ESCOLHA SEUS INIMIGOS COM SABEDORIA

by Patrick Bet-David

QUAL É A DIFERENÇA ENTRE O SEU CONCORRENTE E O SEU INIMIGO? Você sabe quem são seus concorrentes, fica de olho neles o tempo todo e pode listá-los com calma, com suas forças e fraquezas. Entretanto, seus inimigos são outro esquema. Eles são os seus haters, quem duvidou de você, disse que nunca teria sucesso e pisou nos seus sonhos. Quando pensa em seus inimigos, você se emociona e sente que não deixará nada — ou ninguém — impedi-lo. Em Escolha Seus Inimigos com Sabedoria, Patrick Bet-David mostra como aproveitar essa emoção para turbinar seu negócio, dominar o seu ano e crescer por muitas gerações. Mas, primeiro, você precisa escolher seus inimigos com sabedoria. Bet-David passou anos aperfeiçoando o sistema que levou sua empresa de serviços financeiros a alcançar um sucesso impressionante. Agora, Bet-David conta o segredo por trás desse seus 12 Componentes de Negócios, que lhe ensinarão a misturar emoção e lógica perfeitamente a seu plano de negócios. Um documento prático para atingirobjetivos e o impulso necessário para motivar você e o seu time. Diretos e simples, os passos apresentados neste livro o ajudarão a mover as alavancas que impulsionam o crescimento exponencial e duradouro. Este livro é para os visionários, sonhadores, para aqueles que pensam grande. Seguindo o plano de Bet-David, você garantirá sucesso sustentável para os seus negócios e realizará seus objetivos mais audaciosos.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Self Help, Leadership, Buisness, Productivity, Entrepreneurship

Paperback

First published January 1, 2023

Reviews

[Hank Khoo · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I like the strategy part, I can't imagine living a life feeling like there's enemies here and there. I don't think the energy of thinking this person look down on me, this person do me wrong is the kind of energy I want to live in. The front part of the book doesn't serve humanity. If every one in this world think this way, the world will be a world of resentment.

[Michael Levitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first listened to the audiobook version, and almost instantly bought the Kindle version. I'll likely pick up the hardcover version as well, as this book is a MUST HAVE on your bookshelf.

If you follow Patrick's guidance and planning tools mentioned throughout this book, it will be difficult for you to NOT succeed.

An amazing book that will make better leaders and better people.

Bravo!

[Ana-Maria Voloc · Rating 3 out of 5]

My mission was and still is to use entrepreneurship to solve the world’s biggest problems and teach capitalism because the faith of the world depends on it.

[CatReader · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book seems primarily written to be an ego boost for the author and a plug for his business. Much of the advice given on how to run a business and how to treat and incentivize employees ranges from "I wouldn't do it that way, but you do you, I guess" to "actively horrible and not recommended for anyone." It's not a reasonable or sustainable expectation to expect salaried employees to work for you 24/7, forsaking the other committments and relationships in their lives, mold their lifestyle to fit yours, stay out late socializing with you during business trips, and spend time out of work hiking the Santa Monica Stairs with you to try to impress you with their cardiovascular endurance. What you're looking for in that job description is a cult follower. Rockstar employees know their worth and their boundaries.

While much of this book is a stream-of-consciousness manifesto that actively annoyed me, at its core, it does echo a common topic in business and self-growth books about finding a compelling-enough "why" to motivate your "what" and inform your "how." Instead of reading this book, I would recommend that other readers check out:

Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek
The Motive: Why So Many Leaders Abdicate Their Most Important Responsibilities by Patrick Lencioni
Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein
So Good They Can't Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love by Cal Newport

[S. · Rating 2 out of 5]

competition and discipline are key to business success - and the details around it are as you might have guessed common sense ...
Moreover, the book provides practical tools and techniques for crafting a robust business plan that is both bold and pragmatic. From setting audacious goals to conducting thorough market analysis and devising innovative strategies, the author empowers readers to chart a course that defies the odds and leads to sustainable success.

Beyond its tactical insights, "Choose Your Enemies Wisely" also delves into the importance of cultivating a strategic mindset and fostering a culture of audacity within organizations. Through compelling anecdotes and thought-provoking examples, the author illustrates how bold leadership, calculated risk-taking, and unwavering determination are the hallmarks of those who dare to dream big and achieve greatness.

[Tatevik · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I was on my second year at the university, we were going to have a very important French language exam. Failing it would mean dropping out.

My French lecturer wasn't very skilled or competent, so I changed my group. The new group professor was a very competent one, but with a very "small" drawback - she had her favorites. And surprise, I wasn't one of them. She would criticize my works, even though in my humble opinion they weren't that bad. I would feel like Neville during Snape's classes - so you get the whole picture.

So, I had my enemy. I was going to conquer her, and I did! I came second with my essay among the entire year, including people for whom French wasn't new. I loved the look on her face when she learned what I got for my essay. That was satisfying, alright!

[Solomon Weisgerber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patrick Bet-David is an inspirational man. Starting as a poor Iranian regugee, to leading an awesome youtube/media platform known as “Valuetainment” and standing on the forefront of the battle of Free Speech/thought. His videos have inspired me and informed me to go after my hearts desires and stand for all of the values that made this country great. The values that are the reason why millions around the world desire to start anew in America.

This book’s title first caught my eye and I immediately put it on my Christmas list. Although I was not entirely sure what it would be about, I am so thankful for having stumbled upon this one. He breaks down all the principles of what makes a business great and the do’s and don’t’s of making a business plan. That may not sound riveting but he writes in such a way that charges you up for action. As you read this book, you may even find yourself wishing you had Patrick Bet-David as your boss!

It becomes abundantly clear that this is a man who genuinely thrives when those around him thrive. This book has the potential to revolutionize what us in America deem as a “successful life.” True success isn’t just having your pockets lined but motivating and moving others to see their dreams come true as well. The premise of having an enemy in your industry is also a game-changing way to approach competition and all factors that affect your business negatively. As he says in this book “Competition will bring out your best but an enemy will spark a fire in you that you never knew you had.”

If you are looking for a fresh perspective on leadership, business plans, beating competition, and succeeding while helping others succeed, LOOK NO FURTHER.

[Shebby · Rating 3 out of 5]

PBD is hit or miss for me and this was no exception. I got most of what I needed out of this book after just the introduction- if you're going to make any difference or do anything of value you need to have enemies. If you don't have any enemies you're a coward. This is such a difficult concept for me because I try to people please with everything I do. It was really hard for me when my CEO told me that sub contractors we're working with don't like me "for all the right reasons. Keep it up." Because I aggressively held them accountable for the good of our company it ruffled some feathers. In order to have a good impact I need to be okay with enemies- of course it needs to be tactful. This is also difficult to me as a leader but in order to get the most results out of team members I need to be more comfortable with conflict and confrontation. At the same time I disagree that you need to FIND enemies. I don't think anyone should go through life, business or otherwise, with a scarcity, me-versus-them, mindset. I think that is soul-poisoning.

Having enemies in business can be effective. It helps drive you if you know what competition you need to beat, or who you need to prove wrong. PBD argues that emotion has a very important place in business and shouldn't be ignored. You need to get fired up about projects and results. You need to be disappointed if something fails and you need to be able to speak to someone's emotions to acquire capital or resources for a project or business.

PBD is good at firing you up, but for me he made a strong case to never be an entrepreneur outlining the skills that I don't have. This book also turned into a lot of horn tooting and just throwing out all sorts of business advice just so he could write another business book with a different title and to promote his own brand.

[Joano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book assuming it’s about office politics and self awareness and improvement. Instead, it’s about finding yourself, your values and the emotional drive to start a business. Not having read any books about business start ups, I found this book really interesting and it’s made me reflect on a few crazy business ideas I’ve had in the past.

It begins with the idea of choosing the right enemies that will instil passion and motivate you to do something that will drive you to stay focus with your gaol. You need to switch enemies and remember, the enemy isn’t competition.

I listened to the audiobook so it would be more effective if you read the physical book so you can go back and flip to the relevant sections.

This is the first type of business start up book I have read and I found it very logical. I would recommend this book to somebody in the late twenties or early thirties who have big dreams and want a guideline on how to accomplish them.

[Sam Talkington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great audio book. Love the authors passion. This is the second book I’ve finished of his.

If you are in the business phase of life I recommend both of his books.

I learned multiple things and Patrick hits on the importance of always having an enemy (enemy doesn’t have to be a derogatory term).

Don’t keep the same enemies once you’ve leveled up. Enemy can be interchanged for passion to level up.

Thank you for this book and I will revisit.

[Timothy Omaji · Rating 5 out of 5]

Succinct, practical, no bullshit. Prepares,, execute, evaluate, repeat

[Amber Deming · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the final chapter, the author asks for the reader's top takeaway. Mine would be that you don't have to bury your emotions in business. They can be channeled for a healthy motivation. Your emotion will fuel your fire, and deepen your passion.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wise man gets more use from his enemies than a fool from his friends.
-Baltasar Gracián, seventeenth-century Spanish philosopher

Rating: 4/5

Benefits of Hiring a Rock Star:
1. Sets the tone
2. Raises the bar and brings out the best in others
3. Shows what’s possible
4. Elevates performance
5. Expedites results

Ray Dalio’s views about radical transparency were a revelation to me, but I realized they might feel really confrontational to many people. In fact, when I later suggested making Dalio’s book Principles our book of the month, several members of our executive team said we could not do that. I listened but felt strongly that this book not only had to be read, but also that its ideas needed to become part of our culture.

Articulating your vision attracts crazies, the type of crazies who will jump in front of a bus to see your vision through. These are people who want to be part of something bigger than themselves. They are simply waiting for a visionary to lead them there by painting a picture of the future.

A visionary is someone who can see things others can’t. I had to see a world in which everyday people, regardless of their race, gender, or education, could be part of a culture that provided the skills, systems, and leadership to become prolific sales executives and entrepreneurs. I also knew that my vision had to be about more than producing millionaires. It had to have a cause behind it. I wanted to see the people I led become valuable citizens who helped advance the economy and improve communities. I had to see how success would become contagious and multiply. I had to see how the values and principles that formed our culture would get so ingrained in people that they would lead someone from our ranks to become the president of the United States. (It has yet to happen, though my conviction that it will has only grown stronger.)

Remember that people don’t quit jobs; they quit leaders.

Long before the ask, you need to sell your team and describe their track record of success in such a way that people will believe you can execute.

Ways to Make a Business Plan Effective:
1. Make time with your team and with your family to create the plan.
2. Know who you are writing it for (personal, your team, investors).
3. Make it emotional so it fires up you and your team.
4. Share it strategically—employ the right strategy to roll it out.
5. Build KPIs and incentives into your strategy and track religiously.
6. Make it simple enough for you to look at it weekly and not get bogged down.
7. Identify issues in advance and have built-in contingency plans and pivots.
8. Review it at the end of every quarter to study trends and recalibrate.

The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind him in other men the conviction and the will to carry on. -Walter Lippmann, American writer, reporter, and political commentator

Language matters. Just as you speak the dream language and use phrases like “Imagine one day if . . . ,” you also need a language of accountability. The right language gets the right results: “Where are you at? What’s the status? Are you ahead of the deadline?” There’s no magic in those particular phrases. It’s the fact that you are asking the question. Who holds you accountable? How? How often? Who do you hold accountable? How? How often?

As part of your plan, you need to create accountability partners and checks and balances. Start by taking stock of how well you do this now. Are you good at holding people accountable? Why or why not? If you’re not, the most common reasons are that you don’t have the tools to manage conflict and/or you always want to be liked. In order to hold people accountable, you need to fix both of these leaks immediately, but both are necessary. You are welcome to copy a phrase that I use a lot, which is “You may hate me now, but you’ll love me twenty years from now.”

As thorough as any plan is, no one can manage themselves (including you). People are human. They are going to have bad days. They’re going to get off track. You have to be there to keep them focused. You must continually remind them of what’s important to them. Depending on the person, you may remind them of their enemies or haters. Some people respond more to avoiding fear while others respond to achieving their goals. Knowing which is the sixth sense of any great leader.

Fu**in’ bet against me. Bet against me. Tell me it’s not going to happen. Tell me it’s going to fail. I love it. I love every minute of it.
-Dana White, president of the UFC

By completing all 12 Building Blocks, you have passed the test. You are prepared to have your best year ever. Your best year brings you one step closer to your best life. Entrepreneurship can be the answer for those seeking a better life. But it’s hard. There are challenges at every turn, and none greater than at the beginning. Dreamers need guidance. Entrepreneurs need tools. Business leaders need a plan that is accessible and actionable.

When I went looking for the guidance and advice needed to write a business plan, it didn’t exist. That’s why you have this book in your hands. Once and for all, you have a complete guide to walk you through how to make your business plan succeed. My why is impact. My why is hope. My why is using business to solve the world’s biggest problems. It all started for me twenty-one years ago when I chose the right enemy. If you’re ready to build a multigenerational business, there’s only one thing left to do: Choose your enemies wisely.

It’s impossible not to be reminded of what’s important when you complete all the blocks. It also helps to have a leader to keep you accountable. When Jack Welch was working at General Electric as a junior chemical engineer, he wanted to quit. What stopped him from leaving was a mentor who talked him into staying. Twenty years later, Welch became the company’s youngest chairman and CEO. Love him or hate him, during his reign as CEO the company ultimately increased its market value from $12 billion in 1981 to $410 billion when he retired in 2001.

What does Welch’s story have in common with most? In just about every case, there was a leader in that person’s life. Someone who believed in him or her. Maybe it was a coach, a manager, or a relative. Nothing lifts others up more than a leader who keeps his or her word. And that is why the leader is the number one indicator of business success.

[Neal Campbell · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you think people like Elon Musk, Tucker Carlson, Joe Rogan, and Jordan Peterson, maybe you will like the ridiculous notions of the idiot who wrote this book. It’s garbage.

[Jesse Langel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Bet-David's books but dislike his politics on this Valutainment podcast, even though I respect what he has built. Moreover, I credit his diverse life accomplishments and recommend his books to anybody seeking good, practical business mindset content.

Now, for the review of this book:

A Strategic Mind Second Time at Bat:

"Choose Your Enemies Wisely" builds on the foundations Patrick Bet-David laid in his previous work, "Your Next Five Moves." Known for integrating high emotional intelligence with astute logical frameworks, Bet-David offers a new paradigm for understanding strategic planning in both business and life. This book is somewhat of a sequel but also an evolution of thought, particularly suited for those seeking transformative growth phases in their careers or businesses.

Emotional Logic in Strategic Planning:

In a blend of personal anecdotes and strategic insights, Bet-David begins by exploring the necessity of balancing emotion with logic. The opening chapters discuss the '12 building blocks of a successful strategy, emphasizing the integration of passion with practical execution. Stories range from personal challenges to broader business strategies, illustrating how emotional drive can lead to optimal outcomes when aligned with logical planning.

Lessons from the Past: A Bridge to Future Success:

A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the importance of retrospective analysis. Bet-David insists that understanding past mistakes and successes is crucial for crafting a forward-thinking strategy. This concept is metaphorically tied to the process of 'looking back to create duration, depth, and magic' in one's professional journey, encouraging readers to embrace introspection as a tool for growth.

The Power of an "Enemy":

A recurring theme in Bet-David's narrative is the concept of an "enemy" as a catalyst for motivation and action. He argues that having a clear adversary, whether a market competitor or a personal limitation, can provide the necessary drive for overcoming complacency and pursuing excellence. This idea is expanded through various examples where identifying and confronting "enemies" leads to significant personal and professional advancements.

Continuous Improvement and Adaptability:

Bet-David stresses the importance of regular self-assessment and continuous improvement. He advises readers to conduct SWOT analyses to identify their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats and honestly confront their limitations. The book also emphasizes the need for adaptability, urging readers to seek out new challenges and avoid complacency in the face of success.

Building a Dream-Making Machine:

To translate vision into reality, Bet-David recommends creating a "dream-making machine." This involves crystallizing one's dreams into specific, visualizable goals and developing systems to automate progress. He also highlights the importance of a strong organizational culture, arguing that leaders must embody the values and behaviors they wish to see in their teams.

Comparison with his prior book, "Your Next Five Moves":

In comparing Patrick Bet-David's books, "Your Next Five Moves" and "Choose Your Enemies Wisely," I've observed a clear evolution in his strategic approach. "Your Next Five Moves" offers practical, straightforward strategies for business growth, rooted in Bet-David's personal journey and professional experiences. It emphasizes clear mental models and actionable advice for effective leadership and business operations. In contrast, "Choose Your Enemies Wisely" expands on these ideas with a deeper integration of emotional intelligence, showcasing how emotions and logic must work in tandem for strategic success. This latter book provides a more nuanced understanding of business challenges, focusing on the power of using 'enemies' as catalysts for motivation and action, and reflecting a more sophisticated approach to strategic planning.

Conclusion: Strategy as a Way of Life:

"Choose Your Enemies Wisely" is more than a business book; it's a manifesto for strategic living. Bet-David's approach to integrating emotional and logical elements into life and business strategies offers a robust template for readers looking to enhance their operational and personal growth. The book challenges readers to think deeply about their motivations, plans, and the enemies they choose to engage with, making it a valuable addition to any strategic thinker's library.

While the book occasionally veers into political territory, which may not resonate with all readers, the core principles and strategies presented offer valuable insights for entrepreneurs and leaders seeking to drive personal and organizational growth. The book's emphasis on combining emotional drive with logical planning, embracing adversity as a motivating force, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement makes it a thought-provoking read for anyone looking to achieve ambitious goals in business and beyond.

[T. Laane · Rating 5 out of 5]

5.5 stars out of 5 :) It’s always great when an expert with 300 million USD value finds time to write a book based on the path that got him there - but above that, it just so happened to land on a perfect time for me. In short: our motivation is emotional, and we need “enemies” (people, organization, or even inner daemons) to motivate us to break the Status Quo. “If you have the right enemies, you can not be lazy. For example - how long would You let someone disrespect your wife or kids?” When you have an enemy in mind, you will become emotional about succeeding! I alsopraise the book on a lot of “brainstorm” sessions where you are showered with questions to dig deep.
***
PLANS AND DRIVE. The one with a great plan but no appetite will quit easily, while the one with huge appetite but no plan will bounce between plans until finding one that works and wins. The author says those with plans can always learn big appetite too. “I will be X” is worlds apart from “I want to be X.” The first is willpower, the second is a wish. Learn to switch from “I’d like to” to “I’m on a mission to.” Suddenly it feels alive and electric. Dreams need to show up daily, literally—twenty pictures plastered around your world, feeding your subconscious. You can’t fake belief; if you don’t fully believe in your future city, it won’t exist.
ENEMIES AND COMPETITION. When you don’t know who your Goliath is, go look for him. Outgrow your current enemies—the petty ones you’ve already beaten—and find bigger ones that stretch you. In the army, recruits bond by hating the drill sergeant; shared enemies build teams. But make sure there’s no war inside your home—spouses and kids aren’t opponents. A pinch of conflict helps, a heap kills. The emotional impact measures how real your enemy is. Your enemies can live inside your head too: scarcity thinking, mediocrity, fear of success, fake contentment. Play at the level where defeat hurts but grows you.
STRATEGY AND TACTICS. Ask rivals questions like a fake client choosing between you and them—see how they criticize your company, then use that insight to sell better. Always request three offers from different providers: pit their weaknesses against each other and drag the price down. When meeting the second, mention the first’s details so they’re forced to beat it. Great leaders stir things up—sometimes chaos wakes people into creativity.
RELATIONSHIPS AND SUCCESS. A long marriage isn’t automatically a happy one; three amazing years can be better than fifteen dull ones. Same for business—a short, brilliant venture beats a long, lifeless one. You don’t need endless duration, just impact. Reward yourself emotionally when finishing a massive project; make the prize personal, not borrowed from others’ dreams. 20% of your time should go to talking about your dreams, because speaking them aloud powers them forward.
VALUE AND PURPOSE. Find who blocked you, who doubted you, who you want to prove wrong—those are your fuel. Think about the moment you win: how will you treat yourself? Victory needs self-respect. My fear? That I’ll stop providing value, fade into irrelevance, already halfway there. But your Goliath only gets bigger if you keep fighting upward. Outgrow, aim higher, and keep enrolling people into your mission—not just informing them. The problem, the solution, the differentiator, the revenue—all of it in less than twenty words, flowing smoothly in thirty seconds. Simple, magnetic. Easy to grasp, hard to ignore.
***
Some thoughts I wrote down myself as motivation:
* Remember - almost everything I built in tech is already obsolete and I will be remembered only for what I will build in the future years - so make it count!
* Talk about Your future startup goals with the people You “hate” :) Because then the stakes are higher in not letting them see You fail.

[Alexander Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book. Patrick Bet-David exquisitely explained how choosing your enemies wisely in order to build a concrete business plan.
Choosing your enemies wisely is paramount because your enemies will expose what you’re weak at & with that insight you can strengthen your plans or yourself. For example if your enemy is saying you suck a public speaking, well that’s good because now you know you need to work on public speaking.
It is also important to choosing your enemies wisely because you don’t want to pick an enemy that’s not in your league. If you’re striving for excellence why would you want to compete with someone you already surpassed. It keeps you on edge so you don’t get complacent. Enemies will keep you driven & excelling because if someone says “you won’t amount to x” well you’re going to do everything in your power to achieve x so you can shut them up.
He teaches you ways to treat business plans & the 12 business blocks you need in creating your business plan. When planning your business plan, you need to integrate logic & emotion. Both are essential because logic helps you know what steps you need to take & with the emotions will keep you driven. Once you lose the emotions you will be stagnant; so you will always want to pick new enemies. The emotional side is Energy, Will,Mission, Dreams, Culture, & vision. The logic side is Competition, skill, Plan, Systems, Team & Capital. Choose your enemies wisely will help you think head with what plans & systems needs to take place in case situations or disasters arises.

I believe reading this book you will get an understanding of why you want to start a business. Help you dig deep on what you want in your life while also keeping you focused on that goal. This book will definitely have you self reflecting about yourself.

[Jimmy Pallotto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first came across the author while listening to a podcast. It is memorable to me because this wasn’t a news-related or business show, it was a podcast of two comedians who brought on a new guest. I remember adjusting in my seat because it was easy to tell that Patrick Bet-David had no time or room for BS.

I am someone. Who never dreamed of owning my own business, or wanted to be an entrepreneur. However, the 12 building blocks of success can be applied to so many different ways. I plan to use them to refine my own teaching skills in the classroom and education; plus now I have a tactile plan to grow my podcast.

Everything about my current stage in life screams “audacious”. Start a show on the internet and it will become successful. With zero background in education I decided to work for two years and walked into a middle school classroom to earn my alternative teaching license. I am now a professional teacher.

When going into my journey I didn’t have a word to describe what I was feeling. Now after CYEW I feel like I have full clarity over who I am-who I want to be-and what I can do.

If you are stuck in a rut, lose drive, or lack purpose, I highly recommend letting Patrick Bet-David challenge you. Even through pages it is impossible to ignore his voice.

[Federico Navarrete · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing exploration journey

Many years ago I understood the idea of choosing enemy who pushes you to go beyond expectations, as I have always been seen as the underdog.

When I lived in El Salvador, no one trusted that I would always get a scholarship, and when I moved to Poland, everyone in my Toastmasters community believed that I would never start a new chapter in a new destination. Currently, I did a master's degree and became a Spanish citizen when everything was against me.

Right now, "Choose Your Enemies Wisely" has pushed me to go on a quest. I'm trying to figure out that vision, that mission, that new enemy that would trigger that competitiveness in life, since I've been in a certain comfort zone for too long for my liking.

PBD certainly provides useful advice and the idea of creating a business plan for the bold few is extremely helpful. I must start working on it and find new enemies that will push me to give my best once again on stage.

Thanks PBD for the important reminder.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I decided to listen to this book, I did so based solely on the title. But when I started listening, suddenly I realized who Patrick Bet-David is. He has a YouTube channel called PBD Podcast, and I've seen him a few times. Naturally, Bet-David narrates his own book, which made listening more enjoyable.

The content in the book is A+. And the whole concept of the book is new to me: Who or what you choose as an enemy drives your success, for better or worse. Of course, there's much more in the book. For example, how to create a business plan that drives you to success, plus the 12 business building blocks.

Due to the checklists and charts, I feel like I need to buy a print version and go through it again. The benefit of the audio version is PBD includes at least one anecdote not in the print version.

Note: There is, of course, the obligatory "space travel/moon landing" reference that seems to be in almost every nonfiction book I read. See my prior review of The Book that Made Your World .

[Morgan Lambresi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so this book took a lot of work, but it was worth it.

This book gets five stars because the authors took something that requires lots of work and detail and put it into an actionable and digestible format for all readers.

When you think of business planning, life planning, or just planning, it sounds boring. Like a chore. The authors did a great job of making this more personable and exciting than the average workshop. Meaning, if you want to get the most out of this book, it requires a lot of writing and reflecting. Not the kind of book you just read.

It also might make you emotional if you really intend to internalize it. The authors ask a lot of thought-provoking questions and put out a lot of what-ifs that make you think about your future.

I'd recommend this book to anybody who needs a kickstart at clarity. I'm not absolutely positive about everything in my life, but I definitely have a better idea about what path I'm currently on and where I want to go.

On to the next...

[Scott Robertson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fueled by negative energy - not my philosophy
Patrick Bet-David built an empire and became very wealthy apparently by focusing on negative energy - working to defeat his enemies. I don't share that philosophy for my life - I focus on the positive, or at least I try to. After going through many examples of personal enemies he and others focused on and defeated, I was pleased that there was mention of concepts being the 'enemy' and not just people or companies. I can get behind focusing on strategies to defeat procrastination, lack of drive, lack of focus, but these are not called out as specifically as individuals. Maybe we are to naturally assume the concept applies equally well to negative influences/habits as it does individuals.

There are positive aspects in the book regarding good management practices and encouraging others to succeed. I wish I could remember those examples - I should review the book to extract those points. Overall I am left with the idea of choosing what you most want to defeat rather than strategies for winning.

[Rachel Daily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Toxic masculinity on full display. While I respect and generally agree that strong leaders are able to balance the power of both logic and emotion in ways that others are not, the overall resentment this author fuels himself with is, at it’s core, rooted in self serving goals and lots of bragging about how his skills have let him hang out with sports figures and wealthy men. I prefer humble leadership and using emotion to create programs that improve and change the world and that enable people to find intrinsic motivators outside of just making tons of money and buying a nice car. At the point where he said he makes his wife keep him organized about when and where his children’s events are because “that’s not his skill set” is when I stopped listening entirely. There’s nothing in here you can’t get from other leadership books like Adam Grant or The Hard Thing about Hard Things without the ego and bravado of this one.

[David Solorzano · Rating 4 out of 5]

El título puede llegar a ser una limitante para entender el libro, esto lo digo por varias reseñas que veía mientras leía el libro. Como tal no hay una personificación de un “Enemigo” como una persona que odies o que le desees el mal. Una lectura obligada para entender el término “enemigo” que se utiliza para este libro es el “Arte de la Guerra” de Sun Tzu.

El libro es muy directo y te hace simpatizar con las experiencias de vida del autor, busca que te sumerjas en el proceso de ser tu mejor versión previo a manejar una empresa. Todo el libro trata de entender el camino de ser mejor en todo el sentido de la palabra.

Lo recomiendo para personas que han conocido el fracaso, han perdido oportunidades o simplemente no les ha sido fácil empezar. Para los que sólo conocen el éxito y buscan escalar, tendrán que tener la mente abierta y entender que tarde o temprano algo sucederá y tendrán que tener listo su “Crisis Plan”.

[Damon Alvarez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t own my own business nor am I currently attempting to start one. However, I found the information contained in this book to be relatively useful. It seems like a lot of the same information presented in his other book “Your Next Five Moves”.

According to some reviewers, the credibility of this author is compromised by the MLM he runs, but the principles found within this book are timeless and can be applied to leadership and interpersonal relationships. I personally feel he is not the man people try to peg him to be. He seems genuine, with personal motivation rooted in his upbringing. His insurance enterprise is a form of business that has likely changed lives, from the salesman to the beneficiary. I listened to this book on audio, and I would recommend you do the same, it’s much more entertaining that way.

[Ignacio Quintero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bold and energizing, this book blends business strategy with a mindset manifesto.

Patrick Bet-David challenges conventional advice and encourages readers to think like disruptors rather than followers. His central idea is that having the right "enemies" or clearly defined opposition can sharpen one's vision, fuel one's mission, and build a stronger, more focused brand.

The tone is unapologetically direct, driven by Bet-David's entrepreneurial experience and pragmatic approach. It’s the kind of book that merges practical frameworks with big-picture thinking. You’ll find tips on vision planning, leadership, and competitive edge, delivered with a sense of urgency and ambition.

This book is perfect for entrepreneurs, founders, and high performers who are fed up with playing it safe. It’s less about following a checklist and more about adopting a fearless mentality. Some sections may feel intense or polarizing, but that’s exactly the point.

If you enjoy authors like Ryan Holiday or Grant Cardone, or simply want a fire lit under your strategy, this is a powerful, provocative read.

[Aleks Dinic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good book, I think his first one is better. This one is certainly interesting. I feel like it gave a lot of good topics to think about, but I’m still struggling to resonate with the core message of the book which is to choose your enemies wisely. It talks a lot about how you need to channel motivation drive and purpose from your enemies and also gain competitiveness from this. So it’s important to choose them wisely because if you have a weak enemy or the wrong enemy you won’t live up to your true potential. I’d recommend you read his first book “your next 5 moves” before this one and if you find yourself wanting more come to this book. Overall not bad, might read again when I’m in need of entrepreneurial advice.

[Elie-Joe Dergham · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is both a guide to business planning and a philosophical exploration of how personal motivation, particularly from adversaries, can fuel business success. The book is an engaging read for anyone looking for a motivational boost in their entrepreneurial and corporate journey. It's a blend of personal development and business strategy, particularly appealing to those who see success through the lens of overcoming personal and professional adversaries. While it might not be groundbreaking in terms of new business tactics, its approach to motivation and planning is both unique and potentially transformative.

[Joshua Elbaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a direct challenge to stop drifting and start living with purpose. Bet-David’s core message is simple but powerful: if you don’t define your enemies — the fears, doubts, and distractions holding you back — they’ll define you.

As someone who’s had to fight through real loss, real pressure, and real stakes, this book cut through the noise. It reminded me that clarity comes from conflict — and sometimes you need a worthy enemy to step fully into who you’re meant to be.

No fluff. Just fire. Read it if you’re ready to stop playing defense in your life.

[African Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I watched most of the interviews that were done for the promotion of this book and feared all the content in it was just going to be a lengthy repetition of what I had already heard. Fortunately, that was not the case. In fact, the interviews do not even reveal 10% of the content in this book.

As with most self-help/business books I read, I will only truly know the value of this book once I've applied the principles herein. In the meantime, I think 5 stars is appropriate. Now excuse me while I go pick some enemies (time will tell whether I picked them wisely).