Shortform Books

Technology and Productivity: Help or Hindrance?

How does technology hinder, rather than help, productivity? What other negative effects does technology have on people’s lives? Most people think that technology and productivity go hand in hand. This is most likely because there are numerous apps and programs out there designed to help you be more productive, fight procrastination, stay on schedule, etc. However, Ryder Carroll, the author of The Bullet Journal Method, says that technology is actually doing the opposite. Here’s how technology is holding us back.

The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi: Overview

What can you learn from reading Miyamoto Musashi’s The Book of Five Rings? Can any of the 17th-century lessons be useful in the modern-day? In The Book of Five Rings, Miyamoto Musashi divides the book into five chapters: Ground, Water, Fire, Wind, and the Void. Musashi’s lessons are meant to teach aspiring samurai warriors the Way. Additionally, Musashi’s lessons are so universal that they can still be applied today. Here’s a brief overview of the key themes.

The Unexpected Benefits of Playing Dumb

Have you ever said or done something dumb on purpose? How does playing dumb help you get what you want? Nobody likes to come across as dumb, naive, or undiscerning. However, sometimes playing dumb can help you succeed in getting what you want. Keep reading to learn about the unexpected benefits of playing dumb.

Hyperfocus: Chris Bailey’s Theory About Productivity

What is the secret to productivity? How can focusing on a single task at a time help you become more productive? Most of us assume that the secret to productivity lies, at least in part, in managing our time better. But in Hyperfocus, Chris Bailey presents an alternate hypothesis: To focus in a world full of ever-increasing distractions, you must learn not just how to manage your time, but also how to manage your attention. Here is a brief overview of Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey.

How to Find & Exploit Someone’s Weakness

How do you identify someone’s weakness? How does knowing someone’s weaknesses help you get them to do what you want? Everyone has a weakness, a hole in their armor. It’s usually an insecurity, an uncontrollable emotion or need, or a secret pleasure. Once found, you can use it as leverage that you can use to your advantage. Here’s how to find someone’s weakness and strategically exploit it to your advantage.

What Causes a Black Hole? Hawking Explains

What causes a black hole? How do we know black holes actually exist? In his book A Brief History of Time, Stephen Hawking discusses black holes—what they are, what causes them, and whether they actually exist. He also explores the possibility that primordial black holes exist, suggesting that black holes might have more than one cause. Read on to learn about black holes.

How to Set Effective Goals: Tips and Strategies

Do you set goals for yourself? What’s the key to setting effective goals? Most people agree that it’s important to set goals. But many people don’t know how to set goals effectively. The key to setting effective goals is to ensure they feed into the big-picture scheme of things as opposed to being a response to external forces. Here’s how to set effective goals, according to Stephen Covey.

Easily Distracted: Why It’s So Difficult to Focus

Do you get easily distracted? Do you know why your brain finds it hard to focus? Hyperfocus involves single-tasking for a prolonged period of time. Distractions, which Bailey defines as anything that diverts our attention from our original purpose, thwart our ability to hyperfocus. Therefore, limiting distractions is a critical part of hyperfocus. We’ll discuss just how bad we are at avoiding distractions and why.

How to Create a Bullet Journal Goals Page

What is a bullet journal goals page? How can creating a goals page help you to stay motivated and on track? In his book The Bullet Journal Method, Ryder Carroll suggests setting up a collection page around your goals. Your bullet journal goals page can include both personal and professional goals as well as plans for achieving those goals. Here’s why and how to make a goals page in your bullet journal.

Stephen Hawking on the Relativity of Space and Motion

Is space relative or absolute? What about motion? How are space and motion related to each other? In A Brief History of Time, physicist Stephen Hawking shares his insights on some of the major scientific discoveries of the twentieth century that deepened our knowledge of the universe. These insights include Hawking’s explanation of the relative nature of space and motion. He provides his analysis of ancient and modern theories. Continue reading to learn about Hawking’s insights on the relativity of space and motion.