Start With Values: How to Build a Life with Meaning and Purpose

by Bradley Hook

Embark on a journey of self-discovery—and lead a life of purpose—with practical tools and thought-experiments that reveal how collective and personal values shape our lives.In this powerfully insightful book, author Brad Hook, founder of the Values Institute, brings his years of experience as an executive coach, mentor, and researcher to unpack the extraordinary impact of values in our lives and helps set you on a journey to live with authenticity, courage and passion.Three distinct sections guide you toward understanding your core values and their impact on your decision-making, purpose and daily Discovering Your Tools, lists and thought-experiments to help you find your core values and comprehend how they drive their actions and shape their purpose Living Your Delves into how well-being can cultivate resilience, supporting values-aligned action even under stress Sharing Your Emphasizes the communal aspect of values, fosters you to connect and use your values within a community With its blend of theory and practice, the book equips readers with the understanding and tools they need to live a more fulfilling, values-aligned life. It is not just a book but a companion for anyone seeking to enhance their well-being, resilience, and relationships by starting with values.

176 pages, Paperback

Published January 7, 2025

About the author

Brad Hook is an author, speaker, innovator, and entrepreneur. As the head of the Resilience Lab at the Resilience Institute, he leads pioneering work in human performance, well-being, and integrated approaches to resilience. His forthcoming book, Start With Values (Penguin Random House), explores the power of values-driven living. Brad is a regular contributor to Entrepreneur magazine, where he shares insights on leadership, innovation, and personal growth.

He hosts The Brad Hook Podcast and The Resilience Podcast, where he interviews leading academics, entrepreneurs, and change-makers, delving into cutting-edge ideas that elevate the human experience. Dedicated to exploring tools that expand consciousness and foster resilience, Brad’s work is aimed at helping individuals thrive in today’s complex world.

Reviews

[Diana Iovanel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some bits were useful - specifically offering a framework about how to figure out what your values are. And I appreciate the fact that the book exists to begin with; this was an unexpected gap book topics.
But it could have been a quarter of the length. I doubt brevity is one of Hook's values

[Daniel Leaver · Rating 1 out of 5]

Seems like a lot of the reviewers got some sort of deal or early access to the book. I had to seek out and pay for this steeming pile of dung-o myself.

I am rating it one star, and what this represents to me is that I didn't like the book and didn't finish it. I made it past chapter one, and partially into chapter two, before giving up. If you only read this, it is that my sentiment up until that point is that the book is not researched and vacuous. In essence, it seemed like a waste of time, potentially harmful, and utterly bereft of insight.

The first chapter of the book is a brief recount of the author's life. I can only imagine this part was to endear the author to my heart and to legitimize some form of competency. Alas, it had the opposite effect. I thought Bradley came accross as a braggart, leading a bullshit instagram traveller's lifestyle, and creating bullshit marketing companies.

He goes from being a photographer, to a surf magazine editor, to a software consultancy manager, to eventually settling on "human-wellness". One of his proudest accomplishments is being the first to use offshore Indian software engineers. I looked it up. It lasted about a year. About as long as I thought.

This software venture isn't unique however. Bradley doesn't seem especially trained or qualified for any of his previous previous ventures. He comes accross as a chancer with an ability to make an impression - a man with an ability to sell crap but with naught to back it up. Clearly this has worked out for him, as it can for many, and I wish him continued success. But it sure as hell it inspiring confidence in the book.

The fact that he starts the book with his personal life history, rather than any sort of hard evidence demonstrating it is worth starting with values, is telling. If he has anything factual to say, a theory to develop for us, then let's get to it. Darwin didn't start "The Origin of the Species" by telling us about his jet-setter lifestyle, and how waiters in Bali make best cocktails.

The coup de grace, was when the second chapter started off with a romanticized recounting of early dawn-of-civilization-type societies freely roaming the earth while valuing cooperation, fair distribution of resources, and, one can only imagine, knowing all the lyrics to the song Kumbaya. No bro, I am not sure we do know they valued that. It doesn't seem any less plausible that early dawn-of-civilization nomads valued brutality, and the will of the strongest.

[Andrea DeWitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bradley Hook's "Start With Values" sparked something deeper in my own values journey! As a certified leadership coach, I help clients discover what truly matters to them, but this book isn't just another self-help manual—it's a soul-stirring invitation to reconnect with your authentic self through the power of core values.

Hook's exploration of intrinsic versus extrinsic values was like finding missing puzzle pieces in my own coaching framework. I found myself nodding vigorously while highlighting passages about how our intrinsic values (what fulfills us internally) dance with our extrinsic values (how we impact the world). His "Rule of Three" gave me crystal-clear language to understand why integrity, altruism, and connection form my personal foundation.

The magic of this book lies in Hook's ability to transform abstract concepts into practical wisdom. Each section builds beautifully upon the last—from discovering your authentic values (the NAME), to integrating them into daily decisions (the CLAIM), to expressing them in community (the REFRAME). This progression feels natural and deeply aligned with how transformation actually unfolds.
What truly set this book apart for me was Hook's honest exploration of "junk values"—those sneaky imposters that masquerade as our own but actually drain our life force. This section illuminated why I've naturally gravitated away from certain relationships and pursuits as I've become more attuned to my authentic self. It was like having a compassionate guide point out the exit signs from paths that no longer serve me.

For anyone wrestling with work-life alignment, Hook's insights on communicating values professionally and personally offer practical tools for everything from setting boundaries to creating mission statements that genuinely reflect collective wisdom. His blend of neuroscience, philosophy, and coaching expertise create a rich tapestry of understanding.
Like the best coaches in any realm, Hook doesn't just tell you to value what matters—he hands you the keys to unlock your own wisdom. "Start With Values" is that rare companion that walks beside you on the journey toward a well-lived life, helping you find not just your north star, but your whole constellation of meaning.

[Yuliia Sivitska · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Start With Values by Bradley Hook

Start With Values by Bradley Hook offers a comprehensive guide to identifying and understanding the core values that shape our lives. The author's approach is structured and insightful, providing readers with a detailed outline of values and how they influence our decisions. He also explores the impact of “junk values” on personal well-being.

The book is a thoughtful exploration of values, covering their characteristics, and the powerful effect they have on shaping our worldview. One of the standout aspects is the introduction of a value-based mindfulness practice. The author also delves into building values in specific contexts, such as workplaces and family, offering clear advice for readers seeking to create positive, value-driven cultures in their personal and professional lives.

While the content is valuable, the book’s initial chapters feel somewhat academic, reminiscent of a dissertation that emphasizes theory over practical examples. More personal stories from the author could have made the material more engaging.

Overall, Start With Values is an insightful book for anyone interested in self-improvement and meaningful living. It offers a solid foundation in understanding and applying values in everyday life. It’s ideal for readers who appreciate a structured, philosophical approach to personal growth.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Carley Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a game-changer in terms of helping us live a more intentional life that is meaningful and fulfilling. The practical approach makes it easy to integrate personal values into your own lifestyle in sustainable ways, so you can start living a values-aligned life straight away. This is a book I will keep referring back to on a regular basis for ongoing guidance and reference.

[Mag E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the past 40 years, I thought I knew my values. Striving for a project that has not come through yet. This book helped me stay focused on those goals. (I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)

[Crystal · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm struggling to finish this book but i’m almost done... The author comes off a bit pompous and some of his phrasing and language are really off-putting. There is more bragging in this book than the sharing of insights.

[EmG ReadsDaily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bradley Hook writes in an engaging and insightful way, to bring clarity to the crucial role that strong core values play in the building of a fulfilling life. This is a very practical book, including scientific research and a straight-forward approach to authentically defining, clarifying and practicing our core values, as they are the source of our personal actions.
I enjoyed this book as an exploration of the science and practice of values-based living and decision-making. There is a valuable mix of theory and history, as well as practical tools and habits to embed core values for resilience, courage and a life worth living. I appreciate that there is thought given to the acknowledgement and acceptance of the core values of others.

In the introduction Bradley Hook writes a very personal account of his childhood and early adulthood, to give context to his interest in values, purpose and what ultimately drives human behavior. I would be interested reading further works by Bradley Hook.

[Daria Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A practical, relatable book that shows you how to identify your core values (you might be surprised at what emerges as you follow the exercises in the book!), and then guides you how to apply those values in your life and work, to create a meaningful, purposeful life.

Disclosure: I know the author in real life, and have been on his podcast. He has not asked me to write this review. It is 100% my own opinion.