleon Hill

What are some of the best quotes from the book Outwitting the Devil? What captures the essence of some of the book’s principles? Outwitting the Devil is a self-help book that describes how you can resist the devil’s influence and find personal and financial success in life by choosing clear goals, pursuing them single-mindedly, and surrounding yourself with positive influences. Businessman and author Napoleon Hill emphasizes the law of attraction and the power of positive thinking as the primary tools that will keep you from drifting aimlessly through life or spiraling into failure. Keep reading for some of the best

What Is the Difference Between Money and Wealth?

What is the difference between money and wealth? Which one should be your focus? Typically, we understand wealth to be the same as net worth, the sum of your assets. However, entrepreneur and self-made millionaire Naval Ravikant sees wealth a bit differently. The Almanack of Naval Ravikant shares his definition of wealth and how he distinguishes it from money. Then, it explains why Ravikant believes you should focus on generating wealth rather than money. Keep reading to learn about this way of looking at money and wealth.

Supernatural Beliefs & Pseudoscience (Carl Sagan)

What’s pseudoscience? Why do some people believe in astrology and angels? What harm can it cause? Carl Sagan claims that unscientific beliefs are becoming more and more common in the modern age. In The Demon-Haunted World, he discusses pseudosciences and supernatural beliefs. He explains how they spread and why they’re dangerous, arguing that this type of belief impairs our ability to make decisions of all kinds. Keep reading for Sagan’s take on pseudoscience and the supernatural.

How to Have a Happy Life Through Gain-Thinking

What’s Gain-thinking? How can it improve the quality of your life? What harm can come from Gap-thinking? When you compare who you are now to who you want to be, you’re resigning yourself to a life of unhappiness. Your ideal self is constantly changing, making your goals impossible to reach. Instead, you must compare who you are now to who you used to be so that you can see how far you’ve come. This simple shift in thinking makes all the difference in living a happier life. Read more to learn how to have a happy life through Gain-thinking.

Shortform Reads: A Kindle & a Backpack Full of Books

What book guided Filip through a year full of hardships? How do some self-help books rise above all the others? Based in Europe, Filip is a digital illustrator and graphic designer at Shortform. In a recent interview, we learned a bit about Filip’s relationship with books.

How to Change Your Behavior: 3 Steps to a New Life

Are you stuck in a cycle of negative thoughts and behaviors? Are you ready to break out of that cycle? In his book Outwitting the Devil, Napoleon Hill explains that we get set in certain behavior patterns. You can break out of a negative pattern and establish a new, positive one. He recommends three steps: set a life goal, choose faith over fear, and never accept less than you deserve. The overarching principle of these steps is to be confident and committed in everything you do. Read more for Hill’s discussion of how to change your behavior.