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At Left Brain, Turn Right
15 Weeks and 25 Ways to Unleash Your Inner Brando, Einstein, and Shakespeare:
The most successful and creative people in the world don't possess anything different than you. They have no magic formula or special secret. They've simply prevented the left hemisphere of their brain - the "logical," analytical side - from sabotaging their life. Whether you're a ballerina or banker, accountant or actor, At Left Brain Turn Right shows you how to silence the noise of your left brain, ignite your creative side, and live the life you've always imagined. Using relatable no-nonsense stories from his own creative journey, Anthony Meindl guides you from the left brain to the right to realize your own full creative potential.
www.atleftbrainturnright.com
Available on Amazon
The most successful and creative people in the world don't possess anything different than you. They have no magic formula or special secret. They've simply prevented the left hemisphere of their brain - the "logical," analytical side - from sabotaging their life. Whether you're a ballerina or banker, accountant or actor, At Left Brain Turn Right shows you how to silence the noise of your left brain, ignite your creative side, and live the life you've always imagined. Using relatable no-nonsense stories from his own creative journey, Anthony Meindl guides you from the left brain to the right to realize your own full creative potential.
www.atleftbrainturnright.com
Available on Amazon
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 20, 2012
75 people are currently reading
2511 people want to read
About the author
Anthony Meindl
8 books44 followersAnthony Meindl is an award-winning writer/director/producer, creativity expert, inspirational speaker, and artistic director of Anthony Meindl's Actor Workshop (AMAW) with studios in Los Angeles, New York, London, Vancouver, and Sydney. AMAW was honored by Backstage four years in a row and named the Best Acting Studio in Los Angeles (Best Scene Study and Best Cold Read). Meindl is a guest teacher at David Lynch's Masters in Film Program, was a panelist at the GATE Story Conference founded by Jim Carey and Eckhart Tolle, and a guest speaker at the Association of Transformational Leaders (ATL) conference alongside Neal Donald Walsch (Conversations with God) and Jack Canfield (Chicken Soup For The Soul). Meindl is known for teaching the new generation of Hollywood stars led by Golden Globe Nominee Shailene Woodley (Divergent). He is a contributor to the Huffington Post, and Backstage. He is the author of the best-selling creativity book At Left Brain Turn Right, and his new book Alphabet Soup For Grown-Ups is available now. His first feature film, Birds Of A Feather, can be seen on iTunes, VUDU, Playstation, and Xbox, and his second feature film, The Wonder Girls, is in pre-production.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 20, 2012
As most of my friends can tell you, self-help books are not my usual reading fare. In fact, by and large, I consider them a rip off. They are often platitudes wrapped in various mumbo-jumbo and try to claim they are the only answer, etc. I just don't understand taking generalized advice from a complete stranger that doesn't know anything about your situation and state of mind.
This book caught my eye when I was looking through the First Reads give-away on Goodreads, a social network for book lovers. There were two reasons this book grabbed my attention: 1. I thought my writer husband might benefit from increasing ways to access his creativity. and 2. I was drawn by the humor in the subtitle. Anyone that uses that kind of humor in the title of the book isn't going to be pretentious or self-righteous in their advice.
It is difficult to decide how to approach a book that you need to review quickly, yet is a 15 week process to achieve the goal set forth in the text. I decided to read through the whole book, and do the homework for the first two weeks. I plan on completing the exercises in their totality.
Mr. Meindl is straightforward and funny in his writing. Even within the scope of the exercises, he does not insist that there is only one way to successfully complete them. He provides a rough outline and gives multiple examples of ways to go about it to fit it into your existing lifestyle. He does not expect the reader to implement everything at once, hence the 15 week layout.
The first exercise is to stop playing with your phone. The first sentence of the assignment actually says to turn your phone off; however, Mr. Meindl fully recognizes that this isn't a realistic option for most as their cell phone is their only phone. I was already aware that I frequently use my phone as a security blanket, messing with it out of discomfort or boredom or anxiety about a situation. I had even focused on not playing with my phone in the recent past. This week went a little smoother. The trick is often figuring out the difference between when you are using it as a tool versus a toy.
The second homework assignment is to close your eyes for 5 minutes at the beginning of your day and just focus on your breathing. I admit, I was not successful with this one. I was waking up so tired that I feared falling asleep while breathing. I am going to make another attempt at this.
There were a couple of passages in the book that really struck me, other than his amusing anecdotes and stories from his childhood. In fact, it's something that my husband and I have discussed on many occasions and a big reason I dislike celebrity gossip magazines (though I still can't help looking at the headlines in the grocery checkout line) and reality tv shows.
"Someone else's path may seem more glamorous, or more interesting, or exciting, but it's only because we aren't fully present to -- and living our own -- glamorous, interesting, exciting journey. We spend so much time and energy coveting what other have that we lose a sense of gratitude that we've been given our own path. We're trying to fulfill ourselves through the living of someone else's life."
I'm not saying that I'm a jetsetter in any way, but if you are always comparing yourself to the Joneses or the Pitts of the world, you'll never be satisfied with the good things you have. And keep in mind, that many of those celebrities would love to have a couple days where they could go to the store without having to hide or be mobbed by the press or fans.
Mr. Meindl offers 25 exercises, or homework assignments, to help you be more aware of yourself, your attitudes, and the events in your life. He suggests ways to help you cope with the stressors in your life, yet never claims that what he's suggesting is a cure all or a miracle. Many of the activities will simply help you slow down and examine things as they are, and give you a way to step back from them a bit. The focus of the book is on enhancing creativity, yet many of the exercises simultaneously offer a way for the reader to improve their quality of life by examining and adjusting their reactions to the events in their lives.
I quite enjoyed reading this book. I am also aware that some of the later homework assignments will pose a challenge for me as they will make me examine things that I would prefer not to However, one can not grow without stepping outside of their comfort zone.
This book caught my eye when I was looking through the First Reads give-away on Goodreads, a social network for book lovers. There were two reasons this book grabbed my attention: 1. I thought my writer husband might benefit from increasing ways to access his creativity. and 2. I was drawn by the humor in the subtitle. Anyone that uses that kind of humor in the title of the book isn't going to be pretentious or self-righteous in their advice.
It is difficult to decide how to approach a book that you need to review quickly, yet is a 15 week process to achieve the goal set forth in the text. I decided to read through the whole book, and do the homework for the first two weeks. I plan on completing the exercises in their totality.
Mr. Meindl is straightforward and funny in his writing. Even within the scope of the exercises, he does not insist that there is only one way to successfully complete them. He provides a rough outline and gives multiple examples of ways to go about it to fit it into your existing lifestyle. He does not expect the reader to implement everything at once, hence the 15 week layout.
The first exercise is to stop playing with your phone. The first sentence of the assignment actually says to turn your phone off; however, Mr. Meindl fully recognizes that this isn't a realistic option for most as their cell phone is their only phone. I was already aware that I frequently use my phone as a security blanket, messing with it out of discomfort or boredom or anxiety about a situation. I had even focused on not playing with my phone in the recent past. This week went a little smoother. The trick is often figuring out the difference between when you are using it as a tool versus a toy.
The second homework assignment is to close your eyes for 5 minutes at the beginning of your day and just focus on your breathing. I admit, I was not successful with this one. I was waking up so tired that I feared falling asleep while breathing. I am going to make another attempt at this.
There were a couple of passages in the book that really struck me, other than his amusing anecdotes and stories from his childhood. In fact, it's something that my husband and I have discussed on many occasions and a big reason I dislike celebrity gossip magazines (though I still can't help looking at the headlines in the grocery checkout line) and reality tv shows.
"Someone else's path may seem more glamorous, or more interesting, or exciting, but it's only because we aren't fully present to -- and living our own -- glamorous, interesting, exciting journey. We spend so much time and energy coveting what other have that we lose a sense of gratitude that we've been given our own path. We're trying to fulfill ourselves through the living of someone else's life."
I'm not saying that I'm a jetsetter in any way, but if you are always comparing yourself to the Joneses or the Pitts of the world, you'll never be satisfied with the good things you have. And keep in mind, that many of those celebrities would love to have a couple days where they could go to the store without having to hide or be mobbed by the press or fans.
Mr. Meindl offers 25 exercises, or homework assignments, to help you be more aware of yourself, your attitudes, and the events in your life. He suggests ways to help you cope with the stressors in your life, yet never claims that what he's suggesting is a cure all or a miracle. Many of the activities will simply help you slow down and examine things as they are, and give you a way to step back from them a bit. The focus of the book is on enhancing creativity, yet many of the exercises simultaneously offer a way for the reader to improve their quality of life by examining and adjusting their reactions to the events in their lives.
I quite enjoyed reading this book. I am also aware that some of the later homework assignments will pose a challenge for me as they will make me examine things that I would prefer not to However, one can not grow without stepping outside of their comfort zone.
February 17, 2012
I won this book on a goodreads.com giveaway. I thought it was excellent. I really think any person graduating high school or college should read this so they don't fall prey to losing their creative self once they enter the "real world". I think this is a book that should be picked up and read once a year as a reminder to not forget who you are on the inside. This book would make a great gift and I plan to hand out several copies! The homework assignments were a big help to improving inner strengths that have probably been long lost. Overall I was very impressed!
March 12, 2012
This is nowhere near what I thought it would be. Extremely disappointed. It's all a bunch of common sense that we just fail to put into practice. And, what's with all the 'acting' examples?
It's basically an artsy-fartsy "The Secret".
It's basically an artsy-fartsy "The Secret".
February 8, 2012
I received this book for free from the Good Reads First Reads program.
How do you write a quick review on a book that is designed to take 15 weeks to complete? I decided to read straight through the book and look at the text and activities through an adult education lens. The book does a great job of reinforcing concepts with weekly activities. The concepts and activities also build on each other as you work toward the goal of freeing up your creative forces by reducing the influence of your left brain and focusing more on right brain activities.
I really enjoyed the wide range of quotes that were used in the book. There were also some great personal stories. I especially like the account of the author running the hurdles. It brought back some nice memories of track meets and competing not only as an individual but also as a team.
I have seen and tried variations of some of the weekly activities in the past, but I also encountered new activities that I would like to try. You may see an update to this review in the future as I go back and reread some of the sections and try the activities.
How do you write a quick review on a book that is designed to take 15 weeks to complete? I decided to read straight through the book and look at the text and activities through an adult education lens. The book does a great job of reinforcing concepts with weekly activities. The concepts and activities also build on each other as you work toward the goal of freeing up your creative forces by reducing the influence of your left brain and focusing more on right brain activities.
I really enjoyed the wide range of quotes that were used in the book. There were also some great personal stories. I especially like the account of the author running the hurdles. It brought back some nice memories of track meets and competing not only as an individual but also as a team.
I have seen and tried variations of some of the weekly activities in the past, but I also encountered new activities that I would like to try. You may see an update to this review in the future as I go back and reread some of the sections and try the activities.
October 6, 2012
This is for My Book Club on August 6th with Anthony Meindl. Love reading about creativity.
December 21, 2022
One of the most valuable/life changing books. It took me a while to read because each page was packed with mind blowing info and super interesting. At the end of each chapter there are challenges as well, I need to go back now and complete them but I truly believe they will be life changing
May 31, 2012
excellent ideas and inspiration to turn off the negative ego, and self limiting thoughts and feelings. The boom made me feel good about being me and boosted my confidence where needed.
I stopped reading all of the highlighted quotes and didn't feel like I missed out on anything. I didn't read one chapter and do homework per week. I just ploughed through the book and did abbreviated versions of the homework or will go back and do them later.
I stopped reading all of the highlighted quotes and didn't feel like I missed out on anything. I didn't read one chapter and do homework per week. I just ploughed through the book and did abbreviated versions of the homework or will go back and do them later.
June 9, 2012
I was lucky enough to receive a first-reads copy of this book...15 Weeks and 25 Ways to Unleash Your Inner Brando, Einstein, and Shakespeare!!! Watch out world....I'll be back later to let you know if it worked for me.
A good reminder of common sense practices that any reader could apply to reduce those creative walls that we build. The activities can also be helpful.
A good reminder of common sense practices that any reader could apply to reduce those creative walls that we build. The activities can also be helpful.
December 9, 2024
I had the honour of being Anthony's student and reading it afterward was really eye-opening. I really can't recommend it enough for everyone who are at creative-crisis or just want to become better at creating their crafts. It is a book that is divided in 15 chapters, and you can read a bite-size over every week. So it is also easily built.
December 27, 2019
Fantastic book. Anyone who wants to release more of their creative side will love this.
It's written in an easy to read casual style and the information provided is inspiring. It includes a series of exercises to free yourself from your ego and get creating.
It's written in an easy to read casual style and the information provided is inspiring. It includes a series of exercises to free yourself from your ego and get creating.
August 12, 2021
A great book to read, not only as an actor but as an artist, teacher with great truths for every human being. Anthony is very good in explaining real life advice in a funny but confronting way, waking you up to the reality of every day, that which is the root of a truthful performance.
June 20, 2023
I love Anthony!
(This is an acting self help book… so if you’re not here for that, this isn’t for you)
(This is an acting self help book… so if you’re not here for that, this isn’t for you)
February 10, 2017
Uplifting read.
August 17, 2015
Wow. This book came to me at the right time. As an actor, I was just coming from a year of constantly working to survival job madness with what I thought was no creative outlet.
Then I won a Twitter contest with Anthony Meindl and Backstage. I received this book.
It was not what I expected. I assumed it was a book on acting. Oh, friends, it is so much more than that. Tony breaks it down and barely discusses the acting terms you and I learned in class. Why? Because he gets right to the essential core of being an actor: being your true self and how to find it.
I did a thing where I read the whole book first (selfishly, I need to finish my 2015 Reading Challenge, and I'm behind), and I am now going back to do the week homework. 15 chapters = 15 weeks of homework. It's not scary homework. It's the best possible homework you could want. I'm so thrilled with this book opening up my mind to the little ways I bring myself down and allow others. Tony stresses in this book how we must find the light within ourselves to fully experience our truth.
No matter what you do in life, no matter what path you chose to take and explore, READ THIS. It is a great guide and a lot of good inspiration whether you think you need it or not (hint: you probably do need it).
Then I won a Twitter contest with Anthony Meindl and Backstage. I received this book.
It was not what I expected. I assumed it was a book on acting. Oh, friends, it is so much more than that. Tony breaks it down and barely discusses the acting terms you and I learned in class. Why? Because he gets right to the essential core of being an actor: being your true self and how to find it.
I did a thing where I read the whole book first (selfishly, I need to finish my 2015 Reading Challenge, and I'm behind), and I am now going back to do the week homework. 15 chapters = 15 weeks of homework. It's not scary homework. It's the best possible homework you could want. I'm so thrilled with this book opening up my mind to the little ways I bring myself down and allow others. Tony stresses in this book how we must find the light within ourselves to fully experience our truth.
No matter what you do in life, no matter what path you chose to take and explore, READ THIS. It is a great guide and a lot of good inspiration whether you think you need it or not (hint: you probably do need it).
April 5, 2013
Don't get sucked in like I did by all the glowing reviews! I'm so sorry that I spent money on this book. It's going into the trash. The advice is not that different from suggestions made in the Artist's Way series (go without distractions, visualization, meditate, etc.) I wouldn't have minded the similarity if the writing was on par with those books. Instead, there are several typos, poorly constructed sentences, lots of fragments, Arbitrary Capitalization (see what I mean? I'm showing, not telling) and uninteresting stories. Do you need a collection of celebrity quotes and anecdotal drivel? This book's for you.
"Homework, Week 4: This week, when you have an instinct, act on it. Don't wait."
Done!
"Homework, Week 4: This week, when you have an instinct, act on it. Don't wait."
Done!
July 1, 2015
My expectations were high for At Left Brain, Turn Right. I was hoping it would offer some unique insight for me as a working artist. However, it didn't really.
The book is not without its merits, I'm sure. For, say, someone just starting out as an actor, or other artists.
But speaking as someone who's been a professional artist in three different decades, and watched the landscape of being a working professional change with the times, I have to say this book didn't offer any innovative ideas. Instead it offered up a lot of, what I personally considered, recycled ideas.
It may be useful for some, just not for me, so I’d give it 3.0 stars.
The book is not without its merits, I'm sure. For, say, someone just starting out as an actor, or other artists.
But speaking as someone who's been a professional artist in three different decades, and watched the landscape of being a working professional change with the times, I have to say this book didn't offer any innovative ideas. Instead it offered up a lot of, what I personally considered, recycled ideas.
It may be useful for some, just not for me, so I’d give it 3.0 stars.
July 10, 2012
I'd have rated this one higher, but the suggestions in this book are things that I am in the practice of doing already. Good suggestions, sure, but I was hoping for something new. My bad, I should have looked at the table of contents first.
I think it is a good thing that it is laid out in a way to practice these things. Books like this should not be rushed through cover to cover, but are designed so that you can take you time with them and make habits of the suggestions. A good idea, one, I think, that other such books should incorporate.
I think it is a good thing that it is laid out in a way to practice these things. Books like this should not be rushed through cover to cover, but are designed so that you can take you time with them and make habits of the suggestions. A good idea, one, I think, that other such books should incorporate.
October 23, 2015
Eye opening!
I loved this book Anthony Meindl's words are pure magic and his experiences tied the knot of a beautiful bow. If you ever need a pick me up drop the ice cream and pick up this book. It is very inspiring and clever very funny and relatable. He wants you to be the best you and to feel it and I can feel a better life coming toward me after just reading the last page. An attitude fixer for sure. Really does make u want to find the bright side and keep looking for it sure enough you'll find it. Can't wait for his next book to come out
I loved this book Anthony Meindl's words are pure magic and his experiences tied the knot of a beautiful bow. If you ever need a pick me up drop the ice cream and pick up this book. It is very inspiring and clever very funny and relatable. He wants you to be the best you and to feel it and I can feel a better life coming toward me after just reading the last page. An attitude fixer for sure. Really does make u want to find the bright side and keep looking for it sure enough you'll find it. Can't wait for his next book to come out
March 15, 2012
Maybe this is to my own fault, but I wasn't expecting this novel to be a "enrich your life in fifteen weeks."
Who really has that much time to dedicate to one book. And its not like its intricately written and really the answer to my life.
I try to always push my way through books that I win through giveaways because I want to give honest feedback, and honestly.... I just couldn't finish it...
Someone who likes reading about how to enrich their lives may think differently though.
Who really has that much time to dedicate to one book. And its not like its intricately written and really the answer to my life.
I try to always push my way through books that I win through giveaways because I want to give honest feedback, and honestly.... I just couldn't finish it...
Someone who likes reading about how to enrich their lives may think differently though.
August 23, 2012
It was a decent read
February 12, 2019
An amazing book for any actor or anyone wanting to be more humanities step out of their comfort zone.
January 24, 2017
Beautiful, beautiful book it really meets you where you are and assists you along the way; in acting and in life.
Highly recommend for all artists and those who view art in a spiritual way.
Highly recommend for all artists and those who view art in a spiritual way.
March 13, 2018
During much of this book I would have given it four stars but by the end I had to go with five. There is so much value in this book, I'm already thinking about being to read it again because I need to really visit and sit with the various messages. Much of the inspirations for the thinking in this book are concepts that are already a part of my world view and philosophies, which is great, and the application suggested is fresh and inspiring and tough love oriented. I drew a lot of value from this book.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews