How to Be a Good Creature: Book Overview & Takeaways

A woman reading a book with a dog in her lap

What’s the book How to Be a Good Creature about? How did Sy Montgomery’s animals change her life? In How to Be a Good Creature, Sy Montgomery examines how the wisdom and companionship of animals helped her find her calling as a traveler and nature writer, appreciate animals and people in new ways, and cultivate love and community. These animals taught her how to be more curious, compassionate, friendly, loving, and much more. Read below for a brief overview of How to Be a Good Creature.

What Is Adlerian Psychology? Understanding Its 2 Goals

Alfred Adler developed Adlerian psychology

What is Adlerian psychology, and how does it relate to happiness? Can understanding this approach help you improve your life? Adlerian psychology focuses on two main goals: independence and community participation. These goals form the foundation of Alfred Adler’s concept of happiness. By exploring these ideas, you can gain insights into personal growth and fulfillment. Continue reading to discover how Adlerian psychology might transform your perspective on life.

What Can We Learn From Animals? Sy Montgomery’s Experience

A scientist in a yellow jacket studying a white ermine in a field, showing what we can learn from animals

What can we learn from animals? What two animals changed Sy Montgomery’s perspective on living beings? After deciding to become a nature writer, Sy Montgomery had many experiences with animals that helped her appreciate animals and people in new ways. We’ll look at the lessons she learned from two of those animals: a pinktoe tarantula and a chicken-stealing ermine. Continue reading for the lessons animals can teach us.

Why Is It So Hard to Be Disciplined: The Psychological Reasons

A woman texting on her phone instead of doing paperwork on her desk, showing why it's so hard to be disciplined

Do you fail to accomplish important tasks because you get distracted? Why is it so hard to be disciplined? Discipline doesn’t originate from some special power or a higher force, it originates in you. When you fail to stay disciplined, it’s because you’re resisting any kind of self-growth. Check out the psychological reasons why discipline isn’t always easy to maintain.

What Is Eustress? 3 Ways to Create It & Harness It for Productivity

What is eustress? A smiling, energized woman working at her laptop illustrates the concept of eustress

What is eustress, and how can it help you achieve your goals? How can you create this positive stress in your life? In Willpower Doesn’t Work, Benjamin Hardy discusses the power of eustress, a healthy form of stress that keeps you focused and energized. He outlines three effective ways to harness this motivational force for your work, fitness, and creative projects. Read more to learn how eustress can transform your approach to challenges and productivity.

Importance of Animals to Humans: Love, Trust, and Community

A human hugging a border collie dog in her arms, showing the importance of animals to humans

Why should humans cherish animals? How can animals become a person’s family? Sy Montgomery’s animals taught her important lessons about love and community. She had a special relationship with three specific animals: two border collies, and her pet pig that helped her build a community. Let’s look at the importance of animals to humans, using Montgomery’s examples.

How Noticing Small Details Leads to Major Progress

A magnifying glass looking at the word "DETAILS" illustrates the importance of noticing small details

How could paying attention to small details transform your life? What if the key to achieving your goals lies in the everyday moments you often overlook? Noticing small details can be a powerful strategy for personal growth and goal achievement. Being more aware of your daily experiences can benefit various aspects of your life, including your peace of mind, relationships, and career. Keep reading to discover how focusing on small details can lead to big changes.

Why Willpower Doesn’t Work—and What Does (Benjamin Hardy)

A tired and frustrated woman with her head in her hands illustrates why willpower doesn’t work

Why does willpower seem to fail us so often? Is there a better way to achieve our goals? Benjamin Hardy challenges the common belief that willpower is the key to success. He proposes that our environment plays a crucial role in shaping our behavior and outcomes. Instead of relying on willpower alone, Hardy suggests designing our surroundings to support our goals. Discover why willpower doesn’t work, and learn why certain environments can naturally lead you to success.

Van Tulleken’s Ultra-Processed Food Addiction Experiment

A vending machine full of addictive, ultra-processed junk food, such as chips and chocolate bars

Is ultra-processed food addiction real? What experiment did Dr. van Tulleken perform to prove it? In his book Ultra-Processed People, Dr. Chris van Tulleken experimented on himself to prove how addictive ultra-processed foods are. Not only were UPFs addictive, but they wreaked havoc on multiple different areas of his body. Here’s a look at van Tulleken’s experiment and the alarming results.

Viola Davis’s Childhood: A Story of Deep Love & Profound Trauma

The back of a young black girl watching television in 1975

How did Viola Davis’s childhood experiences shape her identity? What was her dream as a child? Viola Davis’s early life was marked by poverty, racism, and family struggles. Her journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a celebrated actress is a story of resilience and self-discovery. She decided to forge a path to healing and self-acceptance. Keep reading to learn how Viola Davis’s childhood experiences influenced her life and career—and how she transformed adversity into strength.