Review by jaym_tan -- How To Be Successful

[jaym_tan]

[Following is a volunteer review of "How To Be Successful" by M. Curtis McCoy.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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M. Curtis McCoy was living the dream. At twenty seven years old, he had owned many businesses in different industries. Just when everything seemed to be going well, McCoy received a devastating news. According to oncologists, his brain cancer had become so dire that he might only have three months left to live. As his health deteriorated, he was having an extremely hard time running his businesses. Overtime, his memory started to get affected by the cancer, and living independently was becoming difficult. Even though the future seems bleak, McCoy vowed that he will do whatever it takes to be successful again. Luckily, after surviving the ordeal and getting the help he needed, McCoy was able to put up another business, and it gained even more success than before!

After some time, he started contacting leaders and other successful people to include them in an important project. Eventually, this lead to the creation of the self-help book titled How To Be Successful: Think Like a Leader which contains an amazing array of wisdom, stories, and conversations. From a pastor with an arrest record to a US Navy Seal Marine, his book showcases all sorts of folks who found success in their own ways. Instead of just giving typical tips or tricks, he wants to let readers know that the journey to success isn’t easy. There will be ups and downs but the process will be much slower if they don’t learn to get rid things that hold them back like negative mindsets, or needless spending. If one wants to have a financially stable and enjoyable life, they must be willing to better themselves and make sacrifices along the way. McCoy hopes people will take this as an inspiration to change and overcome whatever circumstances they are facing.

Mr. McCoy’s choice of words were simple but effective in getting his message across. The chapters containing interviews were a delight to read. He would ask the same set of questions. then each person would give a different but thought-provoking answer. In this way, the readers are presented with a variety of ideas and wisdom that they can learn from. After each interview, the author shares his own inputs and lessons so the readers can discern which principle works best for their path to building success and improving oneself.

What I love most is the importance placed on having good character traits which the author emphasizes throughout the book. According to the people he interviewed, those who have traits like honesty, integrity, self-discipline, humility, and courage have more advantage in life. Once someone develops these traits, it means they are mature enough to accept that failures are inevitable, but don’t use it as an excuse to give up from pursuing the success they yearn for. This shows that they are responsible and reliable people who are willing to learn from their experiences. Despite having opposite beliefs, I applaud Mr. McCoy and the others for being true to themselves as they proudly attribute their success to their Christian faith. Although some non-Christian readers might disagree on this, it is great to have something that pushes us to work hard and persevere. As long as it influences you in a positive way, then it shouldn’t matter whether you get your motivation through faith, or from other people.

I did not find any valid reason to dislike the book. However, I disagree with the statement the author made about depression on page 21. While there are people who become depressed due to outside factors, usually it is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Getting treatment is the only way to ease this type of illness since no amount of motivation can help. I understand that he only means well, but he seems to underestimate the detrimental effects depression have on others.

Nonetheless, this book was worth the read so I will gladly give it a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. The format is neat and the writing is brief but understandable. The book was well-edited since there were no errors found. Each page contains nuggets of wisdom that aspiring and established entrepreneurs can apply in their work ethics and daily lives. For anyone in need of inspiration, whether young or old, this book will give you the push that you need to go for the goal! Non-Christian readers don’t have to worry about the frequent mentions of the Christian faith since there are many lessons that can be applicable to everyone but if talks about faith and God bother you, then you might want to skip this one. Regardless of our differences, there is a lot of great knowledge here that can be of use to everyone.

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How To Be Successful
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[markodim721]

The best books are those that are written based on your own experience. Congratulations to the author on his courage but also on his clear writing style.

[DANAWEB]

If you want to be successful, the life lessons in this book are immensely helpful. I have enjoyed your great review!

[Erlinda Nograles]

Being successful is how you focus on your goals and be humble all the time. Other than that hard work is the most effective.

[Nicholus Schroeder]

His life story is just so inspirational, makes one feel like they can take on the world. Great work on the review!