“The key to success is learningthe meta‐language of learning. Learning how to learn. How to achieve peak performance in a difficult arena of life that requires mastering 100 micro‐skills to become among the best in that field. Isaiah Hankel breaks down that meta‐language, and shows us how, regardless of our life's mission, to quickly achieve mastery in whatever field of life inspires us.”
—James Altucher, Journalist and Author of Choose Yourself
“The biggest advantage of reading The Science of Intelligent Achievement is the sense of personal responsibility the book provides. Most books in this category are either pure fluff in that they offer nothing but feel good nonsense about how to ‘be grateful’ and ‘be nice’, or they are written with the goal of absolving the reader or any fault in life. Here, Isaiah takes a completely different angle as he puts the responsibility of choosing your focus, creating something worthwhile in life, and continuing to grow pragmatically squarely on the reader's shoulders. Every page pushes you to take control rather than give up control, to actively choose what to spend your mental energy on rather than just ‘letting go’ and hoping for the best. It's a great read if you're up for the challenge of taking ownership over the good and bad in your life.”
—Jordan Harbinger, Co‐Founder of The Art of Charm and Sirius Radio Talk Show Host
“The Science of Intelligent Achievement unapologetically slapped me in the face by telling me what common mistakes ‘average’ people do and how these ‘average’ habits and actions are keeping me in a mediocre career and life. There is something fresh and simple about Isaiah's ability to not sugar‐coat topics. This book is full of relatable stories and interesting facts that stay with you after you are done reading. I recommend this tough‐as‐nails self‐help book to anyone who wants to evaluate their direction in life.”
—Dr. Nick Ross, Senior R&D Engineer at Intel
“This is a jam‐packed book that is chock‐full of actionable and practical advice on the hard truth about what it takes to live a happy and successful life. You won't be able to make excuses for yourself after reading this book.”
—Ben Greenfield, Founder of Greenfield Fitness Systems and Advisor at EXOS Performance Nutrition
“Is there anything more boring thantraditional self‐help books? Thankfully Isaiah has written something untraditional here. The Science of Intelligent Achievement digs beneath the surface of what makes measurable growth possible – identifying the patterns, processes and science behind being successful in any field. He does all of this while infusing each chapter with real‐world examples, humor, and a much‐needed dose of personal responsibility and hard truth.”
—Anthony DiMarco, Entrepreneurs' Organization Global Trainer and CEO of the DiMarco Group
“The Science of Intelligent Achievement showed me how to take ownership of my life and how to organize and prioritize myself both professionally and personally. Make no mistake, the book is hard hitting and makes you face yourself head on. Each chapter practically forces you to start implementing positive and pragmatic changes. The book shows you that it's never too late to turn things around as long as you're willing to take personal responsibility for where you are in life.”
—Dr. Klodjan Stafa, Senior Scientist at Estée Lauder Companies
“Reading this book is like a healthy punch in the gut. Many of us ‘top performers’ present externally as having it all when, really, we're miserable inside chasing after someone else's version of success. Isaiah's gripping personal story is a harbinger of what can happen if you fail to listen to the voice inside reminding you of who you really are. His framework of selectivity, ownership and pragmatism is one I wished I had when I was going through a similar time. If you're ready to reclaim your life, live it according to your own standards, and take back control, you need this book. I dare you to read it and not come out transformed.”
—Margo Aaron, Former Strategic Planner at Hunter Straker, Founder of That Seems Important
“Isaiah has created a brilliant, practical, goal‐oriented, scientifically‐backed, self‐improvement book, suitable for anyone struggling to make the next step in their life or career. His new book has already been pivotal for me in harnessing my mental energy and focus to drive my career forward.”
—Dr. Yousuf Ali, Medical Science Liaison at Novartis
“Isaiah teaches how and why yourhabits, behaviors and values are at the core of performance or lack thereof. He doesn't sugarcoat anything so there aren't any wasted words or pages in any of his publications. This book just went to the top of my must read twice list.”
—Craig Morantz, Former CEO of Kira Talent and Founder of Vegan Labs
“The Science of Intelligent Achievement was a blessing and a curse. It was a blessing because the book showed me how to be aware of the things that I do on a daily basis that waste my mental energy. You really don't realize how much energy you freely give away to people and situations that don't matter. Isaiah says repeatedly that busyness is not productivity and he is right. The book was a curse because it completely demolished all of my excuses and made me start taking responsibility for my decisions again.”
—Josh Birt, Video Producer for Twitter and Founder of Josh Birt Productions
“The Science of Intelligent Achievement is well researched and provides an excellent blueprint to real success. Every page is loaded with sage advice and you will find yourself savoring every morsel of it. You will learn how to live the life of your dreams by eliminating negative people, thoughts, and things that drain your mental energy. Stop being busy, develop focus, get rid of distractions, and master the art of effectiveness by using the free tools Isaiah provides here.”
—Linda Mitchell, IIN Health Coach, ADP Holistic Health Practitioner and CEO The ChickFit Studio
© 2018 Isaiah Hankel
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To my wife, Laura, and daughter, Zara
Twenty years ago I left my hometown. Recently, I found myself back there. Unfortunately, I was there for my Grandpap's funeral. He was a patriarch, a war hero, and a role model for each member of our family. He had left a legacy behind by living with authenticity.
While reconnecting with siblings and greeting friends of the family, I was struck by how much I'd grown since I left town. I had been the first in our family to graduate college. I got married, I enrolled in graduate school, had a child, received a Ph.D., trained at the National Institutes of Health, and landed a dream job at Harvard Medical School (HMS). However, my path hasn't been easy.
In the beginning, I worked hard, but I didn't work smart.
I was out of focus. I wasn't living in reality. I hadn't taken full responsibility for my choices. I wasn't being strategic…and I definitely wasn't being authentic.
It wasn't until I had a frank and honest conversation about how I could leverage my experience and my interests to do something fulfilling and to start achieving intelligently. It was then that everything came into focus, I faced a harsh reality and took responsibility for my life and my career.
My journey is far from complete. And I do not go alone. In addition to my indomitable wife, I've had a few close friends and colleagues help me along the way. And of course I've returned the favor. When one of these friends asked me to write the foreword to his second book, I had to help him out and said yes immediately.
Isaiah and I first met via an email introduction. He had a novel approach to leadership and career development so I invited him to give a talk at HMS. Through several conversations and a growing friendship Isaiah was open to my advice, and criticisms. While my opinions were plentiful, he shrewdly picked up on the important points and began to craft his message and share it across the globe. I invited him back to HMS two more times, once for a Leadership Series and another for his Career Development workshops. In turn, he's twice invited me to appear on his webinar series where my aim was to empower professionals to confidently (and scientifically) take control of their career and lives.
In Isaiah's second book, The Science of Intelligent Achievement, he tackles some issues that apply to most everyone: focus, creative ownership, and pragmatic growth. When Isaiah brings up “Blind Spot Ignorance” in Chapter 29, he discusses how we can identify blind spots in others but not usually ourselves. He also states that self‐perception rarely matches social perception. To combat this Blind Spot Ignorance, Isaiah advises to keep blind your spots in full view. This requires a fearless self‐inventory where you take ownership of your shortcomings, mistakes, and biases. Once you self‐monitor for bad habits and potential pitfalls, you will no longer be “blindsided” by the truth and can begin to live with authenticity.
Selective investment of your focus, energy, and relationships; taking creative ownership of your path, success, and happiness; and a pragmatic approach to your decisions, habits, and overall growth will lead you towards your authentic self. And it's this kind of achievement that will result in increased productivity, a meaningful message, and a lasting legacy in your life.
I wish I had this book twenty years ago because to me, Intelligent Achievement starts and ends with authenticity, or as Isaiah calls it in this book “true success.”
—James Gould, Ph.D.,
Director, Office for Postdoctoral Fellows,
Harvard Medical School