Shortform Books

What Is the Critical Period of Brain Development?

What is the critical period of brain development? At what age does the brain become set in stone? Can structural changes happen in the brain after the critical period is over? During the critical period, unused parts of the brain can change themselves to perform functions different from their original functions. In the past, the belief was that once this critical period was over, the brain was set in stone. However, we now know that the brain retains its potential for structural change. Here’s why the brain doesn’t become set in stone once the critical period is over.

The Definition of Self-Compassion: 3 Elements of Self-Love

What is the definition of self-compassion? Why is self-compassion so important? In Self-Compassion, Kristin Neff says that many people are too hard on themselves and need to boost their self-worth. She explains that people need to practice self-compassion to do so. Let’s look at Neff’s definition of self-compassion so you can appreciate yourself more.

How to Budget Money on a Low Income

Do you want to know how to budget money on a low income? What are some budgeting practices you can adopt to secure your future and maximize the value you’re getting for your money? Budgeting is one of the most important financial skills you can develop, especially if you’re working a low-paying job. However, many low-income earners don’t budget their money and spend to their heart’s content, without much regard for how their spending takes them further and further away from long-term financial security. With this in mind, here’s how to budget money on a low income.

How to Build Networks in Business & Gain Support

Do you need to make business connections? How do you build networks in business? According to Peter Diamandis and Steven Kotler’s book Bold, one of the most important parts of starting a business is building connections. It’s necessary to have a support network—both in a professional and a personal sense—to keep things running smoothly. Continue reading to learn how to build networks in business.

4 Sales Persuasion Techniques for Conversational Selling

Looking for some sales persuasion techniques? What are the best techniques for convincing a customer to buy something? Author Phil M. Jones has written seven best-selling business books and emphasizes the quality of conversations as the key to persuading customers. In Exactly What to Say, he shares his best sales persuasion techniques and key phrases that appeal to the customer’s subconscious mind. Read on for Jones’s best sales persuasion techniques, according to the advice in Exactly What to Say.

Design Phase in Project Management: Tips for Success

What is the design phase in project management? How should the project manager handle this stage of the project? In Scott Berkun’s book Making Things Happen, he explains what a manager can do during each phase of a project to ensure its success. During the design phase in project management, he says it’s important for the manager to foster the design team’s creativity. Read on to learn Berkun’s tips for handling the design phase in project management.

Prince Harry and Diana: How Her Death Affected Her Son

What was Prince Harry and his mother Diana’s relationship like? How did Harry cope with her unexpected death in 1997? In Spare, Harry describes his relationship with his mother as loving, but her unfortunate death in a car crash left him in pain. It wasn’t until years later in therapy that he finally confronted the trauma he endured after her death. Read below to learn more about Prince Harry and Diana’s relationship.

Wanting by Luke Burgis: Book Overview

Looking for an overview of Wanting by Luke Burgis? What are the key takeaways from the book? In Wanting by Luke Burgis, he explains how to apply René Girard’s theory of “mimetic desire” to your own life. By doing this, you’ll learn how to push both yourself and others to chase meaningful desires instead of misleading ones, says Burgis. Read on for an overview of the theories and advice in Wanting by Luke Burgis.

How to Be More Interesting: Talk Less and Listen More

What makes a person interesting? What are some things you can do to gain the interest of those around you? When people try to seem interesting, they tend to talk a lot. They assume that by talking about all the interesting things they do, they’ll inspire curiosity in others. But psychiatrist Mark Goulston says that to win someone’s interest, you should focus on learning about them instead of talking about yourself. Continue reading to learn how to be more interesting, according to Goulston.

Why Does He Do That?: Book Overview & Takeaways

What is the book Why Does He Do That? about? What are the main takeaways of the book? In Why Does He Do That?, Lundy Bancroft breaks down the motivations and logic behind abusive behavior so victims know how to defend themselves. Ultimately, Bancroft hopes that readers will use his book to better assert their own humanity and independence. Read below for a brief overview of the Why Does He Do That? book.