How to Not Catastrophize: Stop Magnifying Problems

A man holding his head and trying not to catastrophize

Have you ever found yourself turning minor setbacks into major catastrophes? Do you wish you knew how to maintain perspective when facing life’s challenges? Oliver Burkeman offers strategies on how to not catastrophize and presents a refreshing approach to managing anxiety and perfectionism. His insights can help you transform overwhelming situations into manageable challenges through simple mindset shifts and actionable steps. Discover how to stop magnifying problems and free yourself from people-pleasing tendencies.

Shopping in Different Countries: Why Your Buying Habits Change

A woman shopping in a different country for clothes

Why does shopping feel different when you travel abroad? Despite selling similar products, what makes a Japanese department store different from an American mall? Shopping in different countries reveals fascinating insights about cultural values and social behaviors, as Paco Underhill explores in Why We Buy. The way people shop, from browsing habits to payment preferences, offers a unique window into the heart of different societies. Keep reading to discover how retail spaces around the world shape how we shop, connect, socialize, and experience our communities.

Why We Buy by Paco Underhill: Book Overview & Takeaways

A shopper reading in a book in front of a store

What’s What We Buy by Paco Underhill about? What makes some stores more appealing and successful than their competitors? In Why We Buy, Paco Underhill explores the science behind shopping behaviors and consumer decisions. His work through Envirosell has revolutionized how retailers understand and respond to customer habits. Read more in our overview of Why We Buy.

The Relationship Between Age, Gender, and Consumer Behavior

A man and a woman in winter attire holding shopping bags outside, showing gender and consumer behavior differences

Why do men and women shop so differently? What makes some retail spaces more appealing to certain genders while others feel unwelcoming? Gender and consumer behavior patterns reveal more about our shopping habits, as explored by retail anthropologist Paco Underhill in Why We Buy. From quick, purposeful male shoppers to women who enjoy longer browsing sessions, these distinct shopping styles influence how modern retailers design their spaces and marketing strategies. Keep reading to learn how evolving gender roles, age demographics, and smart retail adaptations are reshaping the shopping experience.

B.B. Easton & Knight (44 Chapters About 4 Men)

A sketch of a man and woman, seen from behind, on paper, with a tear (rip) between them

What drives someone to stay in a relationship filled with fear and violence? How can a person transform from a military serviceman into someone capable of systematic abuse? B.B. Easton’s memoir 44 Chapters About 4 Men delves into her tumultuous relationship with Knight, a man whose journey took him from military service to becoming an abuser. Her raw account reveals the complex psychology of abuse and the gradual erosion of personal boundaries. Keep reading to discover how B.B. Easton’s Knight transformed from a seemingly ordinary man into someone who would leave psychological scars on his partner.

How to Manage Unrealistic Expectations: 3 Things to Accomplish

A woman who needs to learn how to manage unrealistic expectations, looking sadly in a mirror

Are you trying to uphold expectations that feel impossible to achieve? Do you want to be more authentic? Oliver Burkeman says that to find peace and happiness in the present is to detach from unrealistic expectations. To do so, Burkeman says you must accomplish three things: being your authentic self, letting go of your desire for permanence, and being realistic about your self-expectations. Keep reading to learn how to manage unrealistic expectations and be your true self.

The Importance of Power: Why You Need to Control Your World

A man dressed as Superman with a red cape doing a superhero pose in a crowd, showing the importance of power

What’s the importance of power? What kind of impact do you want to leave on the world? In simple terms, Jeffrey Pfeffer says that power is the ability to control the world around you. Having power means being able to influence others, distribute resources as you see fit, make important decisions, and ultimately get what you want.  Let’s look at why power is necessary to become your best self and make the world a better place.

Cheslie Kryst’s Depression & Death (By the Time You Read This)

A woman with dark curly hair, seen from behind, standing in the rain

What lies beneath the polished exterior of a successful public figure’s life? How can someone who seems to have it all still battle devastating depression? In the book By the Time You Read This, April Simpkins reveals the hidden struggles of Cheslie Kryst, her daughter. Cheslie Kryst’s depression remained largely invisible to the public eye while she maintained a thriving career in law, pageantry, and media. Keep reading to discover the profound story behind Cheslie Kryst’s battle with depression and her mother’s mission to raise awareness about mental health.

How to Become Powerful and Strong: 3 Traits (+ Managing Failure)

A confident woman on the street who's learned how to become strong and powerful

What types of traits do almost all powerful people share? How do you manage failure on your way to gaining power? Power is key to achieving your goals, improving and prolonging your life, and having a significant impact on the world. Jeffrey Pfeffer says that nearly all powerful people share three crucial traits that help them to build and retain their influence: They’re determined, confident, and charismatic. Keep reading to learn how to become powerful and strong, in addition to managing conflict on your journey.

Physical Changes in Midlife: Comfort, Commiseration, & Counsel

A woman with a shocked and annoyed expression looking in the mirror at her graying hair depicts physical changes in midlife

What happens to your body during your 40s and 50s? Why do simple activities suddenly become more challenging as you age? In Excuse Me While I Disappear, Laurie Notaro offers a candid and humorous look at the physical changes in midlife. Her personal experiences and observations provide both comfort and practical solutions for navigating this transformative phase of life. Keep reading to discover honest insights about aging that will make you laugh while helping you feel less alone in your journey.