Psycho-Cybernetics is a self-help book written by Maxwell Maltz in 1960 that explores the connection between the mind and the body and how to use this connection to improve one's life [0]. The book is based on the theory that the mind functions according to cybernetic principles, and one can program their mind to achieve success and happiness in the same way that they would program a machine to achieve the desired results [0][1]. The following are some key points that a reader should know from the book:
- Psycho-Cybernetics is based on the idea that the human brain works to achieve goals according to cybernetic principles. One can program their mind to achieve success and happiness in the same way that they would program a machine to achieve certain goals [0][1].
- The book suggests various methods to help readers raise awareness of their current self-image, build self-confidence, and increase their ability to achieve success [0].
- The book separates Maltz’s ideas and techniques into two distinct parts: Part 1 discusses the theory behind Psycho-Cybernetics, and Part 2 presents the actionable material that Maltz weaves throughout his book [0].
- The human body contains a success mechanism that’s driven by imagination. People have often theorized about the body as a machine, and while humans aren’t machines per se, we each have a machine that we can use when necessary. The author calls this phenomenon psycho-cybernetics, a conception of the human brain and nervous system as a servo-mechanism or automatic response that processes negative feedback to guide its course. This theory operates according to the principles of cybernetics, the study of machines and mechanics [1].
- Maltz argues that your conscious goals often differ from your internal programming. For example, your conscious goal may be to make friends (results in success), but your internal programming might lead you to push people away (results in failure). This conflict between your conscious goal and your internal programming leads you to unhappiness and a feeling of failure because you can’t move past your internal programming [0].
- The book defines the mind-body connection as the core in succeeding in attaining personal goals. Maltz specified techniques to develop a positive inner goal as a means of developing a positive outer goal. This concentration on inner attitudes is essential to his approach, as he believes that a person's outer success can never rise above the one visualized internally [3].
- Psycho-Cybernetics combines the cognitive behavioral technique of teaching an individual how to regulate self-concept, using theories developed by Prescott Lecky, with the cybernetics of Norbert Wiener and John von Neumann [3].
- The book has been influential in the field of personal development and has been the basis of techniques used by motivational and self-help experts such as Zig Ziglar, Tony Robbins, and Brian Tracy. Many of the psychological methods of training elite athletes are also based on the concepts in Psycho-Cybernetics [3].
- Maltz suggests that readers commit at least 21 days to the process he recommends to fine-tune their imagination to align their subconscious actions with their conscious goals [0].
In conclusion, Psycho-Cybernetics is a self-help book that explores the connection between the mind and the body and how to use this connection to improve one's life. The book suggests various methods to help readers build self-confidence, increase their ability to achieve success, and fine-tune their imagination to align their subconscious actions with their conscious goals. The book has been influential in the field of personal development and has been the basis of techniques used by motivational and self-help experts such as Zig Ziglar, Tony Robbins, and Brian Tracy.