The Code of the Extraordinary Mind: Summary Review & Takeaways
This is a summary review of The Code of the Extraordinary Mind containing key details about the book.
What is The Code of the Extraordinary Mind About?
The Code of the Extraordinary Mind teaches its readers to think for themselves, question, challenge, and break free of the norms and limiting rules that shackle them to ordinary life. This book challenges its readers to re-code themselves - replacing their old, limiting models that hold them back.
Who is the Author of The Code of the Extraordinary Mind?
Vishen Lakhiani is a Malaysian entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker, of Indian descent. He is the founder and CEO of Mindvalley.
What are key takeaways from The Code of the Extraordinary Mind?
Takeaway #1 Standing Out From The Ordinary Is Good
From childhood we're told how to behave and how to think, then comes peer pressure and fitting in with society which tries to determine how we look and how we live from the number of kids we should have to our marital status, job status, income, home, and personal life. If you're already 'outside of the norm' it means that you're on your way to being extraordinary, continue to transcend the culturescape, don't worry about standing out from the crowd, it's a great thing, not a bad thing!
Takeaway #2 Question The Brules
What's a brule? It's a bullshit rule! These are outdated rules that we follow blindly because we've been told to, sometimes for generations, but that hinder us from following our dreams. Education is a great example, we're told that in order to be successful, to get a well-paying job, we need a University education. Is it true? No, just look at what Steve Jobs created, Richard Branson, Alan Sugar, and many more.
Takeaway #3 Upgrading Your Mind
When it comes to technology you probably update regularly to get the new features, can the same be said of your mind? Consciousness engineering, updating the hardware and software of your mind is required if you seek an extraordinary life. In this case, the hardware is your idea of reality aka your beliefs and the software is your system for living, it includes your habits which determine how well you utilize the software.
Think of your systems for living like apps, they are designed to either solve problems or achieve goals. If an app stops working you update it or replace it for something better. How do you update an app inside of you? Through discovery – Reading, watching, asking others for recommendations etc. Extraordinary people know that they must optimize each of their systems regularly including fitness, spirituality, finances etc and then measure how effective the updated system is. Once upgrades have been carried out, you can start re-coding your mind.
Takeaway #4 Bending Reality
Your happiness needs to be top priority. You might be working to achieve a goal that you think will make you happy next month or next year but whilst still keeping hold of that goal (which might be making you feel stressed at the moment), you need to be sure you're having fun, feeling joy, and being happy right now in this present moment.
Takeaway #5 Blissiplining Yourself
You have probably experienced short bursts of bliss but hit a lot when they go again, you'll be pleased to know that when you have an extraordinary mind that feeling of bliss can be made to last longer but you must discipline yourself to feel it aka blissipline yourself! Feeling blissful starts with feeling grateful so don't skip the gratitude practice.
Takeaway #6 Embracing The Journey To An Extraordinary Life
Goals are important but don't confuse mean goals with end goals. A mean goal is something that society believes we should have to be happy I.e kids, a partner, a large home, a good job. An end goal is something that makes you feel happy, fulfilled, and satisfied, it could be the freedom to travel whenever you want, seeing your novel printed, watching your kids discover their passion. Extraordinary people don't look to the outside world to find the motivation to follow their dreams and reach their goals, they depend on themselves and nothing and no one can stop them on their quest for greatness.
Book details
- Print length: 288 Pages
- Audiobook: 9 hrs
- Genre: Self Help, Nonfiction, Personal Development, Psychology, Business
What are the chapters in The Code of the Extraordinary Mind?
Chapter One - Transcend the Culturescape
Chapter Two - Question the Brules
Chapter Three - Practice Consciousness Engineering
Chapter Four - Rewrite Your Models for Reality
Chapter Five - Upgrade Your Systems for Living
Chapter Six - Bend Reality
Chapter Seven - Live in Blissipline
Chapter Eight - Create a Vision for Your Future
Chapter Nine - Be Unfuckwithable
Chapter Ten - Embrace Your Quest
What are some of the main summary points from the book?
Here are some key summary points from the book:
- The importance of questioning societal conditioning: Lakhiani encourages readers to question societal norms and beliefs that may limit their potential. By challenging these norms and adopting new perspectives, individuals can break free from conventional thinking and create their own path to success.
- Embracing the state of "unfuckwithability": The author emphasizes the significance of developing emotional resilience and the ability to remain calm and centered in the face of challenges. This state of "unfuckwithability" allows individuals to maintain focus, make better decisions, and navigate life's ups and downs more effectively.
- Moving from a goal-based mindset to a state of "flow": Lakhiani introduces the concept of "flow" as a state of optimal performance, where individuals are fully immersed in an activity and experience a sense of timelessness. By focusing on aligning their goals with their passions and strengths, individuals can tap into this flow state and achieve greater fulfillment and success.
- The importance of personal growth and continuous learning: The book emphasizes the need for ongoing personal development and learning. Lakhiani encourages readers to pursue their own version of education, which goes beyond traditional schooling, and embrace learning opportunities that align with their interests and goals.
- Redefining the concept of success: The author challenges traditional definitions of success centered around wealth and status. Instead, he suggests that success should be defined by individual happiness, fulfillment, and making a positive impact in the world. By aligning their actions with their personal values and passions, individuals can create a more meaningful and extraordinary life.
The Code of the Extraordinary Mind Summary Notes
Here are few summary notes from the book:
Chapter One Summary - Transcend the Culturescape
Synopsis: Tthe main theme of the first chapter in "The Code of the Extraordinary Mind" is the importance of transcending the culturescape in order to live an extraordinary life. By questioning our beliefs, adopting a growth mindset, and finding our purpose, we can break free from the limitations imposed on us by society and live up to our true potential.
Summary: In order to break free from the culturescape, we must first become aware of the beliefs and assumptions that we have internalized. This means questioning everything we have been taught and examining it critically. It also means being open to new ideas and ways of thinking that challenge the status quo.
To transcend the culturescape, it’s key we adopt a growth mindset. This means believing that we can develop our abilities and talents through hard work and dedication. It also means being open to feedback and using it as a way to improve ourselves.
In addition to a growth mindset, we should develop a sense of purpose and meaning in life. Having a clear sense of purpose, we are more motivated and focused in our pursuits. This can help us break free from the limitations of the culturescape and live a more fulfilling life.
Finally, we should surround ourselves with supportive and like-minded individuals who share our values and beliefs.
Chapter Two Summary - Question the Brules
Synopsis: The second chapter of "The Code of the Extraordinary Mind" encourages readers to question the brules that have been ingrained in us and to think critically about the way we live our lives.
Summary: The chapter delves into the concept of "brules," which are defined as "bullshit rules" that we unconsciously adopt from society, culture, and family. These brules dictate what we should do, how we should think, and how we should live our lives.
Brules are not necessarily bad in and of themselves, but we should be conscious of them and choose which ones to adopt and which ones to discard. By questioning these brules, we can begin to think outside of the box and live our lives according to our own values and desires.
A few examples of common brules are the idea that we should follow the traditional career path of going to college and getting a job, or the belief that we should work hard and retire at a certain age. Lakhiani encourages us to question tehse and consider alternative paths, such as entrepreneurship or pursuing a passion project.
We should not be afraid to challenge the status quo and think differently from the mainstream. By questioning the brules we have unconsciously adopted, we can begin to live our lives with intention and purpose.
The book also emphasizes the importance of creating our own rules and living life on our own terms. Instead of blindly following societal norms, we should take the time to reflect on our values and priorities and create our own guidelines for living.
Chapter Three Summary - Practice Consciousness Engineering
Synopsis: We have the power to engineer our own consciousness and create a better reality for ourselves. By meditating, visualizing, and taking action towards our goals, we can expand our minds and achieve our full potential.
Summary: Consciousness engineering is a method of changing the way we think and perceive the world around us in order to create a better reality. Lakhiani suggests that the traditional ways of thinking and viewing the world are limiting and that by engineering our consciousness, we can expand our minds and reach new heights of success and fulfillment.
One of the key aspects of consciousness engineering is the idea of meditation. Meditation is an essential tool for anyone who wants to elevate their consciousness. Through meditation, we can quiet our minds, become more aware of our thoughts and feelings, and ultimately gain greater control over our mental state.
However, simply meditating, visualizing or affirming positive outcomes is not enough; we must take concrete steps towards achieving our goals. This may involve learning new skills, seeking out mentors or advisors, or simply taking small steps towards our goals every day.
Chapter Four Summary - Rewrite Your Models for Reality
Synopsis: Our beliefs and assumptions shape our reality, and by challenging and rewriting these models, we can break free from limiting beliefs and create a more fulfilling life. Lakhiani's approach is refreshing and thought-provoking, encouraging readers to question societal norms and explore new possibilities.
Summary: The fourth chapter, "Rewrite Your Models for Reality," explores how our beliefs and assumptions shape our perception of the world and limit our potential.
Many of the models we use to understand reality are outdated or simply incorrect. He encourages readers to challenge these models and create new ones that better align with their goals and values. By doing so, individuals can break free from limiting beliefs and expand their vision of what is possible.
It’s important we develop a growth mindset and being open to new experiences and ideas. And also, embrace our curiosity and explore new perspectives, even if they challenge our existing beliefs. By doing so, we can expand our understanding of the world and themselves, and create new models for reality that better serve our goals and aspirations.
Some exercises that can be useful include journaling, visualization, and meditation, among others. By engaging in these practices, we can begin to shift our mindset and develop new models for reality that empower us to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
What are good quotes from The Code of the Extraordinary Mind?
[Favorite Quote]: “Live life as though everything is rigged in your favor." (Meaning)
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma—which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”
― Vishen Lakhiani - The Code of the Extraordinary Mind Quotes
What do critics say?
Here's what one of the prominent reviewers had to say about the book: "Entertains while teaching, succinctly explaining how to shed the cultural baggage that has been holding you back, so you can free your life and become the extraordinary person you were meant to be.” — JJ Virgin, celebrity nutrition and fitness expert, New York Times bestselling author
* The summary points above have been concluded from the book and other public sources. The editor of this summary review made every effort to maintain information accuracy, including any published quotes, chapters, or takeaways
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
