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The Code of the Extraordinary Mind

The Code of the Extraordinary Mind

10 Unconventional Laws to Redefine Your Life and Succeed On Your Own Terms
by Vishen Lakhiani 2016 288 pages
4.04
10k+ ratings
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11 minutes
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Key Takeaways

1. Transcend the Culturescape: Break Free from Societal Conditioning

"We create these complex worlds and then literally defend them with our lives."

The culturescape defined. The culturescape is the invisible sea of human beliefs, ideas, and practices that surrounds us. It shapes our thoughts, behaviors, and expectations about life, often without our conscious awareness. This includes societal norms, cultural traditions, and inherited belief systems that may no longer serve us in the modern world.

Breaking free. To transcend the culturescape, we must:

  • Recognize the arbitrary nature of many societal rules and expectations
  • Question the validity and relevance of inherited beliefs
  • Develop the courage to think independently and challenge the status quo
  • Embrace a more expansive and personally authentic way of living

By stepping outside the culturescape, we open ourselves to new possibilities, innovative thinking, and a life that aligns more closely with our true values and aspirations.

2. Question the Brules: Challenge Outdated Beliefs and Rules

"Brules are made to be broken."

Identifying Brules. Brules, or "bullshit rules," are outdated, limiting beliefs that we often accept without question. These can include ideas about education, career, relationships, and personal worth. To identify Brules, ask yourself:

  • Is this belief based on absolute truth or cultural conditioning?
  • Does it serve my happiness and growth?
  • Would I choose this belief if I were starting from scratch?

Breaking Brules. Once identified, challenge Brules by:

  • Seeking evidence that contradicts the belief
  • Experimenting with alternative viewpoints
  • Surrounding yourself with people who think differently
  • Embracing discomfort as a sign of growth

By questioning and discarding Brules, we free ourselves to create more empowering beliefs and live more authentic, fulfilling lives.

3. Practice Consciousness Engineering: Upgrade Your Models of Reality and Systems for Living

"Extraordinary minds understand that their growth depends on two things: their models of reality and their systems for living."

Models of reality are our beliefs about how the world works. They shape our perceptions, decisions, and behaviors. To upgrade your models of reality:

  • Regularly expose yourself to new ideas and perspectives
  • Seek out experiences that challenge your existing beliefs
  • Practice mindfulness to become aware of your current models
  • Consciously choose beliefs that empower and inspire you

Systems for living are the habits, routines, and practices we use to navigate daily life. To optimize your systems:

  • Identify areas of your life that need improvement
  • Research and experiment with new techniques and tools
  • Regularly assess the effectiveness of your current systems
  • Be willing to discard or modify systems that no longer serve you

By continuously upgrading both your models of reality and systems for living, you create a powerful framework for personal growth and extraordinary living.

4. Rewrite Your Models of Reality: Transform Limiting Beliefs

"When you replace disempowering models of reality with empowering ones, tremendous changes can occur in your life at a very rapid pace."

Identify limiting beliefs. Our models of reality often contain unconscious, limiting beliefs that hold us back. Common areas to examine include:

  • Self-worth and capabilities
  • Relationships and love
  • Money and success
  • Health and aging

Transformation process. To rewrite your models of reality:

  1. Become aware of your current beliefs
  2. Question their validity and origins
  3. Seek evidence that contradicts limiting beliefs
  4. Consciously choose new, empowering beliefs
  5. Practice living as if the new beliefs are true

Reinforcement techniques. Strengthen new models of reality through:

  • Affirmations and visualization
  • Surrounding yourself with supportive people
  • Seeking experiences that confirm the new beliefs
  • Regularly reviewing and recommitting to your chosen models

By consciously rewriting your models of reality, you create a foundation for extraordinary growth and achievement.

5. Upgrade Your Systems for Living: Optimize Your Daily Habits and Practices

"I try to upgrade at least one of my systems for living every week, not because I feel like things are always broken but because I know how energizing it is to try something new."

Continuous improvement. Approach your life systems with a mindset of ongoing optimization. This includes:

  • Daily routines and habits
  • Work processes and productivity techniques
  • Health and fitness practices
  • Learning and personal development strategies

Optimization process:

  1. Identify areas for improvement
  2. Research new methods and best practices
  3. Experiment with potential upgrades
  4. Measure results and adjust as needed
  5. Integrate successful upgrades into your life

Key areas to focus on:

  • Time management and productivity
  • Health and wellness routines
  • Communication and relationship skills
  • Financial management
  • Creativity and problem-solving techniques

By consistently upgrading your systems for living, you create a life of continuous growth, efficiency, and fulfillment.

6. Bend Reality: Balance Happiness in the Present with Vision for the Future

"Have big goals—but don't tie your happiness to your goals. You must be happy before you attain them."

Present happiness. Cultivate joy and contentment in the present moment through:

  • Gratitude practices
  • Mindfulness and presence
  • Appreciating small pleasures
  • Focusing on personal growth
  • Nurturing relationships

Future vision. Simultaneously, maintain a compelling vision for your future:

  • Set inspiring, meaningful goals
  • Visualize your ideal future regularly
  • Take consistent action towards your vision
  • Embrace challenges as growth opportunities
  • Stay flexible and open to new possibilities

The balance. By maintaining both present happiness and future vision, you create a powerful state of being where:

  • You enjoy the journey as much as the destination
  • Setbacks become learning opportunities rather than failures
  • You attract resources and opportunities aligned with your vision
  • Life feels purposeful and exciting

This balance allows you to "bend reality," creating extraordinary results while enjoying the process of personal and professional growth.

7. Live in Blissipline: Cultivate Daily Happiness through Gratitude, Forgiveness, and Giving

"To be happy, make others happy."

Gratitude practice. Cultivate daily appreciation for:

  • Personal relationships and experiences
  • Professional accomplishments and opportunities
  • Your own qualities and achievements
  • The beauty and wonder of life itself

Forgiveness ritual. Regularly practice forgiveness to release negative emotions:

  • Identify people or situations that need forgiveness
  • Acknowledge the pain or anger you feel
  • Choose to forgive for your own peace and growth
  • Release the emotional burden through visualization or writing

Giving and contribution. Engage in acts of kindness and generosity:

  • Offer support or assistance to others
  • Share your knowledge and skills
  • Volunteer for causes you care about
  • Practice random acts of kindness

By integrating these practices into your daily life, you create a foundation of happiness and positive emotion that fuels personal growth and extraordinary living.

8. Create a Vision for Your Future: Focus on Self-Fueled End Goals

"A good end goal is something you have absolute control over. No object or person can take it away from you."

Self-fueled end goals. Focus on goals that are:

  • Within your control
  • Driven by intrinsic motivation
  • Aligned with your core values
  • Not dependent on external validation

Examples of self-fueled end goals:

  • To be consistently surrounded by love
  • To always be learning and growing
  • To have the most amazing and beautiful human experiences

Goal-setting process:

  1. Identify your deepest desires and values
  2. Frame goals in terms of personal growth and experiences
  3. Ensure goals are not tied to specific outcomes or others' actions
  4. Regularly visualize and connect emotionally with your goals
  5. Take consistent action aligned with your vision

By focusing on self-fueled end goals, you create a powerful vision for your future that motivates and inspires you, regardless of external circumstances.

9. Be Unfuckwithable: Develop Inner Strength and Resilience

"Extraordinary minds do not need to seek validation from outside opinion or through the attainment of goals. Instead, they are truly at peace with themselves and the world around them."

Inner strength foundations:

  • Self-love and acceptance
  • Clarity of purpose and values
  • Emotional intelligence and self-awareness
  • Resilience in the face of challenges

Practices to become unfuckwithable:

  1. Cultivate self-compassion and positive self-talk
  2. Set boundaries and prioritize your well-being
  3. Detach your self-worth from external achievements or opinions
  4. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity
  5. Regularly practice mindfulness and presence

Benefits of being unfuckwithable:

  • Increased confidence and self-assurance
  • Greater emotional stability
  • Improved decision-making and problem-solving
  • Enhanced ability to pursue meaningful goals

By developing inner strength and resilience, you become less affected by external criticism or setbacks, allowing you to pursue your vision with unwavering determination.

10. Embrace Your Quest: Find Your Calling and Make a Positive Impact

"The most extraordinary people in the world do not have careers. What they have is a calling."

Discovering your quest:

  • Reflect on your unique talents and passions
  • Identify problems in the world that deeply move you
  • Consider how your skills and experiences can contribute to solutions
  • Seek inspiration from mentors and role models

Characteristics of a meaningful quest:

  • Aligns with your core values and strengths
  • Challenges you to grow and evolve
  • Creates positive impact beyond personal gain
  • Provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment

Living your quest:

  • Take consistent action towards your vision
  • Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth
  • Cultivate a supportive community
  • Regularly reassess and refine your path

By embracing your unique quest, you tap into a powerful source of motivation and meaning, allowing you to make a significant positive impact on the world while living an extraordinary life.

Last updated:

FAQ

What's The Code of the Extraordinary Mind about?

  • Personal Disruption Focus: The book challenges readers to rethink their lives and beliefs, encouraging them to question societal norms and "Brules" (bullshit rules) that limit growth.
  • Framework for Change: It introduces "Consciousness Engineering," a framework to help individuals consciously choose their beliefs and systems for living, facilitating personal transformation.
  • Ten Laws for Extraordinary Life: The book outlines ten unconventional laws that guide readers toward redefining their lives and achieving success on their own terms.

Why should I read The Code of the Extraordinary Mind?

  • Transformative Insights: Offers insights from interviews with leading thinkers, providing a wealth of knowledge that readers can apply to their own lives.
  • Practical Tools: Includes exercises like the "Brule Test" and "Consciousness Engineering" to help readers identify and change limiting beliefs.
  • Unique Perspective: Vishen Lakhiani shares his personal journey from ordinary life to extraordinary success, making the content relatable and inspiring.

What are the key takeaways of The Code of the Extraordinary Mind?

  • Questioning the Culturescape: Emphasizes the importance of questioning collective beliefs and practices to gain personal freedom and create one's own rules.
  • Empowerment through Consciousness Engineering: Highlights the power of reshaping beliefs and systems for living to transform one's life.
  • Ten Laws for Extraordinary Living: Provides a roadmap for achieving extraordinary lives, guiding readers through self-discovery and growth.

What are the best quotes from The Code of the Extraordinary Mind and what do they mean?

  • “Everything around you...”: Encourages questioning societal norms and taking ownership of one's beliefs to create a personal reality.
  • “You must not lose faith...”: Stresses maintaining a positive outlook on humanity and focusing on contributing positively to the world.
  • “If you can’t win...”: Advocates for adaptability and resilience, encouraging readers to take control of their circumstances.

What are "Brules" in The Code of the Extraordinary Mind?

  • Definition of Brules: "Brules" are outdated societal rules that limit personal growth and happiness.
  • Identifying Brules: Encourages readers to question and break free from these limiting beliefs by reflecting on societal norms.
  • Impact on Life: Shedding Brules allows individuals to create a more authentic and fulfilling life, as illustrated by the author's personal anecdotes.

How does The Code of the Extraordinary Mind define "Consciousness Engineering"?

  • Framework for Growth: A framework for personal growth involving consciously choosing beliefs and systems for living.
  • Two Components: Consists of models of reality (beliefs) and systems for living (habits), which can be upgraded to enhance life quality.
  • Practical Application: Provides exercises and tools like the "Brule Test" to help implement Consciousness Engineering in daily life.

What are the ten laws outlined in The Code of the Extraordinary Mind?

  • Overview of the Laws: Serve as guiding principles for achieving an extraordinary life, including transcending the culturescape and questioning Brules.
  • Sequential Learning: Each law builds on the previous one, creating a cohesive framework for personal transformation.
  • Real-Life Examples: Stories and insights from the author and others illustrate effective application of these laws.

How can I apply the concepts from The Code of the Extraordinary Mind in my daily life?

  • Daily Practices: Incorporate meditation, gratitude exercises, and reflection on personal beliefs to reinforce positive models of reality.
  • Setting Goals: Set clear, meaningful goals that align with values and aspirations, distinguishing between end goals and means goals.
  • Continuous Learning: Engage with new ideas and self-improvement activities to stay on track with personal growth.

What is the significance of "Bending Reality" in The Code of the Extraordinary Mind?

  • Ultimate State of Existence: Refers to shaping experiences and outcomes through mindset and belief, feeling in control of life.
  • Connection to Happiness: Aligns inner and outer worlds, achieving happiness and fulfillment while pursuing a compelling future vision.
  • Practical Techniques: Techniques like visualization and affirmations help cultivate a positive mindset and attract desired outcomes.

How does The Code of the Extraordinary Mind address the relationship between happiness and productivity?

  • Happiness as a Driver: Posits that happiness drives productivity and success, leading to more engagement and creativity.
  • Systems for Happiness: Encourages creating systems that prioritize happiness, such as positive relationships and meaningful work.
  • Long-Term Benefits: Focusing on happiness leads to sustainable success and well-being, illustrated by personal examples.

What is the "Six-Phase" meditation mentioned in The Code of the Extraordinary Mind?

  • Structured Practice: Combines compassion, gratitude, forgiveness, future dreaming, envisioning a perfect day, and receiving blessings.
  • Duration: Takes about fifteen to twenty minutes, designed to enhance happiness and clarity.
  • Benefits: Leads to improved emotional well-being, increased focus on goals, and a greater sense of connection.

How does The Code of the Extraordinary Mind suggest dealing with setbacks?

  • Kensho Moments: Introduces kensho, growth through pain and challenges, viewing setbacks as learning opportunities.
  • Satori Insights: Discusses satori, moments of sudden insight leading to significant personal growth and change.
  • Trusting the Process: Encourages trusting that setbacks can lead to new paths and opportunities, contributing to personal evolution.

Review Summary

4.04 out of 5
Average of 10k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

The Code of the Extraordinary Mind received mixed reviews. Some readers found it inspiring and life-changing, praising its practical advice and fresh perspective on personal growth. Others criticized it as repetitive, self-promotional, and lacking originality. Many appreciated the concepts of questioning societal rules and developing a growth mindset, but some felt the author relied too heavily on personal anecdotes and celebrity name-dropping. The book's emphasis on meditation and mindfulness was generally well-received, though some found the constant references to the author's website and courses off-putting.

Your rating:

About the Author

Vishen Lakhiani is an entrepreneur and author in the educational technology sector. He founded Mindvalley, a company that develops online learning platforms for personal growth, mindfulness, and wellness. Lakhiani's work focuses on transforming traditional education to include holistic development. He has also created a meditation app and a transformational festival. Known for innovative company culture, Lakhiani has won awards for workspace design. His book, "The Code of the Extraordinary Mind," explores personal development and challenging societal norms. Lakhiani's mission is to revolutionize education to address the whole person, integrating aspects often overlooked by conventional systems.

Other books by Vishen Lakhiani

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