The Psychology of Winning: How CIA Trains Spies to Achieve Any Objective

The pursuit of a goal is chemically more rewarding than achieving the goal

Leverage the “hope molecule” via exercise: Myokines are released during muscle contractions, triggering brain and body responses that reduce inflammation, elevate mood, and enhance resilience to stress

Faith is when somebody does the work today without knowing that the work will provide the results that they expect tomorrow

Repeated failures lead to increased cortisol levels without a corresponding rise in dopamine; over time, this causes people to avoid challenges that trigger stress and elevate cortisol

Instead of being passive and allowing life to happen to you, be an active agent and make your life happen

Agency comes from making practical and powerful steps regularly that put control back into your hands

Embracing truth: If you are courageous enough to face and lean into the truth, you will gain a strategic advantage over those people who cower from it

The Psychology of Winning: How CIA Trains Spies to Achieve Any Objective

Key Takeaways