Instinct: Rewire Your Brain with Science-Backed Solutions to Increase Productivity and Achieve Success

by Rebecca Heiss

Evolutionary biologist Rebecca Heiss reveals the science behind our self-sabotaging behaviors that undermine our productivity, success, and happiness: instincts developed hundreds of thousands of years ago that are devastatingly mismatched to our current environments--and offers simple, actionable techniques to redirect those instincts to work for us rather than against us.

A REVOLUTIONARY APPROACH TO UNLOCKING
YOUR INNATE ABILITY TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS IN BUSINESS AND IN LIFE


Why do we constantly feel overwhelmed by stress, dissatisfied in our careers and relationships, and lacking in real purpose? Why do we seem to sabotage ourselves, hampering our productivity and success? The answer lies in our instincts . . .

In every area of life, from business to relationships to health, we act on outdated instincts that were built to help us survive a world ruled by scarcity and danger. But in today's world, those same instincts stop us from succeeding in the environment in which we actually live: a diverse world of abundant choices, and almost limitless connections.

Now evolutionary biologist Dr. Rebecca Heiss offers a new approach that harnesses the power of our instincts, and redirects them to work for us rather than against us. Dr. Heiss reveals the science behind our self-sabotaging behaviors, then provides simple, actionable techniques that can rebuild our instinctive minds.

Both practical and inspiring, Instinct is a roadmap that anyone can use to finally stop living on autopilot, improve productivity and happiness, and consciously craft a better life.
 
Praise for Instinct

"A read for all Spartans and leaders looking to break out of the ruts of their ancestral brain pathways and charge through the discomfort to success!"  
— Joe De Sena, Founder & CEO of Spartan Race and New York Times bestselling author of Spartan Up!
 
 
“Finally, leaders have a way to better understand the biological reasons why they get stuck when trying to develop and improve certain leadership competencies related to Emotional Intelligence. This book is a missing piece for all leaders dedicated to the pursuit of increasing their performance and enhancing their lies.”  
— Heather Anderson, International Speaker, Trainer and Coach Emotional Intelligence.
 
“A practical manual for the inquisitive learner who is evaluating ways to improve outcomes in relationships and increase productivity in business.”  
— Harold Hughes, Founder & CEO of Bandwagon
 
“In Instinct , Dr. Heiss brings a biologist’s perspective to understanding human behaviors that psychologists have studied for years.  Her novel approach shines a unique new light on learning how to lead more productive and fulfilling lives.”  
— Dorothy W. Cantor, PsyD.  Former President, American Psychological Association

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Science

336 pages, Hardcover

Published April 27, 2021

About the author

Rebecca Heiss, Ph.D., has dedicated her life to understanding why we behave in the bizarre, unproductive, and potentially damaging ways we do. An evolutionary biologist specializing in stress, Dr. Heiss is a professional speaker whose clients have included Lockheed Martin, SHRM, Charles Schwab, ADP, Vistage, and more. A former professor, Rebecca's research was designated “transformative” by the National Science Foundation. She was a founding member of NEXT High School, an impact-based learning charter school. Heiss is CEO of icueity, LLC, a 360-review mobile application providing users with continuous feedback for leadership development. She lives in Greenville, South Carolina with her spoiled rotten dog named Guinness, and every day tries to live her life motto: “spread happy.”

Reviews

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Our brains are not built for this world." With that memorable line, Rebecca Heiss fires up a compelling investigation into how our instinctual behaviors -- the ones that keep us alive by ducking that incoming rock or compel us to flee that threatening stranger -- sometimes serve us, but mostly don't, since they evolved when we were living in caves. Now, we are living in high-rises and condos and single family dwellings and going to work in offices and those conditions demand different responses. Dr. Heiss gives us lots of useful advice for how to navigate the difficult shallows and shoals of modern life, putting our instincts to work for us rather than against us.

[Scarlett O.H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has the potential to change the world. Its chock full of good advice that is given in a no-nonsense way. I absolutely loved it.

[Susan Heiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

The intersection of biology and business. Although this book is targeted to the business community, the insights are also applicable in our personal lives, relationships and interactions. I am a fiction fan and usually struggle to finish nonfiction works, however this book was an exception. Even though she cites a lot of scientific research to bolster her points, the author leavens everything with humor and interesting anecdotes so that it never seems heavy or dry or boring. The central question of the book is: "How can we rewire our stone age brains and master our instincts rather than having them master us?" The answer can lead to more intentional and abundant living.
Thanks Goodreads for my giveaway kindle copy!

[Grėtė Pil]

autorė mėtosi: rašo viena tema, po kelių sakinių šoka į kitą. Banaliai, neįtikinamai, išgalvotų pavyzdžių besiremdama, suklaidina patį skaitytoją, nepateikdama naujos ir naudingos informacijos :-)

[Linz The Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book after hearing about it on a podcast, and I am so glad I did. I am not a Non-Fiction reader, but I could not put this down. I found it very insightful and ended up highlighting 40 or so different points in the book, which is only around 300 pages long! I thought the antidotes were very relatable, and the scientific information was easy to read. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to rewire their brain.

For my complete review check out https://linzthebookworm.blogspot.com/...

[Sarah Ehinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. Instinct drives so many of our day to day interactions. This book helps you be more aware of what your brain may be doing without telling you. This gives you tools take advantage of your instincts and make them work in today's world.

[Denys Zaiets · Rating 4 out of 5]

У 21 сторіччі важко жити з мозком печерної людини. А саме тогочасними налаштуваннями досі керується наш мозок: рівнем небезпеки та реакціями на неї, правилами виживання тощо. Тепер, коли навколишній світ є значно безпечнішим, наприклад, можливість пережити атаку мамонта чи занедужати від невідомої хвороби значно зменшились, так само наш мозок потребує прошивки під параметри сучасного світу. Позаяк він продовжує реагувати на значну кількість зовнішніх сигналів, як на такі, що несуть нам значну небезпеку -- хоча це може бути просте повідомлення в чаті з керівником, що не несе жодної небезпеки нашому життю. На відміну від багатотонної дикої тварини з бивнями, що несеться на вас.

Разом із тим він встиг нахапатися різних часто не дуже корисних упереджень. Як ми розподіляємо ролі чоловіків і жінок у суспільстві; сприйняття людей залежно від того належать вони до певної "нашої" групи чи ні; існування, чи то пак, виживання в робочому колективі та інших.

Зрештою ми можемо полегшити своє життя, змінивши ставлення до багатьох речей. Саме про це "Інстинкт".

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Instinct was like sitting down for a drink with a good friend and consummate conversationalist…who also happens to be an evolutionary biologist. Dr. Rebecca Heiss’ stories, data, and self-deprecating wit had me pouring through each chapter…learning about why I inherently fear certain things (it’s human wiring) AND what to do about it all in a stressful, modern world. I also loved the specific, practical tips. EG: intentionally read books and podcasts by women who challenge my perception of leadership. And seek out parenting and housekeeping books and podcasts by men.

[Byaah · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fine. It wasn't life changing but just explained in a simple way why humans are the way they are and what we need to do to do better.

I would recommend this book to people who like self-help books, like improving themselves, and like reading about how our brain has evolved.

[Chuck Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has the potential for creating transformation. It lets your brain contemplate your brain in surprising new ways. As an executive consultant it gave me ideas for how to think about how my clients might be influenced by their unknown instincts. A must read for advisors and coaches.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The thing that set this book apart was challenging us to think about biases and stereotypes. That's not the main theme but it is an important part of improving thinking for change.

[Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid read with good advice on how to tackle work and business from a psychological point of view.

[Ene Andreea · Rating 4 out of 5]

O lectura relaxata, perspective interesante asupra diverselor probleme cu care se confrunta lumea din zilele noastre.

[Martin Bihl · Rating 2 out of 5]

For my review, please visit: http://the-agency-review.com/instinct