The World's Best Book Summaries
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.
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.
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? 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
What were the earliest life forms? How do we know? Scientists believe they have pieced together a history of the successive types of life forms that have prevailed on Earth from the earliest bacteria to modern man. The earliest life forms existed in the Precambrian period. Keep reading for a brief overview of Precambrian life.
Why is it important to practice stillness of the body? How does practicing stillness enrich your life experience and improve your well-being? Your body carries you through this world, so it’s important you take good care of it. This doesn’t just mean exercising, sleeping, and eating healthy. It’s also important to practice stillness of the body by optimizing your space, practicing healthy habits, and using your body to pursue enriching activities. Here are some ways to practice stillness within your body and physical space.