Driven: Understanding and Harnessing the Genetic Gifts Shared by Entrepreneurs, Navy SEALs, Pro Athletes, and Maybe YOU

by Douglas Brackmann

Some people are born with a drive often seen in entrepreneurs, pro-athletes, inventors, adventurers, and Navy SEALs. It's in their DNA- research has shown that certain genes can manifest resilient and highly focused people who can also be impulsive and easily distracted. While these traits enabled our ancient ancestors to survive, if you have these traits today, it can create havoc in your life. You may be diagnosed with ADHD, ADD, or OCD. But what the world tells you is a disability or disorder may actually be your greatest gift. Now it's time to learn how to use it. Here to help are authors Doug Brackmann, a practicing psychologist, and Randy Kelley, a former Navy SEAL sniper and martial artist. Using their experience teaching the highly driven how to master their gift, Doug and Randy will provide the insight and tools you need to master yours. You'll discover how to: -Stop self-sabotage forever -End shame and doubt -Find your wolf pack -Use meditation to put yourself on the right path It's time to take control, harness your gift, and get the life you've always wanted.

Genres: Self Help, Business, Nonfiction, Personal Development, Audiobook, Psychology, Adhd

346 pages, Paperback

Published June 30, 2017

Reviews

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, good content. The book is informative and well researched. Towards the back half of the book, the authors provide strategies for managing D2/D4 or driven tendencies. The downer is that the chapters are a little long winded. Especially given that driven folks require concise and/or engaging text.

[Justin Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best self Dev book in last 5 years

Incredible, practical read that’s a blend of science and mystical. Like reading the owners manual for my mind. This is one I will return to again and again.

[James Whittaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met Doug in Orange County earlier this year and was blown away by his energy. Dr Doug has two PhD’s so knows his stuff. This is the best book I’ve read in 2019 and I’ve literally just purchased a copy for every one of my clients around the world.

Brackmann argues that 10% of the population possess a certain DNA that makes them feel like something is wrong with them, leading to anxiety, shame, and negative self-talk that can create a hellish existence. He calls this group the ‘Driven.’ Yet, through his research and work with some of the highest performers on the planet—everyone from Navy SEALs to pro athletes and business leaders—Brackmann has discovered how the Driven can harness that energy into constructive means to reach their highest potential.

If you are an entrepreneur, or are looking at buying a gift for an entrepreneur, you won’t go wrong with this book. I’ve never read something that struck at the heart of who I was more than this one, while at the same time giving practical tips to improve day by day. I especially loved the tip about meditating with eyes slightly open to connect with the present moment. (Previously, I had tried apps like Headspace and couldn't stand them.)

Thanks for this book, Doug!

[Jill Wolfe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new way of looking at ADD

I’ve always suspected that I was different than other people, and this books has named it. Although often heavy-handed and heads too far into the weeds, the basic concepts of this book are really helpful for those of us who are creative, “multi-thinkers,” never seem satisfied, and yet still struggle with imposter syndrome and can’t seem to focus on more than one project or idea long enough to see it through. Although the author touches on it briefly, I wanted to know much more about how these concepts show up differently in women who are D4/D2s, given how girls are socialized. There’s a heavy emphasis on Navy SEALs and military, but also on the science behind the book (though I’m in no way qualified to judge its merit). Again the concepts were really interesting and helpful in reframing the benefits of ADD, I just wish there was more solid implementation info and case studies. I hope the author gets a “real” editor for his next book (please, please, let there be a next book!) so it’s a bit more readable.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was informative and the authors did a good job of also providing the science behind what they were talking about.

It starts with primarily an exploration of the human psyche and our underlying biology and how our genetics are still wired for a much more dangerous world and then focuses on individuals who have particular genetic markers common in those who are diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, who the authors have classified as “The Driven”. While I couldn’t really relate much of the content to myself or anyone I know it was interesting to learn about individuals like that.

One of my favorite parts of the book were cool insights the authors gave into Navy Seals team dynamics.

The content did get a bit repetitive at times, but I think it actually helped in my understanding of the book and helped drive points home.

[Martin Richardson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't finish this book. It feels like constant repetition of a couple of points all the way through. Also feels like it crowbars examples to fit the points they are trying to make. I also couldn't care or relate to navy seals so again these examples of elite people, who happen to have the gene, fall flat to me. Ironically, it talks about driven people being restless or bored easily... guess what...this book does a bad job of keeping the restless mind intrigued.

[Cristian Bacinschi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I kind of understood the message that the authors wanted to portray throughout the book, but, at least for me, it kind of felt like the regurgitation of the same ideas in the chapters that I wanted to focus on. To be completely honest, the book felt really interesting to read, but little from the information I have read has been assimilated in my life. Other than that, I really appreciate what the authors wanted to show with the book and I applaude their efforts to do that, but I have just felt that something was missing in the entirety of the book, but that’s just my own opinion. I liked the “Stop Sabotaging Yourself” chapter as it showed how much important it is to just focus on your progress and on your forward way in this life, meanwhile I thought the “Manifesting Your Future” chapter wasn’t as clear as I have imagined it to be. This book left a question mark for me as if worth to read it, and what I can tell you is if you have the time and you are really interested in the specific topic of the book, then yes, for sure this can be a good read.

[Blake E · Rating 3 out of 5]

fascinating and backed with scientific examples. however, the D2D4 behaviors sometimes seem like excuses for all human behavior. the protocols and ideas are interesting and i look forward to giving them a try. will update with after experience. this is a little less self help and a little more here’s why certain people are a certain way. i’d like to get scanned for the specific brain bug in the book

[Helena · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book explains on how certain minds and people are motivated differently to the mainstream. A validating and empowering perspective that has useful tips (ego-checking, meditation) that i will surely use in my daily life.

My caveats are the occasional sweeping statements/assumptions made by the author about the neurobiological link between genetics and behaviour, the rehashing and repetitive anecdotes, and that the tone of the book sometimes shifts into condoning of certain behaviours.

[Loraine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't decide if this is a legitimate interpretation of ADD/ADHD, a self-aggrandizing effort fueled by an inferiority complex, marketing material for the Navy SEALS, or a long-winded excuse for people who lack discipline. Probably a bit of all of the above.

Content-wise, it's the point hammered over and over, in fifty different ways. So that by the end, you feel like you just watched an old navy guy furiously jerk himself off to a video of himself that he rewound 50 times.

[Shea · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’ve ever wondered why you have imposter syndrome and can’t relax and you feel “different” from other people, this book might help. There are a few genetic components that might make you prone to be more, in short, driven. Even if you haven’t plugged your DNA in somewhere to see if you’re a D2/D4, this book probably has something for you.

[Ksenia L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personal therapy sessions that may have saved me
I am in absolute awe. This book is a lifesaver! After chapter 9, I noticed that I started catching myself in moments of self-sabotage in my daily life and was able to pull myself back by using the techniques Dr. Doug suggests in the book. I’ve just finished the book and I want to listen to it AGAIN. Buying a copy to read, and recommending it to all my driven friends and to you.

[Randy Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, I like my own book, but I'll let you explore it yourself...

[Robert Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uncanny!