How Social Conditions Hardwire Us for Disease and Trauma

A woman standing in a busy city with her hands on her face looking stressed, showing how social conditions can affect you

What role does society play in trauma? What social conditions can harm your physical and mental health? In his book The Myth of Normal, Gabor Maté describes how certain deeply ingrained structures in Western society like racism, misogyny, and capitalism instill and reinforce trauma. These factors don’t just shape our societies—they have tangible, harmful effects on our physical and mental health.  Here’s a look at the role that society can play in trauma.

Billy Walters in Prison: Why He Went & What He Learned

A silhouette of a man walking down a corridor in a prison with a window at the end

What’s it like to go from being a successful businessman to serving time in federal prison? How can someone turn a devastating setback into an opportunity for growth and positive change? Billy Walters’s prison experience transformed his perspective on life and sparked a passion for helping others. His journey from convicted insider trader to prison reform advocate reveals powerful insights about redemption, family bonds, and second chances. Keep reading to discover how Walters’s time behind bars opened up his life to good things.

Automation and Productivity: Delegate Busywork to Machines

A man working at a laptop illustrates the link between automation and productivity

Are manual tasks killing your productivity? Is there a way to handle routine work that will increase your efficiency? Automation tools are transforming how we approach daily tasks and revolutionizing workplace efficiency. In his book Automate Your Busywork, Aytekin Tank reveals the hidden costs of manual busywork and explains how automation and productivity are closely connected. Keep reading to discover how you can work smarter—not harder—and finally break free from the cycle of tedious manual tasks.

Awe: Book Overview & Key Takeaways (Dacher Keltner)

A man reading a book with a waterfall in the background

What happens in your brain when you watch a stunning sunset or listen to soul-stirring music? How can experiencing moments of wonder transform your daily life and relationships? In his groundbreaking book Awe, psychology researcher Dacher Keltner reveals the science behind those breathtaking moments that make us feel connected to something larger than ourselves. His findings show that cultivating wonder can boost happiness, strengthen communities, and enhance overall health. Continue reading for an overview of this enlightening book.

How to Understand People Better: 3 Social Skills to Practice

A man and woman looking at a whiteboard that reads "PEOPLE" to learn how to understand people better

Do you feel like you don’t know the people around you very well? Do you want to know how to understand people better? While learning to know other people is crucial, David Brooks acknowledges that it takes a lot of time and effort to cultivate this skill. But he contends that anybody can learn to know others by mastering three skills. Let’s examine each of these skills in more detail so you can learn how to practice them. 

Weekly Meetings: 4 Must-Have Agenda Items (Rockefeller Habits)

A team of two men and two women holding a weekly meeting in an open workspace

What makes weekly team meetings truly effective? How can you structure these gatherings to maximize productivity and team engagement? In Mastering the Rockefeller Habits, Verne Harnish contends that weekly meetings serve as a crucial touchpoint for teams to celebrate wins, address challenges, and align on strategic goals. Following a specific format can transform these gatherings from mundane check-ins to powerful drivers of growth. Keep reading to explore how to make your weekly meetings more purposeful and productive.

The Crux: How Leaders Become Strategists (Overview)

A smiling woman with long dark hair reading a book at a desk with bookshelves in the background

What’s at the heart of your organization’s biggest challenge? How can you cut through complexity to find a solution that actually works? Strategy expert Richard Rumelt shares a powerful approach in The Crux: How Leaders Become Strategists. His method helps leaders identify the core problem behind complex issues and build effective strategies to solve them. Continue reading for an overview of this practical book.

How to Achieve Inner Peace: Ed Mylett on Mindfulness & Prayer

A woman wearing a light blue fleece clasping her hands together in prayer illustrates how to achieve inner peace

What does it take to stay mentally calm when life throws challenges your way? How can you train your mind to maintain internal peace despite external circumstances? Inner peace can keep you emotionally balanced as you pursue ambitious goals. Through mindfulness, acceptance, and spiritual practices, you can develop the mental strength to handle life’s ups and downs with grace. Keep reading to learn how to achieve inner peace with Ed Mylett’s advice from The Power of One More.

How to Stay Persistent: Stop Waiting and Take Action

A climber who knows how to stay persistent, standing on top of the mountain

Do you know how to stay persistent with your goals? What are ways to take action on things you really want to achieve? You’ll inevitably run into challenges on your way toward success. Optimizing your energy can help you persist through hardships and adapt to meet your struggles. Continue reading to see how you should take action and be persistent on your journey.