The Biology of Success (Paperback)

by Bob Arnot (Author) "Mental energy is the basic foundation of success..." (more)
Key Phrases: emotional broadcasting, desired work environment, motor skilled, New York, Sphere One, Harvard Medical School (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Success doesn't happen because of luck or genetics, but through "tremendous, persistent, positive mental energy," writes Bob Arnot, M.D. in The Biology of Success. Arnot, author of The Breast Cancer Prevention Diet, aims to teach you the steps to tapping into your own positive mental energy, which becomes the fuel to build the fire of success. He describes how to create mental energy, then create positive thought. Then you can "channel your energy and enthusiasm in the directions that will maximize your success." Here are some examples of the mental-energy steps he includes: take a self-test to figure out your "mood thermometer" of brain energy and a spirit of optimism, necessary for success. Make changes in your office space to optimize your health, performance, and self-esteem. Elevate your mind with music therapy. Eat protein and high-quality carbohydrates at the right times of day to either rev up your energy or relax. Increase mental energy with exercise. "Look like a star" by dressing well every day. The positive-thought section helps you "gear your mental drive to its highest limits" in six steps, including committing fully to the moment at hand, playing to your strengths, changing the emotions of those around you, and prayer. A workbook section helps you put it all into action. --Joan Price

From Publishers Weekly
NBC's chief medical correspondent Arnot exemplifies more than he actually advises in this misleadingly titled self-help book. There is little biology and few concrete recommendations to be found here regarding biochemistry or diet, supplement or exercise regimes. Instead, Arnot meanders from not-so-useful tips for regulating body temperature ("Armani suits have become a favorite because they're incredibly light and lack the thick insulated liners of the old English suit") to clich?d advice such as "If you can't say something good, don't say anything at all." The intent of the author (The Breast Cancer Prevention Diet; Dr. Bob Arnot's Revolutionary Weight Control Program)Ato show that by maintaining mental energy, a person can succeedAis a fine one, and the book does make for good browsing. However, many of the topics Arnot addresses are covered more thoroughly and helpfully in other books. Arnot does touch on important issues, such as the dangers of "carbo overload," the importance of timing sleeping with eating, food choices, spirituality and maintaining a positive attitude. The book concludes with protein, fatty acid and carbohydrate counts for various foods, plus a workbook to help determine the reader's type (e.g., morning or evening person, educator or "strategizer") in order to help identify weak and strong points. No doubt some readers will appreciate Arnot's easygoing tone and folksy recommendations. Author tour. (Jan.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 268 pages
• Publisher: Little Brown & Co (T); 1st edition (January 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316051616
• ISBN-13: 978-0316051613
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,885,628 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars FANTASTIC, A MUST-READ, January 17, 2000

By A Customer

I was given this book for my birthday and could not put it down. Never have I read a book with more helpful advice on taking charge of my life. It brims with good ideas and includes suggestions for small changes that can have a big impact. Plus, it is a delight to read!

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ENHANCING YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE, January 11, 2000

By A Customer

Once again Dr Bob has provided a road map to realizing ones full potential. While his previous work concentrated on diet and fitness ( "..guide to turning back the clock" and "..revolutionary weight control program")Dr bob's new book completes the picture by incorporating advice for creating and maintaining the positive mental attitude which is the foundation of success. His emmminently readable style and usefull personal examples make this book not only interesting but easy to use in your day to day life. after reading the section on using music to create a mental mood I have been using netradio.com to broadcast jazz through my office computer. I have lowered my level of stress and find it easier to focus on what is important. If you incorporate only one of the many recommendation into your daily life you will find that this book is an excelent investment in yourself.

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Obvious and Insulting, November 5, 2000

By A Customer

After reading a review of this book in a magazine, I bought it expecting information I could use in my daily life. Instead, the book runs the gamut from the obvious (music affects your mood) to the insulting (if you ever feel stuck or in a rut, just go helicopter skiing in the Canadian Rockies!!). Uh, gee, thanks Bob. Next time I have a year's salary to blow on a vacation I'll be able to take you up on that. Most of Dr. Bob's advice will be useful only to those with six-figure-plus salaries and lots of control over how they spend their time. If you're an ordinary working person, like me, earning an average salary and lacking control of the hours of her day, pass this one by.