Positive Thinking & Motivation: Their Link Might Surprise You

A person with a thought bubble shaped like a smiley face illustrates the link between positive thinking and motivation

Why does daydreaming about success sometimes leave you less motivated to achieve it? Can harnessing both positive and negative thoughts create a more effective path to reaching your goals? Positive thinking and motivation have a complicated relationship. In her book Rethinking Positive Thinking, Gabriele Oettingen reveals how pleasant fantasies about future success can actually undermine your drive to accomplish your dreams. She offers a different approach. Keep reading to discover how you can transform feel-good daydreams into real-world achievements.

The Evolution of Houses: The Home as a Record of Human History

A house in the 17th century illustrates the evolution of houses

How did our ancestors make the shift from nomadic life to permanent homes? What can we learn about human history by exploring the changing form and function of houses throughout time? The evolution of houses tells us more about our past than just architectural preferences. In his book At Home, Bill Bryson reveals how homes transformed from basic shelters into comfortable living spaces, with changing building materials, room layouts, and garden designs reflecting broader societal shifts. Keep reading to discover how chimneys created privacy, why the middle class revolutionized comfort, and how technological innovations transformed both indoor and outdoor living

The Role of Luck in Success: What Big Data Shows

A smiling woman in a bright yellow sweater holding a large four-leaf clover illustrates the role of luck in success

What role does luck play in achieving success? Can you strategically increase your chances of catching a lucky break? In his book Don’t Trust Your Gut, Seth Stephens-Davidowitz uses data analysis to explore the role of luck in success. He reveals that, while luck creates opportunities for everyone, those who succeed are the ones who consistently take advantage of these moments. Keep reading to discover how you can tip the odds in your favor by making choices that maximize your chances of success.

How to Reach New Customers: 3 Tips to Keep Them Coming

A person holding a tablet and looking at a webpage that says "Refer a friend" illustrates how to reach new customers

Do you want to grow your business beyond your current customer base? How can you find and attract new customers without wasting your marketing budget? Jay Abraham offers practical strategies for expanding your customer reach in his book Getting Everything You Can Out of All You’ve Got. He provides a three-step process for finding new customers: calculating their value, marketing across multiple channels, and creating a referral system. Read on to discover how to reach new customers efficiently and build sustainable growth for your business.

A History of Food Preservation: 3 Life-Changing Innovations

Food stored in Mason jars on shelves in a pantry illustrates the history of food preservation

How did our ancestors keep food from spoiling before refrigeration? What surprising methods and materials were used throughout the history of food preservation? In his book At Home, Bill Bryson explores how humans transitioned from consuming local foods immediately to preserving them for extended periods. The history of food preservation reveals several fascinating innovations—alongside a few disturbing practices. Read on to learn how these preservation breakthroughs transformed the way we eat.

Data-Based Decision-Making Is Better Than Trusting Your Gut

A crossroads with one road sign pointing to "DATA" and the other pointing to "GUT" illustrates data-based decision-making

Is your intuition leading you astray? How can you make better life choices using hard data instead of gut feelings? In his book Don’t Trust Your Gut, Seth Stephens-Davidowitz reveals that data-based decision-making is far more reliable than human intuition. He explains how our minds are full of cognitive biases and how we’re easily misled by exceptional stories that we mistakenly believe represent the norm. Keep reading to discover how researchers are determining which choices actually lead to positive outcomes.

A History of Bathing: From Bathhouses to Smart Bathrooms

A pool in a Roman bathhouse illustrates the history of bathing

What surprising changes has bathing gone through over the centuries? How did we move from public Roman bathhouses to private bathrooms? Bill Bryson tracks the fascinating history of bathing, revealing how humans have swung between extremes—from daily cleanliness rituals to avoiding water completely. The journey from chamber pots in dining rooms to bathrooms with running water shows how our attitudes toward hygiene have evolved. Keep reading to discover how religious beliefs, medical misconceptions, and technological challenges have shaped our bathing habits throughout history.

How to Convert Leads Into Sales & Get Customers to Keep Buying

A person clicking the "Buy Now" button on the screen of a phone illustrates how to convert leads into sales

What are the most effective ways to turn potential customers into paying ones? How can you make each sales transaction more valuable without spending more on marketing? In his book Getting Everything You Can Out of All You’ve Got, Jay Abraham reveals that building customer trust and increasing transaction value are essential for a growing business. Not only are these strategies critical for converting prospects into buyers, but they also keep customers coming back for more. Continue reading to learn how to convert leads into sales, transforming hesitant prospects into loyal customers who spend more with your business.

2 Business Growth Methods to Break Out of the Status Quo

A smiling woman standing in front of an increasing bar chart illustrates business growth methods

Do you know the most effective ways to grow your business? How can you optimize your operations and leverage strategic partnerships for maximum growth? In his book Getting Everything You Can Out of All You’ve Got, Jay Abraham explains that true business growth goes beyond just maintaining current operations. He offers practical strategies for producing more, reaching more customers, and maximizing profitability without draining your resources. Read more to discover how these proven business growth methods can transform your company’s performance.

How to Choose a Sport (Hint: Don’t Trust Your Gut)

A boy holding a baseball bat illustrates how to choose a sport for you or your child

What athletic path will give your child the greatest chance of success? Which sports rely more on genetics, and which ones reward consistent practice and hard work? Choosing the right sport for your child involves weighing natural abilities against dedication and opportunity. In Don’t Trust Your Gut, Seth Stephens-Davidowitz reveals that diving, weightlifting, and horseback riding reward effort over natural talent, while other sports favor specific genetic traits. Keep reading to discover how to choose a sport that could lead to athletic scholarships and open doors to college education.