The Courage to Be Happy: Book Overview (Kishimi & Koga)

A woman with a ponytail wearing a sweatshirt seen from behind reading a book in a cafe

What can the earliest days of psychology teach us about being happy? Does happiness require courage? The Courage to Be Happy, a book by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga, explores happiness through the lens of Adlerian psychology. A sequel to The Courage to Be Disliked, the book is a dialogue between a young teacher and an elderly philosopher about finding happiness and raising well-adjusted children. Keep reading for an overview of this book that might challenge your beliefs about happiness, independence, and relationships.

Use Forcing Functions, Not Will Power, to Reach Your Goals

A sleek home office designed for productivity illustrates using forcing functions to achieve goals

Is it hard for you to stay motivated and achieve your goals? Do you find yourself relying too heavily on willpower and discipline? Forcing functions might be the solution you’re looking for. These self-imposed restrictions can help design an environment that naturally pushes you toward your objectives. By creating the right conditions, you can minimize the need for constant self-control. Read on to discover how to harness the power of forcing functions in both your work and rest environments.

Implementing Kaizen: Questions Lead to Solutions (Robert Maurer)

A woman with long blonde hair and a yellow sweater has five question marks over her head, illustrating Kaizen questions

Is it hard for you to make positive changes in your life? How can questions help you achieve your goals? In One Small Step Can Change Your Life, Robert Maurer provides strategies for implementing kaizen. Questions, he contends, can be a simple yet powerful tool for personal growth and problem-solving. By asking yourself small, non-threatening questions daily, you can tackle various life challenges. Keep reading to discover how to implement kaizen by asking the right questions at the right time.

How to Get Along With Other People: 2 Strategies for Harmony

A smiling couple, the woman with her arm around the man, illustrates how to get along with other people

Do people enjoy being around you? Is there more tension between you and others than you would like to have? Getting along with others is a crucial skill that can enhance your personal and professional life. Marc Reklau, in his book How to Become a People Magnet, says you can build stronger connections and create a more harmonious environment around you by showing appreciation and avoiding conflict. Keep reading for Reklau’s advice on how to get along with other people.

What Causes the Fear of Public Speaking? Past Trauma

A woman at a podium with a scared look on her face illustrates the question, "What causes the fear of public speaking?"

What causes the fear of public speaking? If you could pinpoint the reason for your own fear, how could that help you overcome your anxiety? In Speak With No Fear, Mike Acker suggests that the root of the fear of public speaking often lies in past traumatic experiences. He offers strategies to identify and work through these memories, helping you move past your anxiety and become a more confident speaker. Keep reading to understand Acker’s insights on uncovering—and healing from—the experiences that hold you back.

Gemeinschaftsgefühl: Adler Believed It Was Critical for Happiness

A group of four female friends talking and smiling illustrate Gemeinschaftsgefühl, Adler's concept of community feeling

Do you enjoy happiness and fulfillment in your relationships? Would you like to cultivate a stronger sense of community in your life? In The Courage to Be Happy, counselor Ichiro Kishimi and author Fumitake Koga explore the work of early 20th-century psychotherapist Alfred Adler and discuss why his ideas are still relevant. They explain Gemeinschaftsgefühl, Adler’s concept that translates to “community feeling,” or sense of community. Continue reading to discover how Adler’s teachings can transform your approach to relationships and community.

How to Read People’s Body Language for Signs of Stress

An excited person, a scared person, and a content person showing how to read people's body language

How can you tell when someone’s stressed? What does a person’s body language say about them? You can observe someone’s behavior and mannerisms to develop a profile of their behavior. Additionally, you can read someone’s behavior and speech to detect stress—and potentially, signs of deception.  Keep reading to learn how to read people’s body language and detect went they’re stressed.

How to Deactivate Fight-or-Flight: Take Small Actions

A calm, confident woman with black curly hair and her chin resting in her hand illustrates how to deactivate fight-or-flight

Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed by change? Do you want to know how to deactivate fight-or-flight responses that hold you back? Change doesn’t have to be scary. Clinical psychologist Robert Maurer writes that, by taking small, incremental steps, you can bypass your brain’s alarm system and embrace new possibilities with ease. This approach not only reduces fear but also helps build momentum and establish new behaviors. Keep reading to discover how tiny actions can lead to big transformations in your life.

3 Methods of Persuasion: Getting People to Want What You Want

Five coworkers chatting in an open workspace employ various methods of persuasion

Do you know how to influence others effectively? How effective are you at drawing them in and winning them over to your ways of thinking? Mastering the art of persuasion is a valuable skill in all facets of life. In How to Become a People Magnet, Marc Reklau explores three methods of persuasion: leading people to your ideas, appealing to authority, and focusing on positive responses. Keep reading to discover how you can apply these methods in your daily life and increase your ability to influence others.

The Innate Desire for Independence (Adlerian Psychology)

A man walking away from chains on the ground symbolizes the innate desire for independence described in Adlerian psychology

How free do you feel? Is your past holding you back from becoming the person you want to be? Adlerian psychology offers insights into our innate desire for independence and freedom. It provides strategies to focus on what we can control and reframe our past experiences. These ideas can help us overcome obstacles and achieve personal growth. Keep reading to discover how you can take charge of your life and cultivate true independence.