In this book, Mark Manson argues against the typical self-help advice of constant positivity, instead suggesting that life's struggles give it meaning. He emphasizes the need to focus on what truly matters and to accept and confront painful truths. The book is divided into nine chapters and uses blunt honesty and profanity to illustrate its ideas, encouraging readers to find meaning through values they can control and to replace uncontrollable values with more meaningful ones.
In 'The War of Art', Steven Pressfield identifies the internal force of 'Resistance' that hinders creative endeavors. The book is divided into three sections: 'Resistance: Defining the Enemy', 'Combating Resistance: Turning Pro', and a final section that discusses the role of the muses and the battle between the Self and the Ego. Pressfield provides practical advice on recognizing and overcoming resistance, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, discipline, and continuous work in achieving creative success.
In 'Stumbling on Happiness,' Daniel Gilbert delves into the human capacity to imagine the future and why we are often poor at predicting what will make us happy. Gilbert argues that our imagination is flawed in several ways: it adds or removes details, extrapolates from the present, and fails to account for the psychological immune system that helps us cope with undesired outcomes. The book uses scientific research from psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and behavioral economics to explain why we consistently misjudge our future satisfaction and how this affects our decisions. Gilbert also suggests that understanding these biases can help us make better choices and gain more control over our pursuit of happiness.
This book is both a memoir and a writing guide. It details Stephen King's life, from his childhood and early writing endeavors to his struggles with addiction and his near-fatal accident in 1999. The book is divided into sections that cover King's life ('C.V.'), the nature of writing ('What Writing Is'), writing mechanics ('Toolbox'), his advice on the craft ('On Writing'), and his recovery from the accident ('On Living: A Postscript'). King offers practical tips on writing, including the importance of vocabulary, grammar, and style, as well as the need for consistent writing routines and ruthless editing. He emphasizes that good writing comes from within, driven by curiosity, wonder, and emotional honesty rather than commercial motives.
In 'From Strength to Strength', Arthur C. Brooks addresses the inevitable decline in abilities that comes with aging and provides a practical guide on how to transform this period into an opportunity for growth. Drawing on social science, philosophy, biography, theology, and eastern wisdom, as well as interviews with everyday men and women, Brooks advocates for refocusing on priorities such as deep wisdom, detachment from empty rewards, connection and service to others, and spiritual progress. He argues that by adapting our expectations and focusing on these areas, we can achieve increased happiness and purpose in our later years.
This collection of 16 short stories by Miranda July features characters who are often lonely, vulnerable, and tentative in their interactions. The stories are marked by their originality and a blend of bizarre and familiar elements. July's characters engage in awkward and sometimes inappropriate ways, reflecting their deep-seated longing for connection and belonging. The stories touch on various themes, including the use of sex to simulate closeness, the fragility of human relationships, and the child-like wonder and puzzlement with which adults respond to their surroundings[2][3][5].
This book presents a comprehensive method for artists to recover their creativity from various blocks such as limiting beliefs, fear, self-sabotage, and other inhibiting forces. It is designed to help individuals discover and develop their artistic potential, whether as writers, painters, poets, or musicians. The book emphasizes the connection between creativity and spirituality, providing step-by-step exercises to nurture creative expression as a consistent part of daily life.
A book about time management and how to live a more fulfilling life.
In 'Our Book of Awesome', Neil Pasricha compiles hundreds of heartfelt, funny, and everyday pleasures that make life awesome. The book includes overlooked and underappreciated moments woven with positive anecdotes from people around the world. It underscores the need for connection and empathy, encouraging readers to see the beauty in the tiniest of moments and celebrate the simplest pleasures that make life great.
Everyone wants to be happy—but why does it feel so complicated? Today’s guest believes happiness lives in the small, simple, and often overlooked daily wins. But only if only we take a moment to appreciate them. Meet my new friend, Neil Pasricha.
Neil is the author of nine books and journals, including The Book of Awesome, The Happiness Equation, and his newest offering, Our Book of Awesome—all of which orient around a spinning rolodex of simple pleasures originating from his 100-million-hit, award-winning blog 1000 Awesome Things. Neil shares the power of celebrating small wins and how intentionally noticing and appreciating small things, can train your brain to focus on the positive. Neil also shares the importance of taking a mindful, intentional approach to how you allocate your time and direct your attention and gives us a blueprint for building a life of more purpose. This is an uplifting exchange sure to brighten your day—and arm you with the tools you need to foster a happiness practice.
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