Unstoppable Brain: The New Neuroscience that Frees Us from Failure, Eases Our Stress, and Creates Lasting Change Hardcover – April 30, 2024

This book is truly life-changing. Specifically: the author discusses how and why allowing yourself to believe that you are a failure in any way shape, or form is a recipe for disaster, if not in the short-term, then definitely in the long-term. Doesn't matter who you are, it's not good for you. If there is something about your life that you are struggling to change, the author addresses what you should do instead of allowing yourself to feel like a failure and why. Everything is backed up by scientific research, so you can be sure that you aren't just getting some random advice that may or may not work. And just from my own limited experience, what the author writes rings true: in areas of my life where I have not resorted to allowing myself to feel like a failure when setbacks occur, I have had relatively effortless success. In other areas of my life where I have interpreted setbacks as failures, improvements have been far fewer, less long-lasting, and required a lot more effort.The book is well-written (I really enjoy the quotes) and engaging, and it's a pretty fast read. The author provides interesting stories and I'm sure would be a delight to talk to if I ever crossed paths with her (which will probably never happen). I definitely want my kids to read this once they become teenagers because iteration (the solution to feelings of failure!) is definitely an important skill for life. Simply put, everyone should read this!

Immense gratitude to NetGalley for access to this audiobook which I might not have found otherwise.I wish I could just beam this book into everyone’s brain.This was Brène Brown level life changing, which is my highest compliment. The information was presented in a way that was easy to understand and to apply in my life, and the book was written in a way that was engaging and authentic and you could just tell the author really wanted to help people and believed in what she was writing about. The beautiful thing about this book and the information presented therein, is that it’s not some super specific, intensive, “you have to do it just this way or it won’t work”, super anxiety-inducing program. It’s something every single person on this planet that is capable of autonomy, can do. And keep doing. Forever. I really appreciated that the author has not played into the hyper-capitalistic mindset of constant productivity, and above all else her message is that failure doesn’t exist and we are all worthy and capable. As someone raised in a high control religion super focused on productivity, and then in an abusive marriage where I was made to feel like a lazy, crazy piece of trash, this book was so healing and validating to me. It will stay with me forever.This is a review of the audiobook.

This book addresses the pervasive impact of performance mindsets on mental health. I consider this topic to be crucial for anyone living in today’s society. We are all in the same capitalistic world, where our value stems from how much we can produce.I was stunned by Maya's journey from a joyful gymnast to someone burdened by parental expectations. Devin's professional downfall highlighted the emotional toll of constant performance pressure. I found the writing to be clear and engaging. It balanced storytelling with research, which made complicated concepts accessible. I did feel a lot of empathy, frustration, and sadness for the characters, but also hope for change. I consider this book to be useful for individuals struggling with performance pressures, parents, educators, and mental health professional. It is a call to reevaluate societal values. We should all take a step back and ask ourselves how useful the constant pressure to deliver more is.

Neuroscience break through, presented in a manner easily accessible to anyone, about a switch in our brains that turns off motivation based on perceived Failure…as Bobinet puts it, you can’t fail at being you. This book gives the scientific explanation for why Goal setting and performative behavior actually sabotage our attempts at change.Concrete suggestions for keeping this switch turned off, enabling one to achieve their unique potential, and to work collectively towards protecting life on this planet.I’m fortunate to live near Stanford and have been able to attend many CCARE lectures, so I was excited when I saw the Foreword by James Doty MD, a neurosurgeon and CCARE founder/director. The book more than lived up to my expectations.

I have just finished Unstoppable Brain and I am speechless. Kyra (may I call you Kyra?) has written the most beautiful expose of meaningful life complete with explanation of why we falter and how to stand up for our truth. I could go on and on but, as I said, I'm rather speechless at the moment.All my adult life I have worked in health care, both traditional Euro-American and traditional ancient Oriental and have struggled to bring these into focus for my clients and, frankly, myself. I get it now. There is not one true pathway to point to. There is no need to invent a vocabulary for the unexplained. There is, however, the need to firmly and bravely recognize our power and honor our truth. The job of the mentor is to keep the door of iteration on a well-oiled hinge for both the student (and the mentor). We simply must keep the doors of creativity and reinvention swinging.Now is truly an exciting time to be alive - just the catalyst we all need to bring forth our truths. There is no time left. Each of us either learn from Kyra and teachers like her or we back down, being led away from the our glorious essence. Thank you, Kyra, for ending with a benediction and blessing of hope. May you, also be liberated and stay empowered.