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Extreme You: Step Up. Stand Out. Kick Ass. Repeat. – A Practical Training Program for Refusing to Settle and Achieving Personal Goals
As a child, Sarah Robb O’Hagan dreamed she could be a champion. Her early efforts failed to reveal a natural superstar, but she refused to settle for average. Through dramatic successes and epic fails, she studied how extraordinary people in sports, entertainment and business set and achieve extremely personal goals. Sarah became an executive at Virgin Atlantic and Nike, and despite being fired twice in her twenties, she went on to become the global president of Gatorade and of Equinox—as well as a wife, mother, and endurance athlete. In every challenging situation, personal or professional, individuals face the pressure to play it safe and conform to the accepted norms. But doing so comes with heavy passions stifled, talents ignored, and opportunities squelched. The bolder choice is to embrace what Sarah calls Extreme to confidently bring all that is distinctive and relevant about yourself to everything you do. Inspiring, surprising, and practical, Extreme You is her training program for becoming the best version of yourself.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published April 4, 2017
167 people are currently reading
1217 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
July 4, 2017
My God. This is like a book version of the Facebook wall of one of your annoying friends who goes on fantastic vacations and posts lots of pictures so you know what you're missing. Yikes.
March 27, 2017
To oversimplify, this is a how to succeed guide. It'll help you advance your career or find courage to start over.
The most valuable thing for me are the success stories from ordinary people who created their own niches and did extraordinary things.
Everyone has something that they are (what I call) creepy passionate about. Or maybe there's an area you're an expert in. Or maybe you are the person with the big ideas. What Sarah Robb O'Hagen does is show you how to harness that and become an extreme version of you.
This book is basically the best pep talk ever. Recommended.
The most valuable thing for me are the success stories from ordinary people who created their own niches and did extraordinary things.
Everyone has something that they are (what I call) creepy passionate about. Or maybe there's an area you're an expert in. Or maybe you are the person with the big ideas. What Sarah Robb O'Hagen does is show you how to harness that and become an extreme version of you.
This book is basically the best pep talk ever. Recommended.
April 10, 2023
⭐⭐⭐✨ [gifted]
Some great tidbits in here, I'm gonna try them out and report back
Some great tidbits in here, I'm gonna try them out and report back
July 10, 2020
An interesting mix of biography, how to and pep rally. Nothing necessarily groundbreaking here, but she does a good job of showing how you need to keep examining yourself, challenging yourself and keep learning. I also liked the emphasis on humility and that she recognizes that a lot of the skill in becoming better is knowing when to push and when to back off. Also the importance of building a team around yourself that can cover your weaknesses and help add different perspectives. Her positive attitude is very refreshing. Many little gems throughout the book. A worthwhile read.
The examples from her life and from other "Extremer's" were very well done and help the flow of the book. She also kept the whole thing under 300 pages which now days is like a small miracle. Now I need to check out her website.
She also highlights the power of having good support from spouse, and the power of working very, very hard.
The examples from her life and from other "Extremer's" were very well done and help the flow of the book. She also kept the whole thing under 300 pages which now days is like a small miracle. Now I need to check out her website.
She also highlights the power of having good support from spouse, and the power of working very, very hard.
May 18, 2017
O’Hagan’s recipe for career success manages to be arrestingly original in the overcrowded space of career self-help.
The recipe: learn where you shine best, get your best at it, and find a specialized audience that needs it and can afford it.
Her method for achieving the recipe is to take initiative respectfully: first listen to understand your colleagues and the organization, then work to gain your colleagues’ respect on their terms, and then take initiative in a way that is in line with moving forward the organization.
My main criticism of the book is that O’Hagan fails to acknowledge that many factors are in play within our careers, and not everything is within our control—and often there is more that is not. But I guess there is no point in dwelling on that! :) Also I could have done without the cheesy terminology; please, no more Extreme Self and Extreme Career and Get Out of Line.
The recipe: learn where you shine best, get your best at it, and find a specialized audience that needs it and can afford it.
Her method for achieving the recipe is to take initiative respectfully: first listen to understand your colleagues and the organization, then work to gain your colleagues’ respect on their terms, and then take initiative in a way that is in line with moving forward the organization.
My main criticism of the book is that O’Hagan fails to acknowledge that many factors are in play within our careers, and not everything is within our control—and often there is more that is not. But I guess there is no point in dwelling on that! :) Also I could have done without the cheesy terminology; please, no more Extreme Self and Extreme Career and Get Out of Line.
October 17, 2019
Chose for the specific purpose of entertaining myself on multiple drives between Toronto and Ottawa and was curious of executive / business experience from a woman's experience. The "extreme" angle caught my eye and resonated with an approach I have to being intentional in whatever I do. The book had largely negative reviews, but I decided to give it a shot.
Good points:
- I did finish it.
- I took mental notes.
- I was encouraged and inspired.
Bad points:
- Nothing novel or extremely exciting.
- Strong extrovert perspective was a bit overwhelming.
- Left me wanting more depth.
- Thought the idea of "extreme you" as a platform/movement was a bit hyperbolic.
Overall, it's not the first book I'd recommend on this kind of topic.
Good points:
- I did finish it.
- I took mental notes.
- I was encouraged and inspired.
Bad points:
- Nothing novel or extremely exciting.
- Strong extrovert perspective was a bit overwhelming.
- Left me wanting more depth.
- Thought the idea of "extreme you" as a platform/movement was a bit hyperbolic.
Overall, it's not the first book I'd recommend on this kind of topic.
May 10, 2020
I originally bought this book as a holiday gift for a friend a couple years back & always wanted to read it myself- I’m glad I finally did. I really enjoyed Sarah’s take on finding the extreme you and how to put yourself in uncomfortable positions/places to help make change happen. She’s done a lot in her career and I’m sure she’s no where near finished. Can’t wait to see what’s next for her!
January 27, 2021
Shudder. Spent the first 45 mins or so absolutely hating the author and fighting the urge to throw this book down and never pick it up again. LOUD. CONFIDENT. EXTROVERT. TO THE VERY EXTREME. Screaming at you that this is the only way to be in business do well. Ultimately, there are certainly things of merit in here, and hats off to the woman for achieving a hugely successful career herself. For me though, I’m shuddering still. No.
April 7, 2017
Exceptional pep-talk in a book! Looking forward to my AMA Edgewise podcast interview with the author, as I've been a fan since 2012 Fast Company Innovation Unplugged NYC Conference. Great stories, insights, and strategies. Highly recommended.
January 15, 2021
This is a book that spoke to my soul. As a direct, driven bold girl with a personality that usually goes against the grain, it was amazing to read about Sarah (and others) who have used that to drive through life. I also love examples of others that took time to realize they needed to follow that spark within them, rather than suppress it and go the more logical way.
This is a great book that motivates to turn a spark into a fire, make your mark in the world, and be thankful for others around you who see you for what you are and appreciate it and support it. I’m grateful I happened upon this book.
This is a great book that motivates to turn a spark into a fire, make your mark in the world, and be thankful for others around you who see you for what you are and appreciate it and support it. I’m grateful I happened upon this book.
January 28, 2020
I expected more info on how to be a kickass boss ass bitch. I didn’t realize I was reading a memoir on the author. There was some good info sprinkled in here and there but a lot of “I’m going to tell you how....” but first let me tell you about how awesome I am and how I got to where I am so I can distract you and then let’s get back to me, where was I again?
Don’t slap a self help or educational label on this. It’s a verrrry wordy memoir.
Don’t slap a self help or educational label on this. It’s a verrrry wordy memoir.
June 17, 2021
I will be harsh. I do not like this book. I only read less than 1/3 of the book and I already feel like I am wasting my time. It was as if I am reading someone's diary. Too many stories and unnecessary details. I don't want to hear about Mr. A or Ms. B or whatever. I want to know what is it actually you want to deliver. Be straightforward as possible.
The only thing that I like is your statement about success of "If success is random, it follows that you need to roll the dice frequently"
The only thing that I like is your statement about success of "If success is random, it follows that you need to roll the dice frequently"
Read
June 21, 2018This was a BookBub feature that sounded really awesome but in practice has just felt tiring to read.
December 7, 2021
I stumbled across this book looking for audiobooks from the library...
I found that I experienced a range of emotions listening to this book. It conjured up some of the poor professional experiences I've had (due in part? to the fact that I'm an introvert) with a class of extroverts who 'fake it until you make it' in the destructive way within an organization. Calling yourself an 'extremer', but talking about the importance of listening and absorbing, and knowing the proper time to have humility - at best, are recycled unoriginal ideas, but at worst - seem like they should just be part of every reasonable individual. The book felt more like self-therapy for the author, justifying some early behavior and arrogance into a framework that again - felt rebranded and recycled.
That said - the author has a lot of personality, which is infused into the book and combined with the great choice in reader - makes the book a fairly enjoyable listen. While not original, she does make an important point of emphasis on finding your unique, undeniable way your bring value to the table and choose opportunities where you can excel by implementing those skills into whatever you are doing.
Maybe some more space will improve my reflection on this book...
I found that I experienced a range of emotions listening to this book. It conjured up some of the poor professional experiences I've had (due in part? to the fact that I'm an introvert) with a class of extroverts who 'fake it until you make it' in the destructive way within an organization. Calling yourself an 'extremer', but talking about the importance of listening and absorbing, and knowing the proper time to have humility - at best, are recycled unoriginal ideas, but at worst - seem like they should just be part of every reasonable individual. The book felt more like self-therapy for the author, justifying some early behavior and arrogance into a framework that again - felt rebranded and recycled.
That said - the author has a lot of personality, which is infused into the book and combined with the great choice in reader - makes the book a fairly enjoyable listen. While not original, she does make an important point of emphasis on finding your unique, undeniable way your bring value to the table and choose opportunities where you can excel by implementing those skills into whatever you are doing.
Maybe some more space will improve my reflection on this book...
July 7, 2024
Как я уже не раз подмечал в подобных мотивационных книгах, советующих как изменить свою жизнь к лучшему основной постулат заложен в названии, и мыслящий человек с долей воображения сам поймет, что хочет сказать автор. В этом даже есть свой лайфхак наверное, стоит придумать броское, мотивирующее название и под него уже можно сочинить книгу, нарастить скелет, но то что это будет за «существо» ясно уже с самого начала.
В данном случае автор рассказывает историю своей успешной жизни, приводит примеры подобных случаев, когда кто-то не боялся все бросить и заняться чем-то новым, найти новую работу, вложиться в новое дело, переехать в другую страну. Автор довольно популярна и за свою жизнь успела поработать на Nike, Virgin Atlantic и несколько других почти такие же крупных конторы. Каждый раз она не боялась все бросить и начать с чистого листа.
В книге автор часто апеллирует фразой – «Экстремальный ты», наверное в оригинале книга так и называется, мне если честно лень стало проверять, она не произвела ни малейшего впечатления. Очередная тетя, которая пытается научить других как надо жить, прекрасно, конечно, но такое.
В данном случае автор рассказывает историю своей успешной жизни, приводит примеры подобных случаев, когда кто-то не боялся все бросить и заняться чем-то новым, найти новую работу, вложиться в новое дело, переехать в другую страну. Автор довольно популярна и за свою жизнь успела поработать на Nike, Virgin Atlantic и несколько других почти такие же крупных конторы. Каждый раз она не боялась все бросить и начать с чистого листа.
В книге автор часто апеллирует фразой – «Экстремальный ты», наверное в оригинале книга так и называется, мне если честно лень стало проверять, она не произвела ни малейшего впечатления. Очередная тетя, которая пытается научить других как надо жить, прекрасно, конечно, но такое.
January 13, 2021
Great book, encouraging and inspiring to follow your dreams, to be extreme version of yourself, taking risks and staying strong.
People, who accept their weaknesses, admit their mistakes and take the responsibility of any kind of failure on themselves, are much more successful than those, who are finding all sort of justification, excuses or blame the luck (even partially). Take 100% responsibility on what happened and learn from this experience through the pain.
About having so many various fields of interests, and focusing on one narrow unique combination of them for the dream and industry, providing the best service for like-minded people only, and with the highest quality (because you focus and you love what you are doing), and it starts from small circle of people who are truly into your dream, growing little by little. To stay firm and to say "No" to extending the narrow focus to cover more people, becoming "universal", even if it means losing opportunities.
Keep growing, everybody, *Hugs*
People, who accept their weaknesses, admit their mistakes and take the responsibility of any kind of failure on themselves, are much more successful than those, who are finding all sort of justification, excuses or blame the luck (even partially). Take 100% responsibility on what happened and learn from this experience through the pain.
About having so many various fields of interests, and focusing on one narrow unique combination of them for the dream and industry, providing the best service for like-minded people only, and with the highest quality (because you focus and you love what you are doing), and it starts from small circle of people who are truly into your dream, growing little by little. To stay firm and to say "No" to extending the narrow focus to cover more people, becoming "universal", even if it means losing opportunities.
Keep growing, everybody, *Hugs*
June 19, 2017
Content is nice, somewhat motivational/encouraging in fact, and nice to hear about a prominent business person's failures along their journey to the top. However, the writing style is so colloquial that I found it a bit hard to read. Also- gotta take this content with a grain of salt as she is yet another female business exec whose husband takes the lead at home (where do these men come from? I want one!). Tone is very dumbed down - great for all audiences, which I assume was the intent. Overall, I liked this book and I appreciate SRO's charisma. If you've ever heard her speak, it's very obvious that these are her very words put to paper.
Side note- I would be curious to read something written by SRO that has a more professional tone to it.
Side note- I would be curious to read something written by SRO that has a more professional tone to it.
November 20, 2019
Completely inappropriate title !!
Practically a waste of time . Perhaps 15 pages of high value content which you can really absorb . Not a line more.
I don’t understand why so much nagging about life story of an US immigrant from NZ . Every single chapter filled with her own GREAT experiences at her workplace . And on how good the coworker was and how bad the situation was . It was annoying !!!
And talking about genuine content , there is none. All high value contents someway or the other are extracted from business / management publications such as HBR. So never never buy this book !
It’s much a feminine inclined book . I admire women who have successfully implemented great strategies in management and worked their way up. But what’s in this book is far away from all that awe.
However if you still want to try this book . Just read the headlines within each chapter and that’s it.
Ultimate time waster!!!
Practically a waste of time . Perhaps 15 pages of high value content which you can really absorb . Not a line more.
I don’t understand why so much nagging about life story of an US immigrant from NZ . Every single chapter filled with her own GREAT experiences at her workplace . And on how good the coworker was and how bad the situation was . It was annoying !!!
And talking about genuine content , there is none. All high value contents someway or the other are extracted from business / management publications such as HBR. So never never buy this book !
It’s much a feminine inclined book . I admire women who have successfully implemented great strategies in management and worked their way up. But what’s in this book is far away from all that awe.
However if you still want to try this book . Just read the headlines within each chapter and that’s it.
Ultimate time waster!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2021
This was a fairly easy-going read which I enjoyed, and wanted to finish (which isn’t always the case with these sorts of books). The author had lots of interesting and inspiring stories from both her own life and many others, some recognisable, some new to me, and I took great things from many of them.
There’s a step process outline for how to be your extreme self which I liked, the idea that there’s a path to follow. It gave me great confidence to realise that failing, or not knowing how to do something, can actually be turned into a positive if you use it in the right way.
I had quite a few ‘a-ha!’ moments, and a new idea for a way forward on something that’s troubled me for ages. Thanks for that Sarah 🙂
There’s a step process outline for how to be your extreme self which I liked, the idea that there’s a path to follow. It gave me great confidence to realise that failing, or not knowing how to do something, can actually be turned into a positive if you use it in the right way.
I had quite a few ‘a-ha!’ moments, and a new idea for a way forward on something that’s troubled me for ages. Thanks for that Sarah 🙂
August 22, 2017
I loved this book. Highly recommend for those looking to take the next step and challenging themselves. I've already started exploring how to implement learnings from it.
Such as:
Plan what you want your career to be, what you can do for specific companies, and how working for them will help you get there (p81). Be daring and responsible, get support, know what will motivate others, and how your risk will benefit others. Say no to what doesn't apply to your goals/to what you're specializing in (in all areas of life) in various ways (see Adam Grant 8 ways article on LinkedIn). Expand by checking out what need you can satisfy and seeing the periphery of that need and where it can take you. Find partners and mentors for the honest truth and encouragement. Read.
Such as:
Plan what you want your career to be, what you can do for specific companies, and how working for them will help you get there (p81). Be daring and responsible, get support, know what will motivate others, and how your risk will benefit others. Say no to what doesn't apply to your goals/to what you're specializing in (in all areas of life) in various ways (see Adam Grant 8 ways article on LinkedIn). Expand by checking out what need you can satisfy and seeing the periphery of that need and where it can take you. Find partners and mentors for the honest truth and encouragement. Read.
February 26, 2018
One of the better business advice-meets-memoir books I’ve read. Sarah Robb O’Hagan’s personality comes through really well, and she doesn’t shy away from sharing her ups and downs. Sometimes these books read like an “I’ve done everything perfectly” tale, which isn’t as helpful to learn from. The “check yourself out” analogy felt a bit stretched, but the relationship between being an “Extremer” and a “Specialist” made a lot of sense. I also like how Sarah showed what she learned from her early failures and how she used that to effectively build relationships at Nike and Gatorade.
March 10, 2020
Quite the career charted by the "Extremer" Sarah Robb O'Hagan, starting with her homeland's national airline, Air New Zealand. Later she had marketing stints at Virgin Megastores, Virgin Atlantic, Nike & Pepsico (Gator-Ade). She's apparently a very savvy marketer--and later moved more into high-end/exclusive health fitness clubs. She outlines some good ideas for how to be the best version of yourself--and how to take things to a higher (more extreme) level. Good/practical steps to growing and pushing oneself towards success. I liked that she also included some of her biggest mistakes/flops--and lessons learned from those experiences. Listened to on my iPhone; borrowed from the library.
November 11, 2017
Absolutely perfect timing! I LOVE this book. Here's some motivation:
"So be willing to Break Yourself again - and though it will hurt at first, trust the process and look for the change to enjoy the discoveries along the way. One thing that unites Extremers is their relentless curiosity. They're always looking for new things to figure out. They keep asking: Where's the next area I want to explore?"
HELL YES!
"So be willing to Break Yourself again - and though it will hurt at first, trust the process and look for the change to enjoy the discoveries along the way. One thing that unites Extremers is their relentless curiosity. They're always looking for new things to figure out. They keep asking: Where's the next area I want to explore?"
HELL YES!
January 16, 2018
The two best things about this book are the writing style and delivery, and the system itself that SRO has cleverly and clearly put together to help people unleash and hone their unique mix of skills, personality and experiences in order to succeed in a big, Extreme way in their life. A great read for those who want to stop feeling scared or doubtful, and who want to be able to take the risks that their heart and gut tell them to.
April 2, 2019
Awesome book for a make-over! She shared her turbulent past mistakes that made her what she is today! Fearless, Bold, Never say Die! Bad-Ass!!!
1. Check Yourself Out - Reimagine Yourself
2. Ignite your Magic Drive - the mountain has to really matter to you
3. Get Out of Line - play to Win Big
4. Get Over Yourself - blindspot for Extreme weakness
5. Pain Training
6. Stay Stubbornly Humble
7. Play your Specialist Game
8.Change the Game
9. Calling All Extremers
10. Break Yourself to Make Yourself
1. Check Yourself Out - Reimagine Yourself
2. Ignite your Magic Drive - the mountain has to really matter to you
3. Get Out of Line - play to Win Big
4. Get Over Yourself - blindspot for Extreme weakness
5. Pain Training
6. Stay Stubbornly Humble
7. Play your Specialist Game
8.Change the Game
9. Calling All Extremers
10. Break Yourself to Make Yourself
November 4, 2019
Encouraging and Thought Provoking
This was a great read. While it had several common elements from other personal development books it had some great new ideas. “Checking yourself out” and “Breaking yourself down” are both great ways to continue to learn and push yourself to new levels. Learning about the failures and struggles of all those included in this book provided some encouragement for myself and someone that is still early in my career.
This was a great read. While it had several common elements from other personal development books it had some great new ideas. “Checking yourself out” and “Breaking yourself down” are both great ways to continue to learn and push yourself to new levels. Learning about the failures and struggles of all those included in this book provided some encouragement for myself and someone that is still early in my career.
April 22, 2019
I’m not really sure I’ve learned anything from this book. I already consider myself an extremer like this book portrays.
I feel like we just got a few stories of the author and her cohorts and their success stories, and a few insights backed by storied examples, but nothing new I can take with me.
I feel like we just got a few stories of the author and her cohorts and their success stories, and a few insights backed by storied examples, but nothing new I can take with me.
May 4, 2017
Relatable and real. Author was great at making her stories approachable and being really open and honest about her strengths, weaknesses, and mistakes. But then she gives great examples and tasks to act upon to build your own skills and endurance.
December 15, 2017
This was a fun, fast read -- kind of like a Flywheel class. I thoroughly enjoyed it and Sarah's voice - she is a force but seems quite down to earth and approachable with all her business/marketing savvy.
January 23, 2018
I am not an entrepreneur. I don't LOVE constantly being on a team or making big decisions for a company. BUT, I do want to be more proactive and more confident in my decisions for my life and my future. This was a great read that inspires you to kick ass, but be humble about it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews