The Freak Factor: Discovering Uniqueness by Flaunting Weakness

by David J. Rendall

Unleash your inner freak... and discover your unique potential. Think of the thing that makes you strange―the weakness that you won’t admit during a job interview or performance evaluation. Well, have you ever thought that the foundation of your success might be found in that weakness? Are you embracing your inner freak, or are you hiding it in order to conform and maintain the status quo? David Rendall believes that amplifying your weaknesses is crucial for your success, and he encourages you to do the same. In The Freak Factor, David argues that what makes you weird also makes you exceptional and what makes you weak also makes you strong. Embrace your freak factor, and discover: →→ Greater personal happiness, fulfillment, and energy →→ More meaningful relationships with family and friends →→ Increased employee engagement and productivity →→ Better business strategy and marketing Your greatest weakness is also your greatest strength. Find out how maximizing your freak factor can transform your life, work, and relationships.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Business, Personal Development, Book Club

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2011

Reviews

[Stefan Shirley · Rating 2 out of 5]

My coworker handed me this book and said, “you need to read this!” I trust him as a peer but I now question his taste in books. This book is filled with anecdotal stories (many times repetitive) and ideas that seem to contradict themselves. The theme is that it’s good to be a freak. Okay—now what? Well, now you must go out and get your freak on! Understand your strengths and weaknesses. Avoid your weaknesses and build on strengths (sound advice, hence the two stars). But every paragraph was a different story about someone who did something to build themselves up. Nothing to do with freakness (or uniqueness). The author suggests that it’s good to have ADD, ADHD, or even dyslexia. Many of the quotes in the book were from movies, television shows, and songs. Seriously, it’s like reading a kids version of what they learned at summer camp.

If you don’t like my summary of this book, so be it. The author would tell you that what I’m doing is great and I’m going against the grains and I’m letting my inner freak come out. But in reality, the book is just rubbish and not worth the time spent reading it.

[Marcey Rader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book and the freak who wrote it! I've seen Dave speak twice and both times I thought he was fabulous. The concept of outsourcing or using your weakness to your advantage and focusing on your strengths is much different than any books I have read on the subject. He turns the tables on managers, parents and spouses and how even we think we should change ourselves and others.

Highly recommend this read if you are someone who thinks they have a weakness or that everyone else does.

Yeah, that means you.

[Peter Stangel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. Nothing particularly new, but good reminders and reinforcement to focus on strengths and not worry so much about weaknesses. It will, however, take courage to adopt his recommendations. It’s much more comfortable to just fit in.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that reassures your uniqueness or oddities are perfectly ok

[Eliza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly anecdotes to illustrate a point, but an interesting one. Looking forward to going back to the process chapter and applying it.

[Des Collings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I would have found this book 20 years ago. Great insight into strengths and weaknesses and how to live your best self.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love it, especially at the beginning. But then it got repetitive. I wish it would have give more in depth toward the end.

[Justin P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a hidden gem. I re-read this while stepping into my new role, and it gave me fresh insight on how to better empower and trust my full-time team.

[Jaimee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit repetitive. Wish there had been more “aha” moments. I like the message a lot.

[Elissa Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has taught me that it is more than okay to be controversial and to go against the grain life. In fact it is more likely to make me successful!

The ideas presented in this book are "outside the box" and I take my hat off to Rendall even if I don't agree with every statement.

This book has challenged me to turn my weaknesses into strengths (or not to waste time on them at all) and to focus on my increasing the strengths I already possess. It is positive, uplifting and fantastic!

[Stosh Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be yourself. Even if it's weird, quirky or unorthodox. The message of this book is simple, but its implications are profound. The author employs a variety of real-world examples, quizzes and stories to illustrate his points, and the effect is both practical and inspirational. Great advice packaged in an entertaining read. 5 stars.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I got to see part of David's presentation earlier this year, so I had a pretty good idea of what I'd find in the book. However, I was very impressed. David gave concrete suggestions about how to use your strengths and make your weaknesses irrelevant.

[Susan Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will never look at your weaknesses in the same way! Rendall presents an interesting twist to the strengths vs weakness debate!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of food for thought. I'm not sure what to do with it in my educational setting, but I know it's important.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read! I also highly recommend seeking out an opportunity to hear David speak.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you ever get a chance to hear David speak, go. He's great. Love his message about what makes you weird makes you wonderful, what makes you weak makes you strong.