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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
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The Rise of Superman summary
Steven Kotler
Decoding The Science of Ultimate Human Performance
19 mins
Brief summary
The Rise of Superman by Steven Kotler examines the concept of flow and how extreme athletes use it to achieve seemingly impossible feats, providing insights into how anyone can use flow to enhance their performance and overall well-being.
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The Rise of Superman
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Key idea 1 of 9
Flow is a state of mind that helps us perform at our peak and often feels profoundly spiritual.
Have you ever been so “in the zone” that the entire world around you seemed to fade away? Did you notice that, during that time, you were performing at your very best? If so, you’re not alone. This experience, called flow, is fundamental part of the human experience. But what is it exactly?
Flow is a mental state that allows us to perform at our absolute best.
One way it does so is by acutely increasing in our ability to find creative solutions to problems.
For example, when the surfer Laird Hamilton rode the “Millenium Wave” off the coast of Tahiti, he likely would have died had he not followed to his creative insight that he gained from flow.
As the enormous wave began to break near the reef-ridden coast, he put his hands on the opposite side of the board into the water in order to prevent getting sucked up into the hydraulic. This is spectacular because it had never been done before, and is the only thing that saved him from death.
In addition, people often find flow to be a powerfully spiritual experience. After being in the flow state, many people report having heard the Voice, i.e., their subconscious creative intuition.
For example, when famous climber Dean Potter recounts climbing the gigantic Fitz Roy mountain, he attributes his success to the Voice.
Upon reaching a wall of ice three times the size of New York’s Chrysler building, he made approximately 670 correct moves up the wall with no equipment. Not being able to judge a path from the bottom of the wall, just one wrong move would have meant death, but the Voice did not deceive him.
In addition, people who are in a flow state often experience egoloss, i.e., the sense that they don’t exist as individuals. They become their sport. For example, surfers often report the feeling of being “one with the waves” after experiencing flow.
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What is The Rise of Superman about?
The Rise of Superman examines the top performers in extreme sports in order to gain insight into how they use flow, i.e., the transcendental experience of being in “the zone,” to accomplish their amazing feats and connects the dots between the experience of flow and the neurology behind it.
The Rise of Superman Review
The Rise of Superman (2014) is an exhilarating exploration of the flow state experienced by extreme athletes and how it can lead to ultimate human performance. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It reveals the scientific principles behind flow state and how it can be accessed and utilized by anyone to achieve peak performance.
- Through compelling stories and examples of athletes pushing the limits, the book demonstrates the extraordinary capabilities of the human mind and body.
- With its insights on overcoming fear, pushing boundaries, and achieving greatness, the book inspires readers to tap into their own potential and reach new heights.
Who should read The Rise of Superman?
- Anyone interested in achieving optimal performance
- Anyone involved in extreme sports
- Anyone interested in neuroscience and the mind
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The Rise of Superman FAQs
What is the main message of The Rise of Superman?
The main message of The Rise of Superman is that achieving flow states can unlock extraordinary performance and ultimate human potential.
How long does it take to read The Rise of Superman?
The reading time for The Rise of Superman varies, but it typically takes a few hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Rise of Superman a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Rise of Superman is a fascinating read that explores the science behind achieving peak performance. It's definitely worth reading for anyone interested in personal growth and reaching their full potential.
Who is the author of The Rise of Superman?
The author of The Rise of Superman is Steven Kotler.
What to read after The Rise of Superman?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Rise of Superman, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Art of Impossible by Steven Kotler
- Stealing Fire by Steven Kotler and Jamie Wheal
- Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey
- The Sports Gene by David Epstein
- Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- This Is Your Brain on Sports by L. Jon Wertheim and Sam Sommers
- Boost! by Michael Bar-Eli
- The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
- Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
- The Intelligence Trap by David Robson