University of Minnesota - UMN Executive Leadership Insights
LIT: Life Ignition Tools
Book

LIT: Life Ignition Tools

Use Nature's Playbook to Energize Your Brain, Spark Ideas, and Ignite Action

Jeff Karp and Teresa Barker
William Morrow, 2024
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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Scientific
  • Applicable
  • Engaging

Recommendation

In an age of endless distractions, people’s brains naturally gravitate toward the comfort of habit, shifting into an energy-saving mode that can limit creativity and growth. Embracing uncertainty and asking, “Why not?” allows you to break free from autopilot and unlock your potential for a more thoughtful, innovative, and engaged life. Biomedical engineer and entrepreneur Jeff Karp mixes personal stories and scientific studies to explain how to tap into high-energy — “lit” — brain states. Imagine transforming a boring drive into a mindful experience by simply turning off the radio. That’s the power of  “Life Ignition Tools” (LIT) to help you design a life of heightened awareness and deeper engagement.

Summary

Tap into heightened states of awareness through intentional actions.

A “lit” brain state is a heightened state of awareness that fuels active curiosity, creative inspiration, and engagement with the world.To tap into lit states, overcome your brain’s tendency to rely on habitual patterns and routine responses. Although this tendency helps reduce the amount of energy you spend processing information,relying on it too often deters you from realizing purposeful, engaged action.

To overcome autopilot mode and achieve a lit state of awareness, lower the deliberate effort required to start and sustain an action. For example, place your running shoes by the door if you want to form a running habit. When you lower these barriers, it boosts motivation and helps the brain rewire itself. Build momentum by acting intentionally, which makes new habits easier to sustain.

“Life Ignition Tools” (LIT) — asking questions, searching for ideas, moving more — help you out of autopilot and into a heightened state of awareness during which you feel alert, present, and engaged. Momentum takes over the more ...

About the Authors

Mentor and entrepreneur Jeff Karp is the Distinguished Chair at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Professor at Harvard Medical School and MIT in Boston. Teresa Barker is a veteran journalist, book content consultant, and co-author.

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