Testosterone and Success: How It Can Propel or Derail You

A smiling professional man in a blue suit jacket and white shirt illustrates the link between testosterone and success

Have you ever wondered how your body chemistry influences your achievements? What happens physically when you taste success, and how does it impact your future performance? The relationship between testosterone and success extends beyond what we might expect. In his book The Winner Effect, Ian Robertson writes that testosterone levels increase when we win, shaping both our confidence and behavior in complex ways. Read on to discover how this powerful hormone can both propel your success and potentially derail it if left unchecked.

The Decline of Social Capital & What’s to Blame (Robert Putnam)

A man bowling alone in a bowling alley illustrates the decline of social capital

What’s caused Americans to become increasingly isolated from one another over the last several decades? How does this disconnection impact our communities and political landscape? In his book Bowling Alone, Robert Putnam tracks how America’s social connections have steadily weakened since the 1960s. He documents the decline of social capital across various aspects of society, from church attendance and bowling leagues to family dinners and political participation. Read on to understand how and why meaningful community bonds have deteriorated.

What Does Being Productive Mean? Michael Hyatt’s Definition

A man showing what being productive means by cleaning his home

What does being productive mean? What are the benefits of changing how you think about productivity? People generally think of productivity as getting a lot of things done, but Michael Hyatt disagrees. In his book Free to Focus, he defines productivity as getting the right things done.  Let’s look at Hyatt’s definition of productivity and how it can help you finish tasks in a meaningful way.

Creative Quest by Questlove—Book Overview and Lessons

A creative man reading a book on a couch with a guitar leaning against a shelf behind him

How do creative geniuses come up with their groundbreaking ideas? How can you better navigate the successes and failures that come with creative work? In Creative Quest, Questlove, a musician and producer, explores the creative process, arguing that creativity isn’t an innate talent. He provides tips and strategies to access your creativity, collaborate with others, and overcome obstacles, so you can create work that you and others enjoy. Continue reading for a book overview of Creative Quest.

Neuroscience of Success: 3 Chemical Responses to Understand

Three smiling professionals--two men and one woman--in an open workspace illustrates the neuroscience of success

What chemicals in your brain are connected to your success? How can understanding these chemicals help you make better decisions on your path to achievement? The neuroscience of success reveals how specific brain chemicals and hormones influence your ability to achieve goals and maintain momentum. Neuropsychologist Ian Robertson examines how three of them work together to either propel you forward or hold you back when facing challenges. Keep reading to discover how these powerful chemicals affect your decision-making, social relationships, and long-term performance.

Start Finishing: How to Go From Idea to Done (Charlie Gilkey)

A smiling woman with eyes closed holding an open book

How can you finally transform your big ideas into concrete achievements? What’s stopping you from making progress on the goals that matter most to you? In his book Start Finishing: How to Go From Idea to Done, Charlie Gilkey helps you push through procrastination and focus on real work. He walks you through turning abstract dreams into completable projects by making intentional choices, maximizing your resources, and creating realistic plans. Continue reading for an overview of this book that can help you finish what you start.

The Code of the Extraordinary Mind by Vishen Lakhiani: Overview

A smiling woman holding an open book with bookshelves and a window in the background

Are you living by rules that are holding you back? How can you break free from limiting beliefs imposed by society, culture, and your upbringing to create an extraordinary life? In The Code of the Extraordinary Mind, Vishen Lakhiani offers a framework for questioning inherited beliefs and redesigning your life on your own terms. He provides strategies for developing empowering beliefs, adopting beneficial habits, and finding balance between contentment and aspirations. Read on for an overview of this book from the cofounder of Mindvalley.

Social Unity Can Be Rebuilt: Robert Putnam’s Fourfold Vision

A man's hand connecting people-shaped figures on a whiteboard illustrates social unity

Are we experiencing a decline in community bonds? How can we reverse this societal trend and rebuild meaningful connections? In his book Bowling Alone, Robert Putnam examines the erosion of social unity in America since the 1950s. He offers approaches through education, religious communities, neighborhood design, and internet technologies that could strengthen our communal ties. Continue reading to discover Putnam’s vision for restoring social capital and creating a more connected society in the 21st century.

Freedom Compass: Its Purpose + How to Create & Use One

A man wearing a backpack looking at a freedom compass on a wall

What’s Michael Hyatt’s Freedom Compass? How can you determine which to-do tasks are more valuable than others? In Free to Focus, Michael Hyatt offers a tool called the Freedom Compass. Similar to the famous Eisenhower Priority Matrix, the Freedom Compass helps you evaluate the value of the things you do. Keep reading to learn how the Freedom Compass can change your life.

How to Navigate Creative Success and Cope With Failure

A stressed out artist leaning on his art table with his head in his hands because creative success is stressful

What are the downsides of creative success? How can you find a middle ground between staying confident and being humble? Questlove, musician, producer, and author of Creative Quest, explores the successes and failures that come with creativity. He writes that there’s a lot to learn from each and that creative success can come with some downsides. Keep reading to learn how to handle creative successes and failures.