Book Review: "Unfu*k Yourself" by Gary John Bishop
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I know, I know...another book with a provocative title. Books with titles like this seem to be a dime a dozen today. Unfortunately, they continue to sell, and so they continue to get created. After seeing other books I have read, and posts I have made, a co-worker made this recommendation to me. When I finally picked up Audible this month, I had him send me this book to listen to. But is it any good, or just another book that has sold because of the title? Let's take a look!
First off, Gary John Bishop is the narrator of the audiobook...and is also from Scotland. After listening to this book I wish all audiobooks were read by the Scots!
Unlike the book, "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck", this book was fairly clean in regards to curse words. There were a few here and there, but after listening to the entire book I am convinced the book title was created just to entice people to buy the book. Which I do hope they actually read because there is some good content here.
Gary lays out 7 "mantras" he wants the reader to live by. They are:
- I Am Willing
- I Am Wired to Win
- I Got This
- I Embrace Uncertainty
- I Am Not My Thoughts; I Am What I Do
- I Am Relentless
- I Expect Nothing & Accept Everything
Let's take a look at each.
I Am Willing
Gary argues that everything you do stems from a willingness to do it. If there is something you don't like in your life it is because you were willing to be in that situation. Don't like your body, your job, or your financial situation? In large part, it is because you are willing to stay there. Next time you don't like a certain part of your life, ask yourself, "Am I willing?" Are you willing to exercise and eat right if you want to lose weight? Are you willing to gain additional skills to better your work situation? It is ok to say no, but at least be honest with yourself and stop complaining about your situation if you are not willing to do what it takes to change it.
I Am Wired to Win
You are winning at something. Like the example above, even the parts of your life you don't like are still "wins". You created a pattern in your life to get that outcome. If you don't like the things you are winning at then you need to change the game you are playing.
I Got This
When life seems to unravel it is usually your perception of it which makes it worse. It is important to remember that others have gone through, and are currently going through, the difficult situations you face. And those people have found a way through the mess. If they can make it through, so can you. You got this!
I Embrace Uncertainty
Much of life is out of your control. Your company downsizes and you are laid off. A tornado hits your home. Life is full of uncertainties. You can worry about them, or wallow in them if they happen, or you can embrace them and act. Maybe you have wanted to create something but you are afraid to fail or of what others may think. The reaction to your creation is uncertain. The only certain thing you can do is not act. So act! Risk the criticism or failure and act!
I Am Not My Thoughts; I Am What I Do
Successful people did not become successful because they had great ideas. They became successful because they acted on their ideas. They "did". If you want to overcome your fear then start. Do something! Just don't think about it.
I Am Relentless
Gary paints the following picture. Imagine you are traveling through a jungle in search of civilization. You could be one mile away, or one hundred miles away. There may be times you may hit a dead end and have to backtrack to get on course. The important thing is to be relentless in your search for civilization. The jungle is full of dangers and unknowns, so why not be relentless in your search for success?
I Expect Nothing & Accept Everything
Much of life's suffering comes from unmet expectations. You dream up what life should be like and then are crushed when it falls short. Instead, you should take life as it comes. Love what you have and accept what you are given. That doesn't mean you don't work for the desired outcome...just don't expect it to happen.
Overall I really enjoyed this book! It was short but full of meaningful information. Many times in life I get in my own way. I win at the wrong things or have unmet expectations. I need to get out of the way, do as the title suggest. Life is not easy, but I have a way of making it more difficult than it needs to be. This book has some practical information on how to get out of your own way and live!
I rate this book: 4 out of 5.