Michael Gelb

The happiest people in the world ask, ‘What if I could find some way to get paid for doing what I love?’

Brain researchers estimate that your unconscious database outweighs the conscious on an order exceeding ten million to one. This database is the source of your hidden, natural genius. In other words, a part of you is much smarter than you are. The wise people regularly consult that smarter part.

Genius is made, not born.

Great minds ask great questions.

I’m dedicated to helping you discover and express your creative power.

The words for creative universal energy are different in various traditions—qi in China, ki (pronounced “key”) in Japan, and prana in India. But the energy is the same, and it’s available to everyone.

Dweck’s research shows conclusively that in the long run the growth mindset trumps talent, and the fixed mindset limits the fulfillment of talent.

How do you know when you’ve found your purpose? It’s easier to get up in the morning!

Creativity requires courage to live from your guiding principles, to guide your life primarily from your intrinsic truth, rather than being a slave to convention, external pressure, or potential or real rewards.

Genius is made, not born.

Now the most important question for artists of life: Am I willing to hold the creative tension between my ideals and my current reality?

The happiest people in the world ask, ‘What if I could find some way to get paid for doing what I love?’

If the young Leonardo were alive today and attending grade school, he would probably be on medication.

Keeping your mind open in the face of uncertainty is the single most powerful secret of unleashing your creative potential.

In addition to expanding the understanding of the nature and scope of intelligence, contemporary psychological research has revealed startling truths about the extent of your potential. We can summarize the results with the phrase: Your brain is much better than you think.

The ability to thrive with ambiguity must become part of our everyday lives.

The bottom line: Embrace ambiguity and trust your gut.

I’ve worked with thousands of managers at all levels. Some are analytical, serious, thorough planners; others are intuitive, playful, spontaneous improvisers. The very best are those who balance analysis and intuition, seriousness and play, planning and improvisation, Arte and Scienza.

Aerobic (‘with oxygen’) exercise strengthens your cardiovascular system, improving blood and therefore oxygen flow to your body and brain. Your brain is, on average, less than 3 percent of your body weight, yet it uses more than 30 percent of your body’s oxygen. As you become aerobically fit, you double your capacity to process oxygen.

Resilience in the face of adversity is the most distinguishing characteristic of those who age gracefully and adapt well. And resilience is a function of optimism.

Cultivating healthy relationships is one of the most important elements of improving your mind as you age.

The research team summarized its findings by stating simply, “The brain is like a muscle, we need to exercise it.”

GFH isn’t the latest hormone therapy. It’s an acronym for three essential practices that improve mental acuity and extend your life: gratitude, forgiveness, and humor.