In an age when we are constantly being asked to retrain and reinvent ourselves, to adapt to new technologies and changing industries, this book assuages our fears and inspires us with a sense of possibility. Our passions and talents may actually surprise us. In MINDSHIFT, Barbara Oakley tells the stories of people who have overcome learning "handicaps" of all kinds - such as Imposter's Syndrome and advancing age - and shows how we can turn perceived weaknesses into strengths. For example, 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. The power of simple persistence in building talent is, also, often underestimated.
Dr. Oakley reveals the latest neuroscientific insights into how our brains change when we learn something new. She shares strategies for learning that are backed by brain science, including practical exercises to apply in our own lives.
Initial thoughts: The title Mindshift is pretty fitting, as the book examines different ways people have reframed their minds/their perspectives to achieve their goals. Perhaps because the author strongly believes in metaphors as aids to teaching, most of the chapters are based on specific people and their life experiences. I found this to be an engaging approach, though there were minor factual errors (about Singapore) that distracted me; same with audiobook mispronunciations of terms (Malay became "may-lay) and names (Sun Yat Sen became "Sen Yat Sen"). Still, it's evident that Oakley knows what she is talking about and is very passionate about the mechanics of how to learn and how to prime our minds for action.
