About the Book

Your Hidden Superpowers: How the Whole Truth of Failure Can Change Our Lives reveals that the way we think about failure affects our lives powerfully, often in ways we don’t see. The way that most of us view failure—the prevailing view—is that failure is bad. This book challenges that conventional view and illuminates how it is false. The prevailing view of failure is only a slice of the truth, yet this partial truth has a full-blown consequence. It shapes the way we lead our lives, holding us back and leading us to stay well within the bounds of what is possible. As a result, the way we view failure blocks us from tapping our full potential.

This book aims to expose the whole truth of failure by taking a fresh, frank look at the topic. It unveils the hidden dimensions of failure’s stunningly powerful bright side, takes an unflinching look at failure’s dark side, and spotlights cutting-edge, conventional-wisdom-defying research that redefines what it means to respond well to failure.

Your Hidden Superpowers draws on science + stories, including my research and that of other experts as well as personal interviews I conducted with inspiring, well-known individuals from a wide range of fields: poetry and literature, politics, sports, education, business, and, more generally, leadership. By drawing on a sweeping range of sources, including science, literature, philosophy, speeches, biographies, and popular culture, this book aims to rewrite the story we tell ourselves about failure. It also puts forth a vision of how shifting our view of failure would shift how we lead our lives and ultimately yield profound benefits for us as individuals and as a society by exposing hidden resources within us—innovations, breakthroughs, joy, meaning, and magic yet to be discovered.

This book aims to spark a cultural shift in how we view failure.

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Online Reviews (via Amazon)

“I could not put this book down! Thank you, Dr. North, for shining light on a taboo topic in a way that is empowering, uplifting, and interesting. With rigorous research (both her own and from other scientists) and compelling stories, Your Hidden Superpowers will reset the way you think about failure. I loved the interviews with Maya Angelou and Cory Booker especially – they told their own truths so honestly and openly about the power of failure, setbacks, and painful experiences.... Even in these difficult moments, they found ways to learn and grow – and Dr. North combines their anecdotes with data to inspire readers along the way. I’ve been telling friends and colleagues to run to this book since I put it down. A fascinating, powerful read.”

“I think at least two of the interviews in this book can change a life, and I mean that sincerely. One could build a business or a life on what Mike Krzyzewski reveals as the basis of his success in coaching (Coach K – head coach of Duke’s men’s basketball and the winningest coach in NCAA Division I men’s basketball history).... I could have used his insight earlier! And I thought I knew how much there is to admire about Maya Angelou’s life, but the story she personally related to this book’s author will stay with me.”

“This was an inspirational and thought-shifting read! North weaves together formal psychology research, interviews, poetry, literature, film, and even some insights from Grey’s Anatomy in order to illustrate important truths about the potential for big painful failures to launch us toward our most authentic lives. The author interviewed several well-known “successful” people — including Maya Angelou, Coach K, and Cory Booker — about their own experiences with real, painful, even humiliating failures, and she offers a path we might all take to, not just bounce back from, but to actually grow and flourish from failure....

This is my favorite type of non-fiction: real research + personal stories in a distinct (and charming) voice. I read it in a single day, and I expect I’ll be thinking about it and talking about it for much longer. It’s the sort of book I feel an urge to send immediately to several friends and colleagues.”

“This book is an incredible reminder to be gracious to yourself. The combination of research and wide-ranging personal stories tells us everyone experiences the psychological impact of failure, no matter how successful you are. Those who embrace failure – embrace the pain, rather than pass or re-position it – have the opportunity to get in touch with their more authentic self, leading to a more fulfilled life. I’m excited to practice this philosophy and be open, kind, and in tune with my true self, and to accept and support the failures of my family and friends as well. Well-written, insightful, and full of funny pop-culture references – I strongly recommend this book!”