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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Art of Possibility summary
Rosamund Stone Zander
Benjamin Zander
Transforming Professional and Personal Life
25 mins
Brief summary
The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander is a transformative book that teaches us to shift our perspective in life from scarcity to abundance, resulting in an increased sense of possibility with practical tools and inspiring stories.
Table of Contents
The Art of Possibility
Summary of 8 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 8
Your life is built on assumptions.
If we’re going to explore the art of the possible, then where better to start than with someone who knew how to look beyond the obvious – the master cubist painter himself, Pablo Picasso.
The story goes that once, when Picasso was on a train, a man approached him to ask why he didn’t paint people the way they really were. Why did people’s heads end up as funny shapes, with their eyes out of line? Picasso asked what he meant, so the man pulled a photo of a woman from his wallet and said it was his wife.
Picasso took one look and quipped: she’s very flat and small.
It’s funny to us now, but what Picasso understood is that our perception is limited by our assumptions. The photo may have represented how the woman appeared physically but it wasn’t how she really was.
The key message here is: Your life is built on assumptions.
Humans understand the world through a three-step process. First, your senses select information from the environment that’s useful for your survival and feeds it to your brain. Then, your brain creates a simulation based on that information. Finally, you have a conscious experience of the environment, as simulated by your brain.
This means that everything you perceive is limited by your biology. And the same is true for other species. If you were a frog, you couldn’t see color, even if you were gazing at a sunset. If you were a bee, a flower would look like an ultraviolet pattern. No matter how objective you try to be, you always experience the world through an edited lens.
This creates scope for possibility. When you know that you see the world through a limited frame, you can question it. Say you’re drawing a portrait. You might assume that it should be a true-to-life representation of your subject. But ask yourself what possibilities might be available if that portrait could represent something other than what the brain thinks a person looks like. Encourage yourself to see differently and you end up with something radically new, just like Picasso.
To unearth new possibilities, get into the habit of identifying the assumptions you’re making. Then, ask yourself what might happen if you widened your lens. You might discover new solutions to the challenges you’re facing.
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What is The Art of Possibility about?
The Art of Possibility (2000) provides a series of strategies that will invite possibility into every aspect of your life. By putting these strategies into practice, you can fuel your creativity, enhance your problem-solving skills, and deepen your relationships with others.
The Art of Possibility Review
The Art of Possibility (2003) explores how embracing a mindset of possibility can transform our lives and open up new opportunities. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It presents a collection of practical strategies and thought-provoking insights that can help us overcome obstacles and achieve our goals.
- Through a combination of real-life examples and personal stories, the authors illustrate how shifting our perspective can lead to greater creativity and success.
- With its uplifting tone and emphasis on the power of positive thinking, the book manages to captivate readers, making it an engaging and inspiring read.
Who should read The Art of Possibility?
- Modern thinkers looking for new solutions to old problems
- Seekers hoping for more abundance in their lives
- Anyone interested in learning how to transcend their limitations
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The Art of Possibility FAQs
What is the main message of The Art of Possibility?
The main message of The Art of Possibility is to embrace a mindset that opens up new possibilities and fosters creativity.
How long does it take to read The Art of Possibility?
The reading time for The Art of Possibility varies depending on the reader's pace, but it usually takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Art of Possibility a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Art of Possibility is a thought-provoking book that offers insights on personal growth and unlocking our potential. It is definitely worth reading.
Who is the author of The Art of Possibility?
The authors of The Art of Possibility are Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander.
What to read after The Art of Possibility?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Art of Possibility, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Dichotomy of Leadership by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin
- The Entrepreneur Roller Coaster by Darren Hardy
- The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek
- Everyone Communicates, Few Connect by John C. Maxwell
- Mindset by Carol Dweck
- Critical Thinking by Richard Paul
- Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz
- Start With Why by Simon Sinek
- The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz
- Do Breathe by Michael Townsend Williams