Shortform Books

How Choice Overload and Ambiguity Thwart Change

What is choice overload? How does it impact our ability to change? Choice overload happens when people are overwhelmed with options. It can lead to decision paralysis—when we end up either doing nothing or doing the same thing every time. Ultimately, it makes change difficult. Too much ambiguity, just like too many options, can thwart change efforts. Keep reading to learn how to overcome choice overload and ambiguity in order to bring about change.

Can You Increase Your Intelligence? Science Says Yes

Can you increase your intelligence? Or is IQ fixed at birth? Is human IQ genetically predetermined or can it be improved? Contrary to what many people think, your IQ isn’t predetermined. In fact, Americans’ average IQ has risen over time, likely because of changes in nutrition, schools, and culture. Learn about the factors that affect your IQ and some strategies for improving your intelligence.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: Review

Is The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck worth reading? Does the book live up to all the hype around it? What was the author’s key message? The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck isn’t your average self-help book. Mark Manson’s message is that you’re not special, it’s okay to feel bad sometimes, and society’s toxic positivity and self-help gurus are only making the problem worse. Keep reading for The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck review and background.

The Three Certainties of the Straight Line System

What are the three certainties from Way of the Wolf? Why are the three certainties essential in Straight Line sales? In his book Way of the Wolf, Jordan Belford discusses the three certainties of the Straight Line system: 1) the product, 2) the seller (you), and 3) the company. If you don’t gain a prospect’s trust in these three areas, then you are less likely to close the sale. Continue below to learn more about the three certainties and what happens if you fall short.

The 7 Major Causes of Depression and Anxiety

What are the most common causes of depression and anxiety? Why isn’t biology the main cause of depression? The main causes of depression and anxiety are acute loneliness, childhood trauma, loss of purpose in life, and a severe disconnection with nature. There are biological factors that can make an individual vulnerable to depression, but these factors are usually latent. It is social, psychological, and environmental factors that can trigger a genetic tendency to have depression and anxiety. Read on to learn more about the major causes of depression and anxiety.

Why Parents Should Teach Kids to Defer Gratification

Why should parents keep their kids from developing an attachment to immediate gratification? What problems arise when a child doesn’t learn to defer gratification? M. Scott Peck, in his book The Road Less Traveled, argues that the first and most valuable tool you can develop to support spiritual growth is discipline. There are four key components to discipline. One of them is the ability to defer gratification. He explains two problems that can occur when a child fails to learn this skill. Keep reading to learn about the problems that can arise when we don’t defer gratification.

The Ideal Team Player: Quotes by Patrick Lencioni

Are you looking for The Ideal Team Player quotes by Patrick Lencioni? What are some of the most noteworthy passages worth revisiting? In The Ideal Team Player, author and business consultant Patrick Lencioni describes the model team player and explains how to develop current employees into team players and make sure you hire team players in the future. The central idea is how the three essential qualities of a team player (hungry, humble, and smart) combined can transform any organization. The following The Ideal Team Player quotes highlight some of the key points.

Playing to Win: How Strategy Really Works—Overview

Playing to Win: How Strategy Really Works—Reviewed

What is the book Playing to Win: How Strategy Really Works about? How does the cascade strategy framework help companies? Playing to Win: How Strategy Really Works explores the cascade strategy used by the authors A.G. Lafley (former CEO of P&G) and Roger Martin (former P&G strategic advisor) to double the revenues and profits of Procter and Gamble (P&G) from 2000 to 2009. The cascade strategy helps companies identify their winning aspirations and helps them develop the capabilities and strategies they need to win in the marketplace. Read more about the lessons in business strategy explored in Playing to Win:

Is Government Intervention Good for an Economy?

Why do governments intervene in markets? Is government intervention good for an economy? When there is a market failure of some sort, governments often intervene to restore the economic system. However, if the government sets too many rules, or gets too involved in managing economic operations, it can destroy an economy. In this article, we’ll discuss three possible downsides of government intervention: 1) misallocation of resources, 2) rising costs due to regulations, 3) stifled growth, and 4) distorted incentives due to taxes.

What Causes Global Economic Inequality?

What causes global economic inequality? Do you think it is possible to achieve perfect equality across the world? The vast differences in wealth between people living in different countries can be emotionally troubling. However, given the vast differences in factors underlying economies (geography, natural resources, culture), as well as the complex interaction of such factors, it is impossible to expect economic equality across the world. In this article, we’ll take a look at the factors that underpin global economic inequality.