What Is Stretch Collaboration? The 3 Principles (Adam Kahane)

A man and a woman shake hands while standing in an office building, showing signs of collaboration

Do you have to collaborate with others at work or in school? Are you ever paired with someone you don’t see eye-to-eye with? In Collaborating with the Enemy, conflict resolution expert Adam Kahane draws on his experience mediating high-stakes conflicts. Kahane’s “stretch collaboration” framework shows how to embrace both conflict and connection, experiment with different solutions when the path ahead isn’t clear, and focus on changing your contribution rather than trying to change others.  Keep reading to learn what stretch collaboration is and the principles that make up its framework.

Stop Self-Sabotage by Judy Ho: Book Overview & Lessons

A man at work who looks tired and is resting his head on his hand at his desk

Do you have a tendency to undermine your own success? How can you overcome your self-sabotaging tendencies? In her book Stop Self-Sabotage, Judy Ho explores the root cause of self-sabotaging behavior: the conflict between the desire to get what you want and the desire to avoid what your mind perceives as danger. Then she explains how to replace your self-destructive habits with better ones. Keep reading for an overview of Stop Self-Sabotage.

Wild Courage by Jenny Wood—Book Overview & Takeaways

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Are you letting fear hold you back from your goals? How can you muster the courage it takes to go after what you want? In Wild Courage, Jenny Wood explains that many people struggle in their lives and careers because they’re afraid of taking the bold actions necessary to succeed. To become a success, Wood says to be courageous and act boldly—be authentic, driven, curious, persuasive, and don’t be afraid to lead others.  Continue reading for an overview of Wild Courage.

Collaborating with the Enemy by Adam Kahane: Book Overview

A businessman and business woman standing in an office shaking hands with unhappy looks on their faces

Have you ever found yourself stuck in a project with people you don’t agree with, like, or trust? How does stretch collaboration differ from traditional collaboration? In Collaborating with the Enemy, conflict resolution expert Adam Kahane offers an unconventional approach to working with difficult people. Kahane’s “stretch collaboration” framework shows how to embrace both conflict and connection, experiment with different solutions when the path ahead isn’t clear, and focus on changing your contribution rather than trying to change others.  Keep reading to learn strategies for transforming seemingly impossible collaborations into productive partnerships.

Ikigai & Kaizen by Anthony Raymond—Book Overview

A woman reading a book while sitting in a Japanese garden

Do you struggle to take action and make progress toward your goals? How can you overcome the three most common obstacles to reaching your goals? In Ikigai & Kaizen, Anthony Raymond suggests that three obstacles contribute to this struggle—insufficient motivation, unawareness of self-sabotaging behaviors, and fear of taking action. He argues that you can overcome these obstacles by integrating three Japanese strategies: ikigai, hansei, and kaizen. Continue reading for an overview of Ikigai & Kaizen and learn how to reach your goals.

Goodbye, Things by Fumio Sasaki: Book Overview

A line drawing of a man on a couch reading a book in a minimalist living room

Do you have a hard time getting rid of things? How might these things be holding you back from happiness? In the book Goodbye, Things, Fumio Sasaki shares his story, arguing that you can be happier, freer, and more focused by eliminating clutter. He presents minimalism as more than simply an organizational strategy, but an entire approach to life that reshapes how you use your time and form relationships. Keep reading for an overview of the book, along with practical advice for choosing what to discard and how to overcome the challenges of letting things go.

Fumio Sasaki’s 4 Minimalism Tips (From Goodbye, Things)

A minimalist living room that contains a white couch and a side table with a plant next to a large window

Do you want to be a minimalist but struggle to let go of things? How can you keep yourself from buying more stuff? In his book Goodbye, Things, minimalist Fumio Sasaki shares his recommendations for transitioning into a minimalist lifestyle. He explains that minimalism isn’t just about throwing things away; rather, it’s a complete mindset shift. Continue reading for Fumio Sasaki’s minimalism tips.

Hold Me Tight by Sue Johnson—Book Overview & Lessons

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Do you feel heard in your relationship? Do most conversations devolve into fights? Are you almost ready to give up? When you’re in a struggling romantic relationship, you may feel like it’s impossible to fix. But clinical psychologist Sue Johnson says you don’t need to give up yet. In Hold Me Tight, she offers a roadmap for healing your relationship so you and your partner can communicate healthily, resolve conflicts, and grow close once again. Continue reading for an overview of Hold Me Tight, including actionable advice for repairing your relationship.

How to “Spark Joy” at Work: The KonMari Method

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Is your workspace cluttered? Does it make you feel anxious and stressed? In their book Joy at Work, tidying expert Marie Kondo and organizational psychologist Scott Sonenshein reveal how decluttering your workspace can dramatically boost your productivity and happiness. By teaching you to keep only what “sparks joy,” they help you reclaim meaning and control. Continue reading for decluttering tips that can help you spark joy at work.

The 3 Ds of Health Insurance, Explained by Jay Feinman

A man in a suit crossing his arms in the shape of an X to signify he is denying something

What are the three Ds of insurance? What do insurance companies gain by slowing down the payment process? How are these tactics exploitative? In his book Delay, Deny, Defend, legal scholar and insurance expert Jay Feinman argues that major US insurance companies are profit-seeking entities that systematically avoid paying legitimate claims. He explains the tactics they use, and how and why they often work. Continue reading to learn about the three Ds insurance strategy.