I may be rapidly aging but I’m not sure I’m getting any smarter as I get older. With that in mind, when Beth Burgess got in touch about her latest book, I just had to invite her to stay in with me to tell me a bit about it as I think it’s one I could do with!

Staying in with Beth Burgess

Welcome to Linda’s Book Bag, Beth, and thank you for agreeing to stay in with me.

Thank you for having me. You have a very comfy sofa and I love talking to people like you who adore reading and chatting about books. And you’ve even provided my favourite cake; how did you know? You haven’t already read my book have you?

(I haven’t yet, but any excuse for cake…)

Tell me, which of your books have you brought along to share this evening and why have you chosen it?

I’ve brought INSTANT WISDOM: 10 Easy Ways to Get Smart Fast. It’s not my first book – I’m a therapist, so I’ve written other books on topics like addiction. But it’s the first book in a new series I’m creating called The Wiseism Series, which will be all about ways to live more happily and successfully by becoming wiser.

(Now THAT is a series I know I need in my life, Beth.)

Before I became a therapist, I made a complete mess of my life by making dumb decisions. And when I say a mess, I mean a catastrophe of epic proportions. So, after reaching rock bottom, I went on a very long journey of studying, learning ways to develop better perspective, insights, and make wiser choices.

I really wanted to share this book, because other people don’t have to make mistakes or take the long route that I did to become smarter. I’ve condensed everything I learned into quick and easy tools in this book. So, that’s why I brought it.

(It sounds as if you’ve a real authenticity there Beth.)

What can we expect from an evening in with INSTANT WISDOM: 10 Easy Ways to Get Smart Fast?

A lot of surprises, actually. Many of the tools and techniques I discovered seem counter-intuitive or unbelievable, but I am a living testament to the fact that they work.

Hopefully, you’ll have a few laughs along the way. I like to write my books with some humour –  you actually learn faster that way. Plus you’ll get to hear about some of the ridiculous situations I got myself into, which are quite funny looking back on them.

(I imagine they were less funny at the time!)

You’ll also be spending the evening with some of my mentors, including Socrates, Einstein and even Jim Carrey, so make sure there’s plenty of room on the sofa for them too.

(That’s quite a trio!)

And of course, I expect you to have numerous “aha!” moments as you read. In fact, you’ll probably be dying to try out these super-fast methods for becoming smarter before the evening is over.

(That sounds a plan to me.)

What else have you brought along and why? 

It may be a weird selection, but I’ve brought you a pot plant, a pair of sunglasses, the movie Atonement, and a cup of tea.

Amazingly, these are all things which can make you smarter. I told you there would be a lot of surprises in the book!

What a wonderful selection. It’s always time for tea here. I’ll pour another cup whilst you cut us more cake Beth!. Thanks so much for staying in with me this evening. I have a feeling INSTANT WISDOM: 10 Easy Ways to Get Smart Fast is a book I need to read pronto!

Thank you for having me, Linda. You’ve been a wonderful host.

My pleasure.

INSTANT WISDOM: 10 Easy Ways to Get Smart Fast

Do you want to be a wiser person?

Do you want to become an expert at solving tricky problems that used to leave you stuck?

Do you want to boost your brain’s capabilities?

Blending science, psychology and philosophy, this book will teach you easy tools and techniques that will make you smarter in mere minutes or seconds. The strategies include methods that geniuses and peak performers use to get amazing results. Written in Beth’s unique style, Instant Wisdom is both entertaining and informative, containing personal stories, surprising studies and real examples. Most chapters contain a variety of exercises, so you can use the tools immediately.

A tiny snippet of what you will learn:

– Einstein’s top tool to be ultra-inventive (you can do this in your sleep)

– The ‘Alice in Wonderland’ technique that helps you learn anything (it’s fast and fun)

– How to fool your brain into being super-focused (an actor used this trick to land millionaire-making roles)

– The tactic top athletes use for ultimate performance (but you don’t even have to leave your chair for this)

– A delicious way to boost your logic (granny knows this trick, but I bet you don’t)

– The ‘Smart Stranger’ method for achieving instant insight (this is a genius way of solving any problem)

– How to get great minds to deepen your insight (no money or bribes required)

Anyone can use these tools to study, improve career prospects, forge great relationships and become more capable, productive and creative. The techniques can be used on the spot to gain immediate insight, so you can make wiser choices in every area of life.

INSTANT WISDOM: 10 Easy Ways to Get Smart Fast is available for purchase from your local Amazon site.

About Beth Burgess

Beth Burgess was once a struggling addict. She turned her life around to become a respected therapist, coach, and writer. Following her own quest to become wiser, she founded Wiseism.com to share what she has learned.

Beth’s previous books include: What Is Self-Esteem?, The Recovery Formula, and The Happy Addict.

Beth has written articles for New Statesman, The Big Issue, The Huffington Post, Tiny Buddha and other publications. She has appeared on BBC Radio, been featured in international media, and is often sought out for expert commentary on topics such as mental health and effective ways of achieving happiness and well-being.

To find out more, visit Beth’s website, follow her on Twitter @WiseismTweets or find her on Facebook.