The Paradox of Debt

 The Paradox of Debt: A New Path to Prosperity Without Crisis, Richard Vague, 2023

These days, all the talk about debt usually means "government debt." This book provides evidence that debt is not always a bad thing.

Did you know that the levels of private debt, including mortgages, credit cards and student loans, is several times greater than government debt? Debt can be a good thing. A married couple getting a mortgage to buy their first home, or a businessman buying equipment for his company, are examples of "good" debt. "Bad" debt drives periodic financial crises and fast-rising levels of income inequality.

According to the author, debt needs to be carefully monitored in areas like housing, trade and student loans (the book explains). His creation of the mythical LoanLand, to help explain some of these topics in very basic terms, helps a lot.

This is an interesting book. For those who are into charts, there are many of them. Yes, this is worth reading for those who want to learn about the financial world.

The Undeniable Power of Movement

 The Undeniable Power of Movement, Nicole Mott, 2023

In this hyper-speed, 24/7 world, multi-tasking seems like a good idea. It is a very bad idea. You will simply do more than one thing at a time, and do them all badly. A much better idea is to focus on doing one thing at a time, and do it to the best of your ability. If necessary, write a daily to-do list. Another myth is that checking items off of a to-do list means that you are staying busy. How many of those items have to be done today, and how many can wait for another day? If you are dealing with too many requests for your time or expertise, learn how to say No.

When working toward a goal, whether it is personal or work-related, there will be distractions. The book shows ways to work through them. It also shows ways to keep up your self-discipline, even if there are no distractions.

 How is your mindset? Do you have a growth mindset, willing to adapt to changing conditions on the inside? Do you have a fixed mindset, unwilling, or unable, to emotionally change? Which one is more helpful?

All of this talk about changing your brain is a waste of time if your health is not good. The author advocates High Intensity Interval Training (look it up) and intermittent fasting. For instance, a person eats only during an eight-hour period, and fasts the rest of the day. This does not allow a person to fill up on junk food during their eating time; eating healthier food is still expected.

This is an excellent book that is very easy to understand. Even if a person can't get "all the way" in this book, getting just part of the way will be a big improvement. Very much worth the time.