The Breakout Principle

How to Activate the Natural Trigger That Maximizes Creativity, Athletic Performance, Productivity and Personal Well-Being

By: Herbert Benson, William Proctor

Narrated by: Jeffrey DeMunn

Would it surprise you to learn that to solve a seemingly unsolvable problem, you need to get up and leave the room? A walk in the woods will help you finish your novel? Humming can make you a better tennis player? Or completely giving up is the way to succeed?
In The Breakout Principle, the bestselling author of The Relaxation Response delivers the ultimate self-help principle -- simple instructions to activate a powerful biological trigger that converts conflict and confusion into clarity and extraordinary performance, a state athletes refer to as "the zone."
More than three decades ago, Dr. Herbert Benson of the Harvard Medical School began research into why some people are devastated by stress while others thrive, turning it into brilliant achievement. Now The Breakout Principle reports the discovery of an easy-to-access inner switch that increases mental function, enhances creativity and productivity, maximizes athletic performance, and enriches spiritual life. The same internal mechanism that improves a tennis serve or golf putt strengthens your speaking skills, makes you a better negotiator, and fosters inner peace and belief.
Dr. Benson and coauthor William Proctor explain the cutting-edge science behind the phenomenon in accessible language, clearly describe the four distinct phases of the Breakout, and provide simple, step-by-step instructions on how to activate the Breakout "trigger." Compelling case histories and information on how to incorporate Breakouts into daily life are woven throughout the book.
Dr. Benson's previous discoveries have helped millions reduce the harmful effects of stress. The Breakout Principle now reveals how to maximize your untapped abilities and powers.© 2003 HerbertBenson, M.D. and Inkslingers, Inc.; (P)2003 Simon and Schuster Inc.

A forward-thinking scientist

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Not only does he give good advice on how to achieve a breakout, but he also provides examples of scientific research and other methods to educate the listener and help them envision one so that it doesn't sound like hokus-pokus. In response to the reviewers who didn't like the mixing of religion and science, it isn't often you hear a scientist come to the conclusion "there must be something else at work here beside physiology." I thought it was an interesting addition, but it wasn't a central part of the audiobook. The first two reviewers would do well by looking into string theory. There was a great 3-part program on NOVA called "The Elegant Universe". String theory is still just that: a theory. However, doers understand that everything starts out this way. Critics sit back and wait... now that I think of it, they probably have no need for a breakout. ;-)

Honest Analysis

I am not a fan of self help books, but this book is good. The analysis is nearly flawless and very balanced. If you are looking for a quick fix, this book is not for you. You may not agree with the author, but he clearly explains his justification for each major proposition. It is very convincing.

You have to get it to get it

This book is ideal for teaching out-of-the-box thinking for individuals and groups. If you're not an idea person to begin with, the concepts might be beyond your reach. The concepts are ethereal but backed by science.

I found the information enlightening, helpful and an affirmation of experiences I've had when I've suddenly been struck by an idea. I can't wait to try the concept with my key staff members.

Just perfect

Now all pieces of the puzzle simply fall together

Good attempt but...

The author did make some valid points with respect to the break out principle. However, he spends too much time on mysticism and mixing science and religion. Call me old fashion, but religion is not science and vice-versa.

There are a key few minutes that delve into making the breakout principle work for you, but it is not worth the money. It is a combination of relaxation, tuning out, and entering what runners call the zone, for peak performance.

In a phrase: "I was not impressed".