The Other 90%

In the book, The Other 90%, author Robert Cooper discusses how we can reach our full potential through developing our trust, increasing our energy, stretching our vision, and strengthening our nerve. This book identifies secrets to what makes a good leader great and what separates many of the most successful people in life from their peers. There are so many insightful ideas and motivating stories found in this book that it is difficult to narrow it down and write only a one page review on its content. Thus, truly capturing what is inside the pages is a difficult challenge indeed.

The main premise of the book is unlocking our hidden potential with an emphasis on the greatness of every human being. For the most part, the ideas and insights found in this book are simple to apply. Yet, it is the little things that often make all of the difference. From taking appropriate breaks in order to boost energy, to learning how to effectively clear your mind, to knowing how to interact more successfully with co-workers and family members, to strategies on how to accomplish your wildest dreams, this book provides tips on it all.
The four keystones of our “Other 90%” as listed in the book include:

1. Trust

To truly maximize our potential we must learn to gain and earn trust from others as well as trust more. Trust is essential to maximizing our potential because it enables us to build and sustain exceptional relationships with others.

2. Energy

In the book, the most important element of energy is learning how to increase our “calm effectiveness” or our ability to perform at our optimal level of performance for longer periods of time. Clearly learning this secret will help us better reach our potential.

3. Farsightedness

Having the ability not only to see but also to shape the future is important for any sort of sustained success. With the future arriving faster than ever before, it is that much more important we lift our gazes up beyond the horizon and prepare for what is yet to come.

4. Nerve

Being consistent and bold is an important part of developing our nerve as leaders and as people. As we learn to take risks and stay true to who we are, we will begin to exceed expectations.

If I do have any complaints about this book it is that its topics are so vast and diverse that it is hard to grasp it all in one reading. Thus, I know I will be reading this one over and over again—both so I can understand it all but also because it is a very inspirational and an enjoyable read. I strongly encourage all to read it and begin to unlock The Other 90%.