Review of How To Be Successful
Posted: 22 Sep 2021, 23:56
[Following is a volunteer review of "How To Be Successful" by M. Curtis McCoy.]
Though I’m not a fan of self-help books, the description published by this book, How to be Successful, Think Like a Leader, made me want to read it. Initially the author, M. Curtis McCoy starts off, by briefly describing his tragic past and current life, and what provoked him into writing this book. He continues by narrating short inspiring success stories and cautions readers from hiding behind excuses to avoid hard work. Few points are similar to any other self-help book, about not missing and/or creating own opportunities, willingness to take calculated risks, always finding ways to improve and so on.
He interviews few people he deems successful, starting with himself, followed by his mother, Connie Wyatt and his friends, Paul B. Watson, Eric Payne, Caujuan Mayo, Nathan Schulhof and Jeff McGregor. The recurrent questions to the interviewees include – What they think is the definition of success, what inspires them, keeps them awake at night, the steps they take for daily improvement, their most read books, their difficult commitments, the character traits they value in others, their greatest strengths, their ‘one life-changing pivotal moment’; when do they consider themselves a success, how do they take important decisions, manage to push through worst times, juggle with opportunities and interestingly, the advice they’d give to their younger self. In between the interviews, the author adds his own inputs, which aren’t necessarily related to the interviewed content. He shares his life lessons, some valuable self-help techniques, the importance of self-rewarding, behavioral attitude etc., among others. Interestingly, the author also mentions the lifestyle variations a person might face when he finally reaches the success pedestal and gives tips to be ready for it.
Despite being diagnosed with infantile diabetes at the age of 27-months and malignant glioblastoma brain tumor after turning 27 years, accompanied by recurring grand mal seizures, the current position of McCoy, as an author, a businessman and key note speaker, the life he created for himself facing all these hurdles, is one true inspiration and the best motivating story of this book. His different approach towards inborn or natural talent was fascinating. Few quotes of wise people that he shares in many chapters were admirable.
Though things contributed by the author made the book commendable, the distressing part was that most of the chapters mentioned about being devoted to God or the Bible. It is indicated as if a person cannot move ahead in life without divine support or blessings. All the interviewees clearly indicate their devotion and how they strive every day to read the bible. Few of them, including the author himself, are active church members and serve as pastors. One of them also seems to be clairvoyant. Such things push the book away from practicality, which is the most important aspect expected in a self-help book. However, comparatively, Eric Payne’s interview was enjoyable.
I rate this book 2 out of 4 stars. The writing style is narrative, without the use of any complicated words. For people who are practical or atheist or agnostic, this book is of no use. There were also repetitions of the author’s story and unnecessary side headings. Few adults might find few techniques helpful. Devout Christians would feel more connected to the content.
******
How To Be Successful
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Though I’m not a fan of self-help books, the description published by this book, How to be Successful, Think Like a Leader, made me want to read it. Initially the author, M. Curtis McCoy starts off, by briefly describing his tragic past and current life, and what provoked him into writing this book. He continues by narrating short inspiring success stories and cautions readers from hiding behind excuses to avoid hard work. Few points are similar to any other self-help book, about not missing and/or creating own opportunities, willingness to take calculated risks, always finding ways to improve and so on.
He interviews few people he deems successful, starting with himself, followed by his mother, Connie Wyatt and his friends, Paul B. Watson, Eric Payne, Caujuan Mayo, Nathan Schulhof and Jeff McGregor. The recurrent questions to the interviewees include – What they think is the definition of success, what inspires them, keeps them awake at night, the steps they take for daily improvement, their most read books, their difficult commitments, the character traits they value in others, their greatest strengths, their ‘one life-changing pivotal moment’; when do they consider themselves a success, how do they take important decisions, manage to push through worst times, juggle with opportunities and interestingly, the advice they’d give to their younger self. In between the interviews, the author adds his own inputs, which aren’t necessarily related to the interviewed content. He shares his life lessons, some valuable self-help techniques, the importance of self-rewarding, behavioral attitude etc., among others. Interestingly, the author also mentions the lifestyle variations a person might face when he finally reaches the success pedestal and gives tips to be ready for it.
Despite being diagnosed with infantile diabetes at the age of 27-months and malignant glioblastoma brain tumor after turning 27 years, accompanied by recurring grand mal seizures, the current position of McCoy, as an author, a businessman and key note speaker, the life he created for himself facing all these hurdles, is one true inspiration and the best motivating story of this book. His different approach towards inborn or natural talent was fascinating. Few quotes of wise people that he shares in many chapters were admirable.
Though things contributed by the author made the book commendable, the distressing part was that most of the chapters mentioned about being devoted to God or the Bible. It is indicated as if a person cannot move ahead in life without divine support or blessings. All the interviewees clearly indicate their devotion and how they strive every day to read the bible. Few of them, including the author himself, are active church members and serve as pastors. One of them also seems to be clairvoyant. Such things push the book away from practicality, which is the most important aspect expected in a self-help book. However, comparatively, Eric Payne’s interview was enjoyable.
I rate this book 2 out of 4 stars. The writing style is narrative, without the use of any complicated words. For people who are practical or atheist or agnostic, this book is of no use. There were also repetitions of the author’s story and unnecessary side headings. Few adults might find few techniques helpful. Devout Christians would feel more connected to the content.
******
How To Be Successful
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon