HEART to BEAT: A Cardiac Surgeon's Inspiring Story of Success and Overcoming Adversity--The HEART WAY by Brian Lima

Brian Lima

Author

HEART to BEAT: A Cardiac Surgeon's Inspiring Story of Success and Overcoming Adversity--The HEART WAY

Brian Lima, author

Book Website |

Details

Adult; Memoir; (Market)

Success is not reserved for the smartest or most talented—it’s earned by those who want it the most. Heart conquers all and the triumphant always go all in, never settling for anything less than their best effort. As a leading heart transplant surgeon, Dr. Brian Lima’s life story is a testament to that mantra. He’s living proof that slow and steady still wins the race, and that the American Dream is alive and well. He persevered through countless challenges growing up in a Cuban immigrant family and defied the odds every step of the way. To fulfill his impossible dream, Dr. Lima opted for the road less traveled, enduring nearly twenty years of rigorous education and surgical training at some of the most prestigious institutions in the world. In Heart to Beat, Dr. Lima shares the lessons learned throughout his improbable rise to the pinnacle of success in the medical field. He breaks down the keys to advancing well beyond your comfort zone and perceived limitations, regardless of your field of interest. No dream is too far-fetched and his Heart Way approach to life will help unleash your full potential and surpass your wildest expectations!

Reviews

Heart transplant surgeon Lima, the child of Cuban immigrants to the U.S., turns his talents to self-help with his slightly corny but sincere first book, an encouraging work intended to inspire readers to overcome mediocrity and live their best lives. “Lackadaisical effort leads to lackluster results and lukewarm reception, a vicious cycle set on auto loop,” he counsels. “This self-fulfilling prophecy comes to define our life.” Instead, Lima counsels his readers to try the “HEART” way—his acronym for the slightly disjointed set of “hard work,” “eager,” “aligned,” “resolute,” and “thoughtfulness.”

After six memoir-style chapters recounting his journey from working-class New Jersey to the halls of Cornell and Duke Universities, Lima buckles down with valuable life advice gleaned from his own experiences. He notes that fear can paralyze even the most capable of people, and he doesn’t believe getting over it is easy. He also advises throwing the idea of being “well-rounded” out the window, saying that laser-focusing on one key ambition is the key to success. “Visualize. Actualize. Repeat. Never give up!” His fondness for memory devices is sometimes excessive, as when he advises that people facing their failures should be careful not to accuse, blame, criticize, or defer (ABCD); the advice is sensible but the mnemonic is forgettable.

Lima scorns being pigeonholed by other people (“Never mind staying in your lane”), second-guessing decisions (“The should’ve, would’ve, could’ve’s will drive you insane if you let them”), and hesitating (“If you don’t believe in yourself or feel certain that you’re a sure bet... how the hell could anyone else?!”). He believes nearly anything is possible with hard work, confidence, and determination, and his enthusiasm is contagious. Some readers will find the descriptions of heart surgeries a bit too graphic, but this is otherwise a cheering and encouraging work.

Takeaway: Heart transplant surgeon Lima’s practical advice will inspire readers looking for direction and a confidence boost.

Great for fans of Sean Whalen’s How to Make Sh*t Happen, Mark Goulston and Philip Goldberg’s Get Out of Your Own Way.

Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: B-
Illustrations: B+
Editing: B-
Marketing copy: B

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