The Art of Impossible

Steven Kotler, 2023
4.6 / 5

Summary

The Art of Impossible by Steven Kotler explores peak performance, blending neuroscience and psychology to show how anyone can push beyond limits. Kotler outlines a framework of motivation, learning, creativity and flow, offering practical strategies to unlock human potential. It’s a guide to achieving extraordinary results consistently and sustainably.

Ratings

Readability
Practicality
Credibility
Depth
Impact

Quote

Motivation is what gets you into this game; learning is what helps you continue to play; creativity is how you steer; and flow is how you turbo-boost the results beyond all rational standards and reasonable expectations.

Learnings

  • Motivation Starts the Journey: Impossible goals require intrinsic motivation—curiosity, passion, and purpose.
  • Flow Is Trainable: Flow—the state of full immersion and optimal performance—isn’t random luck. You can prime yourself.
  • Goals Must Be Layered: A combination of  high hard goals (big dreams) and clear goals (manageable daily/weekly targets) is important.

Review

The Art of Impossible is a game-changer. Steven Kotler brilliantly blends science, stories and strategy to unlock peak performance. I found it deeply inspiring and practical, offering clear tools to push past limits. It reshaped how I view possibility, leaving me motivated, empowered and ready to pursue ambitious goals.

Audience

  • Aspiring High Performers: People who want to stretch their capabilities—achieve more than they think possible.
  • Entrepreneurs / Business Leaders: Folks responsible for pushing boundaries, leading teams, innovating, setting big goals.
  • Athletes / Artists / Creatives: People in domains where flow states, skill acquisition, learning mastery are particularly relevant

Details*

Pages
336
ISBN
978-0062977519
Publisher
Harper Paperbacks
Price
11.99

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