How To Try Again: The Instant USA Today Bestseller

by Steve Kamb

Read by the author, Steve Kamb.

'How to Try Again is a fun rebuttal to toxic positivity and a world full of over-optimized morning routines. Steve Kamb tells the humans are weird and change is hard. Honest, funny, and genuinely useful.'
-Mark Manson, best-selling author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F***

'How to Try Again is like a warm, insightful pep talk from your best friend. Kamb pushes back against unrealistic optimization culture and offers humane, practical tools for navigating life when things don’t go as planned. This big-hearted book is packed with stories and humor that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.'
-David Epstein, #1 New York Times best-selling author of Range and The Sports Gene

The personal development audiobook for people that don’t have time for personal development.

Some people wake up at 4am, run 15 miles barefoot, and have an ice bath... this audiobook is for the rest of us.

Let’s start with the good despite what your brain might tell you, you are not a failure. You are a human who has failed at something. Life is messy, unexpected, and can surprise us at the worst possible time.

In How to Try Again, Steve Kamb gives you permission to be imperfect and ditch the 'tough love' (which doesn’t work) and still get things done. Drawing from his 17 years of experience helping busy people transform their lives at NerdFitness.com, Kamb seamlessly blends philosophy, psychology, real-life stories, and hilarious insights from pop culture to help you confidently navigate life’s chaos.

In this practical and humorous guide, you'll learn how

Embrace failure as the first step, not the last.Escape the 'Doom Loop' and finally break free.Strategically tread water when overwhelmed.Pick the right 'thing' to try next and follow through.
This audiobook isn't for the superhuman few; it’s for anyone who has struggled with consistency and has felt like they're never going to be able to change. The overworked parents, burned-out employees, and frustrated people who can’t seem to make progress.

It’s time to stop feeling less than and start making changes that stick – without the guilt.

'In a culture obsessed with optimization, failure often feels like the end of the story. In How to Try Again, Steve Kamb reframes failure as an invitation to pause and experiment. This is a compassionate and deeply practical guide to navigating failure with curiosity.'
- Anne-Laure Le Cunff, neuroscientist and bestselling author of Tiny Experiments.

'Insightful, helpful, funny, wise. Whether you’re pursuing an improvement in your day-to-day life, building the next big thing, or weathering the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Steve Kamb is a brilliant guide.'
–Josh Kaufman, bestselling author of The Personal MBA and The First 20 Hours

'How to Try Again shows why setbacks don’t erase progress, and how the stories we tell ourselves after failure determine whether we recover or retreat. This book is a practical guide to rebuilding momentum by reshaping expectations, restoring agency, and making trying again feel possible.'
-Nir Eyal, bestselling author of Beyond Belief and Indistractable

'How to Try Again is helpful, vulnerable, and inspiring. If you're in the midst of a pivot, a change, or a plateau, this book is for you and Steve Kamb is your guide.'
-Vanessa Van Edwards, Behavioral Researcher and bestselling author of Captivate and Cues

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Psychology, Inspirational, Health, Business

Audible Audio

Published June 18, 2026

About the author

Steve Kamb is the author of How to Try Again (St. Martin's Press) and Level Up Your Life (Rodale). He’s also the founder of Nerd Fitness, a worldwide community of nerds leveling up their lives. Since 2009, he's helped busy people get stronger, live healthier, and build heroic habits. He's published a thousand articles backed by scientific research and full of nerdy references that have been read by tens of millions.

Kamb writes a weekly newsletter at SteveKamb.com, which is read by 100,000+ super humans. He's given talks at some of the world’s biggest companies and guest lectured at Vanderbilt University. He currently resides in Nashville, TN, where he plays golf decently and music poorly.

Reviews

[Ravi Shah · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Try Again by Steve Kamb is a warm, witty rebuttal to toxic positivity and over-optimization.

Like a pep talk from your best friend, it honestly tackles how hard change is and why setbacks don’t erase progress. Steve offers practical tools to reshape your stories, restore agency, and make trying again feel possible. It is funny (and wise at the same time) packed with humor, real stories and insights.

The foundational framework of the book is “The PACT Framework”. It is a four-step method to turn any failure into a data point for future success. P (Pause), A (Accept), C (Change) and T (Try).

I would highly recommend to get a copy of it anywhere books are sold.

[Marisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
Really great info, tips and reminders to not give up and reframe expectations. It resonates for anyone trying to make a change in their life, improve habits, or tackle that big goal. I listened to the audio but am considering buying the print copy to keep as a reference. In this media age where we see big changes or transformations happen in a few seconds reel, it's important to have this reminder that progress takes time. Lots of time. Whether it's improving fitness goals, food health, writing that book, starting a new hobby, remodeling a home, changing careers, etc...anything worth having takes effort, failure, more effort, and time.

I loved these quotes:

"No failure is wasted effort."

"For us to build a long-term sustainable relationship to change, we need to be fairly consistent most of the time and to restart quickly when we miss a day."

"When life happens and roadblocks happen, we need compassion, not tough love."

"We never get to be done. Temporary change creates temporary results which means we need to rethink our relationship with change."

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided an ARC of this book. It was such a helpful reframe on how to move forward with uncertainty

[Critiquing Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steve Kamb’s How to Try Again explores one of the biggest obstacles many people face: the fear of failure. The idea of putting ourselves out there only to fail or embarrass ourselves can be enough to keep us stuck in the same routines, too afraid to take a chance on something new. Change is intimidating, and uncertainty often prevents people from taking that first step forward.

Kamb provides several reasons why failure is actually very beneficial. It can help people grow, learn, and push themselves forward if they are not successful on their first attempt. I am sure you have heard it countless times before, but people who won’t take the first step because of fear of failure have already failed. Kamb addresses failure and claims it should be used to your advantage. You should learn from what did and didn’t work, make changes accordingly, and try again.

One of the strongest examples he uses is that of comedians. Comedians constantly test material, fail in front of audiences, adjust based on feedback, and continue refining their routine. Success rarely happens immediately, and their growth depends entirely on persistence and learning through failure. It’s an effective comparison that makes Kamb’s overall message relatable and easy to understand. Undoubtedly, there will be failure, but you have to keep trying and not give up.

Several chapters left me feeling genuinely inspired and motivated to pursue new goals. Much of what Kamb discusses feels practical and achievable, reminding readers that success often begins with simply being willing to start. It is important to understand that failure is as much a tool as it is a burden.

Kamb does an incredible job narrating his book, adding a touch of humor to digest some of the information and keep the reader engaged.

This is an excellent read for anyone, especially those who need an extra push to move forward in life, work, or personal goals. How to Try Again provides helpful insights and practical tools for navigating setbacks, learning from mistakes, and continuing to try again and again.

Thank you, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley, for this opportunity. This is an honest review of a book I read in exchange for my feedback. While I hope you find my review helpful, I encourage you to consider other reviews before deciding if this book is right for you. Happy reading…or not, the choice is yours!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say from the start that I am not a huge fan of self-help books. I have read too many that offered only blanket old-hat advice or that had an opposite effect on my thoughts/feelings than I intended.

But....I enjoyed this book.

My life took a sudden upheaval a few years ago when I left a 20+ year marriage to a narcissistic and psychologically abusive person. It took months of prep to plan my "escape"....and I executed a cross-country move to a new life. But....starting over doesn't heal the damage or quiet intrusive thoughts from 20 years of gaslighting. I had a fight on my hands to start my life over in my 50s.

Therapy is great. I'm 100% in favor of it, and use it monthly as a tool to help me on my journey. But I also needed something more......reading some good books to help me stop being so hard on myself and really dig into getting my life, my joy and my physical/mental fitness back. I did not need self help books with toxic positivity, empty advice and nonsense. I needed THIS book. Common sense and real strategies to start over and try again. :)

When this book popped up for review, I immediately grabbed an early copy and got to reading. I handled this a bit differently than my usual review reading. I read this book chapter by chapter, taking my time. My goal wasn't only to get the word out about a new book, but also to help myself along the way. So I slowed down and really digested this book.

One of the hardest things about starting all over after an abusive situation is learning which voices/thoughts in my head are ME and which ones are a product of the past abuse. And, what decisions and obstacles are self-inflicted because I'm afraid of failing.

This book took me on a journey through my own head ---- and helped me get past some real obstacles to my re-building my life and grabbing my joy back.

I have this book on my wish list to buy a physical copy so I can go back through it again....and take more steps towards meeting my new life goals.

To anyone who finds themselves starting all over again -- the journey isn't easy, but it's so wonderful!! Starting over is rough, but the rewards far outweigh the challenges!

NOTICE: I received a review copy of this book from NetGalley/the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Tessa Talks Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steve Kamb approaches personal growth with honesty, humility, and a sense of humor that makes even the hardest topics feel approachable. Rather than pretending failure is something we can avoid, he starts by normalizing it. That simple shift changes everything. Failure isn’t a character flaw. It isn’t proof that you’re lazy, weak, or incapable. It’s part of being human.

One of my favorite quotes in the book is:

“Failure is the first step, not the last.”

That idea sits at the heart of this entire book.

What I appreciated most was how practical the advice felt. Kamb doesn’t offer magical solutions or unrealistic promises. Instead, he combines research, real-life examples, and actionable strategies that readers can actually implement. The discussion of DBT techniques was a pleasant surprise, and I loved how he introduced concepts and vocabulary that were both useful and memorable.

The PACT framework was another standout. So many books focus on motivation, but Kamb focuses on what happens after motivation disappears. His framework acknowledges that setbacks are inevitable and provides a roadmap for getting back on track without drowning in guilt or self-criticism. That felt far more valuable than another “just work harder” message.

What really makes this book shine, though, is Steve himself. His voice comes through on every page. He’s funny when he needs to be, vulnerable when it matters, and never positions himself as someone who has life completely figured out. That authenticity builds trust, and it makes the lessons far easier to absorb.

At its core, How to Try Again isn’t about becoming perfect. It’s about learning how to start over. Again and again if necessary. And doing so with compassion instead of shame.

If you’ve ever abandoned a goal, fallen off track, or convinced yourself that one setback erased all your progress, this book is for you.

✨ Highly recommended for anyone looking for a realistic, science-backed approach to change that feels achievable, sustainable, and deeply human.

[Kris Zeller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not usually a fan of self-help type books but something about this one sounded especially relevant to me, an elder Millennial doing the best I can and constantly feeling kicked in the teeth, and it absolutely was.

This book is written in such a relatable, down-to-earth way that I can say with absolutely certainty that the author is between 35 & 45. This is a book for people who need a different approach than 'get over it and keep going'. That's not an approach that works with this generation of people. We were all promised the American Dream-- go to school, do well, and you'll be set for life. Well, even those of us who went to (lots!) of school, did the things (bought a house at low interest! Waited to have kids until we were financially stable! Fund that 401k!) and followed the road map that worked for every generation before us.... are getting screwed by "once in a generation" crises. This book takes all that frustration and basically says, "Yes, and, we're stuck with it so what can we do right now to make it less hateful?"

To that end, my absolutely favorite point in this book was the author's discussion about treading water. Older generations tend to think that treading water is a bad thing because you're not getting anywhere. This author points out that while obviously treading water is not ideal, and it's not putting you ahead, it's also way better than drowning. If you conserve your energy and just focus on not making your situation worse, you keep your head above water and maybe when you've stored up you can try to swim again. This book focuses on ways to set habits that are slow and steady and able to be done consistently in a way that works. It's such a refreshing, reasonable approach and I really appreciated it.

[Lindy Dierks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a member of balance365 and the principals that Steve talks about in this book are principals taught in that program based around food. However, Steve teaches us that these concepts can apply to anything you are trying to accomplish in life. All or something! You just keep showing up and trying.

I loved this book so much! I cannot say enough good things about it. Listening to this book was like getting comfy under a warm blanket and drinking a cup of hot chocolate. It just made you feel good and stop and say I need to be kinder to myself because life is hard! You don’t have hit a goal every single time to be successful. Get back to whatever you are trying to accomplish as much as you can. That’s still solid progress. You don’t have to set unrealistic expectations. Life happens. Just keep trying. He gives you practical advice for how to accomplish your goals when life derails you. It’s okay to stop something if you no longer feel a pull to keep doing it. Lots of great lessons in this audiobook mixed with some corny humor, but I loved it all. Thanks, Steve, for uplifting me and making me feel like any effort is still effort. I have three kids, a husband that travels and a full time job. Life gets in my way on a regular basis, but if I just keep plugging away at my goals as much as I can, I’m still winning. The author narrated this book. He did a great job. I was interested, uplifted and engaged in the content the entire time!! I received this book from Macmillan audio and NetGalley. All opinions are my own!

[LateNightDadReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

How to Try Again by Steve Kamb is a better than average entry in the self help space, especially for readers trying to navigate setbacks and figure out what comes next. Built around Kamb’s PACT method, the book offers a practical framework for reframing failure and taking actionable steps forward. What stands out most is how he grounds his advice in real-life scenarios, making it easier to see how the concepts could actually apply in your own life rather than feeling purely theoretical.

The tone is approachable and, at times, genuinely fun - especially for millennials. The pop culture references and overall voice give the book a sense of familiarity that makes it easy to stay engaged. As someone in my mid-30s, that aspect really clicked and made the experience feel more personal than a typical self help read.

That said, there are moments where the promotion of his company, Nerd Fitness, feels a bit heavy-handed. It never fully crosses the line into being distracting, but it’s noticeable enough to pull you out of the flow occasionally. Still, it doesn’t take away from the core message, which is ultimately encouraging and actionable. Overall, this is a solid 4 out of 5 stars - a worthwhile read if you’re looking for a structured, relatable way to tackle adversity and keep moving forward.

[Jess VandenBoom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book feels like having a bev with your buddy at the end of the week. You grumble and laugh about how life gets in the way of what you want to do. You are reminded again that challenges are inevitable and make for the best stories. And you go home with a grin, feeling inspired to try again. I chuckled my way through each chapter, flagging pages to return to when I hit my next failure.

“Most books start at the beginning. We’re going to start at the end. The morning after you failed.”

This book provides a framework for incremental but sustained progress through those inevitable challenges. It encourages you to approach setbacks and failure with calm, curiosity, and an optimistic sense of experimentation. If, like me, you’ve followed Steve’s writing for a decade, you will relish this for capturing his familiar philosophies in a new way while maintaining the witty voice you love. If you’re new to his work, start here to catch up and then subscribe to his email newsletter for a weekly spark of joy and inspiration.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for sharing an advance uncorrected proof for review. I already had the physical copy pre-ordered, but it was a delight to enjoy this before the masses. All opinions are my own.

[Tonya Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pulled from the description: "The false promises of optimized wellness and productivity are a recipe for personal blame and frustration. Fortunately, escaping this doom loop is Steve Kamb’s superpower." This is why I decided to read this book. There are so many self help books out there that have unrealistic expectations for those of us who work full time jobs, have a family, and a life. While the intentions are good, there's just no way to hit the target with those books. Steve Kamb's book wasn't afraid to say you will fail... and it's ok! Outlining ways to help you be successful, celebrating the small wins, and setting realistic expectations definitely helped you feel like you could set a goal and achieve it.

As I was reading the book, I found myself sharing bits of it with my husband and coworkers. One part in particular- "If I don't have time for a ten-minute walk, I probably need a twenty-minute walk." At my job, we had just been talking about the importance of taking PTO- taking a break from the job, logging out, and not checking emails while on vacation. This sentence really drove that point home.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. I will definitely be sharing this book with friends!

[Penelope Bloom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for this advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

I read this once, quickly, and then read it again. I’ve been a fan of Nerd Fitness since way, way back in the day which possibly ages me but let’s say it started when I was a baby. Anyway.

I hadn’t kept up with Nerd Fitness and Steve for a few years and had been a bit wondering what happened. Now I see that we facing some obstacles, regrouping, and trying again.

I have always really appreciated Steve’s honesty and realistic (and funny) approach to not just fitness, but life. This humility really helps deliver the essence of this book which is of course how to try again, but explored in a way that will be actionable for most readers and grounded in good science. Love a book that mentions DBT as well as teaches me new, important words like callipygous. Truly, we all need this book at some point(s) in our lives. The human condition and existing is hard. We’re all at some point in our hero’s journey and we’re all going to have moments that look, and feel, and may be! Failures. We all need to learn how to try again.

[Kristin Moritz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an advanced copy of How to Try Again: An Approachable Guide to Navigating Chaos and Making Change THAT STICKS by Steve Kamb.

I appreciated the positive message of this book. Failure is okay—we all experience it, but often try to hide it so we don’t look foolish. Kamb offers some thoughtful ideas for reframing how we view failure and learning to use it as a tool for growth rather than something to be ashamed of.

The book has a relatable, conversational tone and provides practical strategies that are easy to understand and apply. I also appreciated that Kamb acknowledges that not every strategy will work for every person or every situation. Instead of presenting a one-size-fits-all solution, he encourages readers to experiment and find what works for them.

While some concepts may be familiar to readers of self-help books, there is something valuable to take away from this book. Overall, it is an encouraging read for anyone looking to make meaningful changes and learn how to keep moving forward after setbacks.

[Filomena Mealy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader’s edition of How to Try Again by Steve Kamb. The book went on sale on June 16, 2026.

This book offers an approachable guide for anyone who wants to make real change during a messy or stressful season of life. Steve Kamb writes in a clear, friendly style that makes the advice easy to understand and easy to use.

I liked how the book does not promise a quick fix. Instead, it gives readers practical ways to reset, take small steps, and keep going when life feels chaotic. The author focuses on progress, not perfection, which makes the message feel honest and useful.

Some parts felt familiar if you already read a lot of self-help books, but the tone still feels encouraging and grounded. The book works best for readers who want simple, realistic guidance instead of complicated systems.

Overall, How to Try Again is a helpful and positive read. It reminds readers that change can stick when they start small, stay consistent, and give themselves permission to begin again.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

How To Try Again reads like a warm and funny conversation with one of your best friends who is trying to help you get your sh*t together. Through his exploration of the PACT framework, Steve thoughtfully guides readers on how to take stock of knowledge gained and use that as forward momentum for the next try.

Despite how cliche it sounds, there were tears of realization and validation that became laughter in seeing that others have similar challenges… or in some cases failed so spectacularly that we can laugh about it as a societal whole.

Regardless of what one may be trying again on, this book can help to reframe perceived failings and move forward. If nothing else it lets people know that they aren’t alone. Yes, there are a TON of great messages between the beautiful covers. Yes, there is a helpful framework with an easy name because you’ll be making them with yourself. And yes, it is hard to put this book down, but you also won’t want the conversation with Steve to end.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

DISCLAIMER: I received the first two chapters as a pre-order bonus. This review is based on that.

I've been following Nerd Fitness and Steve Kamb for will over 15 years (!!!) and really resonated with their 'it's ok to give yourself grace' mentality. I also worked with one of their coaches for a time. The information you can find on their website and the advive they offer in their newsletters is practical and applicable to 'normal people with normal lives', but it's a lot to keep up with. In reading the first 2 chapters of this book, the wisdom and experience scattered throughout the internet is in one place, which makes it easy to refer to. The book starts with "We have failures in life, but we are not failures" and goes from there. Steve sprinkles in his own story, plenty of dad jokes, fandom references, and practical steps to take to learn how to start again. I'm excited to read the full book, which is honest and human and practical.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just after signing a contract to write this book, Steve Kamb got divorced, watched his company fail, and discovered he had skin cancer. It might seem like he's not someone to take advice from, but Steve is VERY upfront about his failures and that his life is still a work in progress.

This book humanizes failure, helping us to understand that failing is a common and essential part of life.

Steve's framework for trying again (and again) is to make a PACT (Pause, Accept, Change, Try). It's simple and flexible, and Steve shares a lot of his own life experiences as well as other examples to help explain each step fully.

I received the audiobook, read by the author, and definitely recommend this version - he's clearly passionate about his work, he's funny, and he shares various ways to seek support in his Nerd Fitness community.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an audiobook ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

[Adam Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit I'm biased here. I work at Nerd Fitness. But the reason I work at Nerd Fitness-what led to my interest in the company- is Steve's writing, especially his first book, Level Up Your Life. So when I heard about this book I couldn't wait to read it (and was super excited to get an early copy!). It met all my expectations. It gives you a different way of looking at trying and failing, and it gives you real strategies to actually do the things you want to do. Tons of gold nuggets you can flip back to any time.

For me, the most important concept in the book is the "Doom Loop", and the ways to combat it. The whole "all or nothing" becoming "all then nothing". I really appreciate the small nerdy things like labeling strategies for the Doom Loop as escape pods.

I tried Brazilian Jiujitsu a few years ago and got injured on my second day. I was scared to go back. I'm trying again thanks to this book, and it is the perfect reference as I make it stick this time.

[David Faerberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished reading How to Try Again in two days and it was great.  Steve’s book came at the right time for me as I am resuming my health and fitness journey and undertaking other changes in my life.  As an overthinking attorney with anxiety, I have suffered paralysis by analysis and have fallen into the optimization and perfection trap. Nerd Fitness and Nerd Fitness coaching (Steve’s other endeavors) have helped me tremendously over the last few years, and his book has provided me with even more tools to deal with this crazy game called life.  I see many possibilities in life even at the age of 62.  It is never too late. This book is not for you if you are in the 60-day shred or retire by 35 mindset. This book is about living a normal life, dealing with obstacles, making adjustments, and enjoying the journey. One of my favorite quotes in the book is “We could all probably use a few more squiggly lines when we connect the dots of our life.”

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been looking forward to Steve Kamb’s new book called How To Try Again. I received the first two chapters as a preorder bonus and it is better than I could have hoped. I have been following Steve’s writing in various forms over the past couple of decades. I’m excited for the release of the book because it connects us all. Failure touches all of us and so far the things that have surprised me is how failure has become such a negative and derailing phenomenon and how we’ve come to feel shame and guilt and then we give up. Steve redefines failure and highlights with wisdom, humour, humility, and humanness how to navigate our way through so called failures. I could go on. His writing is really fun and engaging and I’ve already applied the Pause step in his framework. Treading water should definitely feel heroic! Thanks Steve.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steve Kamb’s How to Try Again is a refreshing addition to the productivity / self-help space. It's simple, clear, humorous, and most importantly, realistic. We will all experience failure and hardship and we all have to navigate change. Steve breaks things down into very manageable and tangible steps and wraps the whole journey in self-compassion.

This book is obviously deeply researched and borrows ideas from lots of thought leaders and researchers, applying them through this lens of how to try again. I found myself relating wins and strategies in the book to when I had experienced real growth in the past. It described the processes well, so I can better implement them purposefully the next time around.

I am glad I have a copy of the book because I'm sure I will be referring back to it as I strategize areas where I need or want to grow.

[Rachel Buxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible book full of advice that is actually useful for building new habits or making changes in your life. The PACT framework and approach to experimenting instead of locking in is explained with so much kindness, humor and heart!

I’ve been reading Steve Kamb’s Nerd Fitness for years and have been eagerly awaiting the release of his “secret book-shaped project.” Little did I know I’d have some pretty big life changes and setbacks of my own going on when it finally came out! The timing was perfect and I am feeling energized to try out some of the things I’ve just read about.

If you want to make a change in your life, build a new habit or simply cultivate a kinder attitude towards yourself, this books is for you!! I highly recommend!! :)

P.S. I’m sure I will be returning to read it again & again & again (haha) because I loved it!

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed out loud at many of the jokes 😂 And I really liked the reframe of: "instead of whether I have time for this, how much of it do I have time for?" I found that empowering in my day to day!

I really appreciate Steve's vulnerability and authenticity in sharing his story. I've found myself reflecting on the PACT framework when I'm having a hard time. It's nice to have a simple structure to lean on, and I like that this is aimed at hard times ("starting at the end"). I was especially impacted by the chapter on when life gets really hard / changes significantly, because it feels so honest to the things that will happen during life, and it feels helpful to have thought about how we can approach those transformations.

And this is kind of a side note but I also appreciate his examples of supportive male friendships - I feel like that's something we need more of in the world. 😊

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I pre-ordered this book and received an advanced copy of the first two chapters. I have followed Steve Kamb and Nerd Fitness for quite some time now. He regularly sends out newsletters and they are always very informative and entertaining. He gives a lot of valuable insight, not just based on weight loss/gain or fitness training, but his experiences and the things he has learned through his journey. He has a sincere motivation to help people make improvements in their lives and to also be accepting that life does happen and it's not an all or nothing approach. While I appreciate his humor, I think I appreciate more that even if we don't reach our goals, we can still be kind to ourselves and continue to try. I look forward to reading the book in full when I receive my copy.

[Juliana Bukoski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received the first two chapters of this book as a pre-order bonus. I have read Steve Kamb's newsletters and articles for years, so I knew that this book would be compassionate, funny, and filled with excellent advice (but more than advice, really like a different way of seeing the world). I have not been disappointed by the first two chapters. Steve explains how failure is not something we should punish ourselves for, but a part of being human that we can learn how to react to in healthy and helpful ways. I came away from the first two chapters already feeling encouraged about my past failures and less afraid of future ones. The jokes and stories make the book a really fun read. Can't wait to read the rest!

[Emily | bookwhispererem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Self-help books are very hit-or-miss for me and because of this, I tend to be extra critical of them. But this one absolutely nailed it! I was pleasantly surprised by just how insightful, empowering, and downright enjoyable this read is. I found myself completely binging it and already know it’s one I will turn back to again.

“How to Try Again” is not only empowering (and humorous!) but is also actually helpful, providing concrete steps that one can employ in their daily life and framing it in a way that feels both encouraging and achievable. (As a bonus, the author narrates the audiobook himself!)

Thank you to Steve Kamb, Macmillan Audio, & NetGalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

[Melonie Hewitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️Audiobook Review ⭐️
⭐️NetGalley Find ⭐️
📖 Publication Date: 6/10/2026📖

What I liked about the book:

⭐️ A great mix of wisdom, humor, and guidance.
⭐️ The author's use of personalization made this book enjoyable and relatable.
⭐️ Great use of historical facts to help readers feel less stressed about struggles.
⭐️ I love that the author narrated his own audiobook; I could actually visualize him writing it—it felt like sitting beside a friend.
⭐️ This book is a great inspirational tool for those who need a gentle reminder that it is okay to fall, pause, rest, and restart again.
⭐️ The format of the book has easy-to-follow chapters and great examples to help the readers stay focused and relaxed at the same time.

I would definitely recommend it! CHECK IT OUT!

MY RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Becki Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC.

This is a decent self-help book - clear premise and the author does a solid job of narrating. I found the information to be fairly basic, but that is not unusual for self-help books as many serve just to remind you of what you already know. The author's primary example that he weaves throughout the book to demonstrate how to use the tips he provides is losing weight, which is good if that is the change you are making, but I found it to be a fairly pedestrian example. This book therefore may not resonate as much with those who are looking to make more significant changes in their lives (not to diminish the challenge that is losing weight). That being said, this is an easy and quick read and a good reminder of some basic tenets.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been reading Steve Kamb’s Nerd Fitness articles since 2012. I really enjoy Steve's writing style: it’s funny, informative, enlightening, and totally nerdy in the best way! The first two chapters of How to Try Again (and the Intro) were stellar. I personally have failed numerous times in my fitness journey, especially with diet/nutrition. I can totally relate to the "if it's not working, try harder" ethos, as I have done this countless times. The PACT method is intriguing, and what he shared in the Intro was truly courageous. I cannot wait until I can read this whole book and start applying this to my life! Great start of what I know will be a great book!

[Oona Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest, helpful, and very relatable. This book is a welcome change of pace from the "just grind harder" cliche advice out there.

I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy from Steve, so I've gotten to read and re-read it several times. Each time, a different part of the book jumped out to me. The stories about the wall of failure and about treading water, in particular, really stuck with me. And the line about the caterpillar and war and peace lives rent free in my brain. 😂 (You'll know it when you get there.)

Definitely worth a read for anyone who's tried at something and failed, and is ready for a different, compassionate approach to change.