Clip Toenails for a Living: A Unique Path to Success

by Marcin N. Vaclaw

Success is a unique formula—one that is self-determined.

Everyone defines success differently. Shouldn’t our paths toward success be different, too?

In Clip Toenails for a Living, Dr. Marcin Vaclaw reveals the insight that has enabled him to unlock a happy life. You’ll learn how to determine your own unique path by defining—or redefining—what success means to you, and how to invest in your goals with hard work and perseverance. There’s a daily grind in every profession. Learn how to embrace it, gain inspiration, and enjoy every step of the journey by earning a return on your investment. From plumbers to podiatrists, self-employed to corporate-focused and everyone in between, this book is a must-read to cultivate growth and gratitude for a fulfilling life.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction

193 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2025

Reviews

[Literary Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clip Toenails for a Living is a blend of memoir, mindset guide, and professional journey that follows Dr. Marcin Vaclaw’s rise from podiatry resident to clinic owner and medical officer. The book lays out a simple idea. Success comes from doing the unglamorous work and doing it well. Dr. Vaclaw uses podiatry, especially the humble act of clipping toenails, as the central image of his philosophy. The book is organized into parts that move from fundamentals to building a personal path to defining success in your own terms. It mixes anecdotes from training, small wins, setbacks, and the slow grind that shaped his career.

I felt pulled in by the author’s plain way of telling stories. Nothing feels sugar-coated. He talks about fungal nails, house calls and residency struggles. That honesty made the bigger ideas easier to trust. I liked how he treated simple work with respect. It made me think about my own habits and how often I overlook basic tasks. Sometimes the writing leaned a little too hard on metaphors about cooking or recipes, but it still kept the tone friendly and down to earth.

I also enjoyed the way the book paced through the lessons. Some chapters focused on grit. Others focused on adjusting your course or finding your niche or learning from discomfort. I felt myself nodding along, especially during the parts describing how success is mostly small steps and small choices that pile up. It felt real. At moments, though, I wanted more detail about his own failures. Even so, the overall effect is motivating. I came away feeling lighter and more willing to take on the boring parts of my own life.

I would recommend this book to people who like personal development stories that feel practical and human. If you are early in your career or trying to rethink your path, it hits the spot. It would also appeal to readers who enjoy memoirs from medical professionals. The lessons are simple, clear, and easy to apply. It left me with the sense that I could do a little better tomorrow.

[Pyper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a unique perspective on making your own success. The concept is novel and yet achievable by anyone. I particularly enjoyed the real stories the author included to illustrate how his method actually works and is proven through years of his own experiences. Well-written and entertaining, this narrative is a recipe for successful self-improvement and goal achievement.

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written novel about achieving success. I liked the part about getting comfortable with discomfort. My husband who is good at pretty much anything says he is only good because he isn’t afraid to fail.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars just for the unique title alone.

I'll update this after I read it but saw it on a giveaway and was curious. Hope I win!

[AMAO · Rating 5 out of 5]

💯💯💯💯💯