Shortform Books

David Graeber’s Bullshit Jobs: Book Overview

Looking for an overview of David Graeber’s Bullshit Jobs book? How does he explain pointless jobs and their effects? In Bullshit Jobs, David Graeber describes the types and characteristics of pointless jobs and why they’ve become so widespread. He further explores the psychological impact of working a pointless job and suggests a possible solution to eliminate the need for meaningless work. Read on for an overview of David Graeber’s Bullshit Jobs book.

Perseverance and Determination: The Keys to Achieving Goals

How can you keep working towards your goals when the going gets tough? How do you keep persevering and resist the temptation to give up? The road to your goals can be long and arduous. When you’re working towards an ambitious goal, it’s all too easy to become so consumed by the daily grind that you lose the motivation to keep going. To keep the course and avoid falling off track, you need to develop two virtues: perseverance and determination. Below are six strategies to help you persevere so you can step up, face the obstacles, and keep going.

Explaining the Bring Your “Whole Self” to Work Debate

Should you bring your “whole self” to work? Why has this become a heated debate? Many workplaces are encouraging employees to bring their “whole (authentic) self” to work. However, not everyone can agree on what exactly this means or what the risks and benefits are to your career. Keep reading to learn more about bringing your whole self to work and why it’s debated.

Building Trust in the Workplace: A Slow but Effective Process

Can you rely on your employees? How do you build trust in the workplace? Building trust in the workplace begins by letting your employees know that they’re valued. In The Fearless Organization, Amy C. Edmondson emphasizes that giving your employees purpose will give them more of a reason to work harder. Keep reading to learn how to build trust with your employees.

Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence—Book Overview

Is mind-wandering beneficial? Can attention be trained? How can systems awareness make you a better leader? In Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence, Daniel Goleman explores how you can understand, harness, and improve your attention. This results in a more fulfilling, productive life as you become a healthier, more adaptive, and more engaged citizen of society and the planet. Read more for an overview of this practical book.

Why Is Self-Compassion Hard? The 2 Main Reasons

Why is self-compassion hard? Why are we so hard on ourselves? In Self-Compassion, Kristin Neff says that, despite the importance and benefits of self-compassion, many people spend their lives criticizing and judging themselves. This happens because we’re conditioned to compare ourselves to others and because children of critical parents often become self-critical adults. Read more on why self-compassion is difficult to practice for some people.

How to Overcome Perfectionism at Work: Change These Habits

Want to know how to overcome perfectionism at work? Which perfectionist habits are the most damaging in the workplace? In Linchpin, author Seth Godin teaches you how to overcome perfectionism at work by practicing a new, empowered way of thinking—the “linchpin” mindset. Godin’s aim is not to teach you a new way to act, but rather a new way to think about your work, leading to healthier, more successful habits. Read on to learn how to overcome perfectionism at work, according to Godin’s advice.

What Is the “Inner Critic” in Psychology? (+ Its 5 Effects)

What is meant by the term “inner critic”? Why do people believe their inner critic? In psychology, the inner critic is the part of your psyche that criticizes, discourages, and puts your down. It is the voice in your head that constantly chastises you, fixates on negative memories, and worries excessively about negative scenarios. Let’s explore how over time, your inner critic can harm your success, happiness, and health.

Major Extinction Events & Human-Caused Extinctions

When have major extinction events occurred? What causes mass extinctions? Are there ever human-caused extinctions? A Short History of Nearly Everything is an accessible overview of the natural sciences that discusses major scientific discoveries, mysteries, and controversies. It’s in this context that author Bill Bryson addresses the serious matter of extinction and its causes. Keep reading for an introduction to this sobering reality of our history and probably our future.

The History of Hominids: From Homo Erectus to Homo Sapiens

How did human ancestors evolve from being ape-like to being human-like? Have scientists found fossils of a common ancestor of humans and apes? Most scientists believe that the history of hominids includes Homo Erectus (first appearing about two million years ago) and Homo Sapiens (first appearing about 100,000 years ago). Bill Bryson explores this history in A Short History of Nearly Everything. Keep reading for an overview of the history of hominids from Homo Erectus to Homo Sapiens.