Shortform Books

Stop Seeking Validation & Holding Yourself Back

Are you putting off your ambitions and goals because you’re worried about what other people will think about them? Did you know that other people rarely think about you? In her book Girl, Stop Apologizing, Rachel Hollis says that you need to stop seeking validation from others and go after your dreams. As it turns out, people rarely think about you or what you’re doing and you could be holding yourself back for no reason at all. Here’s why you should stop worrying about what others think about you.

How to Create Your Life Mission Statement

What is a life mission statement? What should your mission statement be based on? How do you develop one? A life mission statement is essentially a statement of your purpose, priorities, and core values. In his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey says that your personal mission statement should be informed by your personal paradigm—the lens through which you see the world. Continue reading to learn how to create a personal mission statement, according to Stephen Covey’s model.

Rachel Hollis: Ladies, Learn to Advocate for Yourself

What are the two best ways to advocate for yourself? Why do people find it so difficult to ask for help? In her book Girl, Stop Apologizing, Rachel Hollis highlights that it is especially difficult for women to stick up for themselves. The two best ways to advocate for yourself are to ask for help and to say “no.” But many women see asking for help as a sign of weakness and struggle to say “no” when asked to do something. Here is how to advocate for yourself, according to Hollis.

Toltec Philosophy and the Road to Personal Freedom

What does Toltec philosophy say about reality? What is its view of enlightenment? Toltec philosophy asserts that we tend to carry false beliefs. When we challenge those beliefs and overcome them, we become more and more free. Authors don Miguel Ruiz and don Jose Ruiz (the naguals) discuss three stages that we go through on the road to total personal freedom (enlightenment). Continue reading to learn the Toltec philosophy of enlightenment.

Worry About the Things You Can Control

How do you stop worrying about the things you can’t control? How do you prevent external factors you can’t influence from affecting your mental and emotional state? Many people let their minds be consumed by the things they have no control over. They let external factors dictate their internal state. But worrying about the things they cannot control causes them unnecessary stress and reinforces feelings of victimization. Here is why you should only worry about the things you can control (otherwise, you’d just be spinning your wheels with pointless stress).

Learn to Trust Yourself: You Are Your Own Authority

Do you trust your inner voice? Why do many women struggle to trust themselves without validation from men? Traditionally, voices of authority were male. Although that trend is finally starting to change, many women still subconsciously struggle to trust themselves. This lack of trust and fear of ambition among women has caused a leadership gap in many industries. Here’s why you need to learn to trust yourself, according to Hollis.

The 3 Habits of Successful Women to Adopt

What are the top three habits of successful women? How can adopting these habits help you become more successful in life? Author, motivational speaker, and businesswoman Rachel Hollis outlined the three habits you should adopt if you want to become successful in life. Those habits are: 1) lay a healthy foundation, 2) trust your inner voice, and 3) advocate for yourself. Learn more about each habit below.

Subjective Thinking Versus Reality: What’s the Truth?

How common is subjective thinking? What can you do about it? Don Miguel Ruiz and don Jose Ruiz, the authors of The Fifth Agreement, discuss the issue of subjective thinking. They assert that we perceive only a fraction of reality. This causes us to have wrong and often harmful beliefs about the world and ourselves. Read more to learn about subjective thinking.

Big-Picture Goals: Put Your Whole Life in Perspective

As life constantly changes, how do you keep your focus on your values and goals? How do you make sure every small action you make is moving you closer to your destination? To achieve the life you want, you must start with the end in mind. This means identifying your big-picture goals—the life you want to lead, the character traits you want to embody, the impact you want to have on those around you—and then ensuring each daily action is in line with it. Keep reading to learn the importance of setting a big-picture goal for getting the life that