Review of How To Be Successful

[Ivvie Ivanova]

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

---

3 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

How to Be Successful: Think Like A Leader by M. Curtis McCoy is a persuasive, self-improvement guide that includes a blend of genuine stories and discussions. It centers around life lessons applying to business, prioritization, relationship, leadership, productivity, building confidence, and more. McCoy provides tips and testaments aiming to help readers achieve personal and financial growth, achieve their goals, and the success they are aiming for.

McCoy is an entrepreneur and a public speaker. He draws from an abundance of personal experience. He has survived cancer and has type 1 diabetes. Both his professional and health hurdles have influenced his book and it makes his advice invaluable. He was diagnosed with malignant glioblastoma and that sent him to Mexico to seek treatment. McCoy shares personal stories and pitfalls genuinely.

The road to improvement begins with making a firm decision and seeking ways to achieve your goals and pursue them actively. We should make deliberate efforts to surround ourselves with positive influences and good people, to aim for progress, and set ourselves for success. The book details how one should be able to set aside short-term comfort and put in the work, however difficult it may be.

In his book, McCoy gets in contact with mentors and business experts. He gives them a 15-line questionnaire to receive their personal viewpoints and experiences. From a US Navy SEAL sharpshooter to a pastor with a record, there is a range of answers and life experiences. They do all concur that the absolute most valuable characteristics to have are humility, diligence, responsibility, perseverance, mental fortitude, self-discipline, and a creative mind. Additionally, it's crucial to be able to learn from your own mistakes and take disappointment as a lesson and a stepping stone for future success.

I appreciated this book because it was genuine and extensive. It was sprinkled with somber life realizations and motivational bits. However, something I do not personally enjoy is the statement that atheists and other religions can succeed but only Christians can be strongly successful long-term. I do not like generalizing people and reading statements that come across as narrow-minded and openly offensive.

I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars because it is well-written and does offer value. However, basing someone's existence and ability to live well on religious faith comes across as narrow-minded and ignorant. I do not take any personal offense but I dislike seeing such statements as I believe people are equal no matter what their faith is or if they have any religious faith at all.

If you can overlook those kinds of remarks, by all means, pick this read. If reading about generalizing people this way leaves a bad taste in your mouth than I suggest you skip this and find something better to read.

******
How To Be Successful
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[markodim721]

I think it is great that the author speaks primarily from his own experience and that he showed by his example that everything can be achieved, with a little determination and good will.

[Raluca_Mihaila]

The author has an interesting background, but I don't like to read biased opinions. Thank you for your honest review!

[addicted reader]

How to Be Successful: Think Like A Leader by M. Curtis McCoy sounds like a well-crafted guide book on how to achieve entrepreneurial goals. From this insightful review, the book is suitable for aspiring entrepreneurs and business people. Thanks for the review.

[Clare Jose]

I like that the author has included pieces of advice from people he knows personally, it makes the book feel more valid somehow (for me atleast). But I was unhappy to see that the author spoke of success and religion together.
I enjoyed reading your review. Thank you!

[Ruchi Raina]

This book is an eye-opener. The interviewees' experiences tell the reader that success doesn't come easy and that everyone's definition of success is different. Thanks for the great review.

[Unosthetic]

I also read this book and one of the things I liked the most is the easily comprehensible tone the author used. Great review!

[viczboy16]

I’ve read this book and would read it again because the lessons from this book are very crucial. I love the real life testimonies and interviews the author used.

[Medhansh Bhardwaj]

I have reviewed this book and I gave it 4 stars. It's saddening to see that you had to deduct one star. Anyways, to every person their own review is valuable, and I respect that. Thanks for the honest review!