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Taking Life Head On! (The Hal Elrod Story): How To Love The Life You Have While You Create The Life of Your Dreams

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Are you ready to truly LOVE the life you have while you CREATE the most extraordinary life you can imagine? This book gives you exactly what you need to do both! Taking Life Head On begins with the dramatic true story of Hal Elrod's incredible triumph over tragedy, then gives you his powerful formula that is GUARANTEED to empower you to truly love every moment of your life while creating the life of your dreams. At age 20, Hal's world ended when his car was hit head on by a drunk driver, he died for 6 minutes, broke 11 bones, suffered permanent brain damage, and was told by doctors that he would never walk again. Yet, Hal was happy. So happy, in fact, that his doctors thought he must be in denial. Defying the logic of doctors and temptations to be a victim, Hal went on to not only miraculously take his first step just 3 weeks after being found dead and told that he would never walk again, but he would eventually run a 52-mile ultra marathon, become a hall of fame business achiever (at age 26), and international motivational speaker, success coach, and #1 bestselling author.

152 pages, Paperback

First published January 10, 2006

63 people are currently reading
1024 people want to read

About the author

Hal Elrod

82 books1,419 followers
Hal Elrod is the author of the #1 international bestseller "The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life... (Before 8AM)" available at http://MiracleMorning.com

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5 stars
110 (57%)
4 stars
41 (21%)
3 stars
25 (13%)
2 stars
10 (5%)
1 star
4 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Rebecca.
7 reviews
September 4, 2008
I had the honor of knowing Hal as he wrote this book. He has been an incredible inspiration to my life and so many others, and his book tells why. His book reminds me of the lessons i've learned from working with him. Most of the book relates to how his experience working with Cutco shaped his mind, making him more capable of overcoming what he did, so i'm not sure if non-Cutco people would take the same value from this book.
12 reviews3 followers
July 9, 2010
I'm always going back to this book. There's so much to remember; to live your best life! So Awsome! The most incredible story ever. Hal is so wise! Love you Hal!
Profile Image for Ron Petruska.
4 reviews
February 4, 2013
A great book about succeeding in the face of extreme adversity. Would recommend it to anyone and everyone.
Profile Image for Lulu Hennessy.
146 reviews
February 10, 2020
Motivating

This a motivational tale about being your best, showing up for yourself every day and believing anything you put your mind to is possible.
Profile Image for Maya.
12 reviews
March 4, 2024
That was the book I needed to read this week. I do believe that books find us at the right time and this one could not find me at a better time. I bought it months ago and just chucked it on the shelf, but I have been looking at it in the last few weeks and finally decided to pick it up and read it. I was sceptical as the book talks a lot about Hal and his experience as a salesperson. I was even thinking "yea, blah, blah, another self-centred man who wrote a book about himself because he is craving attention" but something intrigued me and I've carried on with the book. I am so glad I did. It opened my eyes in so many ways, and gave me new keys to open long-closed doors within me to access new places I have not seen for ages, or ever in fact.
Of course, the book will not be for everyone, so I will not be suggesting that everyone should read it, however, if you are currently unhappy with your life and not sure why "as everything seems to be fine" or you are 100% sure why you are unhappy, but you are ready to change that, you should give a go. End of the day that's only just over 100 pages that may change your life forever.
Profile Image for Kenneth W. Hurst.
6 reviews
September 14, 2023
excellent inspiration and good, common sense.

Hal Elrod tells how life changed forever after a head on collision with a drunk driver. His attitude and Faith and perseverance not only allowed him to overcome crippling injuries, but also to reenter and enjoy a fullness of life. Much practical advice on how to view the bad and the good that happens, and how to maximize those things that are under one’s control in order to keep life happy, even when things that we can’t control get in the way. An excellent book.
Profile Image for Mark Livingstone.
60 reviews1 follower
April 20, 2023
Hal Elrod died in a fatal motor vehicle accident, and was revived. This is the story of his life, how it happened, what happened next, and the happiness he has found in life. A very positive book from a skilled communicator, and how he want the reader to succeed too.

If you enjoy this book, you would also probably enjoy "Stronger" by Dinesh Palipana whose life experiences have some similarities with Hal Elrod, and his positive outlook on life.
564 reviews5 followers
April 13, 2018
Truly inspirational! The story and message included is one that will transform your life. It includes affirmations that are truly life-changing. One that impacts my life is: LOVE the life we have while we CREATE the life of our dreams. It is both and. The message is powerful - if he can do it, so can I. And if I can do it, so can you. Karen Briscoe, author "5 Minute Success"
Profile Image for Cindy Escobedo.
13 reviews3 followers
May 30, 2017
Stop making excuses, put in the work and you can make it happen. I love his message. Easy to relate to, easy read.
Profile Image for Natalie.
9 reviews
November 13, 2018
Thought provoking and jam packed with inspiration

Another great read from Hal Elrod - inspired to love my life while creating the life of my dreams 😁
Profile Image for Sarah Hinckley.
7 reviews
December 25, 2020
Some great insight though a tiny bit repetitive especially since I just finished his other book The Morning Miracle. But overall easy to read and kept my attention.
16 reviews4 followers
June 25, 2021
Great motivating story of how Hal faced life changing tragedy, pushed through it and came out on top.
1 review
August 20, 2025
Reading it again gain even more

I read this book 20 years ago. I just picked up this digital version and realize I even appreciate more rhea time.
Profile Image for Erin Chavez.
9 reviews
December 18, 2025
I worked in the Fresno Vector/Cutco office during the time of Hal’s accident, so reading this book brought back a lot of memories. It’s hard to believe so many years have passed! Hal’s determination during his recovery was so inspiring, and I’m not surprised to see his success today.
Profile Image for Brian Sachetta.
Author 2 books66 followers
December 11, 2019
I would imagine that most people who know of Hal's writing know him for "The Miracle Morning." While I definitely enjoyed that book, I actually think this one is better.

It's all about Hal's overcoming of a life-threatening car crash (in the truest sense of the word) at the age of 20. Despite an extremely grim prognosis from the doctors, he defied the odds and not only went on to walk again, but also to become an ultra-marathoner and best-selling author.

Hal's determination grew out of his insistence on taking responsibility for his life, no matter what. Sure, he wasn't responsible for the fact that he was hit by a drunk driver, but he was responsible for how he responded to that accident. And he did so in epic fashion, persevering to reclaim his health and achieve some other unbelievable goals as well.

His unwavering faith is inspiring, and it comes through in all parts of this book. I think the accomplishments he has made since writing it only further serve to show the power of this book and the power Hal holds in general. It's a very inspirational read and I would highly recommend it.

-Brian Sachetta
Author of "Get Out of Your Head"
Profile Image for Sharon.
170 reviews17 followers
June 22, 2014
Uplifting and energizing

I enjoyed reading Hal's account of his recovery from his accident and how he pulled himself out of the tragedy and decided he would remain positive and optimistic. He provides clear guidance on how each of us can choose to do the same thing.

This is clearly a message I needed to hear to stop putting off my future for 'someday' and start taking action NOW!

Thank you Hal!
Profile Image for Tammy.
213 reviews
May 2, 2017
Amazing what he's been able to do and get through when the same things would bring others down. Great book
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

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