Steven Kotler + Become the Best Version of Yourself

Peter H. DiamandisJanuary 14, 20211h 7m

Topics17

Webinar Introduction and Steven Kotler Introduction0:00 Two-Sentence Summary of *The Art of the Impossible*2:33 Cognitive Peak Performance Defined3:31 Research and Interviews for the Book7:31 Defining 'Impossible'8:30 The Formula for Peak Performance12:01 Motivation Suite14:02 Goal Setting22:01 Consciousness and Perception Limits24:22 The Art of Impossible Book29:30 Biggest Mistakes36:02 Clear Goals List for Peak Performance49:32 Daily Routine and Reflection52:02 Six Positive Psychology Basics for Peak Performance52:30 Q&A: Book Recommendations1:00:01 Q&A: Training Brain for Faster Content Digestion1:01:32 Closing and Promotions1:04:31

In a Nutshell

Steven Kotler outlines peak performance as aligning biology via motivation (stack curiosity, passion, purpose, autonomy, mastery), three-tiered goals (massively transformative purpose, high hard goals, clear daily lists), six levels of grit, creativity, and flow to achieve the "impossible"—chaining small-i wins into capital-I breakthroughs. Essential daily habits include 7-8 hours sleep, hydration, nutrition, social support, gratitude, breathwork, and exercise; primary flow activities boost creativity 400-700% and reset stress. *The Art of the Impossible* provides a sequenced playbook with 6 daily + 7 weekly micro-practices to build a "habit of ferocity," turning anxiety into curiosity for effortless high output.

AI-Generated Notes

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Peter introduces Steven Kotler as a New York Times best-selling author, award-winning journalist, executive director of the Flow Research Collective, and leading expert in human performance. Author of nine bestsellers out of 13 books total, three co-authored with Peter including The Art of the Impossible, The Future is Faster Than You Think (January release), Stealing Fire, The Rise of Superman, Bold, and Abundance. Work nominated for two Pulitzer Prizes, translated into 40 languages, appeared in over 100 publications including New York Times Magazine, Wired, Atlantic Monthly, Time, Harvard Business Review. Co-host of Flow Research Collective Radio (top 10 iTunes science podcast) with wife Joy Nicholson. Co-founder of Rancho de Chihuahua, a hospice and special needs dog sanctuary.

The Art of the Impossible is a peak performance primer and how-to guide to maximizing human cognitive performance, based on 30 years of research into flow and cognitive peak performance. Everything learned, systemized, sequenced into a practical playbook anyone can use to level up, specifically designed to help pursue high hard goals. If operating at peak possible performance already, no need for the book.

Peak human performance is getting biology to work for us rather than against us. Biology offers a limited set of tools: motivational tools get you into the game, learning tools keep you in the game, creativity/creative problem solving tools help steer, flow skills amplify everything beyond reasonable expectations. Cognitive peak performance encompasses this suite.

Most people falsely assume they are healthy and operating at peak performance. Research from 30 years studying extraordinary achievers shows everyone is capable of much more than they know. Few start extraordinary; it's about what you do with what you're given. Human potential is invisible, especially to ourselves. Example: Professional basketball player doesn't know if they'll like or be good at lacrosse until trying it. Human potential emerges when pushing skills to the utmost repeatedly.

Book draws from 30 years of research, thousands interviewed. Highlights lessons from 10-15 people including Peter Diamandis, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, athletes like Laird Hamilton, Kristen Ulmer, Mike Joyner, late Anders Ericsson, and leaders in peak performance.

'Impossible' means capital-I Impossible (never been done) or small-i impossible (no clear path from A to B, low odds of success). Examples of small-i: rising from poverty, overcoming trauma, becoming world-class, successful entrepreneurship, getting your first kiss at age 9-12. Tools are the same. Achievers of capital-I Impossible usually chain small-i impossibles until capital-I becomes next in line.

Laird Hamilton anecdote: People see him on 50-foot wave at 33 and think impossible, but he started at 3 years old on 3-foot waves, progressing incrementally (e.g., last week on 49.5-foot wave, so 50-foot is just 6 inches bigger).

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Steven Kotler + Become the Best Version of Yourself

Webinar Introduction and Steven Kotler Introduction00:00

Two-Sentence Summary of The Art of the Impossible02:33

Cognitive Peak Performance Defined03:31

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