The World's Best Book Summaries
What factors contribute to personal development and growth? How do you recover your body after periods of strain? According to Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness, achieving maximal performance requires understanding how to grow in the first place. Consequently, they begin by outlining their formula for the type of growth that allows you to harness your potential. Continue reading to learn more about the top two personal development factors.
Do you know how to rest effectively? Why is rest important for personal growth? Although it’s tempting to think of rest as something passive, Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness argue that we should take active steps to rest effectively. We can do this by practicing mindfulness, prioritizing sleep, and taking short walks. Keep reading for strategies on getting the most out of rest.
Have you ever taken your inner artist on a date? Does the concept intrigue you? According to Julia Cameron, artist dates are a must for anyone who wants to cultivate their creativity. They provide essential ingredients—including solitude, inspiration, and reflection—that help you unleash your inner artist. Keep reading to learn how weekly artist dates can spark creativity.
What are ways to improve human performance? How can you convert growth into performance? While utilizing a consistent cycle of stress and rest sets the foundation for performance, Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness acknowledge that growth alone doesn’t ensure elite performance. For this reason, they offer three additional steps for converting growth into performance. Read on to learn how to improve your performance using a routine, pursuing your goals, and finding your purpose.
What’s voluntary poverty? What was Henry David Thoreau’s attitude toward poverty and charity? Henry David Thoreau’s simplicity is a major theme of Walden. During the time he lived in the modest cabin in the woods, he practiced voluntary poverty—stripping down his life to the bare necessities to fit the lifestyle he chose. Continue reading to learn about Thoreau’s practice of voluntary poverty and a bit about his attitude toward people who lived in poverty.
What’s a pre-performance routine? How can you craft a routine that guarantees mental and physical benefits? According to Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness, an essential part of optimal performance in any domain is a consistent pre-performance routine. To craft your own routine, they recommend cultivating a positive mood, incorporating your environment into your routine, and personalizing your routine. Continue reading to get a better understanding of why you need a pre-performance routine.
Does your life feel cluttered and complicated? Do you sometimes feel like you should escape to a simpler time or place? One reason why Henry David Thoreau went to the woods was to live a simpler life. To accomplish this, he adopted a certain mindset and made specific choices. From his example, you can simplify your life by considering what you can do without, managing your resources wisely, and savoring what you have. Keep reading for three tips on how to simplify your life with insights from Thoreau.
What rhythms does your life follow? When was the last time you bathed in a river? At Walden Pond, Henry David Thoreau spent hours each day walking in the woods. He bathed in the pond. He got to know individual trees. Drawing from Thoreau’s experience, you can learn how to connect with nature and get into its rhythm. Continue reading to learn more about Thoreau’s connection with nature and two specific ways you can follow his example.
Are you lonely? How often do you spend time alone? Is that time enjoyable and valuable? One of the reasons why Henry David Thoreau went to live in the woods was to be alone—but not to feel alone. Appreciating this distinction and following Thoreau’s example can help you find meaning in time spent alone. Keep reading to learn how to enjoy solitude as Thoreau did at Walden Pond.
What choices are the right ones for you? Do you tend to follow your intuition and live by your convictions? Henry David Thoreau made an interesting choice when he went to live in the woods. Perhaps even more interesting was his decision to leave the woods two years later. By looking at his example, you can draw inspiration to make your own choices. Read more to learn how Thoreau carved out his own life and how you can choose your own path, as well.