Mindshift

Break Through Obstacles to Learning and Discover Your Hidden Potential

By: Barbara Oakley PhD

Narrated by: Barbara Oakley PhD

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.

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.

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.

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!

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