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The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Rosamund Stone Zander (Author, Narrator), Benjamin Zander (Author, Narrator), Macmillan Audio (Publisher)
4.5 out of 5 stars 2,179 ratings

Presenting 12 breakthrough practices for bringing creativity into all human endeavors, The Art of Possibility is the dynamic product of an extraordinary partnership. The Art of Possibility combines Benjamin Zander's experience as conductor of the Boston Philharmonic and his talent as a teacher and communicator with psychotherapist Rosamund Stone Zander's genius for designing innovative paradigms for personal and professional fulfillment.

The authors' harmoniously interwoven perspectives provide a deep sense of the powerful role that the notion of possibility can play in every aspect of life. Through uplifting stories, parables, and personal anecdotes, the Zanders invite us to become passionate communicators, leaders, and performers whose lives radiate possibility into the world.

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  1. Listening Length
    6 hours and 38 minutes
  2. Author
    Rosamund Stone Zander, see all
  3. Narrator
    Rosamund Stone Zander, see all
  4. Audible release date
    January 3, 2011
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Macmillan Audio
  7. ASIN
    B004HY9254
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
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Product details

Listening Length 6 hours and 38 minutes
Author Rosamund Stone Zander, Benjamin Zander
Narrator Rosamund Stone Zander, Benjamin Zander
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date January 03, 2011
Publisher Macmillan Audio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B004HY9254
Best Sellers Rank

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
2,179 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book thought-provoking, giving them a framework for thinking differently and helping them change their outlook on life. They appreciate its readability, storytelling through many good stories, and humor, describing it as fun and entertaining. The book produces extraordinary results, and customers value its perspective-changing approach. While customers find the authors earnest, some find them self-congratulatory. The book's comprehensibility receives mixed reviews, with some finding it tedious.

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Enlightened contentReadabilityStorytellingEffectivenessHumorPerspective changeComprehensionAuthorship
258 customers mention "Enlightened content"243 positive15 negative

Customers find the book's content enlightening, as it provides a framework for thinking differently and offers simple yet powerful ideas that open up new possibilities in life.

"...You can see the connections in a new and refreshing way. I think that it what makes this book stand apart from the crowd in the "self help" section...." Read more

"...insurmountable blocks and discover cooperative, mutually satisfying resolutions to problems...." Read more

"...7- "There is viability, a life force, an energy, a quickening, that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in..." Read more

"Great lessons and wisdoms. Highly recommend." Read more

227 customers mention "Readability"223 positive4 negative

Customers find the book highly readable and enjoyable, describing it as a must-read.

"...This is one of the best books I have read this year. And, if you have the opportunity, I highly recommend attending one of Ben Zander's presentations." Read more

"...Here are but a few of the many gems from this sparkling book: An apocryphal story..." Read more

"...7- "There is viability, a life force, an energy, a quickening, that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in..." Read more

"...The writing is beautifully mingled, flowing, thoughtful, timely and applies to us all...." Read more

72 customers mention "Storytelling"67 positive5 negative

Customers appreciate the storytelling in the book, which is told through many good stories and peppered with anecdotes, making it fun and uplifting.

"...Simple lessons, fortified with anecdotes from music, art, and business, that have a lot of value to the everyman...." Read more

"...Each chapter is richly illustrated with personal anecdotes of how the methods Ben and Ros recommend have been successful in diverse challenging..." Read more

"...As described above, this book is filled with rich, uplifting stories that help us look at our lives, both personal and professional under new..." Read more

"...Ben & Roz combine their memorable, relevant life stories throughout the pages, peppering with anecdotes, letters and intimate perspectives of other..." Read more

21 customers mention "Effectiveness"21 positive0 negative

Customers find the book effective, producing extraordinary results and being powerful, with one customer noting how it transforms professional and personal life.

"..." that allow the reader to create a framework where extraordinary accomplishment is normal...." Read more

"...7- "There is viability, a life force, an energy, a quickening, that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in..." Read more

"...The Art of Possibility is full of examples to emphasize that life works better when you have a positive mental outlook...." Read more

"...Surprising to us all was how powerful and emotionally jarring this simple act was. My co-worker and I were sobbing...." Read more

13 customers mention "Humor"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book humorous and entertaining, with one review noting its healthy disrespect for the impossible.

"...One of the funniest and most effective stories in the book...." Read more

"...(many are humorous and/or heartfelt)..." Read more

"The Zanders have created a thought-provoking, entertaining, informative and challenging work that approaches inspiration and life-purpose from a..." Read more

"...It was easy to read, entertaining at times, and always thought provoking...." Read more

11 customers mention "Perspective change"11 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's perspective-changing approach, with one mentioning how it provides a different viewpoint for each chapter.

"Great book! It changed how I view things...." Read more

"This is different from most 'self help' books - it manages to shift the reader's perspective through the use of telling the stories of experience...." Read more

"I liked the different point of view and different way to think...." Read more

"...Each person that reads it has a different perspective on each chapter and how it relates to their own life." Read more

31 customers mention "Comprehension"11 positive20 negative

Customers have mixed reactions to the book's comprehensibility, with several finding it tedious and confusing, while one customer appreciates its reference guide layout.

"...Nothing real new here nor enlightening. It was a slog to try and finish." Read more

"...Combining stories, examples, as well as practices to try, this is one of the more useful "self help" books I've read...." Read more

"...This is not a good book. It is 203 pages of rambling, confusion, filler (for the most part), oddly structured sentences, and poor writing...." Read more

"...Another problem was that almost all the real life examples Zander uses are about orchestra...." Read more

10 customers mention "Authorship"6 positive4 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the authorship of the book, with some finding the authors earnest while others describe them as self-congratulatory.

"...It's an ingeniously edited book, expressing both voices harmoniously, and including stories that showcase the powerful, far-reaching impact of..." Read more

"...Unfortunately the second became totally self-congratulatory - how they delivered just the right message to totally inspire and amaze their students...." Read more

"...It is transformational. The message, beautifully communicated, is that our perceptions of life are a construct of our minds...." Read more

"Overall the book was quite boring. First of all, the authors constantly praise themselves, even when discussing their shortcomings...." Read more

well written, well thought out
5 out of 5 stars
well written, well thought out
The book is for people who are looking at life "at large", it's more of a life help, advise, philosophy. But is not religious or precludes to a specific method. It is applicable, full of examples, and interesting and easy to read. I'd recommend this to people who'd like to improve their life, their relationships and are willing to be more diligent in their approach to improving themselves. There are many life examples, especially from the fields of music composition and performance and therapy.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Gregg Eldred
    5.0 out of 5 stars Practices to Transform Your Life
    Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2009
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    As soon as Ben Zander threw a copy of this book into the audience, at the close of a conference I attended, I knew I had to read it. He was arguably the best closing session speaker the sponsor has ever scheduled. Because of him, I have a new found appreciation for classical music (and have several selections on my iPod, including iTunes Essential Classical), have a better outlook on a lot of things in my life, and find that I remember parts of his speech to this day. It seemed appropriate that I read his book, to reinforce his message and to learn more about The Art of Possibility.

    Contents:
    An Invitation to Possibility
    Launching the Journey
    Chapter 1: It's All Invented
    Chapter 2: Stepping into a Universe of Possibility
    Chapter 3: Giving an A
    Chapter 4: Being a Contributor
    Chapter 5: Leading from Any Chair
    Chapter 6: Rule Number 6
    Chapter 7: The Way Things Are
    Chapter 8: Giving Way to Passion
    Chapter 9: Lighting a Spark
    Chapter 10: Being the Board
    Chapter 11: Creating Frameworks for Possibility
    Chapter 12: Telling the WE Story
    Coda
    Acknowledgements
    About the Authors

    Benjamin Zander is the conductor of the Boston Philharmonic and has been a guest conductor with orchestras from around the world. Rosamund Stone Zander is an executive coach, family therapist, and artist, who is able to generate a high level of creativity and accomplishment from organizations and individuals. Together, they have written a book of "practices" that allow the reader to create a framework where extraordinary accomplishment is normal. They break the book into "practices" which illustrate specific facets of The Art of Possibility and allow you to reach new heights of success; personally and professionally. As a teacher, Ben Zander proposed that at the start of his classes he gives every student an "A." The result was more passionate students, ones that, on their own, were able to achieve more than Zander could have hoped. His premise is that if your teacher, manager, significant other, gives you an "A" at the start, you may be surprised at the extraordinary things that you will accomplish. Simple, and yet, using their examples, the Zander's have hit on an important trait of human behavior. In Chapter 6, the "famous" Rule Number 6 chapter, you are reminded that you take yourself way too seriously. This creates a downward spiral of emotions and actions that makes you less effective and more prone to destructive behaviors. And then there is Giving Way to Passion, with the acronym "BTFI." One of the funniest and most effective stories in the book. You will find yourself in a situation where it seems that no matter what direction you choose, you are being setup to fail. It is at that moment when you remember "BTFI" (Beyond the F$%k It), rediscover your passion, your energy, your *possibility* and go from good to great.

    If you peruse this book, prior to purchase or borrowing, you may wonder, as I did, how is it possible to connect with stories mostly from and about world class musicians? Strangely, you can. And they have validity in your personal and professional life. You can see the connections in a new and refreshing way. I think that it what makes this book stand apart from the crowd in the "self help" section. Simple lessons, fortified with anecdotes from music, art, and business, that have a lot of value to the everyman. Not every chapter will have meaning for you immediately or solve all of your problems, but you *will* find value in this book. It should alter your perceptions, change the way you relate with your superiors and subordinates, and give you the tools to break free from the downward spiral into a world of possibility. A simple lesson, one which I picked up in Chapter 9, Lighting a Spark, is appropriate in this very connected, Web 2.0 world in which we find ourselves; the value of a face-to-face meeting cannot be overstated. It's easy to send an e-mail, instant message, or phone someone. But when you make the effort to meet someone in person, it solidifies the relationship and allows both people to achieve more than was possible through electronic means.

    This is one of the best books I have read this year. And, if you have the opportunity, I highly recommend attending one of Ben Zander's presentations.
    21 people found this helpful
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  • Daniel Benor, MD
    5.0 out of 5 stars I love this book! This is now one of my favorite books to recommend and to give as gifts to friends and colleagues.
    Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2010
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I love this book! This is now one of my favorite books to recommend and to give as gifts to friends and colleagues.

    Rosamund Stone Zander is a family therapist and painter, and her husband, Benjamin Zander, is the conductor of the Boston Philharmonic - a volunteer Orchestra that is rated among the best in the world, where most of the other orchestras in this league are salaried. Over the years of their professional and personal collaborations, Ros and Ben have developed approaches for reframing challenging situations in positive ways, so that people who might otherwise end up in conflict are able to find their ways to negotiate mutually acceptable and satisfying resolutions to their disagreements.

    Simple steps are detailed for re-conceptualizing prickly and knotty issues so that both sides discover ways around apparently insurmountable blocks and discover cooperative, mutually satisfying resolutions to problems. Much of their approach encourages the development of positive attitudes and expectations about dealing with such situations.

    Each chapter is richly illustrated with personal anecdotes of how the methods Ben and Ros recommend have been successful in diverse challenging situations. Here are but a few of the many gems from this sparkling book:

    An apocryphal story

    A shoe factory sends two marketing scouts to a region of Africa to study the prospects for expanding business. One sends back a telegram saying,
    SITUATION HOPELESS STOP NO ONE WEARS SHOES
    The other writes back triumphantly,
    GLORIOUS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY STOP THEY HAVE NO SHOES.

    Ros and Ben point out that when we get our backs up, much of what we assume to be fact is actually a reality that is created in our imaginations. By keeping this in mind, we allow ourselves to open to new possibilities in our negotiations.

    A simple way to practice it's all invented is to ask yourself this question:
    What assumption am I making,
    That I'm not aware I'm making,
    That gives me what I see?

    And when you have an answer to that question, ask yourself this one:
    What might I now invent,
    That I haven't yet invented,
    That would give me other choices? (p. 15)

    Reframing one's situation in a major way:

    You define yourself not as a piece, nor as the strategist, but as the board itself, the framework for the game of life around you. Notice we said that you define yourself that way, not that you are that...

    When you identify yourself as a single chess piece - and by analogy, as an individual in a particular role - you can only react to, complain about, or resist the moves that interrupted your plans. But if you name yourself as the board itself you can turn all your attention to what you want to see happen, with none paid to what you need to win or fight or fix.

    The action in this graceful game is ongoing integration. One by one, you bring everything you have been resisting into the fold. You, as the board, make room for all the moves, for the capture of the knight and the sacrifice of your bishop, for your good driving and the accident, for your miserable childhood and the circumstance of your parents' lives, for your need and another's refusal. Why? Because that is what is there. It is the way things are.

    You ask yourself, in regard to the unwanted circumstances, "Well, how did this get on the board that I am?" or, "Now, how is it that I have become a context for that to occur?" You will begin to see the obvious and then the not-so-obvious contributions of your calculating self, or of your history, or of earlier decisions that landed you where you are, feeling like a victim. This reflection may bring forth from you an apology that will knit back together the strands of raveled relationships. And then you will be standing freely and powerfully once again in a universe of possibility. (p. 146-7)

    This book is very highly recommended for anyone in the helping or managerial professions, as well as for anyone wishing to improve their negotiating skills in their personal lives.
    9 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Jessica
    5.0 out of 5 stars A blessing in form of book
    Reviewed in Brazil on April 22, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Got so inspired while reading this book. It added so many beautiful ideas in my world, I feel really grateful for having the opportunity of reading it. I recommend to anyone that is trying to look at life through different (and lighter) perspectives.
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  • MR
    5.0 out of 5 stars tägliche Morgenlektüre
    Reviewed in Germany on January 16, 2017
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Ich schätze Benjamin Zander als hervorragenden Pädagogen. Das Buch gibt seit einem halben Jahr meine tägliche Morgenlektüre ab. In meinem professionellen Alltag merke ich wie sehr es in erster Linie auf das Mindset, sprich die eigene Perspektive auf die Dinge ankommt, und erst im zweiten Schritt auf Ausbildung und Fähigkeiten. Wenn man auch nur ein paar Gedanken mitnimmt und in sein Leben integriert hat das bereits einen großen Schritt getan...
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  • Shashidhara
    5.0 out of 5 stars REVEALING....
    Reviewed in India on August 17, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    As I read the book I realised most of my anxieties are invented and there is always a possibility of working as WE as a team and creating a harmonious work atmosphere. This opens up several possibilities of achieving the task the team has. Sure it does require lots of practice and commitment to the principles the practices represent. To top it all the "Coda" chapter was almost poetic when I realised that these practices helps us regain the curiosity and vitality of our childhood.
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  • julio silva
    5.0 out of 5 stars Rápida a entrega
    Reviewed in Spain on March 17, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Boa qualidade
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  • Lindy Davies
    5.0 out of 5 stars An inspiring read
    Reviewed in Australia on December 18, 2020
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    A wonderful book that does what it says. It creates a sense of possibility in the reader.
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