Big Potential

How Transforming the Pursuit of Success Raises Our Achievement, Happiness, and Well-Being

By: Shawn Achor

Narrated by: Shawn Achor

Length: 6 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

“With cutting-edge research, penetrating insights, and practical examples, Shawn Achor describes a new conception of ‘success,’ and in doing so, reveals exciting new strategies we can use to meet our highest potential.”—Gretchen Rubin, bestselling author of The Happiness Project

“A vibrant book on how to bring out the best in others—and how they can bring out the best in us.”—Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again and host of the podcast WorkLife

In a world that thrives on competition and individual achievement, we’re measuring and pursuing potential incorrectly. Pursuing success in isolation—pushing others away as we push ourselves too hard—not only limits our potential but makes us more stressed and disconnected than ever.

Harvard-trained researcher Shawn Achor reveals a better approach. With exciting new research combining neuroscience and psychology with Big Data, Achor shows that our potential is not limited by what we alone can achieve. Instead, it is determined by how we complement, contribute to, and benefit from the abilities and achievements of people around us.

When we—as individuals, leaders, and parents—chase only individual achievement, we leave vast sources of potential untapped. But once we put “others” back into the equation, and work to make others better, we ignite a Virtuous Cycle of cascading successes that amplify our own.

The dramatic shifts in how we approach work today demand an equally dramatic shift in our approach to success. In Big Potential, Achor draws on cutting-edge original research as well as his work with nearly half of the Fortune 100 and with places like NASA, the NFL and the NBA, and offers a new path to thriving in the modern world.

©2018 Shawn Achor (P)2018 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Big Potential turns our notions of success upside down. It shows that the secret to achievement isn’t to focus on one’s self but to lift up the lives of others. Then it outlines the practical, actionable steps to turn these ideas into action. This book is another reminder of the inspiring power of Shawn Achor.”—Daniel H. Pink, New York Times bestselling author of The Power of Regret

“With enticing stories, fresh studies, contagious enthusiasm, and immensely practical tips, this is Shawn Achor at his best.”—Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again and host of the podcast WorkLife

“With cutting-edge research, penetrating insights, and practical examples, Achor describes a new conception of ‘success’ and, in doing so, reveals exciting new strategies we can use to meet our highest potential. If you aim to live up to the possibilities of your life, you’ll find Big Potential to be a key resource.”—Gretchen Rubin, bestselling author of The Happiness Project

Loved it!

Such life changing stuff in here. I feel like this book should be required for any human that has contact with the general public.
I loved how the stories backed up research. I would have given all 5 stars be he goes so dang fast at some points I missed what he was saying. I did enjoy it overall though.

great for culture mindset

great message. it has a lot of value to business, family, and groups. worth the read

Big Potential big shift in thinking and being

Thank you Shawn Achor for writing this book. I listened to it on Audible in a few days! Fascinated by the words and the science it makes sense to me. How we need to shift our thinking and being. I am inspired! Tove

Great and inspiring and witty

I have liked both books written by Shawn Achor. I like the story and I like that he can tell his stories without turning it political. It seems everything turns to politics and I can’t stand it. Well done, well read and well written! Thank you!

Wonderful self improvement strategies

loved it!! simple strategies and good examples to reach big potrential at work and in liife

Fast read with lots of great nuggets

This book made me think about way we work in competition especially in the real estate community. He really stresses how working together and in groups, looking for the good for the entire group-leads to group and individual success higher than individual competition. He also delves into how important it is to surround yourself with positive, uplifting people!

Very well done, the power of positive thinking,

This book came to my attention while listening to a favorite business podcast. The author, whom was interviewed on the program, has innumerable suggestions for positive ways to approach different problems: some seemingly obvious, but others hardly intuitive.

There are several ‘ah-ha’ moments, as he opens Pandora’s box on some simple research psychology, as well as expanding on other more complex thought processes. The authors’s gifted ability to create the manuscript is parallel by his natural ability to narrate the production, as well.


Special thanks to the author for taking the time to create the audible version of his book, as life is so hurried I would not likely have the opportunity to read the book otherwise.

Disclosures: None. I have no financial connections with the author, publisher, or any of their respective affiliates, nor do I have any family, friends, or acquaintances affiliated with this publication, nor did I receive a free copy of the book, or compensation for reviewing the book.

Highly impactful

The data, the story, and. The examples made this listen highly impactful and usable immediately.

Awesome Book! Narrated with such ease

Throughly enjoyed reading the book. Simple strategies that can be implemented by all. Corporations should make it a mandatory reading for all employees. It would be great if these strategies are implemented and measured to change a culture from within.

Great Book

loved it so much, that I have purchased thr book to highlight my favorite parts.