No Opportunity Wasted: 8 Ways to Create a List for the Life You Want

by Phil Keoghan, Warren Berger

Face Your Fears * Rediscover Your Childhood * Test Your Limits * Shed Your Inhibitions

From renowned adventurer and rising television star, Phil Keoghan, No Opportunity Wasted: Creating a List for Life combines the self-improvement appeal of an inspirational book with the adrenaline-rush of an adventure story. Taking the reader on a series of exciting journeys, Phil sets forth his dynamic and uplifting philosophy, and in a step-by-step manner, shows the reader how to put that philosophy into effect by creating a personalized "List for Life."

In dramatic narrative form, Keoghan transports the reader from Yucatan Jungle to the African Congo, from the depths of an underwater cave to the top of an erupting volcano. But this is no armchair traveler book. It is an urgent call to action, inspiring and enabling people to overcome fear and seek out memorable experiences of their own. With his fresh and compelling N.O.W. philosophy, this is a book that will help us all dream more freely and live more fully.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Psychology, Personal Development, Inspirational, Business

256 pages, Hardcover

First published November 27, 2004

Reviews

[K.S. Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The idea behind this book is to identify the 8 things that you can do to create a “N.O.W.” life. To step outside your comfort zone, to push yourself beyond whatever fear is holding you back, to see where your imagination will take you.

I haven’t taken the time to make my list yet, but have been putting a lot of thought into it. The book is full of examples (almost too many, to be honest) and I found it really inspiring. But I should point out that my dreams will not be the same as yours, which aren’t the same as the next person, and so on. So some of the examples and stories in the book may not appeal to you (such as participating in any activity where clothing is optional). But that’s what makes this idea so great. No two lists will be the same.

Having said that, my one complaint about the book has more to do with the layout than the content. There are little bits inserted in grey boxes with no semblance of order that I am sure are meant to enhance the material, but to be honest I found them distracting. I would have preferred them to be separate. Perhaps at the end of a chapter or at least at the end of the discussion, rather than pasted in here and there with no concern for how it interrupts the flow. Another bit of honesty... I found it so annoying that I started skipping them altogether. I’m sure I missed some great material and am going to go back and read through all of them separately. Having said that, not everyone is willing to go back and read things later. Unfortunately, it really made it difficult to follow and I had to re-read a few things more than once to get the intended message. Again, very annoying. I can say with some degree of certainty that they lost a lot of readers due to this, which is a shame because overall it’s a great book.

[Nichola · Rating 1 out of 5]

Trite. Meant to be motivational, but filled with cliches, and with dubious goals. It's not so much about using opportunities to inspire real achievements as creating a set of experiences that sound really cool to impress others.
Knowing a few people in my own life who really do extraordinary things, this just fell flat.

[Karen Germain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge Amazing Race fan, so this book would seem like an obvious choice...only I had not heard of it, until having a conversation with my friend Ernest. Ernest was reading this book and highly recommended it to me, so I rushed out and bought it.

Inspiring is probably the best word to describe it. I already subscribe to the attitude that this book pushes, so maybe it was an easy sell for me, but I still found much to be gleaned from it. The basic premise is there is really no excuse big enough to stop you from achieving or at the very least making a fully attempt at your goals.

I liked the set up for the book. Keoghan breaks the goals down into different types of goals. Examples would be goals that help you conquer a fear or goals that help someone else. If you go for a goal in each category, it seems that it would give a very balanced life, full of variety. It's also better than creating a list of "new years resolution" types of goals. The goals Keoghan wants the reader to create are well crafted and thought out.

The book is filled with personal stories, like an elderly nun who competes in Iron Man competitions. I was also happy to see Banana George who does water ski shows at Cypress Gardens. I actually visited Cypress Gardens last year and heard all about him. He even has his own parking spot at the front entrance!

I was also really happy to see Bookcrossing mentioned! Cool!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books of all time. It literally changed my outlook on life, something difficult to say about a book. I've enjoyed reading it over and over, reminding myself that I should waste no opportunity in life.

I did email Phil Keoghan, telling him that I've never had such a hard time finishing a book! I did have trouble--but only because I got an idea, and I'd run to the computer to check into it. I checked into tickets to Sydney, Australia (on my list!) where I could go skydiving (totally awesomely fun!) and many other adventures I wanted to have. Great, great, great motivation to get out there and live in the moment, while having a plan to challenge yourself and grow in the future. Can't wait to work on my list this year!

[Stephen Fordyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book. I don't hand out five stars to just any book. I think this one lived up to my expectations big time and not just because I like "The Amazing Race". I think everyone should make a list of things to do before they die (made popular now by the movie "The Bucket List"). This book is like a manual to doing that. I sat down and made my own list while reading this book. Of course, I promptly lost it but...um...that's part of the adventure!

[Ghost in the Stacks · Rating 4 out of 5]

My guy got me this book as we have watched every single episode of Amazing Race together.
This is about how Phil got started with N.O.W. And his life story of how he got where he is today.
He MUST have the BEST job on earth.
I have learned so much in this book, including Book swapping and Postcards exchanges that I immediately joined both!

[Didi]

Julia,
This one is motivational, self-help. I didn't love it.

[Denise Foppiano · Rating 1 out of 5]

A horrible self-help book. Help yourself by not reading this.

[Heidi · Rating 1 out of 5]

It saddens me to think of the opportunities I wasted while reading this book.

[Brandon Minster · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gift from a co-worker when I quit my job. Responsible for me running a marathon three years later.

[John Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

So it took me 3 years to finish the book. I think the only reason I bought it was because of my completist attitude and that I'm a fan of Phil Keoghan (or rather The Amazing Race). It's a good book if you're bored with your life and wanted to change things up, but I guess now I know I don't need self-help books to push me to do things, because when I really want something done, I tend to do it. I started this 3 years ago on February 2015, and since then I've done some bucket list things without help from the book (there were a few months when I didn't even pick it up and I managed to do a mini-Amazing Race thing, traveling around 4 Southeast Asian countries in 8 days). Another thing I didn't like was the format of some of the pages, particularly the anecdotes in gray boxes haphazardly placed and divided in different pages, messing up the way you read the content.

[Bea Elwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the Amazing Race and so I had to read this book. In so many ways it did not disappoint, I feel ready to travel the world, try new adventures, meet interesting people - be an interesting person - and I got to know more about Phil's life and his ideas. It was a bit weird having to read the different sections within the chapters, there were almost too many breakouts and once or twice I did lose my place. And sadly a few things about the internet are dated (I haven't tried the websites yet but hope most of them are still running). I like the eight themes for living a more fulfilling life and appreciated all the different examples - it's not all bungee jumping!

[Anne Marie Sweeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it cliche to say it was AMAZING? Phil Keoghan is the host of the AMAZING Race. I LOVE this reality show—have seen every single season, believe it or not. I read this book when I needed to do push myself to make some changes. I call it my mid-20s crisis. The essence of this book is very simple. Make a list of all the things you want to do and then go do it. It’s that easy. I made a number of changes/did things that challenged me including getting a dinosaur tattoo (duh), going skydiving and traveling to Africa by myself. Read this book - NOW.

[Jax · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not finished reading this only about halfway through and I will finish it but am struggling to find the motivation to do.so. phil like myself is from new Zealand and I think that's why I can relate to him and understand the adventure sports that dominate much of nz tourism but I feel this book actually falls short of the goal phil has of motivating people and is quite repetitive all the way through of Phil's achievements. Possably if someone's into extreme sports will get more from this book than I have.

[Abach · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our family has recently become mildly obsessed with the Amazing Race, and so it just made sense that I'd read Phil's book.

I appreciated all of the anecdotes about Phil's adventurous life, and I was interested to read about his general life philosophy. However, I hate the notion of "bucket lists" (a phrase which Phil and his co-author are scrupulous to avoid) and so there was a little resistance on my part to embracing the book's message.

Even so, I enjoyed it, and it gave me some things to think about and some interesting stories to entertain me. Solid read.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not all the suggestions in this book appeal to me, but they inspired me to consider and write down some memorable experiences that I do want to strive for. It is easy to get stuck in a rut and there are lots of ideas here to help get you out of it.

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good advice in living a more fun life. His explanation in fight the Top 10 reasons on not having a N.O.W. life is encouraging.

[Melenia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book. Difficult to read though with the constant page blocks. Quite annoying.

[Rai · Rating 4 out of 5]

No Opportunity Wasted – a Good Idea

I’m an Amazing Race fan and quite like the personable host, Phil Keoghan, which is why I picked up this book. I am also always on the lookout for books that inspire and will give me new insight into life and getting the most out of life. I like the premise of No Opportunity Wasted – to make your life exciting, meaningful, and rewarding by writing out an eight-part “List for Life”. Through these eight useful categories – Face Your Fear, Get Lost, Test Your Limits, Take a Leap of Faith, Rediscover Your Childhood, Shed Your Inhibitions/Express Yourself, Break New Ground, and Aim for the Heart – Phil guides you along the path to creating the life you truly want for yourself.

I found this book to be fairly interesting and at times, entertaining, engaging and inspiring. It touches on a gamut of things for you to think about and do to get more out of your life. Much of the book is also dedicated to sharing Phil Keoghan’s many personal adventures. I actually found that the book improved in its interest for me by the second half. In the first half or so, I found this book to be an ok read. It presented some good ideas for moving yourself out of your comfort zone and gaining new, exciting experiences, but it heavily emphasized adventure travel and activities. I do find an appeal to adventure experiences, but as an aspect of a full, well-rounded life. I understand that this is the author’s perspective and interesting life experience that he wishes to share, and what people would expect from a book from him. I do see its value – as part of a larger whole. I was glad to see this trend didn’t carry through the entire book. The book gradually branched out into many more thoughtful ideas and strategies to personalize your journey of creating a meaningful, full, and rewarding life, and gives tips to keep your efforts alive and moving forward.

There were a couple of things I disliked about No Opportunity Wasted. In the first half of the book it puts forth killing and eating other life forms as a way to be adventurous, exotic and cool - like it’s some sort of exotic badge of honor. It’s not. I think that personal growth, challenges, and new experiences can be had in a myriad of other ways, without doing harm to others. It is a much more enlightened and higher level of existence to just peacefully coexist with our non-human neighbors on this planet, learn about them, observe them, and/or be of service to them. In fact, the challenges involving animals are also something I dislike about the Amazing Race TV show and I hope they do away with that entirely. If human beings want to be entertained, challenged and create TV shows and tests for themselves, then great, do that, just leave the animals out of it. Live and let live and let’s do unto others…

Another thing I didn’t like about the book was its structure; story boxes that appear everywhere constantly interrupt the flow. The information in these story boxes is interesting and relevant, but it makes it rather annoying to read as you always have to flip forward and backward to keep the flow of the sections you’re reading. I think it would have been better to just incorporate the information and stories at the end of, or as part of the related sections instead of breaking them up continuously.

Overall, I liked the message and spirit of this book; it has a positive message and intent and gives some useful insights and anecdotes to illustrate its point. It can help move you out of your complacency and push you along the path to realizing your dreams. There were a number of things I could relate to and take away. I think this book would give many people a good boost towards living a happy life and not having any regrets. I would give it 3.75 stars out of 5. I do commend Phil for his ideas, energy, enthusiasm and lust for life. His likeability and sense of humor comes through in this book. As the book suggests, I also believe it is important to take stock of things in one’s life and adjust your own course heading as needed and desired. If you decide to read the book, then do fill out the contract at the end of the book to commit yourself to your own life vision and go onto their website, www.noopportunitywasted.com to share it with others and read what other people have shared. No Opportunity Wasted is a light, fun read that does give you food for thought.

Rai Aren, co-author of Secret of the Sands,

[Cat. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The point of the book is that we all need to try to achieve more than just getting through each boring day. If anyone caught the N.O.W. show on the Discovery Channel, you'll know that Keoghan is all about pursuing and accomplishing dreams. He doesn't hand over "Queen for a Day"-style dreams: he hands over $3000 and a time limit (3 days) with which to plan, coerce and do your dream.

In the book, he focuses on the physical side of adventure, like bungee jumping, but he also occasionally mentions the concept of doing something mentally or emotionally challenging--one example is studying philosophy.

I didn't read every word of this book. I read about half and skimmed the rest because it got somewhat repetitive.

His list consists of the following broad categories:

FACE YOUR FEAR
GET LOST
TEST YOUR LIMITS
TAKE A LEAP OF FAITH
REDISCOVER YOUR CHILDHOOD
SHED YOUR INHIBITIONS / EXPRESS YOURSELF
BREAK NEW GROUND
AIM FOR THE HEART

The last page is a contract to fill out with oneself, writing down and making real what one aims to accomplish.

While I don't think I'll follow his format, this has inspired me to create a list of Things I Want to Do Before I Die. First on the list: stop procrastinating. (First on Phil's list: stop making excuses.)

Fun, inspirational, and filled with some good ideas of things to consider. I won't be sleeping in a tree in a rain-forest anytime soon, or swimming with sharks. But maybe learning to swim better would be a good start!

[Brittany Bennett]

Okay, I didn't actually finish NOW; I only read the first half or so before another friend wanted to borrow it from the friend who had lent it to me (and I had had it a long time -- anyway). So I can't speak to the last parts of the book. But I can say that the first half was very inspiring.

I started reading it right after a really low point in my life, because my friend thought it would be encouraging. It totally was. I don't know if it was just because I was in a vulnerable place when I picked NOW up (I don't think so), but Keoghan has a way of inspiring you to do things you previously thought were impossible, or at least pipe dreams. Skydiving? Swimming with sharks? Hiking the Pacific Coast Trail? Do it all! We only get one life to live, and it's not worth spending what little free time we have on the sidelines, playing it safe.

My perspective changed a little after picking this up. I decided at 30 to apply to PhD programs, whereas I previously thought I was getting too old for grad school. I have a list of places to visit and things to do before I die on my fridge, which I use as a motivator when ennui starts creeping on. I say "yes" to almost everything I'm invited to do -- because new experiences are what make life interesting. It all sounds so cheesy, I know, but I really did feel a palpable positive change in my outlook after reading this. It's that good.

[Callie · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Opportunity Wasted is the kind of book you wish you read sooner. I first considered reading the book when it came out some eight years ago or so. It’s easy to wish you read it sooner. Phil Keoghan’s message encourages the reader to take advantage of everything that life gives. I will say that it’s better to not read the book while you’re in school because the incentive to go on adventures right now will probably prevent you from doing your homework, a mistake I made since I got ready to go on my adventures and realized that kept me away from my schooling. But at least I’ll be graduating soon and I know I won’t hesitate to carry out my goals and my dreams. Keoghan’s philosophy has changed me around to want to not take life for granted. He lists many great ideas for fulfilling dreams and having experiences. He knows how to encourage you to live a constructive life rather than the counter-productive life. I especially like the entrepreneurial spirit that he encourages, as in being willing to take risks, face fears, and not let any obstacles stay in the way. He gives the encouragement I need to fulfill my dreams. I will be able to accomplish some while I’m in school, but once I graduate (soon) I am going to go full and live the NOW dream.

[Ged Cusack · Rating 3 out of 5]

At the age of nineteen Phil was in a near death diving situation that made him re-evaluate his life and since that time he has tried to wring the most out of life.
This Book is a guide for anyone wanting to experience more out of life. Split into eight sections including Facing your Fear, Testing your limits and Rediscovering your Childhood it addresses the excuses that we use to limit pursuing new experiences.
We are provided with examples of how others have pursued the items on their life lists as well as plans to compile our own list
I liked the premise that you are never to old to try new experiences.
Initially I thought it was going to be just another one of those books that aims to motivate through examples of how others have succeeded.
I felt the fact that it gave a step by step guide to setting personal life lists made it a more accessible for a wider audience. I definitely used it to create my list.
The content was good but I found the layout of the book a little annoying.
I could see where they where going interspersing examples of how others had succeeded in the individual sections but the shading and placement of the explanations interrupted the feel of the book a bit for me.

[Angela · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is unbelievably awful. I really only bought the book because Phil was doing a book signing for it at a local book store in my community and I wanted to meet him because I just love the Amazing Race so much. He's an incredibly nice man in real life with a great sense of humour. I had him sign my book and while there with my mother-in-law, asked him to tell us we were the last team to arrive and that we had been eliminated. I am sure he gets this all the time. He humoured us and did his speech but then added that "it was a non elimination round and we would have to hand over our possessions" at which time he tried to take my mother-in-law's purse. This freaked her out and I had to explain he really wasn't trying to steal her purse. So to conclude, the book stinks but it was great meeting Phil.

[Dana Berglund · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a quick skim for me. The idea is to create a more meaningful life list/bucket list based on extending yourself in 8 different themes, including facing your fears and helping other people achieve their dreams too. It made me think more reflectively about my own bucket list and wonder if I should add more NOW experiences to it. In some ways, however, the book seemed to be encouraging foolish, somewhat dangerous behavior. The altruistic chapter was good, and the book does show a wide range of people and their experiences. If you haven't considered making a life list, this book should help motivate you. Overall, though, I felt it was definitely a book designed for adult men- be a firefighter! Drink your way through all the pubs in Dublin! This is not necessarily for me, or my students.

[Ice · Rating 2 out of 5]

No Opportunity Wasted: Creating a List for Life combines the self-improvement appeal of an inspirational book with the adrenaline-rush of an adventure story. Taking the reader on a series of exciting journeys, Phil sets forth his dynamic and uplifting philosophy, and in a step-by-step manner, shows the reader how to put that philosophy into effect by creating a personalized "List for Life."

In dramatic narrative form, Keoghan transports the reader from Yucatan Jungle to the African Congo, from the depths of an underwater cave to the top of an erupting volcano. But this is no armchair traveler book. It is an urgent call to action, inspiring and enabling people to overcome fear and seek out memorable experiences of their own.

[John Orman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author of this very motivating book, Phil Keoghan, is the host of the TV show The Amazing Race. This book asks us to face our fears and test our limits--risk-taking to the max!

About procrastination: "The longer we put off something we plan to do, the less likely it becomes that we will ever do it."
The first step in Keoghan's plan is to get rid of excuses for not doing things.
Phil tells the interesting story of how he got a group of 7 people to join him in bungee-jumping off a bridge in New Zealand--truly, a leap of faith! Doing a bungee jump is high on my Bucket List!

Most of all--shed your inhibitions and express yourself.
So as for me, I am heading for the nearest nudist camp,
where I plan to enter a Wacky Dance contest,
doing the Twist, Gangnam Style!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not one to gravitate toward "self-help" or "motivational" titles, but I have recently been watching a shit-ton of Amazing Race on Hulu, and out of love and respect for Phil, I decided to read his book.

I enjoyed it so much.

I'm definitely almost a N.O.W. person, but I tend to get stuck on the excuses, telling myself I couldn't possibly do ABC because XYZ. I stop myself from trying before I even start because "There's just no way!" or "No one like ME could _______!" Even after reading this book, I'm sure I'll still be mostly like that, but Phil's stories and encouragement to go beyond these "road blocks" in your mind are really helpful, and dare I say... inspiring.

I kind of want to jump out of a plane now. (Which is allegedly a great thing to do.)

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Love The Amazing Race and I love the message of Carpe Diem, but as much as I tried to love this book, I couldn't. I would say that No Opportunity Wasted had lots of potential, but missed the mark.

The text boxes reminded me of trying to write an essay and then my friends keep messaging me because to me they were distracting and annoying. I ended up just skipping them. There also was a lot of "and you'll read about this in Chapter 5." and "this will be in Chapter 8" if I wanted to know what I was reading where, I would just look in the table of contents. I felt there was quite a bit of repetition among the common themes because he would repeat them in every chapter.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a "how-to" for finding great new ways to keep your life exciting and meaningful. I loved Amazing Race (once upon a time - eventually got bored with it) and like Phil Keoghan. This book is direct and thought-provoking. I was able to create my "list for life." But although he leaves room for people whose lists might be cerebral, he himself is focused on adventure living and travel and that's where he finds most of his examples. I found even reading about some of those things moderately stressful, and at least they didn't resonate. But it's a great idea and motivator.