The Book Summaries

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Clearer, Closer, Better

How Successful People See the World

Oct 03, 2023
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Clearer, Closer, Better
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In "Clearer, Closer, Better: How Successful People See the World," social psychologist Emily Balcetis offers a transformative look at how altering our perception can be a powerful tool for achieving success.

Drawing on vision science, motivational psychology, and real-world case studies, Balcetis argues that the way we see the world—literally—can make or break our ability to accomplish our goals.

"Our eyes capture incomplete data, leaving our brains to fill in the gaps—sometimes inaccurately. The silver lining? This perceptual gap can be a potent tool for success if we learn to manipulate it."

Whether you're an athlete, an entrepreneur, or someone looking to make meaningful changes in your life, this book provides actionable insights into mastering your perception to make your goals more attainable. Dive in to discover how the world looks through the eyes of high achievers.

About the Author

Emily Balcetis, a social psychologist, holds an associate professorship at New York University. Her research has been published in over 70 scientific journals, and she has garnered multiple accolades for her contributions to the field.


The Eye-Brain Connection: Your Secret Weapon for Success

We often assume that our eyes present an unfiltered view of the world, but that's far from the truth. Our eyes capture incomplete data, leaving our brains to fill in the gaps—sometimes inaccurately. The silver lining? This perceptual gap can be a potent tool for success if we learn to manipulate it.

High achievers have mastered the art of aligning their vision with their cognitive processes. This book offers insights into their perceptual habits, teaching you how to leverage the disconnect between what you see and what is actually there. You'll explore strategies for visual optimization, the link between perception and motivation, and the value of embracing failure as a learning tool.

The Power of Focused Vision: A Strategy for Achieving Goals

Winning a marathon is a Herculean task, but Joan Benoit Samuelson, the first female Olympic marathon champion, credits her victory to a focused vision. Rather than being overwhelmed by the daunting 26.2 miles, she set incremental goals, focusing on overtaking one runner at a time.

The takeaway? Focused vision can be a game-changer in achieving your goals.

This principle isn't just applicable to sports; it's a universal strategy for long-term success. Research shows that a focused vision can significantly alter our perception and performance. For instance, a study involving gym-goers revealed that those who focused solely on the finish line perceived it as closer and reached it faster than those who let their gaze wander.

This principle extends to financial planning as well. Visualizing your future self can motivate you to start saving for retirement earlier, as demonstrated by a study conducted by social psychologist Hal Hershfield.

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