“Have big goals—but don’t tie your happiness to your goals. You must be happy before you attain them.” ‐ Vishen Lakhiani
In the book “The Code of the Extraordinary Mind”, author Vishen Lakhiani outlines a goal setting method to maximize personal growth and fearlessly pursue big goals.
Table of Contents
PART 1: Set Self‐Fueled Goals
Self‐fueled goals are entirely within your control, and you can achieve them at any time during the day to experience a reliable burst of happiness.
To establish a set of self‐fueled goals, identify 2‐3 goals that you need to feel joy in your life consistently. Then identify the base experience you seek from each of those goals. Reframe the base experience so it is entirely within your control.
Author Vishen Lakhiani identified three goals that consistently gave him joy: being loved by his wife, reading a book a week, and experiencing new adventures. Then he distilled those three goals into base experiences he could control: being surrounded by love, always learning and growing, and having amazing human experiences.
“They are all directly within my own power. No one can take these away from me. This means no failure can stunt me. I could be homeless and alone, sleeping on the streets of New York City—but I can still be surrounded by love because my love comes from within. I can learn and grow as long as I can find an old newspaper or a thrown‐away book to read. I can even have beautiful human experiences because I can see the joy in everyday life, even just walking through Central Park.” ‐ Vishen Lakhiani
Take a moment to think of small ways you can internally generate feelings of love, growth, and amazing experiences in your life.
To feel loved, I can: __________________________________________________________________________________________________
To feel a sense of growth, I can: ________________________________________________________________________________________
To have an amazing experience, I just need to: ____________________________________________________________________________
By having a set of self‐fueled goals to generate happiness reliably, you reduce your fear of failure and free yourself to set big, bold goals that will stretch your abilities and lead to extraordinary results.
PART 2: Ask Three Important Questions
By asking these three questions, you can set your sights on goals that are exciting, maximize personal growth, and lead to extraordinary results.
Question 1
If time and money were no object, and I didn’t have to seek anyone’s permission, what experiences would I want to have?
See the environment you want to live in, the adventures you want to have, and the things you want to experience with your friends and family.
Question 2
How will I need to grow to have those experiences?
See yourself growing physically, intellectually, and spiritually to become your best self. See the skills you need to develop to have the experiences you desire.
Question 3
As a result of growing, how will I be able to give back to the world?
See yourself having an impact on your family, your company, and your community. See the ways you are able to share your creative self with the world.
Example: You want to speak on the TED conference stage (prestigious event with world leaders). To speak on the TED stage, you need to push yourself to have remarkable life experiences and extract valuable lessons worth sharing. After hearing your speech, people will be inspired by your message and use your lessons to achieve success in their life.
“Safety is overrated; taking risks is much less likely to kill us than ever before, and that means that playing it safe is more likely just holding us back from the thrills of a life filled with meaning and discovery.”‐ Vishen Lakhiani
Review
Introduction:
“The Code of the Extraordinary Mind” by Vishen Lakhiani is a thought-provoking and inspiring book that challenges conventional wisdom and offers 10 unconventional laws to help readers redefine their lives and succeed on their own terms. The book is divided into four parts, each exploring a different aspect of the extraordinary mindset and its application to various areas of life.
Part 1: The Mindset of the Extraordinary
In the first part of the book, Lakhiani introduces the concept of the “extraordinary mind,” which is characterized by a willingness to challenge assumptions, embrace uncertainty, and see the world from multiple perspectives. He argues that this mindset is essential for achieving success and fulfillment in today’s rapidly changing world.
The first law, “Law 1: Embrace Uncertainty,” encourages readers to embrace the unknown and be comfortable with not knowing all the answers. This law is supported by examples from Lakhiani’s own life and the lives of successful entrepreneurs and innovators.
Part 2: The 10 Unconventional Laws
The second part of the book presents the 10 unconventional laws that form the core of the book. These laws are designed to help readers break free from limiting beliefs and behaviors and cultivate a mindset that is open, adaptable, and resilient.
Some of the key laws include:
- Law 2: Be Extraordinary or Vanish (the importance of standing out and taking risks in a crowded marketplace)
- Law 3: The World Is Your Lab (the value of experimentation and learning from failure)
- Law 4: Cultivate Your Inner Weirdo (the benefits of embracing your uniqueness and not trying to fit in)
- Law 5: The Power of 3 (the importance of setting clear goals and taking consistent action)
- Law 6: The Law of the Few (the power of focus and prioritization)
- Law 7: The 5-Step Framework (a step-by-step process for achieving success and fulfillment)
- Law 8: The Art of Letting Go (the importance of releasing limiting beliefs and negative emotions)
- Law 9: The 33% Rule (the significance of taking calculated risks and stepping out of your comfort zone)
- Law 10: The Last Law (the importance of living a life that reflects your values and passions)
Part 3: Applying the Code to Your Life
In the third part of the book, Lakhiani provides guidance on how to apply the 10 unconventional laws to various areas of your life, including your career, relationships, and personal growth. He also shares personal anecdotes and examples from other successful individuals to illustrate how the laws can be applied in practice.
Part 4: The Extraordinary Life
The final part of the book is dedicated to helping readers create an extraordinary life by living in alignment with their values and passions. Lakhiani emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for your own life and creating a vision that inspires and motivates you. He also provides practical advice on how to overcome obstacles and stay motivated on your journey to success.
Here is a brief review of the book:
- Paradigm-Shifting Concepts: Lakhiani introduces readers to unconventional ideas and concepts that challenge societal norms and traditional beliefs. He encourages readers to question their existing thought patterns and adopt a more expansive mindset, empowering them to redefine their lives and achieve success on their own terms.
- 10 Laws for Personal Transformation: The book presents 10 laws that serve as guiding principles for personal transformation. These laws cover various aspects of life, including beliefs, happiness, purpose, goals, and relationships. Lakhiani provides practical exercises and techniques for applying these laws to one’s own life.
- Holistic Approach: The Code of the Extraordinary Mind takes a holistic approach to personal development. Lakhiani emphasizes the importance of integrating all areas of life, including health, relationships, career, and spirituality, to achieve true fulfillment and success. He encourages readers to break free from societal conditioning and create their own rules for living a meaningful life.
- Blend of Science and Spirituality: Lakhiani combines scientific research with spiritual insights to provide a comprehensive understanding of personal growth. He draws from fields such as psychology, neuroscience, and quantum physics, while also incorporating spiritual practices like meditation and visualization. This blend of science and spirituality offers a well-rounded approach to personal transformation.
- Practical Tools and Exercises: Throughout the book, Lakhiani provides practical tools, exercises, and techniques that readers can apply in their daily lives. These exercises help readers shift their mindset, identify limiting beliefs, set meaningful goals, and take actionable steps towards their desired outcomes. The book is not just theoretical; it provides actionable guidance for real-world application.
- Engaging and Inspirational: Lakhiani’s writing style is engaging and inspirational, making the book an enjoyable read. He shares personal anecdotes and stories that bring the concepts to life and make them relatable. The book is filled with motivational quotes and thought-provoking ideas that inspire readers to think differently and take charge of their lives.
- Empowering Mindset Shift: The Code of the Extraordinary Mind challenges readers to break free from societal expectations and create their own path to success. Lakhiani promotes an empowering mindset shift that encourages individuals to embrace their uniqueness, follow their passions, and live authentically. This shift in perspective can be truly transformative for those seeking personal and professional growth.
Strengths:
- Thought-Provoking: The book challenges readers to question their assumptions and beliefs, making it an excellent tool for personal growth and self-awareness.
- Practical Applications: The book provides actionable steps and exercises that readers can use to apply the principles outlined in the book.
- Inspirational Stories: The author shares inspiring stories of people who have overcome challenges and achieved success on their own terms, making the book motivational and uplifting.
- Holistic Approach: The book emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to success, which includes cultivating inner awareness, developing meaningful relationships, and pursuing a fulfilling career.
Weaknesses:
- Lack of Scientific Evidence: While the book cites some scientific research, it could benefit from more empirical evidence to support its claims.
- Overemphasis on Personal Responsibility: The book places a significant emphasis on personal responsibility, which may overlook external factors that can impact an individual’s success.
- Too Broad: The book covers a wide range of topics, which can make it challenging to delve deeply into each subject.
Target Audience:
The book is geared towards individuals who are looking to challenge their limiting beliefs and create a life that aligns with their true aspirations. It’s ideal for those who are open to personal growth and willing to embrace change.
Conclusion:
Overall, “The Code of the Extraordinary Mind” is a thought-provoking and inspiring book that challenges readers to rethink their assumptions about success and fulfillment. The 10 unconventional laws offered by Lakhiani provide a clear roadmap for creating an extraordinary life, and the practical advice and examples provided throughout the book make it easy to apply the principles to your own life.
If you’re looking for a book that will inspire you to think differently and take action towards your goals, “The Code of the Extraordinary Mind” is an excellent choice. However, if you’re looking for a more straightforward self-help book with easy answers and quick fixes, this may not be the best choice for you.
Rating: 9/10
I highly recommend “The Code of the Extraordinary Mind” to anyone looking for a motivational and thought-provoking read. It’s an excellent choice for individuals who are eager to challenge their limiting beliefs and create a life that aligns with their true aspirations.