What is the lifelong potential of the human mind? Might I have talents and brainpower that I'm unaware of?Can I make money and a difference doing something I love?Is there some science to this or just luck? Millions of us in our 40s, 50s and 60s face career, financial and personal challenges beyond anything we anticipatedwe're filled with fresh uncertainties. We've seen careers derailed and investments devastated by economic chaos. Some of us have grown restless or burned out in our businesses or professions. Others have unexpectedly 'flunked retirement,' finding the so-called 'golden years' mind-numbingly boring. However we've come to it, the challenge is the same: What now? Personally driven by this question, Peabody award-winning journalist and Fortune 100 leadership consultant Mark S. Walton set out on his most fascinating assignment yet. Crisscrossing America to meet with remarkably re-inventive people, and researching the latest breakthroughs in brain science, psychology, human performance, creativity and happiness, he made three life-altering discoveries: State-of-the-art neuroscience has revealed that we are hard-wired for reinvention through the emergence of extraordinary new creative and intellectual powers in life's second half. A growing number of men and women are learning how to leverage this inborn potential.
Rather than lowering their aspirations in midlife, they are raising the barinventing profitable new careers, businesses, and avenues for social impact that extend well into their 70s, 80s, even 90s. Longevity experts are increasingly convinced that doing work that 'pays it forward' to future generations pays us back in personal long-term health and happiness. What unrealized possibilities exist for each of us in midlife and beyond? How do we find and unlock our unique talents and capabilities? What kinds of people have accomplished this? What can we learn from their experiences? In Boundless Potential Walton shares his surprising and encouraging findings, weaving first-hand accounts, cutting edge research, and practical lessons into an actionable blueprint for redesigning our lives and work. Entertaining, informative, and empowering, this groundbreaking book delivers overwhelming evidence that we were never meant to downgrade our ambitions or goals, but to continually reinvent them. Praise for Boundless Potential "A great book. The mix of history, psychology, neuroscience and profiles of successful re-inventers will hit home with intelligent men and women contemplating their next steps." Elizabeth Pope, The New York Times "No greater challenge faces millions of us in our 40's, 50's and 60's than how to create a successful and meaningful second half of life. In this path breaking and timely book, Mark Walton shows us how to reinvent our ''game'' with a simple, powerful, practical framework, inspiring examples, and new insights from neuroscience.
I recommend it highly!" William Ury, Ph.D., international bestselling coauthor of Getting to Yes "A terrific book. Boundless Potential provides clear and practical advice on how to navigate the transition from work to good work; and if that isn''t enough, Mark Walton is a master storyteller. The people you meet in this book will, I am sure, become your companions and inspiration along the way." Suzanne Braun Levine, Founding Editor, Ms. magazine "Brilliant, provocative and highly practical. Applying his award-winning journalistic skills to a topic of vital importance, Mark Walton has punctured the myths and stereotypes of life's second half to reveal our true human potential: how we are hard wired not for decline, but for continual reinvention, personal achievement and contribution to others.
" Michael Murphy, co-founder and Chairman Emeritus, Esalen Institute, and bestselling author of Golf in the Kingdom " Boundless Potential is must reading. Mark Walton tackles one of the most important issues of our time with thoughtfulness, intelligence and careful analysis: how to harness the talents and energy of the largest generation in American history. For answers, he turns to some of our most important role models and brilliant thinkers on the interplay of age, creativity and experience." Mark Miller, nationally syndicated columnist, Tribune Media Services, CBS Moneywatch, Reuters.com "Mark Walton writes like a private coach posing the important questions that we need to wrestle with in our 40s, 50s and 60s. He also provides scientific back up for the penetrating and intuitive wisdom in these pages. Although it is aimed especially at those of us in midlife and beyond, this book is essential reading for people peaking in their careers at any age." Anisa Mehdi, Fulbright Scholar, Emmy Award-winning producer/director, ABC News Nightline, PBS's Frontline , NPR's All Things Considered.