SELF-MASTERYMonths to result

The Six Senses

Essential aptitudes for success

Problem it solves

Unhelpful mental patterns and fixed mindsets limit potential and prevent sustained growth; this framework provides specific cognitive and behavioral tools to develop the mindset required for peak performance.

Best for

Individuals looking to develop their creative and emotional abilities

Not ideal for

Those who prefer a purely analytical approach

Overview

Why this framework exists

The Six Senses framework, developed by Daniel H. Pink, consists of six essential aptitudes: Design, Story, Symphony, Empathy, Play, and Meaning. These abilities are crucial for professional success and personal satisfaction in the Conceptual Age. The framework emphasizes the importance of developing a whole new mind, one that combines high concept and high touch abilities.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Develop your creative and emotional abilities to succeed in the Conceptual Age.
  2. High concept and high touch abilities are essential for professional success and personal satisfaction.
  3. The Six Senses framework provides a structured approach to developing these abilities.

Steps

6 steps
  1. Develop Your Design Sense
    Learn to think creatively and develop your ability to design and create new things.
    Pro tipPractice designing and creating new things, even if it's just for fun.
    WarningDon't be afraid to take risks and try new things.
  2. Improve Your Storytelling Ability
    Learn to tell compelling stories that capture people's attention and emotions.
    Pro tipPractice telling stories and experimenting with different narrative structures.
    WarningDon't be afraid to be vulnerable and authentic in your storytelling.
  3. Develop Your Symphony Sense
    Learn to see the big picture and understand how different elements fit together.
    Pro tipPractice looking at complex systems and trying to understand how they work.
    WarningDon't get bogged down in details, keep a high-level perspective.
  4. Improve Your Empathy
    Learn to understand and connect with others on a deeper level.
    Pro tipPractice active listening and try to see things from other people's perspectives.
    WarningDon't be afraid to be vulnerable and open with others.
  5. Develop Your Play Sense
    Learn to have fun and enjoy the process of creating and learning.
    Pro tipPractice playing and experimenting with new things, even if it's just for fun.
    WarningDon't take yourself too seriously, remember to have fun.
  6. Find Your Meaning
    Learn to understand what gives your life purpose and meaning.
    Pro tipPractice reflecting on your values and goals, and try to align them with your actions.
    WarningDon't be afraid to take risks and try new things, even if it means failing.

Checklist

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Examples

2 cases
The Story of Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs was a master of combining high concept and high touch abilities. He was able to design and create innovative products that captured people's attention and emotions.

OutcomeSteve Jobs' ability to combine high concept and high touch abilities led to his success and the success of Apple.
The Story of Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey is a master of storytelling and empathy. She is able to connect with others on a deep level and tell compelling stories that capture people's attention and emotions.

OutcomeOprah Winfrey's ability to tell compelling stories and connect with others has led to her success and the success of her media empire.

Common mistakes

3 traps
Not Developing Your Creative Abilities
Failing to develop your creative and emotional abilities can lead to stagnation and boredom in your personal and professional life.
Not Practicing Empathy
Failing to practice empathy can lead to poor relationships and a lack of understanding of others.
Not Finding Your Meaning
Failing to find your meaning and purpose can lead to a sense of emptiness and disconnection.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The Six Senses framework was developed by Daniel H. Pink as a response to the changing economic and social landscape. Pink argues that the Information Age, which valued left-brain thinking, is giving way to the Conceptual Age, where right-brain thinking and high concept, high touch abilities will be more valuable.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
A Whole New Mind
Pink, Daniel H. · 2006
Open source →

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