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The Upside of Fear: How One Man Broke The Cycle of Prison, Poverty, and Addiction
The Upside of Fear allows reader to experience the harsh reality of a criminal life and creates a riveting portrait of true crime at its fundamental level. From buying the duct tape for an armed robbery to saving the life of a prison guard, author Weldon Long recounts his harrowing journey of self-discovery and how he went from being a drunk in a jail cell to the CEO of a multimillion-dollar business. Twenty years of drinking, robbing, drugging, and lying led Long to more than a decade of time spent in prisons, jails, and halfway houses - and a more strained relationship with a son he barely knew.
Through the revealing perspective of an eloquent criminal, readers will discover how to use fear as a positive motivating force and use the mind to strengthen the will, even in the bleakest of circumstances. Long's story demonstrates that love can redeem even the most hopeless criminal, and that there can be no emotions stronger than the desire for redemption and the love of a father separated from his son by prison bars.
Through the revealing perspective of an eloquent criminal, readers will discover how to use fear as a positive motivating force and use the mind to strengthen the will, even in the bleakest of circumstances. Long's story demonstrates that love can redeem even the most hopeless criminal, and that there can be no emotions stronger than the desire for redemption and the love of a father separated from his son by prison bars.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2009
17 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 24, 2013
I attended an event related to my wife's job and Weldon Long was the main speaker. I'm not a fan of the greater realm of life/success coaching. But, here we go again. Another life coach with a how-I-turned-my-life around and you-can-too story. And I'm hear with the kids playing supportive family. Sigh. Okay. Funny thing happened. This time I didn't feel like I wasted my time. I thought, what the heck and bought his book (this one). Two days later and it's finished. The ebook version has the standard bucket of mistakes (okay guys... call me... this can be done right). And Long is not on my list of brilliant writers. But he's on my list of people who've got something to say. Worth the time.
December 20, 2014
I selected this book after the title was recommended to me by an inmate library patron. It wasn't until a judge sentenced an inmate to read the book, that I actually read it. An incredible story of hope, redemption and change. Wally Long went from a life of poor choices, crime, selfishness and hurting others to one filled with promise, change and better life decisions. The memoir is fast-paced and hard to put down.
December 22, 2017
The autobiography of a man who gets locked-up out of desperation. He becomes habitually criminal, although he always acknowledges his dreams and aspirations. His crimes span blue-collar and white-collar. He uses his skills and qualities to execute his crimes, but he remains loyal to his dreams and aspirations. He eventually hits rock-bottom and is left to face and acknowledge the true reason for his situation. He rises and shares his history with lot of motivational and inspiring words from experience.
January 15, 2013
An easy read and interesting. However, I got sick of the convict life story and would have enjoyed more in depth writing on his solutions. It's his story though, and it is what it is.
September 2, 2019
I read this book after The Power of Consistency, which I loved. I'm sure most folks read them in reverse order.
This book focused on long passages of recidivist behavior. From an artistic standpoint, I would have cut quite of bit of these stories down due to length. I had to start skimming toward the latter third of the book, which meant that missed the all-important moment when the author finally decided to turn his life around. The author referred to this moment at the beginning of the book, and I knew about it from the Power of Consistency. Still, I missed the story of this moment because I could not continue to slog through the backsliding behavior chapters.
Although I wish the author had cut the chronology (future/present and past snapshots) more to fit the lessons of the book, the overall lesson rang true.
I appreciated learning how a professionally successful man had changed his life. I still have questions, but the book focused more on the chronological path from jail to success. If you are looking for more insight into the why and how behind the changes, then you will have to read the Power of Consistency.
This book focused on long passages of recidivist behavior. From an artistic standpoint, I would have cut quite of bit of these stories down due to length. I had to start skimming toward the latter third of the book, which meant that missed the all-important moment when the author finally decided to turn his life around. The author referred to this moment at the beginning of the book, and I knew about it from the Power of Consistency. Still, I missed the story of this moment because I could not continue to slog through the backsliding behavior chapters.
Although I wish the author had cut the chronology (future/present and past snapshots) more to fit the lessons of the book, the overall lesson rang true.
I appreciated learning how a professionally successful man had changed his life. I still have questions, but the book focused more on the chronological path from jail to success. If you are looking for more insight into the why and how behind the changes, then you will have to read the Power of Consistency.
Read
July 20, 2019Weldon Long has a great story. His story is a testament to how powerful it is to focus on an idea with so much faith against all odds. I waited for this one to come out. Not many people are self-aware enough to explain their thoughts and reasoning behind their actions. Even less than that, there are not many people that are willing to admit, but own their mistakes.
October 12, 2025
This book made my heart soar. It showed me that great transformation is possible with steadfastness and a vision of who a person wants to be. He put in a lot of work for his ultimate success. How many of us could commit to daily focus and action towards a far off goal? That takes serious discipline. I am in awe of this man.
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January 16, 2020Just what I needed!
Learning how to prepare for a better future by changing my thinking. Mr. Long is another inspirational example of the Law of Attraction. His story has caused me to explore my inner self.
Learning how to prepare for a better future by changing my thinking. Mr. Long is another inspirational example of the Law of Attraction. His story has caused me to explore my inner self.
June 2, 2020
Um dos melhores livros que eu já li. Apesar de não possuir a melhor escrita, a história é bem empolgante. O processo que o Weldon Long utilizou para adquirir seu sucesso pode ser utilizado por todos nós, e para mim, esse é o maior valor do livro. Recomendo bastante.
December 6, 2017
This book is very amazing and will give hope to anyone who wants to change their life! Really worth reading!
August 24, 2018
A pretty good story. It's always amazing what a positive outlook can accomplish. And once you take responsibility for your actions, things become more clear.
November 13, 2019
For anyone who enjoyed his other book, The Power of Consistency, this is a more behind the scenes look at his life. Read the other one first, then this one. They are both very powerful.
July 8, 2020
3.5*. I enjoy feeling hopeful, and this book certainly helped me feel that way.
October 15, 2009
I am recommending this book to everyone I know! The author delivers a true tale that is heartbreaking, funny, motivational, and feel-good, all rolled into one book.
Growing up, Wally had a father that was distant, and while never really in big trouble, he was a classic underachiever and didn't really fit in well. He married young, and it was a dyfunctional relationship. Neither he or his wife were happy, and neither really knew what was wrong, or how to fix it. One night Wally is out driving around aimlessly (pretty much the way he had lived life up to this point), when he picks up a hitchhiker. Together, the two of them decide to rob a store, and life goes rapidly downhill from there. For the next 20 years, Wally's live is a mess, over half that time is spent in prison, when he is out of prison the time is spent committing crime, drinking, using drugs, and having a son that he rarely sees. With a ninth grade education, he finally realizes in prison that the only way to change things is for HIM to make a decision, change his life, and make it the way he wants it to be. He begins by reading every self-help, religious and motivational text he can get his hands on. The story from there is nothing less than an inspiration. There is truly something here for us all to learn.
Weldon (Wally) Long pulls no punches here, and doesn't try to pretty up the truth of his mistakes in any way. The story is harsh and brutal, and sometimes it's pretty tough to have any sympathy for him. Written with honesty and from the heart, it will make the toughest reader feel a tug on the heartstrings. Teaching himself to share his loving feeling for his son through letters to the boy, he shares a tender and moving part of himself; one he wasn't even aware existed.
If you know someone struggling with life, and feeling that they are just unlucky and ready to give up, buy this book for them. Regardless of your views on religion, whether you believe in God, miracles, or anything else; this book will touch your soul and help you see things differently. I have already loaned it out to a friend, and actually have several more folks in mind to lend it to next. In fact, I plan on buying a couple of copies, one to keep for myself and a few more to share with friends, family and others.
Growing up, Wally had a father that was distant, and while never really in big trouble, he was a classic underachiever and didn't really fit in well. He married young, and it was a dyfunctional relationship. Neither he or his wife were happy, and neither really knew what was wrong, or how to fix it. One night Wally is out driving around aimlessly (pretty much the way he had lived life up to this point), when he picks up a hitchhiker. Together, the two of them decide to rob a store, and life goes rapidly downhill from there. For the next 20 years, Wally's live is a mess, over half that time is spent in prison, when he is out of prison the time is spent committing crime, drinking, using drugs, and having a son that he rarely sees. With a ninth grade education, he finally realizes in prison that the only way to change things is for HIM to make a decision, change his life, and make it the way he wants it to be. He begins by reading every self-help, religious and motivational text he can get his hands on. The story from there is nothing less than an inspiration. There is truly something here for us all to learn.
Weldon (Wally) Long pulls no punches here, and doesn't try to pretty up the truth of his mistakes in any way. The story is harsh and brutal, and sometimes it's pretty tough to have any sympathy for him. Written with honesty and from the heart, it will make the toughest reader feel a tug on the heartstrings. Teaching himself to share his loving feeling for his son through letters to the boy, he shares a tender and moving part of himself; one he wasn't even aware existed.
If you know someone struggling with life, and feeling that they are just unlucky and ready to give up, buy this book for them. Regardless of your views on religion, whether you believe in God, miracles, or anything else; this book will touch your soul and help you see things differently. I have already loaned it out to a friend, and actually have several more folks in mind to lend it to next. In fact, I plan on buying a couple of copies, one to keep for myself and a few more to share with friends, family and others.
November 4, 2013
Plot summary
This book describes the fall and rise of Weldon Long, a young man from Denver, who slipped from alcoholism and irresponsible fatherhood to robbery and attempted murder. He spent nearly ten years in different jails, during which he miraculously managed to climb out of his miserable life. Now he is a model citizen and a wealthy one too.
The book is written on a timeline, beginning from 1987 and ending at 2003, with an epilogue that brings the book up to date (2013). The events are described from the retrospective view of the author, who describes his feelings and thoughts at the time of their occurrence. The book does not enlarge upon the details of prison life, except for several incidents, so this is not a book about prison life. The book does describe the manner in which the author had a sudden enlightenment and how he acted upon this moment of clarity. However, the book is definitely not a detailed self-help guide.
My opinion
The book does not disappoint. The pace is swift and quite tense at times, making for a very good read. The book gives rare insight into the mind of a "bad" guy. The fact that such a man has managed to turn his life around is spectacular and can serve as inspiration to anyone who feels stuck and helpless, and that is the main benefit of this book in my view – inspiration. My only real problem was the lack of curiosity on the part of the author regarding the reasons for his turning out like he did. After all, he does have other brothers and sisters that are functioning, law-abiding citizens, so what made him so special? There is no answer to this question in the book and the author does not seem interested in finding one. As far as he is concerned, the past is past, overcome and best forgotten. I feel that this makes his character and the book somewhat one-dimensional.
Pros: inspirational, eminently readable
Cons: Lack of psychological insight
Who should read it: people who are going through a tough period in their lives and anyone else looking for inspiration.
Bottom line: Worth reading once, but I doubt I'll read it again.
This book describes the fall and rise of Weldon Long, a young man from Denver, who slipped from alcoholism and irresponsible fatherhood to robbery and attempted murder. He spent nearly ten years in different jails, during which he miraculously managed to climb out of his miserable life. Now he is a model citizen and a wealthy one too.
The book is written on a timeline, beginning from 1987 and ending at 2003, with an epilogue that brings the book up to date (2013). The events are described from the retrospective view of the author, who describes his feelings and thoughts at the time of their occurrence. The book does not enlarge upon the details of prison life, except for several incidents, so this is not a book about prison life. The book does describe the manner in which the author had a sudden enlightenment and how he acted upon this moment of clarity. However, the book is definitely not a detailed self-help guide.
My opinion
The book does not disappoint. The pace is swift and quite tense at times, making for a very good read. The book gives rare insight into the mind of a "bad" guy. The fact that such a man has managed to turn his life around is spectacular and can serve as inspiration to anyone who feels stuck and helpless, and that is the main benefit of this book in my view – inspiration. My only real problem was the lack of curiosity on the part of the author regarding the reasons for his turning out like he did. After all, he does have other brothers and sisters that are functioning, law-abiding citizens, so what made him so special? There is no answer to this question in the book and the author does not seem interested in finding one. As far as he is concerned, the past is past, overcome and best forgotten. I feel that this makes his character and the book somewhat one-dimensional.
Pros: inspirational, eminently readable
Cons: Lack of psychological insight
Who should read it: people who are going through a tough period in their lives and anyone else looking for inspiration.
Bottom line: Worth reading once, but I doubt I'll read it again.
November 13, 2009
This is the true story of one man’s journey from rags to riches.
The author was a twenty-something alcoholic high school dropout; overall, a pretty dislikable person. One night, driving around in his pickup, he picks up a hitchhiker. Fueled by large amounts of beer and cocaine, they rob a couple of businessmen coming out of a Colorado restaurant. They are arrested later that night, which begins a decade-long journey through the criminal justice system.
After several years in prison, he is sent to a halfway house. While living with his son and second wife, he commits several armed robberies. In prison for the second time, the author begins to realize that his life does not have to be a downward spiral. He reads every book he can find on success, from authors like Napoleon Hill, Wayne Dyer and Stephen Covey, and begins to take it to heart. While out for the second time, he gets involved in shady telemarketing, and finds that he is really good at it. For a time, he runs his own "boiler room," until the authorities catch up with him. A central part of his new philosophy is to take responsibility for his actions, which means a third trip to prison on federal fraud charges.
The biggest reason for wanting to change his life is to not be an emotionally distant father to his son, like his father was to him. In prison, he gets his GED, a Bachelor’s degree in Law, and then an MBA. To show how much he has changed, he saves a guard’s life (not a path to popularity in prison). Out of prison again, he gets a sales job for a heating company, and is really good at it. After a couple of layoffs, perhaps for being "too good" or "too ambitious," he and Wife #3 start their own heating company, which becomes very successful.
Long does a fine job of showing how anyone can change their life. No one is beyond help. The first steps are to want to change, and then to visualize yourself as a changed person.
The author was a twenty-something alcoholic high school dropout; overall, a pretty dislikable person. One night, driving around in his pickup, he picks up a hitchhiker. Fueled by large amounts of beer and cocaine, they rob a couple of businessmen coming out of a Colorado restaurant. They are arrested later that night, which begins a decade-long journey through the criminal justice system.
After several years in prison, he is sent to a halfway house. While living with his son and second wife, he commits several armed robberies. In prison for the second time, the author begins to realize that his life does not have to be a downward spiral. He reads every book he can find on success, from authors like Napoleon Hill, Wayne Dyer and Stephen Covey, and begins to take it to heart. While out for the second time, he gets involved in shady telemarketing, and finds that he is really good at it. For a time, he runs his own "boiler room," until the authorities catch up with him. A central part of his new philosophy is to take responsibility for his actions, which means a third trip to prison on federal fraud charges.
The biggest reason for wanting to change his life is to not be an emotionally distant father to his son, like his father was to him. In prison, he gets his GED, a Bachelor’s degree in Law, and then an MBA. To show how much he has changed, he saves a guard’s life (not a path to popularity in prison). Out of prison again, he gets a sales job for a heating company, and is really good at it. After a couple of layoffs, perhaps for being "too good" or "too ambitious," he and Wife #3 start their own heating company, which becomes very successful.
Long does a fine job of showing how anyone can change their life. No one is beyond help. The first steps are to want to change, and then to visualize yourself as a changed person.
September 22, 2012
One man’s journey from Fear and self-centeredness to an emotionally, healthy, productive life.
Weldon Long spent 13 years in prison over 15 years of his life, and from that experience he changed his thoughts, desires and actions. This story is a combination of self-help, biography and promotion of sales materials that have worked for him. Weldon Long is a motivational speaker and sales training expert that put his life story on paper for others to learn. When he was in his early 30’s Weldon was in a federal penitentiary, had a 9th grade education, his father just recently died and he had a son 3 years old.
From that moment on, in prison and in life, Weldon Long envisioned what he wanted his life to be, put that desire to print, reviewed it each day and changed his thoughts and actions to support those goals. From this book, I walked away with one principle I can apply in my life; Envision the person I see myself as (who I want to be) in the future, put it to print, review it daily, and have the thoughts and actions to support those goals.
This is a great book of encouragement and soul-searching … if that is what you desire right now.
September 11, 2010
A super inspirational book. Here is a man that was down for such an amount of time, it seemed hope was lost. It seemed that it would be easier to give up. But he somehow found a way to slowly crawl out of the crater he dug for himself.
I'm not sure if I always believe in the power of positive thought, but perhaps if I practiced it more, I would know better! :-D I'm sure Mr. Long has to struggle each and every day to keep on the straight and narrow. However, the positive life changes that he has made hopefully make it easier for him.
It gives me great hope that anyone has the potential to change. It also verifies my feelings of how important an education is. One way, perhaps the only way to break the cycle is through education.
I want to read this book again, I want to give it to every prisoner, drug addict, person in a low place in life. Even to those in a good place in life, this makes you think, appreciate and hope.
Perhaps it is not for everyone, but I really enjoyed and appreciated this message.
I'm not sure if I always believe in the power of positive thought, but perhaps if I practiced it more, I would know better! :-D I'm sure Mr. Long has to struggle each and every day to keep on the straight and narrow. However, the positive life changes that he has made hopefully make it easier for him.
It gives me great hope that anyone has the potential to change. It also verifies my feelings of how important an education is. One way, perhaps the only way to break the cycle is through education.
I want to read this book again, I want to give it to every prisoner, drug addict, person in a low place in life. Even to those in a good place in life, this makes you think, appreciate and hope.
Perhaps it is not for everyone, but I really enjoyed and appreciated this message.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2014
I finished this book in 1 day. Last time that happened was with the 5th Harry Potter book that I read back in...the day! That means this book grasped my attention immediately and I could not put it down! Weldon Long's story is simply powerful and griping; it allows you to visualize what was happening in his life as he portrays it throughout his journey and he made it worth reading with every event in this book! He's real! He gives you who his is and who he is striving to become so I could definitely relate to him on that level and during other parts of his story as well. This man embodies this quote: "Sometimes you have to get knocked down lower than you've ever been, to stand up taller than you've ever been". Get this book and his 2nd, The Power of Consistency!
This is the second time I've read of a man going to prison and coming out an influential beast! First one was Malcolm X
This is the second time I've read of a man going to prison and coming out an influential beast! First one was Malcolm X
March 17, 2012
I almost LOVED this book. I was thrilled to see my little hometown and local community college mentioned and I enjoyed hearing about the author's transformation while in prison. I work in a Com-Corr and I appreciate the new perspective this book gave me but I think that if I hadn't looked up the author I would have liked the book more.
I am glad that Mr. Long was able to change his life for the better I just hate how commercial his story has become. I would love to hear if he donates time to speak with prisoners-I know some of my clients could benefit from his message but with dwindling Corrections budgets we'll never be able to afford him!
I am glad that Mr. Long was able to change his life for the better I just hate how commercial his story has become. I would love to hear if he donates time to speak with prisoners-I know some of my clients could benefit from his message but with dwindling Corrections budgets we'll never be able to afford him!
November 11, 2013
This book was very inspiring, though glorified in my opinion. It's a one and a million shot to go from "rags to riches", especially with a felony conviction. The man was caught red handed and played the role of the reformed convict. Mr. Long is very persuasive and convincing which is a trait of a convict, so either he's truly changed, or he's truly a convict, who found a hustle and ran with it. I don't use the word convict lightly. There are inmates and there are convicts. The distinction of the two are enormous.
January 3, 2014
An inspirational memoir of a man who got started in life on the wrong foot and ended up in prison for armed robbery. Mr. Long tells his story frankly and honestly without sugar-coating anything. He explains his entry to the prison system and how he went from being a model prisoner to an alcoholic at a halfway house before going back to prison. Along the way the author learns something about himself and his life and explains it to you without beating you about the head with it. Only 199 pages, I was able to read it in one sitting.
June 29, 2012
I recently met Weldon and heard him speak, which was fascinating.
However, I felt the book focused a bit too much on his demons... It would have been refreshing if a bit more of the literature focused on his rise, rather than his constant defeat.
Maybe those details are coming in his next book... If so, I'll be sure to add that to my wishlist.
Overall, an interesting biographical read.
However, I felt the book focused a bit too much on his demons... It would have been refreshing if a bit more of the literature focused on his rise, rather than his constant defeat.
Maybe those details are coming in his next book... If so, I'll be sure to add that to my wishlist.
Overall, an interesting biographical read.
January 12, 2014
I truly appreciated this book. My husband heard Weldon speak as a motivational presenter during a company meeting and was quite impressed--so I had to read it. A warning, there are quite a few areas of thick, foul language which the book could have been written without. I love his true example of someone "repentant" of previous choices and fighting the difficult struggle to rise up from the stigma that society had placed him in.
February 16, 2010
This book is an easy read. This author did everything wrong in life--- dropped out of high school, had two failed marriages, went to jail for fraud and armed robbery. Yet, he turned his life around. You'll have to read it to find out how. That's what kept me reading. I saw him on a TV interview and I knew that he was now a multimillionaire. So how did he do that???? It's very interesting.
November 2, 2012
This is a great read, that reminds us no matter where we stand today, it's never to late to change and have the life we deserve.
January 8, 2013
Great positive message to help you have hope.
March 15, 2013
Good book - inspiring!
March 15, 2013
An easy to read .... hard to believe memoir.
June 28, 2014
Really enjoyed this story: how the author Wally struggled through his personal problems and conquered them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews