Elevate

Elevate Plot Summary

Introduction

Awareness and action form the twin pillars of personal transformation. Like the ancient symbol of yin and yang, these two halves of our lives - our internal and external journeys - are perfectly complementary, with the essence of each residing in the heart of the other. Together they create a dynamic spiral of growth that reinforces itself, building a veritable Stairway of Success. The insights and skills presented in this book provide a framework for elevating every aspect of your life. By expanding your awareness through powerful questions and deep listening, you gain access to knowledge that was previously hidden. By taking control of your mental programming and motivation, you direct your energy toward meaningful goals. By creating effective structures and leveraging your strengths, you multiply your impact and achieve exponential growth.

Chapter 1: Ask Better Questions to Unlock New Possibilities

Asking better questions is the gateway to unlocking new possibilities in your life. When you shift from passive acceptance to active inquiry, you fundamentally change your relationship with the world around you. The quality of your questions directly influences the quality of your life. Consider this: our brains are hardwired to answer questions. When presented with a question, your mind immediately begins searching for answers. This powerful mechanism works whether the questions come from others or yourself. The right questions can open doors to insights, opportunities, and solutions you might never have discovered otherwise. Josh Waitzkin, the chess prodigy who was the subject of the book and movie "Searching for Bobby Fischer," learned to recognize patterns on the chessboard. As he improved, he could see configurations forming before they were complete, allowing him to make countermoves early. Remarkably, he later became an international martial arts champion by applying these same pattern recognition skills in a completely different domain. When Matt, the author's son, was a toddler, he was taught a valuable question: "What do I have to do to get it?" Instead of whining when told he couldn't have something, he learned to ask this question. The adults in his life were obliged to answer, and it was always amusing to see their reaction to such a mature question from a small child. More importantly, Matt learned to be inquisitive rather than emotional, expanding his conceptual universe by discovering that almost anything was possible with the right approach. To enhance your questioning skills, clarify your objective first. The better the question, the better the answer. Get specific about what you're trying to achieve and why. Dig deeper with follow-up questions to penetrate beyond surface-level understanding. Enlist others to help - two heads are truly better than one, and diverse perspectives yield richer results. Create a positive environment where people feel heard and appreciated, as this encourages more open sharing. Remember that asking is a cost-free resource available 24/7. There's no limit to the great questions you can pose, and the journey of discovery is endlessly fascinating. By developing the habit of asking high-yield questions and taking full advantage of every opportunity to learn, the world becomes utterly fascinating, and living in it becomes a more joyful and wondrous voyage.

Chapter 2: Listen Deeply to Yourself and Others

Listening is the essential complement to asking questions - together they form the foundation of awareness and growth. True listening means treating what others say with the utmost respect and paying complete attention to their words, intonation, body language, and what remains unsaid. It's about being fully present rather than simply waiting for your turn to speak. By 1985, Commonwealth Financial Network had been acknowledged as one of the fastest-growing private businesses in the country. Yet despite this success, the company was faltering due to operational issues created by rapid growth. The founder realized the problem wasn't the boat but the captain - to fix the company, he would have to fix himself. He enrolled in Harvard Business School's Owner/President Management Program, a three-year executive program designed to help company presidents fill gaps in their education and experience. After completing the program, he distilled hundreds of key points into thirty items on a single page. But even that proved unwieldy. Finally, he realized the most important lesson from three years with brilliant minds came down to one powerful word: Listen! He had thought he was a good listener, but in reality, he had just been waiting for others to finish talking so he could explain why they were wrong. His previous success had come from working harder than others and swaying people with arguments and enthusiasm - essentially being a good salesperson. The Harvard program taught him that while his observations were valid, so were those of others. The marketing axiom "The customer is always right" doesn't mean customers are ethically right or factually correct. It means they're telling you what they believe will make them happy - giving you the keys to the kingdom. Instead of telling someone what they should want or explaining why they're wrong, it's more productive to listen with respect and honor their wishes. There's often a difference between what people say they want and their actual underlying desires, as Henry Ford noted: "If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses." To improve your listening skills, establish your intent to listen more effectively. Adjust your state by cultivating calm alertness - a quiet mind, centered emotions, and non-agitated physiology. Open yourself by avoiding prejudgment and letting go of preconceptions. Validate what you hear without being gullible. Make listening enjoyable rather than a chore - approach it as a treasure hunt for new discoveries. Listening goes well beyond what we can sense as individuals. It includes being sensitive to the expanding world around us through data, trends, and intuition. As John Naisbitt observed, "Intuition becomes increasingly valuable in the new information society precisely because there is so much data." The more we listen - to ourselves, to others, and to the world - the better we get, and the more our awareness elevates and expands our universe.

Chapter 3: Program Your Mind for Success

We are biological supercomputers, subject to programming by ourselves and others - often in ways we're not aware of. Understanding this programming language that governs our brain, and therefore governs us, is crucial for taking control of our lives. It's actually easier than you might think, and far better to consciously program ourselves than relinquish that power to subconscious conditioning or external forces. When the author was a little boy in first or second grade, he was in a school play that required singing. He sang enthusiastically until a teacher told him he had a voice like a frog and shouldn't sing. From that moment on, he became self-conscious and stilted when singing in front of others. Conversely, when his son Matt was a baby, they consistently told him, "You're the best sleeper in the world. You can fall asleep anywhere." His fact-based mind took that as gospel, and he almost always fell fast asleep when put down. Today, Matt can fall asleep virtually anytime and anywhere. The primary language that governs our thoughts and actions is our own spoken tongue. Those thoughts we repeat over and over constitute programming instructions with huge impact. If you have chronic difficulty sleeping, phrases like "I can't sleep" or "I don't sleep well" reverberate in your mind throughout the day. Every time you articulate those words, your brain is being encoded, reinforcing the very problem you wish you didn't have. Our state of mind and body also plays a crucial role in programming. Try this experiment: Sit and slump, think of something unpleasant, and notice how you slip into a heavy, gloomy state. Then stand tall, think of someone you love, smile broadly, raise your arms in triumph, and shout "YES!" You'll go from somber to exhilarated - all because you focused on happy thoughts and your body communicated positive physical signals. To neutralize negative programs and insert new instructions, first identify and understand the unwanted messages. Many feelings dissipate when the truth is unveiled, but some self-destructive thoughts are deeply rooted. You can graft new instructions onto old negative images - for example, turning a recurring image of failure from color to black and white and affixing a big white X onto it whenever it appears. With practice, the old negative program starts appearing with the X already attached, and eventually works subconsciously. You can also create "macros" - condensed commands similar to those in computer programs. The author programmed himself to quickly slip into a relaxed alpha state by touching his thumb to the first two fingers of each hand. Another useful command is "Cancel, Cancel" to override potentially dangerous thoughts before they take root. With repetition, these commands become automatic, acting like guardian angels.

Chapter 4: Motivate Yourself and Others Effectively

Motivation is the art of getting people - including ourselves - to act in certain ways, to accomplish specific tasks, or to adhere to particular schedules or codes of conduct. It's the essence of business, advertising, sales, politics, philanthropy, sports, romance, child-rearing, and virtually every human endeavor. Understanding the mechanics of motivation allows us to take more control of what drives us and achieve the results we desire more easily and enjoyably. In high school, the author had a summer construction job that was just okay, with a boss he barely remembers. Then one day he was assigned to another project with a supervisor who had a reputation for getting things built ahead of schedule and under budget, with a crew that adored him. This supervisor was hardworking and demanding, but always fair, clear, funny, and big-hearted. The author would have done anything he asked, happily. The template for motivation is as simple as ABC: Antecedents, Behavior, and Consequences. Behavior is what we want to influence. Antecedents are the instructions, circumstances, and environmental factors that precede the behavior. Consequences are the sticks and carrots - what happens as a result of the behavior or its absence. These elements work together to inform, influence, and motivate. Determining exactly what behavior you want is crucial but can be elusive. When you have clarity about what you really want, everything else becomes more straightforward. For antecedents, communicate clearly and create the right conditions. The quality of behavior depends on the quality of instructions - not just what to do, but why, when, and how to do it, along with priorities. Wait until you have someone's full attention, speak their language, and remember that words, visual cues, tone, and body language all matter. Get in sync before attempting to lead by establishing trust and empathy. For consequences, remember PIC vs. NFU: Positive, Immediate, and Certain consequences are far more effective than Negative, Future, and Uncertain ones. While both positive and negative consequences can motivate, research shows that negative consequences promote only the minimum behavior required to avoid punishment. When you want people to go the extra mile, positive motivators work best. Immediate rewards generate more interest and energy than distant ones, and certain outcomes are valued more than uncertain possibilities. Custom design your motivational approach based on individual preferences. Some people are motivated by competition and recognition, while others value security or family time. Use milestones to divide long-term goals into manageable steps with opportunities to celebrate along the way. Olympic swimmer John Naber broke down his ultimate goal of winning gold medals into interim milestones and time frames, creating a system of goals, training techniques, and rewards that kept him motivated day after day.

Chapter 5: Structure Your Life for Maximum Impact

Without proper structure, good ideas and intentions seldom come to fruition, and worthy endeavors commonly fail or fall apart. Structure is about creating something that functions well and supports the fulfillment of what we aspire to achieve. While it seems logical that creating a solid structure would be crucial in all endeavors, this step is often overlooked. The author and his wife celebrated New Year's Eve 2003 in Rio de Janeiro. The next morning, his wife felt tired after swimming and was a bit out of breath climbing stairs. When they returned home, tests revealed she had stage four ovarian cancer. After the initial shock, they made a crucial decision based on a magazine headline: "Cancer was the best thing that ever happened to me." They vowed to make this journey the best thing that ever happened to them. They structured their approach to ensure that every minute and mile would be wonderful. Instead of enduring depressing chemotherapy sessions, they invented "The Chemo Party," inviting friends to gather in a private room with food and laughter. These parties took on a life of their own as friends from different spheres formed new relationships that persist to this day. When his wife's condition worsened and she had only weeks to live, they decided to celebrate her life while she could still participate, inviting everyone to come say goodbye, raise a toast, laugh, and cry - with her instead of after her. Those three years became the most loving and productive of their twenty-five years together. Great structure begins with clarity and consensus about the prime objective. Being crystal clear about what you want and why allows you to move efficiently in the right direction. The author's company spent three months discussing their primary purpose and major objectives, resulting in a written document that declared their "true north" to be a passionate pursuit of both quality and community. This exercise guided them successfully for fifteen years and counting. Know your audience - the stakeholders and participants in any enterprise. If you want to impact others' behavior, understand who they are, what makes them tick, and address them on their terms. Capture and codify repeatable practices with proven value through blueprints, recipes, and checklists. The pre-flight checklist used by airline pilots has reduced avoidable risk to almost zero, making commercial air travel extraordinarily safe. Gather reliable information, proven experience, and targeted expertise. Superior employees may cost 20-30% more than their counterparts but often deliver 100-200% more productivity. Build trust and teamwork - the best team isn't necessarily comprised of the most talented individuals but those with chemistry, complementary skills, and willingness to subordinate their egos for the common good.

Chapter 6: Energize Your Body and Mind Daily

Energy is the fuel that sustains all the engines that nourish our health, well-being, and achievement. Without it, little is possible; with an ample supply, virtually anything is attainable. It powers not just physical strength and endurance or mental alertness and creativity, but also vital personal traits like ambition, confidence, courage, and love. In the 1999 women's world soccer finals, the USA beat China 1-0 after double overtime. Both teams had given their all throughout the tournament and the final match. When the American team finally scored, they were jubilant and energetic in their celebration and interviews. In stark contrast, the defeated Chinese players appeared completely depleted, barely able to leave the field. This dramatic difference illustrates how our energy levels are affected not just by physical exertion but by our mental and emotional states as well. Energy management involves both physical and psychological components. Physical energy comes from proper nutrition, hydration, sleep, and exercise. When we eat well, stay hydrated, get adequate rest, and maintain physical fitness, our bodies function optimally. This creates a foundation for mental clarity, emotional stability, and sustained performance. Conversely, when we neglect these basics, our energy reserves deplete rapidly, leading to fatigue, poor decision-making, and diminished effectiveness. Psychological energy derives from our thoughts, emotions, and sense of purpose. When we're engaged in activities aligned with our values and strengths, we experience a natural energy boost. This explains why some people can work tirelessly on projects they're passionate about while quickly burning out on tasks they find meaningless. By identifying what truly matters to us and structuring our lives accordingly, we can tap into deeper reserves of motivation and resilience. Social connections also significantly impact our energy levels. Positive relationships energize us, while toxic ones drain us. The author describes how surrounding himself with supportive, enthusiastic people during challenging times helped maintain his spirits and productivity. He learned to be selective about his social environment, recognizing that energy is contagious - both the positive and negative varieties. To sustainably manage your energy, start by tracking your patterns. Notice when you feel most alert and focused versus when you struggle to concentrate. Identify activities that invigorate you and those that deplete you. This awareness allows you to schedule demanding tasks during your peak periods and build in recovery time when needed. The most effective performers aren't those who work non-stop but those who balance intense effort with strategic renewal.

Chapter 7: Love and Appreciate Every Moment

The art of asking questions is perhaps the most deceptively simple yet powerful skill we can develop. When we ask questions, we create magic by generating something that didn't exist before. We raise our awareness by opening pathways that allow us to perceive more of both the external world and our inner landscape. And we gain power because nothing is more empowering than knowledge. The author and his wife celebrated New Year's Eve 2003 in Rio de Janeiro. The next morning, his wife felt tired after swimming and was a bit out of breath climbing stairs. When they returned home, tests revealed she had stage four ovarian cancer. After the initial shock, they made a crucial decision based on a magazine headline: "Cancer was the best thing that ever happened to me." They vowed to make this journey the best thing that ever happened to them. They structured their approach to ensure that every minute and mile would be wonderful. Instead of enduring depressing chemotherapy sessions, they invented "The Chemo Party," inviting friends to gather in a private room with food and laughter. These parties took on a life of their own as friends from different spheres formed new relationships that persist to this day. When his wife's condition worsened and she had only weeks to live, they decided to celebrate her life while she could still participate, inviting everyone to come say goodbye, raise a toast, laugh, and cry - with her instead of after her. Those three years became the most loving and productive of their twenty-five years together. This approach exemplifies the power of appreciation and love in transforming even the most challenging circumstances. By consciously choosing to find value and meaning in every moment, we access a wellspring of joy and resilience that transcends external conditions. This isn't about denying reality or suppressing genuine emotions, but rather about shifting our perspective to embrace what is present rather than lamenting what is absent. Scientific research confirms what spiritual traditions have long taught: gratitude and appreciation produce measurable benefits for physical health, emotional wellbeing, and even professional success. Studies show that people who regularly practice gratitude report higher levels of happiness, fewer health complaints, and greater optimism about the future compared to those who focus on neutral or negative aspects of life.

Summary

The journey of personal elevation is both an inward and outward process. By mastering the skills of asking better questions, listening deeply, programming your mind, motivating effectively, creating supportive structures, managing your energy, and cultivating love and appreciation, you create a foundation for extraordinary achievement and fulfillment. As you implement these practices, remember that refinement is an ongoing process. As Lily Tomlin humorously noted, "The road to success is always under construction." Each step forward builds upon the previous one, creating a positive spiral of growth and development. The most powerful truth revealed throughout this exploration is that you have far more control over your life experience than you might have realized. By becoming more conscious of your thoughts, choices, and actions, you can literally transform your reality. Begin today by choosing just one area to focus on—perhaps asking better questions or practicing daily gratitude—and watch how this simple shift creates ripples of positive change throughout your life.

About Author

Loading...

Joseph Deitch

Joseph Deitch has built billion-dollar businesses. He’s a Tony-award winning Broadway producer, a consummate entrepreneur, an enthusiastic philanthropist, and a man Financial Advisor magazine once selected (alongside Warren Buffett) as one of the 35 most influential leaders of the financial planning profession over the previous three-plus decades.The first words Joe might use to describe himself, though?Endlessly curious. Joseph is the author of #1 Amazon bestseller Elevate: An Essential Guide to Life and the founder of the Elevate Prize Foundation, which celebrates and empowers individuals and organizations whose ideas and endeavors elevate the human experience. The organization will $5 million annually amongst its winners starting (as well as marketing and management resources) in 2020.Deitch is the founder and chairman of Commonwealth Financial Network, the largest privately owned, independent investment broker/dealer in the United States with assets under management of $161 billion. Commonwealth has been recognized as ”Best Place to Work” 41 times by regional publications in Boston and San Diego, as well as nationally by Computerworld Magazine. J.D. Power and Associates has ranked Commonwealth “Highest in Independent Advisor Satisfaction Among Financial Investment Firms” every year it has been bestowed. Mr. Deitch is also chairman of Southworth Development, a golf and resort real estate company with award-winning properties in the United States, Scotland, and The Bahamas.From 2009 – 2012, Deitch co-produced nine Broadway productions, most of which were produced through Full House Productions, where he served as principal. In 2012, Deitch won a Tony award as co-producer for The Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, Joseph also founded the Deitch Leadership Institute at the Boston Latin School. The institute provides leadership training and focuses on individual growth and community improvement. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in International Relations and an alumnus of Harvard Business School’s Owner/President Management Program. After college, he followed his muse and moved to the US Virgin Islands and eventually returned to Boston to pursue a career in financial services, always trying to merge the ethos of the islands and the entrepreneur. Today, he divides his time primarily between Miami, Boston, and Cape Cod – depending on the weather.

Read more