Make It Happen: Live your best life

by Michelle Bridges

The difference between the life you want and the life you have is YOU!  So what are you waiting for? Michelle Bridges knows what it feels like to face your fears, chase your dreams and handle setbacks – she's been there too and has come out stronger through self-belief, hard work and having a plan.  The girl from Newcastle who is now one of Australia's most successful entrepreneurs shares what she's learnt on her own journey, providing real solutions to everyday challenges with her toolkits of insightful advice and practical life lessons. Whether you want to get a new job, find a partner, lose weight or buy a house, she'll help you break down the barriers that block the path to reaching your goals. 'When you know what it is that you are destined to do and you start planning for it, acting on it, believing in it, living it, pursuing it with gritted-teeth, clenched-butt determination, making sacrifices for it and backing yourself all the way, your future changes. Nothing is ever the same again.' 

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Leadership, Business, Biography, Fitness

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 29, 2016

About the author

Michelle is a well known Personal Trainer from the Australian Biggest Loser programme. For her colleague's work go here: Shannan Ponton

Reviews

[Romany · Rating 3 out of 5]

In essence, this book is part biography and part self help. Stories from Bridges' life are interspersed with lists of life advice ("toolkits") and testimonials. A great debt is owed to the editor, who pieced together this tome from slim (lol) content. If we look deeper, this book is drenched in Australian cultural values that declare "hard work will get you anywhere", although the author does concede that she was lucky. Yes, she experienced her success because she worked hard, but she was also entering an industry on the rise, at a time when society began to care deeply about weight for various reasons (the 80s; the obesity epidemic). If we are to believe this book, weight loss and getting a new job are both a matter of will, and will is assisted by the absorption of generic advice in dot-point format. In what ways does this book ignore the greater systematic issues at play? Well... In ALL ways. Including the celebration of the production of a clothing line that sources labour from countries that are known to abuse human rights. Part biography, part self-help, all advertorial.

[Rikke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book! So inspirational and motivating, and I love everything about Michelle Bridges.
Remove 10% from this book and it would have been a 5 star read no doubt. However the end dragged a bit, and got too repetitive and facts on top of facts...
Still loved it though, and it gave me so much to read it!

[Lyn Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say I started listening to the audio version of this book with a bit a skepticism, however I have to say Ms Bridges pleasantly surprised me in a great way. I had (like many other people) had judged Ms Bridges on what I'd been fed by the popular media. After reading this book I now realise just how motivated and hard working she is and how driven and dedicated she has been in moving forward to her goals.

Some of the book is filled with motivational quotes from elsewhere and are not new, however there are a lot of techniques and tips in helping her readers to go that extra mile. Ms Bridges motivational "just freaking do it" or "jfdi" is one that really resonated with me, along with being consistent in all that you do.

A really big message I got from this book, was that there is a lesson in every situation, good and bad a well as making time for yourself, in both exercise, what you put in your body, getting enough sleep, treating your family and relations as an important factor in your life, but most importantly look after your mind.

A great motivational read. I loved it.

PS I think i have also got a great reminder to not be so judgy about people with limited information at hand, you just never know what journey they are going through or have gone through.

[Rina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read a few of Michelle's books before, and I've always liked them. This one was no different. In audiobook form, it was also a good experience to hear the words read by Michelle herself.

Combining personal stories, health tips, and personal development/motivation topics, the book was put together quite well - better than some I had seen out there, so kudos to Michelle for this. There was nothing new I learnt specifically from this book, but I found myself nodding to everything said. I couldn't find fault in her principles and suggestions, and I had always admired her discipline and resilience. One word I would take away from this book: consistency.

Hard work and healthy lifestyle would always translate to performance in Michelle's book. This was a very good reminder for me - and a timely one too, as I was trying to get over flu while listening to this book.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good to learn about Michelle's personal life and what she has gone through to get where she stands. Some inspirational words helped me to set some resolutions for my new year.
Something, I didn't like by listening to her audiobook was: I felt Michelle was in rush to finish the book. Without paying attention that her listener is different from a radio program. Sometimes her great inspirational words and stories didn't have enough time to influence on the audience.

[Rachael Watt · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fan of self development and empowerment books, I loved this one. Michelle talks openly throughout of her own journey to success, the highs, the lows and everything in between. With each story/chapter she gives tools and strategies and checklists for you to follow and put into action in your own life. I found these so useful and motivating. I loved learning from Michelle's story and was absolutely driven to 'Make it happen' for me.

[Nicki Kendall · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐Part biography part self help an inspiring read on more levels than just fitness. This book shows Michelle's drive, grit and determination and how helping people live happier, healthier lives has always been her focus. It was interesting hearing that even this successful lady has had her share of setbacks and challenges and how she has risen above them. #michellebridges #makeithappen #tea_sipping_bookworm #goodreads #litsy #amazonkindle #bookqueen #bookstagram

[Jeanette · Rating 2 out of 5]

In looking at the layout of this book and flipping through the chapter openings and summaries, it looked like a great and motivating book. Those parts are still good, but it is very disappointing that none of the stories in the book are about anyone else or about any other industry than fitness. It was very one-dimensional, so hard to get a lot out of it if you aren't a personal fan or follower.

[Eka Listy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Make It Happen in a nutshell:

JFD- Just Freakin’ Do it!
Remember the 3 golden rules:
1. Consistent
2. Consistent
3. Consistent
If you don’t make time for your health, then your health will make you make time for it.

Well, Bridges was a little preachy when talking about being fit & healthy, but at the same time I learned that staying healthy & taking care of myself is utterly important.

[Vanessa Mozayani · Rating 3 out of 5]

JFRI... just freaking read it! This surprised me, part biography about Michelle's personal and professional life and tips to improve your life. Each chapter was summarised with a toolbox for success. I listened to the audiobook read by Michelle Bridges.

[Jane (Avid reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part memoir and part pep talk this book is jam packed with practical tips on how to live your best life. It’s a bit repetitive in places - and most of the advice is not new - but it was entertaining and motivational and I enjoyed it.

[Buddy Bell · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was ok but very basic and repetitive!

[Yvonne Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michelle once again imparts some great mindful learners. Michelle's drive and determination is admirable. A good business go getter's book

[Loz703 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Motivation style book about setting goals and achieving them in all areas of life. Michelle has her slogan ‘Just Freaking Do It! Or JFDI

[Kristina Linn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great description of how to get things done...and even just start things. Don‘t complain, but do things!

[Julie Greenhalgh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspirational and motivational, it has given me the boost to keep at it and to do my best.

[Ellyssa B · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 more like a autobiography

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! All of Michelle’s advice in one convenient place, plus lovely to hear about her personal story of success.

[Elisabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have so much respect for Michelle and what she does. She is a kick-ass Aussie woman through and through. I love her typical Australian mentality to not overthink things and to straightforwardly JFDI (just freaking do it/them). Her book "Crunch Time" helped me to get motivated and establish a regular exercise routine.

I listened to this on audio-book (Michelle reads out herself), which is a highly enjoyable format for this one and therefore recommended.

"Make it happen" is a mix of biography and practical advise on how to "live your best life".

The biography:
From a feminist perspective I admire Michelle's dedication and stubbornness to achieve her career goals. Exceptional - and very inspirational!

The practical advise:
The core of her philosophy and advise is a method Michelle calls the JFDI-Method. Just freaking do it. I think everything she says and the details of JFDI (well, there are no details really, because, JFDI) are perfectly applicable to exercise and reaching weight goals, but I'm not convinced that Michelle's advise is applicable to everything, like she claims it is.
In my opinion, Michelle is better off staying with the exercise advice and leaving the general life advice aside, but that's really just my opinion.

Overall, "Make It Happen" felt too self-promotional, which made the book obnoxious to read at times, but people who love what she does in the fitness and food-industry should definitely pick this up!

[Julie Garner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an inspirational read. Not only does Michelle encourage you to follow your passion and make it happen, but she shares her story throughout as well. It is a very brave step for a woman who is in the public eye so often, to share so much of herself and I applaud her for it.
I love that throughout the book she has a continuous theme 'JFDI' - Just Freaking Do it! As I was reading, I felt like Michelle was speaking to me and reminding me why I started on various paths in my life and why I need to get back on track and continue on those paths.
Thank you for sharing snippets of your life and for getting me off my backside again. I have your new mantra in my mind - JDFI!!! No Excuses!!!

[Karen Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational book by a very inspirational person. Michelle is someone who I have admired for a long time & this book cemented what a great role model she is. Very motivating & an honest account which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Gives a good perspective on life & how to go out & take charge of your life.

[Claudette · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Audiobook) A memoir and self-help book rolled into one. The principles she speaks about can be implemented in any area of your life. At first I thought, how much knowledge does she really have to offer? So I was sceptical but there is content that can be applicable to anyone's life, not necessarily in the health and fitness genre.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an inspiring and refreshingly honest read. Its really eye-opening and amazing to see what Michelle has overcome and I admire her for sharing her personal journey in her book. Thank you Michelle for your honesty and allowing us to be more real and responsibly successful in our own lives. X

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspiring message but it got vey repetitive by the end. By the end her brands were mentioned a lot. I don't doubt her passion and commitment and this was an honest account but also part of building her media image.

[Jacqui Schischka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was definitely one of the best motivational books I have read (and I have read tonnes!). I have a lot of respect and admiration for MB which is the foundation on which I read this book. It has a lot of great advice for achieving things, realising your dreams, learning from your mistakes and JFDI(ing) which for an over-thinker like me - is great advice! The book also contained lots of stories, pictures and anecdotes from the authors childhood and working life. I thoroughly recommend this book - it is crammed with great, practical wisdom.

[Nicolle Cook · Rating 3 out of 5]

I returned this book before i finished it, it had some good motivational points but told too much of her personal life in each chapter, too repetitive.