Many people aspire to the heights of success, often envying those who seem to have it all. However, a recent book, Rewriting Life, reveals the hidden struggles and potential for renewal that even the most successful individuals face. This article explores the key concepts of the book, authored by Harvard professor and former dean of the American Institute of Business Studies, Brooks.
The Illusion of Perpetual Success
Brooks, himself considered a success story, experienced a personal crisis early in his career. As a young, dedicated performer, he achieved professional debut at age 19, performing hundreds of concerts annually. However, his skills inexplicably declined, forcing him to leave the field after nine years of struggle. This led him to reshape his career and become a successful scholar.
Darwin's Dilemma
Brooks' experience sparked a curiosity about the challenges faced by high-achievers. He found that many successful figures experience similar periods of decline. A prime example is Charles Darwin, the father of evolution. While Darwin achieved groundbreaking success early in life, publishing The Origin of Species at 29, he made no significant new breakthroughs later in life. Despite outward appearances of satisfaction, he confessed to feeling "extremely tired."
The Age Factor and Career Peaks
Data suggests that peak performance often occurs around age 40 for inventors and Nobel Prize winners. After this point, innovation significantly declines, with major breakthroughs becoming improbable after 70. Similar patterns are observed in finance, medicine, and writing, with peak performance typically occurring between the ages of 40 and 55. In entrepreneurship, less than 5% of new company founders are over 60. Age, therefore, can be a limiting factor in many fields.
Fluid vs. Crystallized Intelligence
To understand these career trajectories, Brooks introduces the concept of two types of intelligence:
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Fluid Intelligence: This type is closely related to IQ and involves logical reasoning, flexible thinking, reading, and mathematical ability. Fluid intelligence typically peaks in adulthood and begins to decline after 30 or 40. Many successful individuals rely on fluid intelligence early in their careers.
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Crystallized Intelligence: This represents the ability to use acquired knowledge and experience. Unlike fluid intelligence, crystallized intelligence generally increases after age 40 and can potentially continue to grow throughout life. Fields like historical research and education heavily rely on crystallized intelligence.
Brooks posits that the difference in peak times between fluid and crystallized intelligence presents a threshold for successful people. He advocates shifting towards the development curve of crystallized intelligence as fluid intelligence declines.
Letting Go of Obsession with Success
Transitioning to a new path requires a shift in mindset. Brooks suggests embracing a concept similar to minimalism (Dan Sha Li), but focusing on detaching from an excessive obsession with success. He points out that many workaholics, especially high achievers, sacrifice other aspects of life in pursuit of career goals. They may define their worth solely by professional accomplishments, leading to a relentless pursuit of higher achievements to avoid feeling like failures. While this can be beneficial early in life, it becomes detrimental as fluid intelligence declines.
Strategies for a Successful Transition
Brooks recommends three strategies for successfully transitioning to a new development curve:
- Change Your Perspective on Work: Many treat work as a means to an end (money, fame, power), leading to a constant pursuit of new goals and dissatisfaction. Instead, find intrinsic rewards within the work itself.
- Seek Joy and Meaning: Focus on fields that bring happiness, setting aside external factors like salary. Assess where your interests lie and pursue them.
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Adopt the Right Development Model: Research suggests four career trajectory types.
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Linear: Stays at the same work
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Jumping: Continuously jumps and seeks new experiences.
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Spiral (Ideal): Develops deep expertise in one field for many years, then pivots to other fields, leveraging acquired skills and abilities (thinking, tolerance, learning).
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Embracing Change and Finding New Directions
Rewriting Life highlights two core ideas:
- Most careers have a peak and a subsequent decline.
- Crystallized intelligence can provide a second development curve.
To embark on a new life phase, individuals must find new avenues for growth. Change is inevitable, and the key is to escape the "fighter's curse" by redefining success and exploring new paths. This book offers valuable insights for anyone experiencing anxiety about their current life stage and seeking a new direction.
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