How Intelligent People Can Create a Powerful Purpose for Their Lives

Isaiah Hankel is a very charismatic individual, in person as well as on paper. His words are his beliefs. Reading this book will not only inspire and motivate you, but it will make you stop and think about what it is that you are doing with your life and career and what it is that you can do from this point on to become your best. Reading this book will offer direction through focus. Isaiah is clear in his thought process and has a wonderful command of the written language. Black Hole Focus will show you the light in a very intelligent way. His work is backed up by research and he offers evidence for all that he mentions. We all lose focus from time to time. It is nice to have someone bring it back with purpose. I highly recommend reading anything Isaiah Hankel writes. Even if you don't agree with everything he says all the time, his writing will provoke self analysis and a jolt of reality.

I literally read this book today, starting around noon. I could not put it down (Kindle Edition). Perhaps it was just the perfect time for me to pick this up. Whether you think you have it all together (unlikely), or are looking for direction and a blueprint to redefine yourself, Isaiah's book is the answer.

Isaiah lays out the exact steps, his own thoughts, plenty of examples, and all the thought provoking examples you need. If you are stuck, this book can get you unstuck. I have been suffering from a lack of motivation and purpose; today's crash course just set me straight.

I literally have four pages of notes and ideas written down while reading this book. This is just the beginning of my soul searching and seeing things more clearly. I couldn't be happier to have discovered this wonderful book. A MUST READ for ANYONE looking to find their way, or redefine their way.

A very inspirational book. Hard to put it down, so read it in just a few days. Very inspiring and I have already decided to re-read it and do all the exercises. It was a relief to discover that it was not another 'get rich quick scheme'. A few things that really stuck with me: (spoiler alert) 1) The rat experiment from the 1957. I found and read the original research paper by Richter and talk about it to anyone who cares to listen. 2) Your App-frenzy paragraph prompted me to get all my work and personal notes into Evernote, synched across all my platforms platforms, which I have already done, 3) The overall notion of beginning at the end is very inspiring and lets you think bigger.

I've read quite a few books regarding personal strategy and development, etc, some good, some not so good. However, Black Hole Focus is just different and so much better! It has a brilliantly logical process to it and importantly, Black Hole Focus encourages you to really take stock of yourself and understand yourself better before determining in which direction you should travel. This should not be underestimated as all too often, people can get caught up in thinking it's the externalities that create the frutrations they feel in relation to autonomy and sense of purpose of their lives...it's somebody elses fault that things aren't panning out, it's the wrong organisational structure, if only I'd done this, blah, blah.

However, the approach that Isaiah Hankel takes you through in Black Hole Focus is superb and will really get you to think deeply about YOU and your purpose, what you really want to do and be. Of course, at the end of the day, it will still be down to you to take action and implement your personal plan but one thing is for sure, this book will motivate you to want to set those goals and take that action! Who knows, perhaps the concept to "Build Rome Around Your Safety Net" will resonate as much with you as it did with me?

As an avid reader of self development literature for the last 20yrs, normally I'll buy a new book and take 1 or 2 new ideas from it to put into action. Finding new ways to say the same thing is the 'norm' with many new releases today but not so with Black Hole Focus. A blueprint for life, not anyones life or the life you should lead but the one which will be the most rewarding for you is the basis of its success and the reason you won't be able to ignore the messages it delivers. Like a conversation with a friend who wants the best for you, Black Hole Focus delivers on every level. Like all self development material it relies on the application of the reader which is the part where most people struggle. Isaiah writes in such a way that you want to commit to action and he's living proof that application of the methods shown in the book work. Without doubt the best self development book I've read in the last 20yrs.

Isaiah is the real deal when it comes to combining science and entrepreneurship. As an entrepreneur myself, I found Isaiah's advice extremely motivating and very actionable. In fact, he's personally helped one of my companies increase our profits 4 fold. I hardly ever write testimonials, but these results were amazing. In todays day and age, you can't trust a lot of people. Everyone is claiming to be some kind of expert, but most are just quacks. Isaiah's different. He's a legit scientist. The truth is I ONLY trust maybe 1-2 people with my companies future. Isaiah is one them. If you're looking to create a strong vision for your business, whether it's big or small, I highly recommend you read Black Hole Focus. Thank you so much Isaiah

A highly motivational read that really gets you to examine your current approach and to identify simple strategies that make a huge difference. I didn't think there was 'much new thinking' in the world of self development - but, not only has Isaiah found some, he has also found a way to encourage you to do what you know!!!

~ what a concept!

Inspiringly Transformational! Isaiah has created a legacy that would definitely engrave into his readers. In the world of "so-much", it's easy to get distracted and looking back with regrets. Thus, Isaiah have done a fabulous job helping people to get focus and march towards our life goals.
Very careful words and planning when you observe even how he get the contents printed.

As "Black Hole Focus" reader, I'm interested to know what's next,

As "Black Hole Focus" reader, it is easy to understand and the story he shares as if allows you to learn and absorb and thrilled,

As "Black Hole Focus" reader, I strongly recommend teenagers to professional to read this masterpiece.

We live in a distracted world and getting focus is an ongoing challenge. i have read a few other books on the same subject, but I found this book simple to read and the ideas were easy to follow. As the subject matter is about 'Focus', the author himself had to stay focused on covering the ideas with tight focus without beating around the bush. The chapters are short just communicating one brief idea per chapter. I personally like it this way as it makes the reading experience feel quick.(although some people who like long passages and packed text may find that the pages are sparse and padded with blanks). I found the author genuine, sincere and authentic. Most ideas are explained by relating it to his life context and how he has put them to use in his circumstances. The ultimate message may not be earth shattering, but the step by step approach was helpful to get past the intellectual understanding and get clarity on the actions to take.

Isaiah Hankel and his book Black Hole Focus are so necessary for anyone that is serious about taking their life to another level!! I know myself and others have read books and followed authors in the past with excitement about new possibilities that are possible only to get disappointed and frustrated with not getting the results we were intending. If you read this book and take heed to what Isaiah is saying you will get the results you are looking for!! The reason that this book is so powerful is that Isaiah actually digs in AUTHENTICALLY to the obstacles and challenges that will get in your way to help you overcome them and be UNSTOPPABLE!! Can't say enough about Isaiah and his book Black Hole Focus; he is necessary and Black Hole Focus is necessary to get the RESULTS that you want! Get this book NOW!

The Cheeky Scientist ( Isaiah Hankel PhD ) has a more than worthy winner with his roadmap to help you achieve a fulfilling purpose in your life. We all have moments when we question why we do what we do and how we made it to this point. Black Hole Focus provides a very practical , insightful and enjoyable process to help you think about your own life’s motivations and why it is not too late to follow your dreams! The book flows with an inspiring dialogue linking many parts of your life , thoughts and frustrations to help you control the next steps in your ‘ soon to be ‘ successful future BUT only if you want it ! A wonderful example of text, which emphasises the need for DOING and LIVING the experiences necessary for change, rather than imagining and hoping you bump into the Genie with the Magic Lamp! It isn’t going to happen – get this book instead and enjoy the next stages of your life…..

Isaiah's book is incredibly motivational. First time I put my hands in it I couldn't stop reading. And then I thought "ok, let's put in practice, otherwise I won't get my answers", and at the moment I did that, everything became so clear!

I highly recommend Black Hole Focus to everyone! Sometimes is so difficult to stop and think, really think about ourselves, what we want, where we are, but usually we don't have time to do so. Isaiah's book motivates you to look for these answers, and he gives you why these questions matter for your life and how to get them. So I can say, and I'm not exaggerating here, that this book is changing my life completely.

During the summer I found I was drifting through work and by extension, life, with no goals or ambitions. I felt I was very unfulfilled. A trusted friend recommended this book and I read it over about two weeks, taking time to work on the exercises and digest the ideas. It's given me a great drive, passion and direction that I was previously lacking. Not only have I discovered where I want to be, and how to get there, but importantly, where I do not want to be.

Black Hole Focus is a must-read for individuals who recognize their potential for greatness, but are in need of both practical and inspiring strategies to get themselves on the track to meaningful success. You know that nagging voice inside your own head? Well, Isaiah Hankel has something to say to it. . .

I found the notion that we are no longer living in the information age, but rather the idea age, very engaging. Indeed, our world is saturated with ideas--but Hankel is quick to note that without action, ideas rot. While we may choose to live with the graveyard of should'ves and could'ves that leave our lives without meaning, Hankel supplies readers with excellent information on spotting quality ideas and working with them effectively.

Black Hole Focus outlines ways to get out of your own way and then some. Highly recommended for people looking to not just get ahead in life, but create a life of abundance and purpose.

Isaiah’s message has been something that I have followed for quite some time. As an inner city middle school teacher, I have found that providing my students with motivation and helping them find the drive to live a purposeful life is an authentic focus. I frequently use Black Hole Focus in my classroom to engage my students with daily reality checks. Isaiah’s effortless approach has helped my students realize the power of taking action in their life, and has been one of my biggest success stories.

I find myself constantly referring back to this book when I feel run down or that I have lost my motivation. As long as you have a pulse, Black Hole Focus will ignite the fire that you know is inside of you.

The book is filled with scientific research and massive amounts of information. Do the teachers in your life a favor, and pick up a copy for them!

This book made me feel very uncomfortable. Which I didn't like at first. But then it showed me how I could use that discomfort to my advantage, instead of just hiding from it. The book is broken down into three parts:

Why you need a purpose: because you'll live longer and your brain will literally work better
How to find your purpose: the actionable takeaways in this part are mind-blowing; I wish I would have read this years ago!!!!!!
How to fulfill your purpose in the face of obstacles: this section was especially valuable to me; I'm a firefighter and overcoming adversity is a huge part of my daily job

If you aren't afraid to take a hard look at your life and make a decision to change it for the better, then buy this book. I did and the results on my mindset have been phenomenal.

Isaiah has written an excellent guide to help all of us be more driven to be who we want to be. What made this book stand out for me was the authors attention to referencing published research on the topics he is discussing. This not only lends weight to his case, but also provided me with the opportunity to go deeper.

Reading this book makes it clear that more is not only possible, but achievable. All you have to do is decide what you want to do, make your plan, and start walking. This to me is entrepreneurship. Deciding your path, gathering your supplies, and making things happen for you.

Incredible. Life-changing read. Black Hole Focus promotes self and purpose discovery, and helps guide readers to their "happy place." It might uncover some truths that some might prefer to ignore, but I think it's worth it! Go for it and don't look back. Thank you, Isaiah, for authoring this tremendous book.

I have read some books about personal and business grow, awareness, etc, the reason why I rated this book 5 is because just in the first pages it showed me so clearly what I have been doing or not doing as clear as water. I was surprised it was translating me for me to understand me better.
I was able to understand I have done many times what he suggests in an intuitive way and I succeed on what I wanted but I could not see there was a pattern, a "method", the fact that I did not recognize it implied I was not using it well or using it at all.
It is fantastic to be able to "understand" and achieve thanks to that understanding.
Very grateful.

Black Hole Focus has completely changed the way I do everything. Hankel begins by laying out a compelling argument for why you must first determine your ultimate purpose in life, and then work backwards to achieve it. He continues by offering a clear and practical strategy for removing distractions and accelerating your progress.

It is not a self help book, but a formula for success rooted in the the scientific understanding of human biology and behavior. If you are someone dissatisfied with your professional or personal life in any way, this book is a must read. It is definitely one I will return to over and over again in the future.

I stumbled across the blog of Dr. Isaiah Hankel by coincidence and because I liked it a lot I decided to order his book which was definitely a great idea!
This book is extremely well-written and provides a bunch of brilliant strategies that will help you learn what you really want in life and exactly how to get it! It's inspiring and practical and I'm now working through it to get an action plan to achieve my goals.

I never considered myself as someone who would read one of these books. I have a pretty good idea of where I'm at in life and where I want to go. But when a buddy brought this book into work, I borrowed it at lunch (I figured it was better than reading the 3 month old People magazine in the lunch room) and I was almost late coming back because I got sucked in. I figured I should probably just buy my own copy, and I'm glad I did. Even if you feel like you've already found your purpose and are moving toward it, this book is a great read. It will help fan the flames of motivation and also provide you with wisdom and knowledge to add to your toolbox. It never hurts to look at things from a new perspective and this book is equal parts affirmation and insight.

I was an intensive wrestling camper who received this book as a gift. I must say the amount of knowledge an individual can retain from this book is priceless. Not only can you receive great advice on writing goals, but you also get several real life stories about the author who was in the same place as the reader. Black Hole Focus is by far the most motivational book I have ever read. I constantly write goals that I strive for everyday and I now know how to find my purpose in life.

As a Mom I'm always looking for inspirational content that is also actionable. I'm an entrepreneur at heart and am always looking for ways to think outside the box, like by setting up passive income streams and building strong relationships. Black Hole Focus gave me practical ideas for doing both and I've already started using many of the methods presented in the book to improve my life. I usually don't write reviews but I had to for this book. If you're looking to get on the cutting-edge in both your professional and personal life, Black Hole Focus is definitely for you.

Black Hole Focus will show you how to avoid getting stuck in short-term thinking and instead focus on long-term planning, designed around your chosen purpose - whatever that is. The book has significant academic under-pinning and will appeal to anyone, regardless of their title, role or industry. And because of its substance, you can feel confident that you are in good hands with the author. Put simply, if you want to make a change - any change - then read this book... and then do what it says.

A very insightful and easy to read book. Very practical in the fast paced environment we all seem to operate in. I would highly recommend reading this book thoroughly and then go back to revisit the exercises. As advised at the back of the book, I contacted Isaiah and was not only given the additional material but also a few searching questions. :)

Be careful if you read this book. Through interesting stories, compelling case studies and his own inspiring journey, Hankel demolishes your excuses and lays out a plan to identify and fulfill your life’s purpose.

I have finished reading this book twice and will continue to refer to the book for inspiration. Dr. Hankel encourages readers to identify their core priorities, and once distinguished, building on those and narrowing down a focus that uniquely suits the individual. I have read countless self-help books, yet I firmly believe that this book is in a league of it's own. Life changing!

A Great Book for Self Improvement and Achieving what you want out of life. Isaiah Has A way Of putting things into perspective so that anyone can comprehend. He is brutally honest on how to handle opposition and stay on track. Getting the life you want is not easy but well worth it as the author explains. A Honest Ride And Great Read. I Highly Recommend This Book.

Be careful if you read this book. Through interesting stories, compelling case studies and his own inspiring journey, Hankel demolishes your excuses and lays out a plan to identify and fulfill your life’s purpose.

I have finished reading this book twice and will continue to refer to the book for inspiration. Dr. Hankel encourages readers to identify their core priorities, and once distinguished, building on those and narrowing down a focus that uniquely suits the individual. I have read countless self-help books, yet I firmly believe that this book is in a league of it's own. Life changing!

A Great Book for Self Improvement and Achieving what you want out of life. Isaiah Has A way Of putting things into perspective so that anyone can comprehend. He is brutally honest on how to handle opposition and stay on track. Getting the life you want is not easy but well worth it as the author explains. A Honest Ride And Great Read. I Highly Recommend This Book.

Black Hole Focus will improve your quality of life exponentially. Isaiah does a great job of helping readers define their purpose and achieve their goals. His diverse background, including university athletics, helps shape his positive mindset that is contagious to the reader. I recommend this book to anybody who is looking to achieve more - especially athletes.

This book expertly lays out why your inner thoughts and desires shouldn't be ignored and how to access the tools to actualize those sensations. If you have ever thought "is this it?" or "so...now what?", read this book and get ready to lanch into something big and restart your fire for life.

This Book ist just amazing! Quite different to other books of this category.
The structure is awesome - Always reflect yourself after each chapter and do the exercises!
After you read the book your attitude towards life and yourself will be much better.

For anyone lacking direction or having trouble breaking through personal barriers. This book from start to finish is full of action steps, empowering questions and perspective changing thoughts. Many people find a purpose but fail to translate that into success and fulfilment. This book will lift you out of purpose creation towards purpose fulfilment.

A step by step process to guide everybody learn what you exactly want in life and how to get it. Read this book if you want to congruence your HEAD, HEART, HAND and change your life. I would like to recommend everybody to read this book for get very good techniques from it.

Excellent book for anyone wondering about how to follow what they love and make a career out of it. The book is easy to read and infused with great stories along the way, a great read for anyone who wants to work on their purpose and passion.

This book is an inspiration and a call to action. It encourages you to really explore what it is that will make you happy and successful by helping you to focus in on what things you'd truly like to spend every day of your life doing (or if that thing is something different every day, you will discover that as well). Beyond that, it gives you exercises and the motivation to actually set these changes in your life into motion, not just to leave your end game on paper in a carefully cultivated list. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is ready to set out on the path towards making their big dreams an everyday reality.

Incredibly motivating and beyond though invoking. Isaiah will give you the confidence and tools to take action. One of the best motivational books I've read -- and I've read A LOT! Read it now, and then DO what he says :)

This book is a must-read. I quote Isaiah frequently in all my presentations on practise management and ensure all my consulting clients also read this book. Everyone about to decide on their career path or at a cross-roads in their current role, should reflect upon Isaiah's own path and how he found himself where he is today. Reading is one thing, acting on what you have read is another and Isaiah encourages action once your plan is determined. Too many people feel there are helpless and 'stuck' in their current career. Isaiah shows you that does not have to be the case.
B. Freeman

Have you ever felt like you're just drifting along, with no real direction? Then this book is for you

I picked this up in a local bookshop here in Perth on a whim, and didn't put it down until I had read cover to cover. The advice in this book is reinvigorating, and helps push you back on to the right path towards your goals.

I highly recommend this book for those who don't have it together, as well as those who really think they do. I guarantee you'll get a great deal from this either way!

I have just finished reading Black Hole Focus, which I enjoyed for its clear link between theory and practical application. The case studies really help to highlight areas of your career that could be improved and tangible ways to do so.

This is an incredibly inspiring book which points out the one undeniable fact - some might say "the inconvenient truth" - YOU have responsibility for your future and your career. But rather than shirking that responsibility, Isaiah will help you with some simple exercises to focus on your strategic goals. If you have just even an ounce of ambition, read this book.

Loved this book!

I have found this book extremely helpful to help re-focus and figure out next steps personally and for my career. I found it to be very inspirational and motivating to keep working to my goals,.... interestingly its opened my eyes to new opportunities rather than being miserable and feeling like I'm stuck in a rut :)

Definitely recommend this for anyone trying to figure out what they want out of life

Do not read this book if you accept mediocrity.

Comparing Isaiah to traditional motivational speakers is unfair to either party. I consider his work some of the rare motivational material that can impact the naturally ambitious. His work never forgets that motivation comes not just as a burst of caffeinated drive but from sustained mental and physical balance.

I not only have read this book but I have also given copies to my direct reports. This book is a winner.

Distills a lot of great wisdom about focusing on arguably the most important thing: achieving what you want. It's a very sleek, nononsense book that really delivers some great tips and exercises. Top-notch self-development stuff.

Black Hole Focus really resonated with me. I read lots of books, especially of this ilk, but this has to come top of the pile for me. The way Isaiah has wrote the book has made it so easy to understand and to put his practices into process. Fantastic read from a talented man.

The best investment I have made this year. Black Hole Focus has given me the confidence and motivation to move my life forward. Already exciting opportunities have opened up, and I have only just finished reading it.
Rid yourself of negativity and buy this book.

Dr. Isaiah Hankel shows you how to discover your purpose in life. Every statement is backed up with scientific references, case reports and personal experiences. This book is certainly worth the investment in your personal development.

Most changes in life are marked by events... Black Hole Focus is one of those events. You may not agree with some of what is in it, but it will cause you to think. The changes you want will start with those thoughts...

Great book! The information is packaged in an easy to follow manner. The material reads quickly, and most importantly provides practical steps toward finding purpose, then how to fulfill that purpose. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for personal development and growth.

This might be one of the worst "Self help/Growth" books I have ever read...and I've read a lot! In my opinion, this book is elementary, void of substance and completely unhelpful. I did not take away even one nugget of useful information, which is all I expect from books like this at this point in my life.