What do you think?
Rate this book
Activate Your Brain: How Understanding Your Brain Can Improve Your Work - and Your Life
A Wall Street Journal bestselling ebook! Axiom Business Book Bronze Award Winner Push your brain to full power, for success at the office and at home Would you like more control over your life and your work? Would you like greater stamina as you carry out your daily tasks? How about more significance and meaning as you move forward in your career? Scott Halford shows us how we can all find these things if we simply understand how to activate the full potential of the brain. This incredible organ is still full of mystery, but we know enough to harness its power better than ever before. We just have to recognize how the brain works, and understand the actions we can take to help it perform at its best. Combining research, anecdote, and inspiration, Activate Your Brain shows you how small steps toward better brain function and management can eventually lead to success on a whole new level. Each chapter offers ''Activations''--exercises that help optimize your brain function to . . .
-increase your focus,
-build self-confidence and willpower,
-manage distractions,
-reduce negative stress,
-collaborate effectively with others,
-and much more. In the end, Activate Your Brain is an indispensable collection of practical things you need to know about your wonderful brain--which, when fully harnessed, can give you more of the fulfilled life you seek.
-increase your focus,
-build self-confidence and willpower,
-manage distractions,
-reduce negative stress,
-collaborate effectively with others,
-and much more. In the end, Activate Your Brain is an indispensable collection of practical things you need to know about your wonderful brain--which, when fully harnessed, can give you more of the fulfilled life you seek.
248 pages, Hardcover
First published May 5, 2015
486 people are currently reading
2805 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 13, 2017
اين يه جمله مي تونه زندگي آدم رو دگرگون كنه
A body in motion stays in motion
Our brain rewards us for completing tasks, even just the first step.
هميشه اولين قدم در انجام هرررررر كاري سخت ترين بخش قضيه هست و مغز اينطوري سيم كشي شده كه به ازاي هر يك قدم (موفقيت هاي خيلي خيلي كوچيك حتي) انرژي و انگيزه رو براي ادامه راه آزاد مي كنه.
A body in motion stays in motion
Our brain rewards us for completing tasks, even just the first step.
هميشه اولين قدم در انجام هرررررر كاري سخت ترين بخش قضيه هست و مغز اينطوري سيم كشي شده كه به ازاي هر يك قدم (موفقيت هاي خيلي خيلي كوچيك حتي) انرژي و انگيزه رو براي ادامه راه آزاد مي كنه.
May 5, 2015
The brain operates differently depending on whether it feels safe or threatened. What we choose to think about, to mull on, can either make life better or worse by giving us a feeling of more control or less control. Even slight brain-friendly choices affect our brain functions, and can dramatically alter our energy, motivation, and sense of control. Activation begins with understanding that the ability to make choices puts us in control, is experienced as a desirable reward by the brain, and impacts our lives. Making deliberate choices to let go of pressure and worry leads to repair and growth of the brain. Small choices lead to new behaviors. Choices compound, so don’t be afraid to start small, but start now.
Making deliberate choices as to what we feed our thoughts sounds so simple, but has such a major impact. This is great practical advice and because it's built on making small adjustments, it's so easy to begin. The rewards the brain experiences are so desirable that healthy choices become easier.
Halford presents neuroscience foundations in a manner easily understood by the lay person., and the steps laid out are amazingly easy to do. If improving life appeals to you, then this book should be at the top of your list.
I received this ARC through NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
Making deliberate choices as to what we feed our thoughts sounds so simple, but has such a major impact. This is great practical advice and because it's built on making small adjustments, it's so easy to begin. The rewards the brain experiences are so desirable that healthy choices become easier.
Halford presents neuroscience foundations in a manner easily understood by the lay person., and the steps laid out are amazingly easy to do. If improving life appeals to you, then this book should be at the top of your list.
I received this ARC through NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
August 7, 2015
*I received this complimentary copy from Greenleaf Book Group Press in exchange for my honest review.
Scott G. Halford has written a book on how to improve your work and life by understanding your brain. This is not a neurological book, thought neuroscience is used. It is not a diet book for brain function, though food is mentioned.
Rather, it is about how the brains functions from outside and inside influences and how the reader can use this information to maximize their brain function. The book is more of a guide, with actionable items, to encourage the reader to see where he/she may fall short in brain optimization and how to correct such shortcomings.
I found this book an easy read and developed really well. Because it does not focus on one aspect of brain function but on brain optimization as a whole, I feel this book gives a nice foundation for making sure my brain is strengthened to do its best.
Scott G. Halford has written a book on how to improve your work and life by understanding your brain. This is not a neurological book, thought neuroscience is used. It is not a diet book for brain function, though food is mentioned.
Rather, it is about how the brains functions from outside and inside influences and how the reader can use this information to maximize their brain function. The book is more of a guide, with actionable items, to encourage the reader to see where he/she may fall short in brain optimization and how to correct such shortcomings.
I found this book an easy read and developed really well. Because it does not focus on one aspect of brain function but on brain optimization as a whole, I feel this book gives a nice foundation for making sure my brain is strengthened to do its best.
May 6, 2015
Lucky me, I got to read an advanced copy of ACTIVATE YOUR BRAIN. Scott Halford has a gift for distilling complex information about how the brain functions into easy-to-understand strategies and tools people can activate to transform how they operate at work and in life. Scott’s signature style marries research, anecdotal information, humor and inspiration to help readers build a bridge between the complexities of neuroscience and the boots-on-the-ground demands of business. The book is filled with activation exercises that make it easy for readers to make better choices to protect and leverage the full capacity of their brains. A MUST READ for anyone who wants to work SMARTER, not HARDER!
September 23, 2015
We easily take working our brain to its maximum limit for granted. This book reminds us of the value of having our brain take some time off and offers practical solutions to put it into play. It helped that writing was simple and straightforward yet sincere.
July 4, 2015
At first glance it seems this is going to be yet another motivational tome, and in a way it is, but it wanders to a lot of places I would not have expected. For example, there’s a bit on neurology near the beginning, as if to show that this is not your average self-help book. Another thing it tells you at the start is that this book is most focused on the brains of businesspeople.
But for the most part it is like others I’ve read in this genre. Each chapter covers something specific, such as sleep, rest, food; there’s even a piece on ego, which as it turns out is not completely bad for you. Also typical are all the personal stories, some better than others. One I clearly remember is about a friend of the author’s learning to ski. The man makes it clear that gathering the courage to go down the same run as his friends wasn’t about comparing himself to anyone, but simply telling himself he could do it. I find this to be a bad example for the simple reason that most wrong choices won’t get you killed, and a beginner skier going down an expert slope is definitely a wrong choice.
Every chapter has activations, small suggestions for the reader to do which will reinforce the lessons of the chapter. But some of these feel too much like homework, while others are rather obvious, common sense. There’s even a paragraph about yawning (which of course made me yawn). There’s some good stuff here, but of course it all depends on how much the reader is willing to do.
3.5/5
But for the most part it is like others I’ve read in this genre. Each chapter covers something specific, such as sleep, rest, food; there’s even a piece on ego, which as it turns out is not completely bad for you. Also typical are all the personal stories, some better than others. One I clearly remember is about a friend of the author’s learning to ski. The man makes it clear that gathering the courage to go down the same run as his friends wasn’t about comparing himself to anyone, but simply telling himself he could do it. I find this to be a bad example for the simple reason that most wrong choices won’t get you killed, and a beginner skier going down an expert slope is definitely a wrong choice.
Every chapter has activations, small suggestions for the reader to do which will reinforce the lessons of the chapter. But some of these feel too much like homework, while others are rather obvious, common sense. There’s even a paragraph about yawning (which of course made me yawn). There’s some good stuff here, but of course it all depends on how much the reader is willing to do.
3.5/5
June 7, 2018
“My goal with this book is to give you an awareness of the powerful little device harbored in your skull.”
This book teaches us a basic self-care practice: how to get plenty of energy and high-quality brain cells, and how to let our brain rest and fight dementia.
The first part of the book focuses more on motivation, willpower, and confidence. The second part is about mental and physical exercises, food for the brain, meditation, an explanation of how chemistry affects our brain, and how we can use it.
I’d recommend this book to anyone whose brain feels exhausted after a day of work. And anyone who finds themselves mindlessly browsing the internet or staring at a wall in the evenings.
This book teaches us a basic self-care practice: how to get plenty of energy and high-quality brain cells, and how to let our brain rest and fight dementia.
The first part of the book focuses more on motivation, willpower, and confidence. The second part is about mental and physical exercises, food for the brain, meditation, an explanation of how chemistry affects our brain, and how we can use it.
I’d recommend this book to anyone whose brain feels exhausted after a day of work. And anyone who finds themselves mindlessly browsing the internet or staring at a wall in the evenings.
May 27, 2015
Activate Your Brain might be the best self-help book I've read on the very subject of brain and how it works. It is detailed enough to be informative and short enough to stop before it starts to get boring. I haven't read almost any of the books this book talks about, but from what I've seen so far, they look like they would be helpful to those who are into learning more. I know I will be checking out some of them.
Overall, this book sums up many things you've heard or read about getting enough sleep, eating right, doing the right things for keeping your brain in shape. It was a 4/5 read for me and I would recommend it.
Overall, this book sums up many things you've heard or read about getting enough sleep, eating right, doing the right things for keeping your brain in shape. It was a 4/5 read for me and I would recommend it.
November 2, 2015
There wasn't anything particular new here for me, that I didn't already know from studying neuro in med school. However, I think it could shed light on the importance of sleep for others less well versed in neuroscience. What I did find interesting was the idea of coactive versus interactive work with others; it explicates why studying in the same space as my boyfriend, even when we are working on different lectures, makes us more productive.
February 4, 2016
It was good
December 7, 2019
Just seems same old, same old pablum.
December 24, 2023
Blinks:
1. There are only tiny differences between the brains of humans and apes, but these differences are critical. Brain is divided into three main parts: reptilian, mammalian, and prefrontal cortex.
2. Chemicals influence our emotions, but we also influence our chemicals.
3. Being in control adds to our happiness.
4. To achieve your goals, you need willpower, focus, and reasonable goals.
5. Our brain regulates whom we trust and bond with, but we still have a say in the process.
6. Working together is the secret to success and it's easier than you think.
7. You can improve your brain health in many ways and most of them improve your general health, too.
8. Rest and sleep improve your brain function and protect it from negative impacts of stress.
1. There are only tiny differences between the brains of humans and apes, but these differences are critical. Brain is divided into three main parts: reptilian, mammalian, and prefrontal cortex.
2. Chemicals influence our emotions, but we also influence our chemicals.
3. Being in control adds to our happiness.
4. To achieve your goals, you need willpower, focus, and reasonable goals.
5. Our brain regulates whom we trust and bond with, but we still have a say in the process.
6. Working together is the secret to success and it's easier than you think.
7. You can improve your brain health in many ways and most of them improve your general health, too.
8. Rest and sleep improve your brain function and protect it from negative impacts of stress.
June 16, 2020
One of the best books I read this year. It puts together explanations about the clash of physical and emotional effects in our brain and how this affects our lives. Great writing, rhythm and narrative. It took almost 2 months to receive this book in Brazil and it was so well paid off. If you are looking for a book to explain how your brain works but not in a super technical way, this is it. It’s a must read Ymir you are studying neuroscience and human behavior.
January 7, 2018
Brain owner's manual
Excellent book with actionable insights that can be applied immediately. I already started using some of the techniques (and have a long list of additional ones to try) and can see positive results.
Most interesting of all is that many of the techniques were shown to me by my amazing wife over the course of our marriage
Excellent book with actionable insights that can be applied immediately. I already started using some of the techniques (and have a long list of additional ones to try) and can see positive results.
Most interesting of all is that many of the techniques were shown to me by my amazing wife over the course of our marriage
May 16, 2019
I’m passionate about neuroscience- the human brain is always an endless source of fascination for me, which is why I picked up this book with high hopes.
Unfortunately there isn’t that much neuro, or science in this book. It’s a mindset/self-help book, and while it does provide valuable tips and practices that can be incorporated into your life, wasn’t quite what I was expecting.
Unfortunately there isn’t that much neuro, or science in this book. It’s a mindset/self-help book, and while it does provide valuable tips and practices that can be incorporated into your life, wasn’t quite what I was expecting.
April 27, 2020
Enjoyed gaining a deeper understanding of the human brain and how to better take care of it. The book was a nice mix of scientific research, stories from industry experience, and tactical 'activation' suggestions the make small behavior changes. Found it an interesting read and already applying practices in my life.
October 21, 2025
I didn’t enjoy this book. It’s far too general, skimming the surface without offering fresh insight or practical depth. While there are a few decent tips scattered throughout, they’re buried in repetitive, unremarkable content. Overall, it felt like a slog rather than a spark, more generic summary than meaningful guidance.
February 6, 2018
It took me awhile to get through this book because I didn’t set aside the time to read as I usually do, however when I did — it was hard to close. There is so much practical information to improving my brain that I found myself re-reading some parts just to fully digest it all.
May 19, 2019
I got this as an advance copy years ago, and finally got around to it. This was a good in depth look at how our brains can be trained and used as a tool for greater success. From health tips to how the brain works the author covers a lot of useful insights on how to better access our potential.
August 23, 2019
excellent book for helping to understand your motivations and reactions to situations as well as those of others. and tons of information on how to be a better person and to interact with others cooperatively
August 29, 2019
Great read...learn something new and valuable
Really liked how easy this book was to read and the down to earth delivery of material. I try to learn new things each and every day and gained so many nuggets of knowledge from this book.
Really liked how easy this book was to read and the down to earth delivery of material. I try to learn new things each and every day and gained so many nuggets of knowledge from this book.
January 11, 2020
Great read that takes research and makes it applicable. Really like how Scott uses “Activation” as a way of making it real for you. Can be tough to pull this off in a non-cheesy way and he nails it.
Start small. Smart now.
Start small. Smart now.
December 22, 2020
Surprise! /s/ Here's how to have a good brain:
-eat and drink healthily
-get adequate rest and sleep
-engage in mental and physical exercise
Still giving it a good rating, because it's solid information!
-eat and drink healthily
-get adequate rest and sleep
-engage in mental and physical exercise
Still giving it a good rating, because it's solid information!
October 15, 2021
A book support concepts of being more mindful and in control of emotions and thoughts. Orienting the mind toward curiosity, with a balance of compassion and humor (to be able to laugh at yourself). Know what confidence means, and how to be more confident.
July 29, 2017
simple brain functions and hacks to improve your day
December 1, 2017
Definitely it is a book which needs to be revisited in order to apply in your life what you have learned from it.
April 21, 2019
Brings such clarity to our daily work interactions.
March 24, 2020
Good content, but could be 3 10-minute videos on youtube
Read
November 27, 2022DNF at 13%. Didn’t hold my attention
June 21, 2023
In some ways your typical personal/professional development book, but written by an author with self awareness and the tone of a gentle cheerleader. It felt... genuinely motivational!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews