Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most

by Diana Hill

A science-backed approach to shift your most precious resource—your energy—to stop feeling depleted and reconnect with your inherent genius.

Many of us misdirect our energy—doing too much and feeling like it is not enough. Clinical psychologist Dr. Diana Hill offers a method to reclaim your energy and revitalize your relationships, health, work, and community.

Instead of more productivity tips, Dr. Hill invites us to use Wise Effort to connect with our “genius energy”: our unique and inherent strengths that show up in our talents and gifts. It propels you forward when used in the right amount and toward your values.

When we misdirect this energy, our very genius becomes our problem. Think of the super-helper who supports everyone else but doesn’t help themself, or the high achiever at work whose patterns backfire in relationships. Misguiding your energy burns you out and leaves you depleted. Understanding and working wisely with your genius energy empowers you to reclaim it as a life-giving force.

Integrating science-backed practices from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with contemplative and body-based wisdom, you will learn how to guide your genius energy wisely in multiple areas of your life. You will get curious about what's keeping you stuck, open up to the difficult thoughts and feelings that limit you, and focus your energy where it matters most. With the Wise Effort method, the genius at the root of your problems becomes your solution to feeling connected, brave, and truly alive.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Health, Self Help

288 pages, Paperback

Published September 23, 2025

Reviews

[CatReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Diana Hill is a clinical psychologist with a social media presence (podcast, Youtube channel, etc.) whose 2025 book Wise Effort is a recapitulation of lots of cognitive psychology buzzwords and concepts from the last few decades, sometimes lightly repackaged into different language like 'genius energy'. For instance, positive psychology, asset-based thinking, focusing on strengths, energy management, etc. Those new to self-help books or those that already follow Dr. Hill on her various platforms will likely derive benefit and insight from this book, while those already familiar with the genre will likely not find much new or original here. This was a DNF at ~50% for me as I fall into the latter camp.

My statistics:
Book 296 for 2025
Book 2222 cumulatively

[Whitney Dahlberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated the simple, actionable steps and self reflection style of this book. I enjoy Dr Hill's podcast and as many others have stated, it covers much of what is discussed in her podcast but the journal prompts and organization of the book allowed the reader to stop and reflect on her teachings.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

WISE EFFORT
BY: DR. DIANA HILL

This self development non fiction by DIANA HILL. PhD, has written a comprehensive, and well researched self development book to which she cites her information with science backed research in how to use your genius energy to help you direct your gifts that aligns with your values to improve in areas that if misdirected can work against you. She does say that if you remember these three concepts then you will be well on your way to using your, "WISE EFFORT." They are what I remembered as her saying she hopes is your biggest takeaway which are quite simple which I find hard to believe it will be that simple with so many detailed information that this book covers. These three simple concepts that I'm going to list don't have me well on my way to using WISE EFFORT. They are as follows in her words: "IF ALL YOU REMEMBER AFTER YOU CLOSE THIS BOOK ARE THE THREE MAIN STEPS --GET CURIOUS, OPEN UP, AND FOCUS YOUR ENERGY--YOU WILL BE WELL ON YOUR WAY TO WISE EFFORT, BUT WE'VE ONLY JUST COMPLETED THE FIRST OF THOSE STEPS>" This is at 37% of the book so you can see what I mean that a significant amount of content has already been covered that are also integral to have been covered.

Here is more that follows in her words: "GET CURIOUS. You discovered that you have a genius energy inside you that has propelled you to do great things in life. It's your talents, strengths, what people admire in you, and what gives you energy. You also learned the ways that your genius can become your frenemy when you run from your feelings, hold on too tightly, or get stuck in a story. You untangled a place where you are stuck and learned how context plays a role, and then you explored your values--what can redirect your genius when it gets off track." So you can see that this was very interesting to read, but I remember some of what I read, but that statement is one I don't agree with since this is a book that requires a lot of stopping after what you just read and requires extensive writing in your journal for it to be delve deeper, and the questions she asks you to answer requires deep contemplation for you to work your way through this would take a long time. I found that this is not my favorite kind of format as interesting as it was, I'll have to either reread this and work my way through it by devoting the extensive writing that is required to gain what she is hoping you to be able to make lasting changes. Or I will just reread it again.

It has you examine your life which includes relationships, community, the stories we tell ourselves while thinking she claims are not always true or yours, but what you've been told or how culture has affected your thoughts that we think are our own, but not always reliable as our own. My favorite chapter was about regrets and how they teach us as she thinks there's a positive aspects to regrets that we have that can't be fixed or repair, but there's value in them which is something that is positive in them. I had already known that I have learned from mine that has taught me to already from the pain to already know better that I have made lasting change, and the insight to learn not to repeat things that most of the time I have gained wisdom enough from knowing to motivate me from choosing to not make the same mistake. She has pointed out the silver lining that is a way to see regret offers a positive and completely different way of thinking about them. She is a practicing clinician that uses clients experiences as well as her own life experiences to clarify what concepts she explained with questions to ask you to answer in your journal that require a lot more writing than short answers. She talks about ways of grounding yourself that reduces stress on a cellular level that are easy to do, but the one that I remember since I've read it numerous times about breathing that I still need to incorporate. Exercise is something I've done all my life as I am an active person that due to my commitments of reading that I keep over requesting and other paperwork that has consumed all of my time that for two years I've been sitting too long which the most strongest point that I read about recently is that it is a scientific fact that a lack of movement is as harmful to your body by reducing your lifespan as much as smoking which I never did, but is one thing that I need to get back to making exercise a part of my daily routine no matter what. Just like nutrition needs improving since I'm very thin, but I can see how two years of being sedentary needs to be addressed as soon as possible. I love to read, but I keep requesting too many titles that require my time since I have overextended myself and besides my housework and socializing I'm not moving my body which I plan on joining a gym or buying a treadmill to walk on since the Winters are long and cold, besides I love running but I need to buy new running apparel ASAP. Getting enough sleep is something that restores your body was besides the breathing are emphasized, and again this was interesting but those three steps that this author says you will be well on your way to using WISE EFFORT is definitely not enough to be using this less than my favorite Self Development books out of five recent ones that I have read that were all Five Star reading experience. For this is far more work that in order to gain the vast amount of reading it is not as easy for me to have to be honest requires more writing than I can devote to have to revisit for when I can devote the large amount of time to put 'WISE EFFORT," into my daily habits. It was not enough to read it as interesting as it is for lasting change. I looked at this author's other books, and they all require much more writing than any self development book that I've had to do ever before. I'm still glad I read it, but I've found it will be one that is not one I would have requested it if I knew to get the benefit requires as much writing as this does. I will revisit it when I have more time, which makes it something that won't be for a long time. I might just reread it, but it is not my favorite out of five others recently read.

Publication Date: September 23, 2025

Thank you to Net Galley, Dr Diana Hill, and Sounds True Publishing for generously providing me with my interesting ARC, in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own, as always.

#WiseEffort DrDianaHill #SoundsTruePublishing #NetGalley

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most" by Diana Hill, PhD

I requested this book from NetGalley because it was published by Sounds True, a publisher I trust to produce thoughtful, high-quality books by credible authors. The subtitle, "How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most," immediately caught my attention. I deal with that very challenge daily, both at work and in my personal life: where should I focus my limited time and energy to have the greatest impact?

Endorsements from people like Tara Brach, whose books and meditations I enjoy, also drew me in. The author, Diana Hill, PhD, is a psychologist, which I appreciate because she brings professional grounding to topics that are too often handled by “life coaches” and “intuitive empaths” on social media.

The book is organized into three sections: Get Curious, Open Up, and Focus Your Energy. Each section is broken down into short, actionable chapters. I especially liked the Additional Resources chart at the end, which serves as a great reference tool.

Because of my background in yoga, I was drawn to the parallels between this book and Buddhist and yogic teachings. Those familiar with Buddhism will likely find the material easier to grasp, as it aligns closely with concepts like right effort and mindful awareness.

That said, I wasn’t a fan of the phrase “genius energy.” I don’t need that kind of ego-stroking—everyone has energy and strengths worth cultivating. And while the content is meaningful, I found the writing a bit dense for my current mental bandwidth. Ironically, I could really use this book right now, but I need to revisit it when my energy and focus are stronger.

Still, this is a book I plan to buy and return to when I can give it the attention it deserves. It’s wise, well-intentioned, and full of valuable insights for anyone striving to live with more mindful purpose.

Thank you to NetGalley, Sounds True, and the author for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Mahnoor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC! I wanted to read this book to learn more about how people can manage their own internal energy so they don’t become drained in the first place.

This book explores the concept of “wise effort”, which is about finding the sweet spot between working too hard, burning out, and giving up. Dr Hill, a psychologist, draws on core principles from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and mindfulness to teach us how to invest our energy effectively in our own values, rather than simply being busy or reactive.

What made it really special for me was the focus on effort as a finite resource. This is incredibly helpful when dealing with demanding or draining people (such as narcissists), because the book doesn’t tell us to change them, it teaches us to stop giving them the fuel of our wise effort. It offers clear tools to identify where our energy is being wasted and how to redirect it towards people and activities that align with our deepest values.

It’s the perfect read for the New Year’s resolution period! Reading this, especially in winter, gives you the opportunity to reflect on the past year, prevent burnout during the Christmas season, and set intentions for where you want to wisely invest your time and energy in the year ahead.

The writing style and the concepts are the strongest elements. Dr Hill writes with a warm, accessible tone that breaks down complex psychological ideas into practical, actionable steps. I absolutely loved reading this!

[Wondrously Bookish Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been such a godsend for me, I'm at an action point in my life, just like the author explains, when I can decide how to proceed, whether to accept the vicious cycle of current habits or lean into the uncomfortable truth that things need to change and I'm the one who has to do something about it. It is folly to keep doing the same things over and over and to expect different results and it is only when we realise the pain of inaction has a heavier price than the cost of the changes we need to make that we actually take charge.

My current professional situation is evidence that I'm not putting my wisest effort forward and the book gave me a roadmap to take the necessary steps if been delaying. I'm planning to relisten to this before asap.

Fun fact, I didn't realise that another audiobook I had recently reviewed for Netgalley was by the same author. (I know I should exercise more, but...). It did start to make sense when I came across the chapter about getting out of the deleterious habit of not moving and how to challenge our own thought patterns regarding this. Having read 2 books by this psychologist now I can safely say I want to hear more and am planning to get my hands on their third book (as seen on Goodreads).

[Greg Hawod · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book came at the right time for me. I’ve been trying to live more intentionally, manage my stress better, and create a calmer rhythm in my daily life — and this book really supported that. Diana Hill’s message isn’t the typical “work harder” mindset; it’s about showing up with clarity, compassion, and purpose. That resonated with me because I often find myself pushing too hard or worrying too much.

Overall, Wise Effort is a thoughtful and grounding read — perfect if you’re hoping to grow, simplify, or move through life with more intention and less self-criticism. It’s the kind of book that gently nudges you toward being more present and balanced.