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richardrbecker's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.5
Closer to 4 1/2 than 4, and one I'll be grifting my children who might be a little less familiar with the content than me, someone already in the choir. So much of Bishop's advice mirrors my own; the most profound aspect of the book is how succinctly he states it.
The best of it is how Bishops addresses that we're all wired to win (even when we pick a losing path), that uncertainty is the only thing certain, and that you aren't what you say but what you do. However, I might add that I shared his inner voice advice as part of my closing remarks to the high school softball team I coach. Too many of these kids listen to a negative inner voice (and sometimes allow it to become their outer voice), affecting their play. I suspect it affects some of their lives in other aspects, too. In addition, I was happy to hear Bishop address how expectations often precede our biggest perceived failures, with the problem being we might not be failing at all.
I originally picked this up because I wanted a nonfiction audiobook for my next listen (I have four other print and electronic books going right now) and enjoyed the Scottish accent. His no-nonsense, anti-self-help book talk was addictive enough; I put off finishing my other audiobook (also excellent) because Bishop's prose can be a bit addictive. I wouldn't be surprised if I pick it up again anytime I want a reminder of my own belief system.
Seriously, the only reason I don't feel obliged to give Bishop five stars is that there really wasn't anything new here for me, and it might even be a little too short for its own good. But, at the same time, I do see this as being profound content to talk about with those closest to me. Bishop might be a fresh perspective they need to succeed or, at least, avoid the chronic trap of complacency.
cedi's review against another edition
3.0
Get the audiobook on Libby, because hearing this kind but very forward Scottish man tell you to get up and live your life WAS SO MOTIVATING.
emcat01's review against another edition
fast-paced
2.0
This book was recommended to me but I didn't really like it. There are a few good take aways but I don't like the assumption that all of us are unhappy and miserable. I also am fearful of dying and the CONSTANT reminder of I'm going to die is off putting. Of course I'm aware of this thought but my fear should not be my motivating factor. I much prefer Jen Sincero's self help books. This book felt somewhat accusatory at times and put a bad taste in my mouth. I did enjoy the narrator's voice on the Audible production but this is yet another dud of an audible credit. I understand this was a tough love style approach but I don't like it. I would not recommend it.
missyjohnson's review against another edition
2.0
meh, takes just over an hour to read. Nothing new in it. only a few quotes and chapter 5 worth contemplating. quotes: " You don't have to feel like today is your day; you just have to act like it is." and one from Aristotle - "It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." and finally by the author - Expect nothing, Accept everything. a reminder to live in the moment.
imogenreads7's review against another edition
2.0
Id give this book a solid ⭐️⭐️ and a half out of ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The whole book is a man shouting at you about how your circumstances are all your fault and “you just need to have good habits and exercise and say these 7 affirmations every day and you’ll be good to go” . I feel like this is such a privileged blanket statement to make and it’s just not true, that’s just not real life, we don’t have to pretend it is. Real life doesn’t always look like that. It’s so surface level and just screams privilege, lack of empathy, little experience with real life pain and difficulties. I’m not saying we don’t control our emotions or reactions and I’m not saying that our thoughts don’t become our reality TO A CERTAIN EXTENT but that’s not the whole picture, and this book just displays the author’s lack of human experience so much - this is some toxic positivity shouty aggressive privileged male bullsh*t tbh.
He just added a swear word in the title to make everything sound edgy and made every second word a swear word to make it seem more serious but all he accomplished there was making his readers, or at least me, feel screamed at.
If I’m being completely honest and blunt, it’s basically just a privileged white man shouting at you about how everything is your fault and you can change every bad situation in your life. Its not a book that takes real life circumstances, mental illness, chronic illness, trauma, poverty, etc into consideration (not that all of those apply to me, although some do, but just in general). All I feel is that I’ve been screamed at by a privileged male telling me my life situations are all my fault and I have the power to change it. I’m not a fan.
Anyways. Thanks for coming to my Ted talk.