A CARDIAC SURGEON'S INSPIRING STORY OF SUCCESS AND OVERCOMING ADVERSITY - THE HEART WAY

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Why write a book?

For years, I’ve had a progressive, inescapable sense of obligation to share my story, to share the countless invaluable lessons I learned chasing my American Dream. Having scratched and clawed every step of the way along this journey, I can assure you from firsthand experience that the greatest threat to reaching your full potential is smiling at you in the mirror. You are the key to your success, not because you’re special, but because success is earned not bestowed. 

We all have shortcomings. There’s always someone more talented, or more naturally gifted. But no one can match your will to win! Unfortunately, the path to victory usually entails pain and suffering because the full scope of your inner greatness cannot be unleashed without being pushed well beyond your comfort zone.  The key is to approach life’s challenges and setbacks like our own hearts continuously strive to meet the demands of our body—unrelenting, constant effort and action even in dire circumstances. Rather than shying away from obstacles, or dwelling on our mistakes and misfortunes, we just keep methodically moving forward, onwards and upwards, without skipping a beat, focusing on what lies ahead, and hell bent on conquering what we set out to accomplish. We could affectionately refer to this strategy as “the heart way”, as I’ve outlined in this book.  

At the end of the day, I truly believe that no matter what the world throws our way, we are the final arbiters of what impact that event, stressor, or circumstance will have on our lives. We get to decide to press on, regardless, the heart way, avoiding all shortcuts, always taking the high road, with eyes facing forward, affixed on the future and oblivious to the past, essentially becoming Heart to Beat!

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Praise for Dr. Lima and Heart to Beat:

“Heart to Beat is the story of Brian Lima, son of Cuban immigrants, who, through hard work and perseverance, became a heart surgeon. But it’s also an inspirational guide to how anyone can achieve their dreams through the principles Lima distills from his by-the-bootstraps life. In a world of instant gratification and nonstop entertainment, having grit and determination will set you apart from the crowd. Let Lima inspire you to do your best and achieve your goals.”
— Daniel H. Pink
New York Times Bestselling author of When and Drive

“Lima deftly blends a useful guide with an absorbing autobiography; he doesn’t concentrate excessively on either one....Helpful advice from a keen, assertive, and relatable physician.”
— Kirkus Reviews

“My friend and colleague, heart surgeon Dr. Brian Lima, one of the most committed and hardest working doctors I know, has written a compelling, rags-to-riches motivational manifesto for achieving professional fulfillment. Read it to learn the life philosophy of one of America’s best young surgeons, and use it to realize your own goals.”
— Sandeep Jauhar
New York Times Bestselling author of Heart: A History

“Brian Lima’s story is a truly inspiring one. It is one of true heart — yes, of that remarkable indispensable part of our bodies, but even more so of the qualities of a man who grew to master surgery on it.”
— Dr. Roald Hoffmann
Author, Playwright, and Nobel Laureate in Chemistry
Cornell University

“Brian has clearly articulated the personal character qualities that are the essential elements of every strong personal brand. This inspiring story is a good reminder that admired personal brands are powered by an authentic soul, dedicated to making a difference, not just a superficial image created through the buzz of social media.”
— Karl D. Speak
Bestselling author of Be Your Own Brand

In Heart to Beat, “heart transplant surgeon Lima, the child of Cuban immigrants to the U.S., turns his talents to self-help… an encouraging work intended to inspire readers to overcome mediocrity and live their best lives.”
— BookLife Reviews

“Heart to Beat is a must read for anyone looking for a boost of confidence and inspiration to reach their full potential. Dr. Lima's story of hard-earned success is proof that sky's the limit when you're willing to put in the time and effort towards fulfilling your dreams.”
— Elena Rios, MD, MSPH, FACP
President & CEO of National Hispanic Medical Association

“Brian Lima’s inspiring memoir Heart to Beat is about how he became a top heart surgeon…Steady in its pace, the text focuses on, and resolves, the challenges at each stage of Lima’s life before it progresses. Each stage proved harder than the last, but Lima records exceptional accomplishments at each. Accessible discussions punctuate the chapters, pronouncing what should be learned from them and emphasizing relevant qualities to cultivate, like focus. The text ends in a hopeful way, though with the reminder that achieving dreams comes at a cost.”
— Foreword Clarion Review, ★★★★

“Heart to Beat is a personal tale of GRIT, of passion and perseverance, and will undoubtedly serve to inspire all those that wish to achieve top flight, just as Lima has accomplished in his journey – a lesson in attaining brilliance in professional pursuit while ensuring meaningfulness by a relentless focus on a value-driven life. The teachings and quotes in this captivating memoir will endure through their simple wisdom and serve to galvanize us all.”
— Mandeep R. Mehra, MD, MSc, FRCP (London) 
The William Harvey Distinguished Chair in Advanced Cardiovascular Medicine, Executive Director, Center for Advanced Heart Disease, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Editor-in-Chief, The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation

“An inspiring story of triumph in the face of adversity. Against all odds, Dr. Lima succeeded and became a leading heart surgeon. In Heart to Beat he shares the strategies that can help all of us to succeed in our own lives.”
— Marc Gillinov, MD
Chair, Department of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery, Cleveland Clinic

“Heart to Beat is like a great kitchen table chat with an old friend. It’s a decent way to spend a few hours and perhaps rekindle your own passions and zeal for life.”
— San Francisco Book Review, 5/5 Star Rating ★★★★★