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Hidden Genius
The Secret Ways of Thinking that Power the World's Most Successful People by Polina Marinova Pompliano
In partnership with
Your hidden genius isn’t a talent you’re born with. It’s a mindset you build—one decision, one challenge, one bold question at a time.
What if the secret to greatness isn’t a secret—but mindsets anyone can learn?
In Hidden Genius, Polina Marinova Pompliano reveals how the world’s most successful people think. After years of studying icons in business, sports, science, and the arts, Polina reveals that true high performers don’t rely on hacks or shortcuts. Instead, they cultivate mental frameworks that transform how they approach problems, relationships, and creativity.
SMARTEST TAKEAWAYS
How the Best Think Differently
1️⃣ Creativity Is a Skill, Not a Gift: Geniuses like chef Grant Achatz and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin don’t wait for inspiration—they manufacture it. By connecting unrelated ideas and building systems for idea generation, they turn creativity into a daily habit. Look for inspiration everywhere, and practice making connections between the unexpected.
2️⃣ Mental Toughness Is Built, Not Born: Ultra-endurance athletes and top performers embrace discomfort on purpose. They reframe pain as a guide, not an enemy, and regularly seek out challenges that stretch their limits. Growth happens outside your comfort zone—manufacture hardship to build resilience.
3️⃣ Own Your Story: Don’t let others narrate your life. The most successful people seize control of their personal narrative, using storytelling to motivate themselves and inspire others. Your story is your superpower—shape it intentionally.
4️⃣ Relationships Are Rocket Fuel: Strong, trusting relationships are the foundation of creative breakthroughs and resilience. Geniuses invest in their communities, knowing that support and collaboration unlock new levels of achievement.
5️⃣ Small Wins Compound: Success isn’t about one giant leap—it’s about consistent, small actions that add up over time. Patience, persistence, and attention to the “little things” create unstoppable momentum.
INSIGHTFUL EXAMPLE
From Ordinary to Extraordinary
Consider the story of David Goggins, featured in the book. Once an overweight pest control worker, Goggins transformed himself into a Navy SEAL and ultra-endurance athlete—not by chasing motivation, but by seeking out discomfort and reframing pain as a tool for growth. His journey is proof that anyone can build mental toughness and unlock their hidden genius, one hard challenge at a time.
BOOK FACTS
Hidden Genius
First Published: June 20, 2023
Print length: 252 pages
Listening length: 4:51
Ratings: 4.4 Amazon, 3.9 Goodreads
1440 MEDIA
Culture Clarity Without the Clickbait
Lifelong learners deserve more than clickbait lists. 1440’s Society & Culture brief takes you beneath the buzzwords to reveal the forces shaping our shared experience—technological shifts, artistic movements, demographic trends. In about five minutes, gain a clear, evidence-based perspective that sparks conversation and fuels deeper exploration. No lofty jargon, no spin—just intellectually honest storytelling that turns curiosity into genuine understanding.
WORTH WATCHING
Polina Discusses How the Most Successful People in the World Reason Their Way Through Problems
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