Hannah Aster, Author at Shortform Books

Transactional Analysis: Games, Exchanges, Ego States

What is a transaction in the context of Eric Berne’s Transactional Analysis? What are the three ego states? “Transactions” are Eric Berne’s “basic unit” of social interaction. We gain social recognition through transactions, and we can analyze transactions by looking at the ego states that are involved (the parent, the adult, and the child). In this article, we’ll define transactions and cover the main types of games in Transactional Analysis.

Money Flexing: Why You Shouldn’t Flash Your Wealth

Can money buy respect? Do you respect people who have luxurious cars or expensive houses? According to Morgan Housel, the author of The Psychology of Money, money flexing with status symbols won’t buy you respect. People may be in awe of your sports car or your Rolex, but they’re admiring the item, not you. Here’s why you should only buy something expensive if it’s for you, not to flex on others.

Why You Should Be Saving Money for Emergencies

Do you have an emergency savings fund? Why is it important to plan for financial emergencies? Many people have the mindset of “it couldn’t happen to me.” But the truth is, sudden financial emergencies can happen to literally anybody—they’re unpredictable in their nature. That’s why it’s so important to start saving for emergencies, so you’re prepared for things to go wrong. Here’s why you should plan for things to go wrong.

The Psychology of Money: Review & Critical Reception

Is Morgan Housel’s The Psychology of Money worth reading? What is the key message to take away from the book? Most of us assume financial success depends on education and intelligence. But in The Psychology of Money, finance expert Morgan Housel presents an alternate hypothesis: The key to financial success lies in understanding human behavior. Here’s our The Psychology of Money review, including background, context, and critical reception by the readers.

The 4 Steps for Developing Autonomy in Adults

How does childhood conditioning shape our behavior in adulthood? Is it possible to shake off the weight of early conditioning? Childhood conditioning often weighs on people even in their adult years. This conditioning may leave some adults feeling like they don’t have the power to make their own choices in life. Luckily, this is a behavior growth obstacle that can be overcome. Here are four steps for developing autonomy in adults, according to psychiatrist Eric Berne.

How We Develop Our Views on Money

How would you describe your relationship with money? Why do so many people act in so many different ways when it comes to money? According to Morgan Housel in his book The Psychology of Money, every person has a different relationship with money based on a few factors: what you live through, the financial climate, unemployment rates, etc. That’s why, no matter how much financial advice is out there, people will continue to act on what feels right to them. Here’s why subjective rationality plays a huge role in your views of money.

The Millionaire Fastlane by MJ DeMarco: Overview

What is The Millionaire Fastlane by MJ DeMarco about? Which formula is the best to achieve financial freedom and wealth? In The Millionaire Fastlane, MJ DeMarco goes over the three common approaches to finances: consumption, accumulation, and production. DeMarco discusses each approach in detail and explains which approach is the best if you want to build wealth. Continue reading for an overview of the three formulas from The Millionaire Fastlane.

Financial Optimism: The Key to Investing Success

Are you an optimist or a pessimist when it comes to money? Why does financial optimism work better than financial pessimism? In his book The Psychology of Money, Morgan Housel says that you should remain optimistic when it comes to finances and investing, no matter what others say. He outlines three reasons why financial pessimism often seems like the smartest route but isn’t. Keep reading to learn why an optimistic view on finances and investments is beneficial.