We all have aspirations and goals we'd like to progress towards, whether learning a new skill, improving our relationships, or climbing the corporate ladder. Self-improvement is an asymptotic pursuit, a never-ending journey towards our "best selves" with no finish line. So, how do we make the most of this ongoing journey? One powerful strategy is "brainwashing" ourselves with books that align with our aspirations.

The concept of "brainwashing" yourself with a book may seem extreme, but it simply means immersing yourself in the material by reading or listening to it repeatedly. According to scientific research, repeated exposure to new information can lead to long-term retention and improved understanding of the material. This is known as the "spaced repetition" effect, where spacing out the intervals between studying improves retention of the information.

One effective way to do this is by listening to the audiobook version of the book. According to research, auditory learning is highly effective for certain types of information, particularly for verbal material such as language and speech.

The evidence is also clear that repetition is a critical element of learning, as it helps to strengthen the neural connections in our brains associated with the information we're trying to learn.

An example of a book that many readers may want to "brainwash" themselves with is "Principles" by Ray Dalio. Dalio is the founder of Bridgewater Associates, one of the world's most successful investment firms. In this book, he shares the principles that have guided his life and career. One of the fundamental principles emphasized is "radical truth and transparency" and the importance of being open and honest with oneself and others. As he says in the book, "If you're not failing, you're not trying hard enough. If you're not failing frequently, you're not trying new things or taking risks that lead to great successes." By "brainwashing" yourself with this principle, you can train your brain to be more open and honest in your personal and professional life and be more willing to take risks and learn from failure.

In conclusion, "brainwashing" yourself with a book can be a powerful tool for achieving your goals and aspirations. By immersing yourself in the material and repeatedly exposing yourself to the ideas and concepts presented in the book, you can train your mind to think in a certain way and internalize the information. Listening to the audiobook version on repeat is a great way to do this, allowing you to multitask, absorb the information in a relaxed state, and make it a part of your long-term memory. So, if you want to progress towards your aspirations, try "brainwashing" yourself with a book that aligns with your goals, such as "Principles" by Ray Dalio, and you'll be on your way to the best version of yourself.