Mind Hacking

October 19, 2015
Hargrave, CEO of the marketing firm Media Shower, instructs readers on achieving goals and breaking negative thought patterns by hacking the brain like a computer. Inspired by the experience of reprogramming his mind to achieve sobriety, Hargrave sets out methods that include careful observation of the mind’s workings, “Jedi training” for improved concentration, and isolating and retooling loops of negative thinking. A thought experiment encourages readers to imagine their ideal lives, and Hargrave gives examples of positive thought loops that may nudge the ideal into reality. Various “mind hacks” help this process along, such as writing down ideas and goals, harnessing the power of repetition, running mental simulations, and carrying out collaborations along the lines of Wikipedia’s open-source editing. The book’s final section centers on action, discussing how small, easily reached subgoals can add up to greater achievements. Hargrave also incorporates techniques employed by such diverse success stories as Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs, Ben Franklin, and the Pete Carroll–led Seattle Seahawks. While most of Hargrave’s ideas are not entirely new, his use of computer-related terms should resonate with tech-savvy readers, including those resistant to typical self-help fare. Agent: Cathy D. Hemming, Cathy D. Hemming Literary Agency, in association with McCormick Literary.