Decoding Greatness

National Bestseller: A game-changing guide that’s “clear, concise, and backed by science . . . will transform the way you approach your next project” (Daniel H. Pink, New York Times–bestselling author of Drive).

We’ve long been taught there are two ways to succeed—either talent or practice. In Decoding Greatness, award-winning social psychologist Ron Friedman illuminates a powerful third path—one that has launched icons in a wide range of fields, from artists, writers, and chefs to athletes, inventors, and entrepreneurs: reverse engineering.

To reverse engineer is to look beyond what is evident on the surface and find a hidden structure. It’s the ability to taste an intoxicating dish and deduce its recipe, to listen to a beautiful song and discern its chord progression, to watch your favorite film and grasp its narrative arc.

Decoding Greatness combines illustrative stories of top performers—from Agatha Christie to Andy Warhol, Barack Obama to Serena Williams—with groundbreaking research on pattern recognition and skill acquisition. You’ll learn how to take apart achievements you admire, pinpoint precisely what makes them work, and apply that knowledge to develop novel ideas and products that are uniquely your own. Full of actionable strategies, Decoding Greatness is an indispensable guide to learning from the best, upgrading your skills, and sparking breakthrough ideas.

“Drawing on examples from Jeff Bezos to Judd Apatow, Malcolm Gladwell, and Vincent Van Gogh. . . . the author examines how these creative minds think . . . [An] engaging prescription for getting ahead in business and life.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Shows how we can all learn more from great achievers and innovators.” —Adam Grant, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of Think Again

“[Friedman] effectively balances theory with his rich collection of real-life examples, thus avoiding clichés and vague aspirations.” —Library Journal (starred review)

“A fascinating and intriguing journey into an aspect of creativity that is often completely overlooked . . . By the end of this book, you’re going to have a critical new skill.” —Bowling Green Daily News