Book SummaryThe Art of Impossible, by Steven Kotler

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of The Art of Impossible

Goals feel impossible when you see no discernible way to get from where you are to where you want to be. However, this isn’t an excuse to give up on your dreams. Just because you’re currently unable to see a way doesn’t mean that there isn’t one.

In The Art of Impossible, bestselling author, award-winning journalist, and peak performance expert Steven Kotler draws on extensive neurobiological research to demystify what it takes to achieve...

The Art of Impossible Summary Part 1: Neurochemicals Drive Peak Performers to Succeed

According to Kotler, elite performers achieve seemingly impossible feats because they consistently perform at the peak of their capabilities and push themselves to exceed their potential. How are they able to maintain this level of commitment? Kotler argues that it’s because their neurochemistry supports their high-performance habits.

In this first part of the guide, we’ll explore what neurochemicals are and how they drive your decisions and habits. Then, we’ll explain how being fully engaged with what you’re doing generates a combination of neurochemicals that enhances your capabilities and motivates you to achieve your goals.

Neurochemicals Reward Peak Performance Habits

What are neurochemicals? In brief, your nervous system is made up of billions of neurons and neural pathways that transmit chemical information (neurochemicals) from one neuron to another. Kotler explains that these neurochemicals regulate your body and allow you to function. They also drive all of your decisions, behaviors, and habits by creating sensations that motivate you to move toward pleasure and away from pain.

(Shortform note: Research backs up Kotler’s argument that [neurochemicals...

The Art of Impossible Summary Part 2: A Step-by-Step Process to Achieve Full Engagement

We’ve just discussed how being fully engaged supports peak performance habits by generating a combination of pleasurable neurochemicals that enhance your capabilities. We’ll now explore Kotler’s step-by-step process for priming your neurochemicals to help you practice full engagement. Regularly achieving this state of mind will help you cultivate peak performance habits that will make your seemingly impossible goals more attainable.

We’ll tackle his process in three phases: cultivating intrinsic motivation, creating your strategy, and adopting a positive attitude.

Phase #1: Cultivate Intrinsic Motivation

Kotler argues that you’re more likely to practice full engagement and cultivate peak performance habits if you feel intrinsically motivated to pursue your goals.

He explains that two types of motivation drive your decisions, behaviors, and habits:

• Extrinsic motivation: You do things to receive external rewards such as money, fame, or social validation.
• Intrinsic motivation: You do things to receive internal rewards such as feelings of interest, enjoyment, or happiness.

According to Kotler, **intrinsically motivated goals generate more pleasurable...

Shortform Exercise: Define Your Seemingly Impossible Goal

According to Kotler, you’re more likely to practice full engagement and achieve your seemingly impossible goal if you feel intrinsically motivated to achieve it. This exercise walks you through the process of choosing an appropriate goal.

Write down at least five things that you’re interested in learning more about. Be as specific as possible.