The Biology of Success

Success doesn't happen because of luck or genetics, but through "tremendous, persistent, positive mental energy," writes Bob Arnot, M.D. in The Biology of Success. Arnot, author of The Breast Cancer Prevention Diet, aims to teach you the steps to tapping into your own positive mental energy, which becomes the fuel to build the fire of success. He describes how to create mental energy, then create positive thought. Then you can "channel your energy and enthusiasm in the directions that will maximize your success." Here are some examples of the mental-energy steps he includes: take a self-test to figure out your "mood thermometer" of brain energy and a spirit of optimism, necessary for success. Make changes in your office space to optimize your health, performance, and self-esteem. Elevate your mind with music therapy. Eat protein and high-quality carbohydrates at the right times of day to either rev up your energy or relax. Increase mental energy with exercise. "Look like a star" by dressing well every day. The positive-thought section helps you "gear your mental drive to its highest limits" in six steps, including committing fully to the moment at hand, playing to your strengths, changing the emotions of those around you, and prayer. A workbook section helps you put it all into action. --Joan Price