The Art of Doing

Book excerpt: What really separates the best from the rest? We all know that it takes hard work, dedication, and the occasional dose of luck for someone to make it to the top of their chosen field. Yet, we also suspect that it takes a little something more—but what? The Art of Doing asks today’s most successful celebrities, businessmen, and iconoclastic achievers, “How do you succeed at what you do?” Illuminating, surprising, and profoundly inspiring, interviewees include: • 30 Rock Star Alec Baldwin • Baseball Legend Yogi Berra • Actor Laura Linney • Zappos’ CEO Tony Hsieh • Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan • Opera Diva Anna Netrebko • Indy Champ Helio Castroneves • Foodie God David Chang • High Wire Artist Philippe Petit • Funk Master George Clinton • Bestselling Writer Steven Dubner • Tennis Icon Martina Navratilova • Puzzle Master Will Shortz • Style Guru Simon Doonan • Indie Rock Band OKGo • Jeopardy! Champ Ken Jennings • Business Guru Guy Kawasaki • Photojournalist Lynsey Addario • Blogger Mark Fraunfelder • Alien Hunter Jill Tarter • Visionary Vintner Randall Grahm • Startup King Bill Gross • Activist Connie Rice • Erotic Filmmaker Candida Royalle • Tabloid Editor Barry Levine • Country Musician Ray Benson • Hostage Negotiator Gary Noesner • Online Love Experts OKCupid • Inspiring Teacher Erin Gruwell • Neuroscientist Richard Restak • Guru of Ganja Ed Rosenthal • Master Hunter Chad Schearer • Broadway Producer Marc Routh • Reputation Fixer Mike Sitrick • Ballpark Designer Joe Spear • Circumnavigator Jessica Watson