What do you think?
Rate this book
Stop Playing Safe: Rethink Risk, Unlock the Power of Courage, Achieve Outstanding Success
Tap the power of courage and achieve greater clarity, confidence, and satisfaction in your work and life Tap in to the inspirational motivation of best-selling author, life coach and media personality, Margie Warrell. Stop Playing Safe is a call to action for anyone who has ever felt that their work was not revealing their true potential for personal progression and career development. It will give you the conviction and courage to become bolder in your career, to perform better and enjoy your work more.
Margie points out that 'fear' seems to be our new state of 'normal' as we deal with economic uncertainty, job insecurity and constant change management in the workplace. In times like these, all our instincts tell us to play safe and avoid risk. Yet courage and bold action are the keys to reaping the rewards of exceptional success in your career.
Supported by case studies, insights and advice from a range of high-profile Australian and international entrepreneurs, Stop Playing Safe shares tactics you can put into practice to achieve personal fulfilment and professional success. It will help you clarify your career purpose and maximise your work value. It offers solutions for dealing with change management and will encourage you to pursue your career goals with renewed vigour and empowerment.
Margie Warrell grew up on a dairy farm in rural Australia and has lived in the US She is the best-selling author of Find Your Courage and CEO of Global Courage Her clients include the United Nations Foundation, NASA, Ernst & Young, Bechtel, Best Buy, Accenture, AOL, Covidien, ADT, United Healthcare, and ExxonMobil You will keep coming back to this book as you move forward in your career, using it as a ready reference to progress through each stage and tackle each new challenge.
Adapting to change an taking chances are critical to your success. This book will help you with both. Get it, read it, enjoy the results. - Jon Gordon, author of The Energy Bus and The Seed.
"Stop Playing Safe will help you harness the courage to take the risks that make sense--and give you the success you want. - Randy Gage, Author of Risky Is the New Safe
"Practical, powerful, and inspiring. In uncertain times, it's a guide-book you can't afford not to read as it spells out exactly how to handle your challenges and find the confidence to speak up, adapt and get ahead in the new economy. Everyone in your company should read it! - Suzi Pomerantz, author, Master coach, and CEO of Innovative Leadership International.
"Stop Playing Safe is one of those rare books that is at once original, inspirational, and above all, useful." - Bill Treasurer, President of Giant Leap Consulting and author, Courage Goes to Work.
Stop Playing Safe provides a roadmap to navigate uncertainty and find the courage to create meaningful changes in your workplace, career and life. - Rebecca Heino, Professor of Management, McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University
"Margie Warrell provides powerful and practical advice for overcoming our innate fear of risk and vulnerability. It bears reading and re-reading for all who strive to become their best selves. - Dr Gordon Livingston, Author of Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart
Margie is a true expert on the science of success. Her new book is both inspiring and practical. It's a powerful manual for creating the life of your dreams." - Siimon Reynolds, author of Why People Fail
Margie points out that 'fear' seems to be our new state of 'normal' as we deal with economic uncertainty, job insecurity and constant change management in the workplace. In times like these, all our instincts tell us to play safe and avoid risk. Yet courage and bold action are the keys to reaping the rewards of exceptional success in your career.
Supported by case studies, insights and advice from a range of high-profile Australian and international entrepreneurs, Stop Playing Safe shares tactics you can put into practice to achieve personal fulfilment and professional success. It will help you clarify your career purpose and maximise your work value. It offers solutions for dealing with change management and will encourage you to pursue your career goals with renewed vigour and empowerment.
Margie Warrell grew up on a dairy farm in rural Australia and has lived in the US She is the best-selling author of Find Your Courage and CEO of Global Courage Her clients include the United Nations Foundation, NASA, Ernst & Young, Bechtel, Best Buy, Accenture, AOL, Covidien, ADT, United Healthcare, and ExxonMobil You will keep coming back to this book as you move forward in your career, using it as a ready reference to progress through each stage and tackle each new challenge.
Adapting to change an taking chances are critical to your success. This book will help you with both. Get it, read it, enjoy the results. - Jon Gordon, author of The Energy Bus and The Seed.
"Stop Playing Safe will help you harness the courage to take the risks that make sense--and give you the success you want. - Randy Gage, Author of Risky Is the New Safe
"Practical, powerful, and inspiring. In uncertain times, it's a guide-book you can't afford not to read as it spells out exactly how to handle your challenges and find the confidence to speak up, adapt and get ahead in the new economy. Everyone in your company should read it! - Suzi Pomerantz, author, Master coach, and CEO of Innovative Leadership International.
"Stop Playing Safe is one of those rare books that is at once original, inspirational, and above all, useful." - Bill Treasurer, President of Giant Leap Consulting and author, Courage Goes to Work.
Stop Playing Safe provides a roadmap to navigate uncertainty and find the courage to create meaningful changes in your workplace, career and life. - Rebecca Heino, Professor of Management, McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University
"Margie Warrell provides powerful and practical advice for overcoming our innate fear of risk and vulnerability. It bears reading and re-reading for all who strive to become their best selves. - Dr Gordon Livingston, Author of Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart
Margie is a true expert on the science of success. Her new book is both inspiring and practical. It's a powerful manual for creating the life of your dreams." - Siimon Reynolds, author of Why People Fail
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
29 people are currently reading
485 people want to read
About the author
Margie Warrell
11 books52 followersMargie has stepped out of her comfort zone many times since her childhood growing up one of seven children on a farm in rural Australia. Along the way she’s learnt a lot about courage and daring boldly.
An internationally recognized leader in human potential – Margie is passionate about empowering people to think bigger about what is possible for them, engage in braver conversations and lead more purposeful lives.
Margie draws on her background in Fortune 500 Business and Psychology as a keynote speaker, coach, media contributor, bestselling author and women’s leadership advocate. Her programs have helped thousands of people achieve greater success, including organizations such as the UN Foundation, NASA, British Telecom, Hitachi, Body Shop, Accenture and American Airlines
An internationally recognized leader in human potential – Margie is passionate about empowering people to think bigger about what is possible for them, engage in braver conversations and lead more purposeful lives.
Margie draws on her background in Fortune 500 Business and Psychology as a keynote speaker, coach, media contributor, bestselling author and women’s leadership advocate. Her programs have helped thousands of people achieve greater success, including organizations such as the UN Foundation, NASA, British Telecom, Hitachi, Body Shop, Accenture and American Airlines
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 26, 2017
This is a very idealistic book, motivating yeah but in the second half I just had one question in my mind: now isn't that a little naive?
I agree with a lot of things the writer discussed and share her opinions on most of the topics. But there is a reason why people back down when they face a corporate bully or when they keep silence when they should have spoken up. Courage aside, more often there is a real concern for survival. Even if you don't worry about your livelihood, you consider whether it's worth your time. The answer is often no so you make peace with it and move on.
I do feel that women need to take her advice to heart though. It's very easy for women to take a "second in command" kind of role, even if she is a leader in her own right. A woman who stands her ground is often seen as bitchy while a man can be an asshole and people consider him successful. Gender discrimination exists, especially in the corporate world.
However these psychologists advocate authenticity in the workplace, I always feel that they are a little out of touch with "the real world" or just a little too idealistic. Perhaps there are paradises where people are rewarded for their initiatives, their authenticity, their resilience, their critical thinking and their ability to bring out positive changes or their guts. I have always worked in places where you are rewarded only, if ever, if you make the person whose budget pays for your paycheck look better than he actually is in his boss' eyes.
That being said, I still believe that there is a valuable lesson to learn in this book: if you choose to yield, make it a conscious choice, not a choice driven by fears. That much, I believe is true no matter where you are.
I agree with a lot of things the writer discussed and share her opinions on most of the topics. But there is a reason why people back down when they face a corporate bully or when they keep silence when they should have spoken up. Courage aside, more often there is a real concern for survival. Even if you don't worry about your livelihood, you consider whether it's worth your time. The answer is often no so you make peace with it and move on.
I do feel that women need to take her advice to heart though. It's very easy for women to take a "second in command" kind of role, even if she is a leader in her own right. A woman who stands her ground is often seen as bitchy while a man can be an asshole and people consider him successful. Gender discrimination exists, especially in the corporate world.
However these psychologists advocate authenticity in the workplace, I always feel that they are a little out of touch with "the real world" or just a little too idealistic. Perhaps there are paradises where people are rewarded for their initiatives, their authenticity, their resilience, their critical thinking and their ability to bring out positive changes or their guts. I have always worked in places where you are rewarded only, if ever, if you make the person whose budget pays for your paycheck look better than he actually is in his boss' eyes.
That being said, I still believe that there is a valuable lesson to learn in this book: if you choose to yield, make it a conscious choice, not a choice driven by fears. That much, I believe is true no matter where you are.
March 19, 2013
When an author advises readers to take risks, people often confuse risk-taking with permission to be stupid.
But Warrell’s purpose is for you to take risks that move you in the direction of sharing your unique gift with the world.
The first part of the book presents the elements of courage: why do you live, how do you overcome your brain’s predisposition to cowardice, and what character do you need to take right actions.
The second part deals with courage in the everyday living of your work and personal lives. She challenges you to lead yourself to thrive in an ever-changing reality.
The work of Dr Stephen R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change, saturates Warrell’s work. But she’s found her own voice in a niche that was a subtopic for him.
Courage is a critical skill for entrepreneurs. If you want to change the world, or even just your personal wealth, you need to learn to learn to take the risks that will get you to where you want to be.
This book won’t make you courageous, but combine virtuous character and the skills it teaches, and you will take the risks that matter.
But Warrell’s purpose is for you to take risks that move you in the direction of sharing your unique gift with the world.
The first part of the book presents the elements of courage: why do you live, how do you overcome your brain’s predisposition to cowardice, and what character do you need to take right actions.
The second part deals with courage in the everyday living of your work and personal lives. She challenges you to lead yourself to thrive in an ever-changing reality.
The work of Dr Stephen R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change, saturates Warrell’s work. But she’s found her own voice in a niche that was a subtopic for him.
Courage is a critical skill for entrepreneurs. If you want to change the world, or even just your personal wealth, you need to learn to learn to take the risks that will get you to where you want to be.
This book won’t make you courageous, but combine virtuous character and the skills it teaches, and you will take the risks that matter.
September 11, 2013
I found “Stop Playing Safe: Rethink Risk, Unlock the Power of Courage, Achieve Outstanding Success” by Margie Warrell to be an engaging, motivating, and practical book on becoming more courageous to achieve more in business and in life. The courage mindset that Warrell writes about, and assists people in developing within themselves reminds me of some of my own warrior teachings where I help people live more courageously through martial art and warrior lessons. Warrell's book not only reinforced some of what I've already been teaching, but provided additional concepts and ideas to not only help me personally, but to improve my teachings to help others.
The book is divided into three main parts. The first, Core Courage, focuses on knowing your why, rethinking risk and committing to courage, and aligning bold action with right action. Part two, Working Courage, contains four chapters on speaking candidly and listening bravely; learning, unlearning and relearning; seizing opportunities from your adversities; and leading authentically as you cultivate courage. The final, and third part, Take Courage, has one chapter titled “Trust Yourself – take action!” It is the final summary and call to action to live the principles taught throughout the book.
The book is well laid out with supporting quotes, side bars and key summaries of the ideas. It's presented to motivate the reader to take action and live more courageously, and thus gain more success from business and life. It is a great book to help people conquer fear and overcome setbacks and temporary defeats.
I agree with Warrell that what you do matters, and that how you do it matters even more. Courage to live is important, and Warrell will help readers become more courageous. All you need to do is read and act upon the information presented in “Stop Playing Safe.”
The book is divided into three main parts. The first, Core Courage, focuses on knowing your why, rethinking risk and committing to courage, and aligning bold action with right action. Part two, Working Courage, contains four chapters on speaking candidly and listening bravely; learning, unlearning and relearning; seizing opportunities from your adversities; and leading authentically as you cultivate courage. The final, and third part, Take Courage, has one chapter titled “Trust Yourself – take action!” It is the final summary and call to action to live the principles taught throughout the book.
The book is well laid out with supporting quotes, side bars and key summaries of the ideas. It's presented to motivate the reader to take action and live more courageously, and thus gain more success from business and life. It is a great book to help people conquer fear and overcome setbacks and temporary defeats.
I agree with Warrell that what you do matters, and that how you do it matters even more. Courage to live is important, and Warrell will help readers become more courageous. All you need to do is read and act upon the information presented in “Stop Playing Safe.”
June 28, 2020
Get busy or bust
Tells you a lot of what you need to know, what you don't know, and what you might already know. Good stuff
Tells you a lot of what you need to know, what you don't know, and what you might already know. Good stuff
March 28, 2013
This book completely changed my life! It has taught me how to step out of my comfort zone and conquer my fears of failure. An excellent read. I would recommend it to all who want to continue to advance in life.
http://margiewarrell.com/
http://margiewarrell.com/
August 21, 2020
I think this is one of the most important books a person can read for personal growth and fulfillment. A negative relationship with risk can prevent you from experiencing a different level of life. I keep returning to it and rereading it. The audiobook is fantastic as well.
December 6, 2022
Sometimes you gravitate to what you need. I am working to become a more effective leader and this felt like the pep talk I needed to not shy away from difficult conversations or potential conficts. I already plan to listen again.
December 30, 2021
Highly unoriginal, but thank you anyway.
February 10, 2016
I thought this book spoke to me. While I didn't do the framework exercises or self-assessments that populated each chapter, I thought there were a few I would go back to at a later time and try or at least reference. My mindset while reading this was long-running disappointment in my position which had degenerated into disinterest, disengagement and a job search so I read this book at the right time. I accepted a new job around the same time I finished this book. But don't wait for that situation in your own life to read this. I would say that if you're at all conservative or risk-averse, even if you're moderately tolerant of risk and controversy, take a quick spin through this. Some of it is trite, some is typical, but taken for what it is, it's a short book that gives you a kick-in-the-pants if you have become at all complacent or you're idling a bit because you don't want to shake things up quite yet.
July 22, 2016
It is often said "Don't judge a book by its cover" but it took me time to realize that I did a blunder of grabbing this book going by its catchy cover. I was expecting practical insights on being more courageous, and being at ease with risks but this book disappointed me by being too theoretical. Though author has tried to add practical tips in special boxes but they are too commonsensical. I won't recommend this book to anyone.
April 28, 2013
Finally a sort of self help book that should help just about anyone. Stop playing it safe is just that. most people play it safe to keep from falling or dropping the ball that comes out of nowhere. the author shows you how to stop all the doldrum daily things and how to make a sacrifice that will undoubtly change your life. won on library thin .com for review
July 3, 2013
Rather disappointing. Really nothing new here. A regurgitation of rather obvious points. Felt more like a long pep talk, and not really a very good one at that. Courage by Debbie Ford is wayyy better.
July 3, 2013
It was a really good book. I found it to be very interesting and helpful. It was a little too "Life coach" for me other than self-improvement, if that makes any sense.
March 16, 2014
Boring!
March 31, 2016
Worth reading. This book helped me to prune my courage and take bold actions in my professional and personal life. Thanks to the author Margie Warrell for this wonderful creation.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews