Mindshift

Break Through Obstacles to Learning and Discover Your Hidden Potential

By: Barbara Oakley PhD

Narrated by: Barbara Oakley PhD

Length: 9 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

Mindshift reveals how we can overcome stereotypes and preconceived ideas about what is possible for us to learn and become.

At a time when we are constantly being asked to retrain and reinvent ourselves to adapt to new technologies and changing industries, this book shows us how we can uncover and develop talents we didn't realize we had - no matter what our age or background. We're often told to "follow our passions." But in Mindshift, Dr. Barbara Oakley shows us how we can broaden our passions. Drawing on the latest neuroscientific insights, Dr. Oakley shepherds us past simplistic ideas of "aptitude" and "ability", which provide only a snapshot of who we are now - with little consideration about how we can change.

Even seemingly "bad" traits, such as a poor memory, come with hidden advantages - like increased creativity. Profiling people from around the world who have overcome learning limitations of all kinds, Dr. Oakley shows us how we can turn perceived weaknesses, such as impostor syndrome and advancing age, into strengths. People may feel like they're at a disadvantage if they pursue a new field later in life, yet those who change careers can be fertile cross-pollinators: They bring valuable insights from one discipline to another. Dr. Oakley teaches us strategies for learning that are backed by neuroscience so that we can realize the joy and benefits of a learning lifestyle. Mindshift takes us deep inside the world of how people change and grow. Our biggest stumbling blocks can be our own preconceptions, but with the right mental insights, we can tap into hidden potential and create new opportunities.

©2017 Barbara Oakley (P)2017 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Mindshift is essential reading for anyone seeking a reboot, reset, or reinvention. As Oakley trots around the globe and across disciplines, she explains the power of taking a 'pi' approach to your career, why worriers often get ahead, why negative traits can house hidden advantages, and why it’s smarter to broaden your passion than follow it. Jammed with inspiring stories and practical tips, Mindshift is a book that can change your life.” (Daniel H. Pink, New York Times best-selling author of Drive and A Whole New Mind)

“Following your passion is easy. Finding it is hard. This book is full of examples to help - people who have found their way around roadblocks or just plowed right through them.” (Adam Grant, New York Times best-selling author of Originals and Give and Take)

“Oakley’s work is remarkable for its breadth and depth...fascinating.” (James Taranto, The Wall Street Journal)

Enjoyable and Eye opening

I found her easy to listen to. I enjoyed hearing about other people's experience and how they overcame their own unique obstacles. I found I could relate to them in one way or another which made it seem more doable to implement these tools or skills in my own life.

I will reread this book

This book was well read, and encourages anyone to make changes. I will reread this book many times to glean more little bits.

Learning by anecdote

I realize my 3 star review may seem harsh. However, the book focuses very heavily on anecdotes that seek to engage the listener (reader). However, for my own learning style, I was already engaged enough to purchase the audiobook.

I would have appreciated a greater emphasis on applicable techniques, and explanations of why they work, rather than hearing that people changed their lives. Please note that I said THAT people changed their lives, not HOW people changed their lives. There is too much time spent expressing the amazing changes in the lives of individuals, with little emphasis on the how.

That being said, the latter third of the book, which emphasizes the utility of MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), was much more useful to me. It highlighted what makes for a good MOOC, how to find MOOCs suited to one's own interest, and even how to construct a useful MOOC.

All that said, thank you to Barbara Oakley for her efforts in writing this book, and making the audiobook version available.

Barbara Oakley at her best

Mindshift is the proof that we can do and be more than we thought we could be... or told that we should be!

It encourages you to get control of your life!

New concepts learned but some were a sales pitch.

I felt like the book started off great but half way on t was all about Moots.com, a way to advance your career or learn a new subject. I enjoyed listening about it but not for 1/4 of the book. It did help me think about learning something new and now I have a free way and new approach

great knowledge sharing

it's a nice touch hearing Dr. Oakley narrate. This book, similar to her others, serves as a useful 'how to book' and reference guide.

This book is about possibilities...

We often hear that people "don't like change". That's not entirely true, people are afraid to change because of what they believe it will cost them. In this book Dr. Oakley allays those fears by showing us just how each and every one of us can indeed change, even transform our lives by simply growing through learning. I recommend this book to anyone who is considering any type of change in life. This book, through the stories of others, will help you develop not only the courage, but also give you ideas on how to make that change possible and rewarding. Happy reading!

Phenomenal piece of work.

This material is too important to miss. Barbara's research on the topic is second to none. She has a very well thought out process of helping you apply the vast knowledge of this book. Do her 'notebook' exercises, and it will help you too! I read an earlier review about her voice not being 'professional', don't worry, you'll get used to her voice, and take advantage of the shear brilliance of this book. Some of the things I'm familiar with, from her prior book (A Mind for Numbers) and her course (Learning How To Learn) on Coursera, but some content is totally new to me. I am so happy with the book, that I bought the Kindle version, also! This is an excellent insight into learning. Its worth the cost of my yearly Audible subscription! #Inspiring #SelfDevelopment #tagsgiving #sweepstakes

Great book with a corresponding great MOOC.

This book I pick up because after 8 years of Ivy League education and a decade of practicing medicine. I still found myself struggling to learn. This book along with some others (Talent Code & ultra-learning) have really changed how I interact with new information in my career. It has also introduced me to MOOCs. This book has an excellent corresponding MOOC on coursera “Learning how to learn” and “mind-shift”. Though the information is not strictly speaking new, the way it is synthesized bring it to a very real world level. I am thankful I came across this gem.

great book! will listen again!

great book! will listen again! a ton of helpful, healthy tips with a lot of (ostensibly) firmly backed research