Interesting Reading

Whether you want to design a new product, devise a tagline for a client or solve a scheduling problem, creative thinking gives you an undeniable edge. However, we can't just summon creativity on a whim; when we need it most, it's nowhere to be seen.

If you’re in need of more outside-the-box, inventive thinking at work, here are five ways to boost your creativity.

We've combed through videos of best commencement speeches from Steve Jobs to Oprah Winfrey to find invaluable entrepreneurial advice.

Good books are like good friends. Literature is an important subject in school and in life. Although the Common Cores have more emphasis on informational text, literary greats can never be pushed aside. This week’s Learnist Top 10 feature is about some of the great works of literature. Learnist features so many great authors, it was tough to pick ten boards this week.

If you don´t see yourself as part of the problem, you cannot be part of the solution.

Every culture teaches this through a similar story. Joseph Campbell, anthropologist and advisor for Star Wars, called it “The Hero with a Thousand Faces.” The hero starts his journey feeling at the mercy of external circumstances. By the end, he realizes he is in control of his destiny. He knows that he can choose how to behave, learn and grow.

Heroes are not just mythical characters. They are examples of you at your best. Here are five suggestions to always remember who you are.

1. No problem -- Take the challenge

There is no such thing as a problem. What you call "a problem" is not a thing independent of you, but a situation you don´t like.

2. Drop “Who's responsible?” – Be response-able

You didn't do it. So what? You are suffering from it. People and things are out of control. It is tempting to blame them and play the part of the innocent victim. Don't. The price of innocence is impotence. That which you blame you empower. Become the hero of the story; focus on what you can do to respond to your challenge.

3. Forget what you don´t want – Focus on what you want.

Consider an issue that troubles you. What would you like to have happen?

4. Take one eye off the ball – Go for the gold.

It’s not about hitting the ball; it’s about winning the game. Set your mind on what you are ultimately trying to achieve. Build a chain from means to ends, taking you from getting the job, to advancing your career, to feeling professionally fulfilled, to being happy. The ultimate goal and measure of success is happiness.

5. Failure is not an option – Succeed beyond success.

Commit fully to achieve what you really want. Know that you deserve it and give it your best.

by Fred Kofman

With movies like The Great Gatsby dominating mainstream media, it’s no surprise that many people are pining for the days of old. But what would it really be like to live back in the early 1900’s? MoneyChoice.org has created an informative infographic detailing life back in 1913 compared to today, showing 100 years of change.

As many people hit middle age, they often start to notice that their memory and mental clarity are not what they used to be.  We suddenly can't remember where we put the keys just a moment ago, or an old acquaintance's name, or the name of an old band we used to love.  As the brain fades, we euphemistically refer to these occurrences as "senior moments."

While seemingly innocent, this loss of mental focus can potentially have a detrimental impact on our professional, social, and personal well-being.

It happens to most of us, but is it inevitable?

Every success formula ever written or published boils down to these seven steps.

Whether you're studying, prepping a lecture, or just need to focus on something, you should know about some of these secrets to staying motivated.

No, I’m not against helping people and I’ll never be; but sometimes I don’t help others. Yes, it’s absolutely true. I don’t help everyone. Sometimes, even if I want to help someone I don’t help. I don’t give him any kind of advises and I also don’t help him to get his work done. But why?

by Avi Jit