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Superbetter

Overview

Author: Jane McGonigal

Three-Sentence Summary

In "Superbetter," Jane McGonigal presents a revolutionary approach to personal growth and resilience based on principles derived from video games. She proposes that by adopting the mindset of a gamer, individuals can enhance their abilities to overcome challenges, achieve goals, and lead healthier lives. The book presents practical strategies and exercises that readers can implement in their own lives to cultivate the same kind of resilience and positivity seen in gamers.

Extended Summary

"Superbetter" is a groundbreaking self-help book that applies the principles of gaming to real-life situations, helping individuals build personal resilience and achieve their goals. The author, Jane McGonigal, is a world-renowned game designer who turned to gaming as a way of dealing with her own serious health issues.

The central premise of "Superbetter" is that anyone can adopt the mindset of a gamer in their everyday life. Gamers are constantly facing challenges and obstacles but they continue to push forward because they're motivated by the desire to win or progress. This same kind of determination can be applied outside the world of gaming to help people overcome personal struggles or achieve long-term objectives.

The book presents various strategies and exercises that readers can use to cultivate this kind of resilience. These include setting specific personal challenges, identifying 'bad guys' (obstacles or negative influences), finding 'power-ups' (positive influences or things that boost mood), and recruiting allies (supportive people).

The author also emphasizes the importance of having a 'secret identity' – an idealized version of oneself – which can motivate individuals to strive for better outcomes.

One notable aspect about "Superbetter" is its scientific basis: it's backed by research from fields such as psychology, neuroscience, medicine, etc., which validates its claims about the benefits of adopting a gamer mindset.

Through a combination of personal anecdotes, psychological insights, and practical advice, "Superbetter" offers a unique approach to personal growth and resilience that's both engaging and empowering.

Key Points

Adopting the mindset of a gamer can help individuals overcome challenges, achieve goals, and lead healthier lives.
Strategies for becoming 'superbetter' include setting personal challenges, identifying obstacles and positive influences, and recruiting supportive allies.
Having a 'secret identity' – an idealized version of oneself – can motivate individuals to strive for better outcomes.
The principles advocated in "Superbetter" are backed by research from fields such as psychology, neuroscience, medicine.

Who Should Read

"Superbetter" is ideal for anyone who's interested in personal development or looking for innovative ways to build resilience. It's also suitable for people who enjoy gaming or are intrigued by the potential of games to foster positive change. Mental health professionals might find it useful too as it offers a fresh perspective on dealing with adversity and promoting well-being.

About the Author

Jane McGonigal is an American game designer and author known for her work in the field of pervasive gaming. She has developed games for organizations like the World Bank, the Olympic Games, the American Heart Association, and more. McGonigal has also written extensively about the power of games to bring about positive change in individuals and society.