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How to Try Again: An Approachable Guide to Navigating Chaos and Making Change THAT STICKS

Not yet published
Expected 16 Jun 26
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Founder of Nerd Fitness, Steve Kamb's How To Try Again, a guide to help readers transform their lives by giving up more often, failing faster, and mastering the art of starting over. This book is read by the author.

Some people wake up at 4 AM, run fifteen miles barefoot, and then meditate in an ice bath.

THIS BOOK IS FOR THE REST OF US.

Transform your life by quitting unhealthy expectations.
Transform your life by failing compassionately.
Transform your life by trying again differently.

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.

Kamb has helped tens of millions make sustainable progress, even when life happens. Blending empathy, humor, and REAL advice, How to Try Again will help you navigate everyday chaos, restart without guilt, and make change that sticks.

All while being delightfully, forgivably human.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press

Audible Audio

Expected publication June 16, 2026

21 people are currently reading
5621 people want to read

About the author

Steve Kamb

8 books208 followers
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.

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5 stars
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10 (25%)
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Kate.
15 reviews1 follower
December 23, 2025
I was provided an ARC of this book. It was such a helpful reframe on how to move forward with uncertainty
Profile Image for Kris Zeller.
1,174 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 15, 2026
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.
Profile Image for LateNightDadReads.
7 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 30, 2026
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.
52 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 22, 2026
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!
Profile Image for Rebecca.
71 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 3, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Heather.
49 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 3, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Jen.
823 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 20, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Annette.
5 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 6, 2026
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.
52 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 3, 2026
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.
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 19, 2026
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!
Profile Image for Emily | bookwhispererem.
332 reviews11 followers
April 25, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Melonie Hewitt.
165 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
April 30, 2026
⭐️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: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Michael.
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 5, 2026
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!
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 4, 2026
Can’t recommend this enough! A book like this for the everyday human has been a long time coming. As a long time reader of the authors essays the first two chapters he sent as a preorder bonus were as awesome as I had expected. His humor brings a light heartedness to what can be a tough subject, and combined with the personal insights he shares it’s like talking to a friend that just gets you, has been where you are, and wants to help. My only disappointment is that I have to wait until June to read the rest of the book.
Profile Image for Todd Nelson.
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 11, 2026
I received the first two chapters of this book as a pre-order bonus.

Past failures have caused me to kind of give-in / give-up - in a kind of nihilistic view / feeling. But the words in this book on reframing failure has something inside of me starting to shift. It is not there yet, but I feel hope and possibility returning.

The book is written in a casual, friendly conversation style and I can feel the author's humility, humor, empathy, and knowledge.

I look forward to reading more when this book releases.

And no, it wasn't me in the Yoga class.
Profile Image for Melanie Klym.
8 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 5, 2026
Steve Kamb has a great voice - authentic, engaging, humble, and humorous. I've been a fan of his writing on Nerd Fitness for years and very excited to have received the first two chapters of How to Try Again in advance as a perk for pre-ordering.

This book has the right balance of hope, courage, and reality that we need these days to survive in a chaotic world. I'm greatly enjoying it and looking forward to reading the rest soon!
Profile Image for Adrieanna.
26 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 4, 2026
I received the first two chapters as a pre-order bonus from the author. Only two chapters in and I already feel encouraged. So far this book thoughtfully navigates the tension that comes with having goals while dealing with life, failures, and being human. I look forward to reading the rest of the book.
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 6, 2026
Steve Kamb is the real deal with deep wisdom. His approach to wellness and physical activity is sensible, doable, and supportive. I appreciate that he offers practical ways to set and accomplish goals, whatever they are. Change is HARD, and Steve's words are literally the kind, understanding friend you want to walk with you.
Profile Image for Esha MacDonald.
100 reviews1 follower
April 12, 2026
Thankful to have received an ALC of this book!

A quick listen from the author on his book of it’s okay to not follow the latest trends and take your path. Even if it is a quest that leads you on a great adventure and for those who love to read of great fantasy works then the relatable examples make this read more relatable.
3 reviews
Read
April 3, 2026
I've only ready the first two chapters, but I can tell this is going to be a book that I refer to over and over again. Just as relevant and helpful as his first book and I'm really looking forward to reading the whole thing and sharing a few copies with friends.
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 19, 2026
I received the first two chapters as a pre-order bonus, and there's already so much to think about. If you're in the season for trying again, or need that push to try again, definitely onsider reading this book. Excited to get deeper into it.
30 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 6, 2026
This book is for those of us who want to be type A but really are type B or even C. It removes some of the pressure while encouraging us to keep trying until we make it. This is a great book and I enjoyed it.
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 5, 2026
I received the first two chapters as a pre-order bonus. I loved them, and I’m really looking forward to reading the rest of the book. What really makes me want to read more is how I could identify with so much of what he said.
2 reviews
April 11, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from author.

Great read full of useful tips and insights to help make trying again feel like an opportunity instead of a burden. As helpful as it is inspiring!
Profile Image for Diane Hicks.
277 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 15, 2026
How to Try Again is short, encouraging, and refreshingly realistic about failure. I really liked the core message: you don’t have to be perfect, you just have to keep starting over—with compassion instead of guilt. Steve Kamb does a great job breaking down why “optimizing” everything isn’t the answer, and his PACT framework actually felt useful rather than gimmicky. The tone is warm, funny, and very human, and the reminders about accepting failure and learning from it really stuck with me. A quick, meaningful read for anyone who needs permission to reset and try again differently
3.75 stars
Profile Image for Tammy.
194 reviews12 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 19, 2026
Steve Kamb’s How to Try Again by Steve Kamb is a refreshingly compassionate take on personal growth, especially for anyone who feels stuck in cycles of quitting, restarting, and beating themselves up along the way. The book is well organized and easy to follow, and what stood out most to me was how practical it is. Kamb doesn’t just talk about failure in abstract, motivational terms—he shows you how to begin again in real, doable ways.
One of the most powerful ideas in the book is learning to embrace failure rather than hide from it. Kamb reminds us that we never truly start back at square one; failure is the first step, not the last. He encourages readers to stop suffering in silence and to share their failures, which immediately removes some of their power. His P.A.C.T. model offers a helpful framework for moving forward, while concepts like redefining what “enough” means right now, expecting less, and doing less feel surprisingly freeing. I also appreciated the reminder that there is no real “normal,” and that setting boundaries and giving yourself compassion are not signs of weakness, but necessities.

Kamb offers thoughtful tips for overcoming hurdles and making new habits actually attainable, especially when life feels random and unpredictable. One of the biggest takeaways for me was the shift from following a rigid plan to staying on a meaningful path. The book made it clear that being overly tough on myself hasn’t been helping me improve—it’s been holding me back. How to Try Again is a supportive, honest guide for anyone ready to fail more compassionately and try again differently.

★★★★★

(I received a copy of this title from NetGalley and the publisher for review purposes. This is my honest opinion.)
Profile Image for Tammy.
194 reviews12 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 18, 2026
Steve Kamb’s How to Try Again by Steve Kamb is a refreshingly compassionate take on personal growth, especially for anyone who feels stuck in cycles of quitting, restarting, and beating themselves up along the way. The book is well organized and easy to follow, and what stood out most to me was how practical it is. Kamb doesn’t just talk about failure in abstract, motivational terms—he shows you how to begin again in real, doable ways.
One of the most powerful ideas in the book is learning to embrace failure rather than hide from it. Kamb reminds us that we never truly start back at square one; failure is the first step, not the last. He encourages readers to stop suffering in silence and to share their failures, which immediately removes some of their power. His P.A.C.T. model offers a helpful framework for moving forward, while concepts like redefining what “enough” means right now, expecting less, and doing less feel surprisingly freeing. I also appreciated the reminder that there is no real “normal,” and that setting boundaries and giving yourself compassion are not signs of weakness, but necessities.

Kamb offers thoughtful tips for overcoming hurdles and making new habits actually attainable, especially when life feels random and unpredictable. One of the biggest takeaways for me was the shift from following a rigid plan to staying on a meaningful path. The book made it clear that being overly tough on myself hasn’t been helping me improve—it’s been holding me back. How to Try Again is a supportive, honest guide for anyone ready to fail more compassionately and try again differently.

https://pinkstinx.blogspot.com/

(I received a copy of this title from NetGalley and the publisher for review purposes. This is my honest opinion.)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews