Shortform Books

Distracted by Social Media? Try These Things

Are you easily distracted by social media? What can you do to improve your relationship with social media? Is taking a detox or sabbatical a good idea? Social media companies design their apps to be addictive—it makes you feel like you’re being productive (catching up on current events or seeing what family and friends are up to), but in fact, the gains are minor. Cal Newport argues that taking a temporary detox is ineffective and the best way to improve your relationship with social media is to limit your usage. Here’s how you can evelop a healthier relationship with social

How to Write a Sales Script: Tips and Roadmap

Want to know how to write a sales script? How important is a script in closing a deal? In his book about Straight Line selling, Jordan Belfort explains that a good salesman must have a script or he risks being unprepared and ruining his chance at a sale. An effective sales script (along with proper sales body language and tone) increases your chance of closing exponentiallly. Continue reading to learn how to build your sales script.

How to Read a Book: Using External Resources

How and when should you use external resources when you’re reading a book? Is it okay to rely on outside help, or should you try to read a difficult book on your own? In their book How to Read a Book, Adler and Van Doren believe that you should struggle through a book as much as you can on your own. However, when you really need help understanding the material, there are some tools you can use to aid your understanding. Below are the external resources that Adler and Van Doren recommend using.

Find Your Life Purpose: 4 Tips for Discovery

What is your life purpose? Are you living it? Your purpose is the one thing you want your life to be about more than any other. Your life purpose determines your priority. Connecting purpose and priority with productivity determines your success. To live an exceptional life, live with purpose, live by priority, and live for productivity. Continue reading to learn how to find your life purpose.

Johann Hari: Why Antidepressants Don’t Always Work

The Three Reasons Why Antidepressants Don't Work

What is the major reason why Johann Hari claims antidepressants don’t work? If antidepressants are not the solution to depression, why are they still popular? According to Johann Hari, author of Lost Connections, the main reason why antidepressants don’t work is that the chemical imbalance that those drugs are designed to treat is rarely ever the true cause of depression. Multiple studies have debunked the imbalance theory, and yet, antidepressants are still used. Hari says this is because big pharma controls much of the drug trial and approval process that authorizes the use of antidepressants. Read on to learn more

Is “Violent” Speech an Excuse for a Violent Response?

Is it possible for speech to be “violent”? Should speech that leads to physical harm be deemed violent? In what ways is this way of thinking harmful? In their book, The Coddling of the American Mind, Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff argue that there is no such thing as violent speech, even if the speech in question does lead to physical harm of some form. They think that labeling speech as violent is an excuse to respond with physical violence in turn. Keep reading to learn why Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff think that labeling speech as violent is harmful.

How Brené Brown Defines Worthiness: The 4 Principles

What is worthiness according to Brené Brown? Is it possible to improve your sense of self-worth as an adult? In The Gifts of Imperfection, Brené Brown defines worthiness in a way that is similar to self-esteem. She claims that many people today don’t feel worthy and believe that they will never be good enough. She also says that you can improve your sense of worthiness. Keep reading to learn how Brené Brown defines worthiness and what you can do to improve your self-worth.

Hold Yourself Accountable: Be the Author of Your Life

Do you hold yourself accountable for the way things turn out? Or are you just a victim of circumstance? Like everyone else, you want to succeed. You want great results. Holding yourself accountable is a critical aspect of success. It means that you are the owner—the author—of your life. Read more to learn the power of holding yourself accountable.

Word-of-Mouth Marketing Strategy Explained

What is a word-of-mouth marketing strategy? How can word-of-mouth marketing help you create a contagious product? A word-of-mouth marketing strategy focuses on making a product or idea socially transmissible. If people talk about your product, more people will inevitably buy it. Understanding the importance of a word-of-mouth marketing strategy will help you to create a product that is popular and successful. Discover the powerful impact of a word-of-mouth marketing strategy below.

How to Be More Likeable: Be a Comfortable Person

What makes a person likeable? What do you think likeable people do differently? According to Norman Vincent Peale, the author of The Power of Positive Thinking, people generally like people who are “comfortable”—others feel at ease in their presence. Another important factor in being likeable is the ability to make people feel they are important, boosting their ego in some way. Keep reading for Peale’s advice on how to be likeable.