The World's Best Book Summaries
Is there a job that you’ve been wanting for a long time? Do you know how to dream big? In Get Your Sh*t Together, Sarah Knight provides strategies that can be used to get your life together for small everyday tasks and long-term planning and goals. You can apply her advice to the realm of your job and your money. Learn how to dream big and accomplish anything below.
What causes seasonal depression? How common is the disorder? What are some ways to prevent or treat the symptoms? When the days get darker and colder, it’s hard not to feel a little down. But sometimes the “winter blues” are something more—seasonal depression—a surprisingly common form of depression. Keep reading to learn what causes seasonal depression, who it affects, and what you can do to help it.
How is artistry a spiritual practice? What, exactly, is art? Is there any untapped creativity inside you? In The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron asserts that your inner artist is your deeper creative self that contains your seemingly crazy ideas, raw emotions, dreams, desires, and so on. This is a conduit for the creative force. The more intimate you are with this self, the more creative and artistically guided you’ll be. Keep reading to learn Cameron’s five-step process for connecting with your inner artist.
What’s the importance of purpose in life? How does a purpose maximize human performance? In Peak Performance, Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness argue that purpose is crucial for exceeding our limits. They contend that having a purpose that goes beyond our interests is essential to maximizing performance because such purposes help us overcome our perceived psychological limitations. Let’s look at why everyone should have a purpose they strive to achieve.
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.