Ignite : Unlock Your Brain's Potential With the Science of Habits, Focus, and Emotional Resilience

Neeltje van Horen shows how small, intentional changes can transform your life. Drawing on neuroscience, psychology, and her own experiences, she offers practical strategies to boost mental performance, overcome self-doubt, and restore balance. Ignite empowers readers to retrain their brains, discover what works for them, and create a happier, more fulfilling life.

'A tour de force. Drawing on cognitive psychology, neuroscience and her own experience, this book offers compelling lessons for how busy people can lead better lives.' Richard Layard

What if the key to a happier, more balanced life was already inside your head?

As a professor of financial economics Neeltje van Horen excelled in a demanding career – but constant self-doubt and stress left her feeling stuck. Seeking a way out, she turned to neuroscience and psychology and discovered how retraining her brain – one small habit at a time – transformed her life.

In Ignite, van Horen shares her journey and her discoveries. Blending relatable stories, cutting-edge research and practical strategies, she reveals how small, intentional changes can deliver meaningful results. Recognising that everyone’s path is unique, she offers a range of techniques, helping you discover what aligns best with your needs and aspirations.

Whether you’re looking to boost mental performance, break free from negative thought patterns or restore balance in your life, Ignite gives you the tools to unlock your brain’s potential – and change your life

Neeltje van Horen is professor of financial economics at the University of Amsterdam and has worked for various policy institutions, including the World Bank, the Dutch Central Bank and the Bank of England. She is a sought-after speaker and regularly publishes in leading academic journals. She divides her time between London and Amsterdam.