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Do Fly: Find Your Way. Make a Living. Be Your Best Self.
Do Books provide readers with the tools and inspiration to live a fulfilled and engaged life. Whether it's mastering a new skill, cultivating a positive mindset, or finding inspiration for a new project, these books dispense expert wisdom on subjects related to personal growth, business, and slow living. Written by the movers, shakers, and change makers who have participated in the DO Lectures in the United Kingdom and the United States, Do Books are packed with easy-to-follow exercises, bite-size tips, and striking visuals. Practical, useful, and encouraging, each book delivers trustworthy, empowering guidance so readers can succeed in whatever they choose to "do."
Do Fly invites readers to discover their true path in life and follow it with purpose. Featuring advice on discovering hidden passions, picking a mentor, cultivating an optimistic and resilient mindset, and identifying personal strengths, these pages are a rousing call to build a life that is personally and professionally rewarding.
Do Fly invites readers to discover their true path in life and follow it with purpose. Featuring advice on discovering hidden passions, picking a mentor, cultivating an optimistic and resilient mindset, and identifying personal strengths, these pages are a rousing call to build a life that is personally and professionally rewarding.
128 pages, Paperback
Published May 15, 2018
25 people are currently reading
804 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 18, 2018
This book is part of a series of books published by the Do Book Co, which is an independent publishing house that publishes books by speakers of Do Lectures. All of the books intend to spark positive change, and are all fairly short, because Do Book Co keeps the focus on doing rather than the theory behind it.
Do Fly is about finding out what career/path/activities make you really happy. Now, since I am currently on my second gap year, simply because I could not decide how to continue my education or career this book got my interest.
Telling someone that they should do something they truly love is so easy, telling them how they should realize that is much harder. Yet, Gavin Strange manages to do so in a really down to earth way. Most of all humor was really important in this book and that made it a light, funny and motivational read. There were multiple moments where this book had me smiling, but when ‘bake off is on telly’ was offered as an example of excuses we make for ourselves when postponing stuff, I could not contain myself anymore. I love Gavin’s sense of humor!
Furthermore, the layout of this book really works for me, short but convincing chapters, some great quotes here and there, and overall it makes you excited to go put everything you learned into practice.
Do Fly is about finding out what career/path/activities make you really happy. Now, since I am currently on my second gap year, simply because I could not decide how to continue my education or career this book got my interest.
Telling someone that they should do something they truly love is so easy, telling them how they should realize that is much harder. Yet, Gavin Strange manages to do so in a really down to earth way. Most of all humor was really important in this book and that made it a light, funny and motivational read. There were multiple moments where this book had me smiling, but when ‘bake off is on telly’ was offered as an example of excuses we make for ourselves when postponing stuff, I could not contain myself anymore. I love Gavin’s sense of humor!
Furthermore, the layout of this book really works for me, short but convincing chapters, some great quotes here and there, and overall it makes you excited to go put everything you learned into practice.
August 5, 2017
How do I even begin?
I suposse I should start by saying that the reason why I found this book is because I went to a festival where Gavin Strange (the author) had a talk... It was THE best talk I've ever been in. The energy that Gavin Strange has is unbelievable, he has such a positive attitude that ends up filling you with want- wanting more, seeking more- so after debating a lot with myself, because I wanted to buy the paperback but I was unable to, I bought the epub. Best decision in weeks.
It may seem like an inspirational book, it kinda is, but instead of just filling you with phrases like "You can do this" "Nothing is impossible" "You're a champion" it tells you the two sides of the coin, doing the things that you like, finding time for yourself, improving your work, learning a new skill... man, it's not easy. Change is scary, but that shouldn't stop us from trying new things.
There are so many quotes in that book that I'll always carry close to heart, here are a few of my favorites:
"Hard work is just one piece of the puzzle, being kind and being positive are the other parts"
"No one has the time - you have to make the time"
"You should give every piece of work, every undertaking, your full undivided energy, effort and enthusiasm"
In a world where people devote themselves to one single little thing and forget about everything else, remembering that we need a balance is important. Knowing that we have the power of changing our enviroment or the way we see things, it's super important. So, hearing from someone else that we all have the same hours in a day and that if we allow ourselves, we can do great things, awesome things, it's much needed.
And finally, the most important quote of that book, that everyone needs to hear (or read):
"Be kind, be humble, be honest, be open, be supportive, be compassionate, be patient, be engaged, be excited, be dedicated, be true, be absolutely lovely"
I suposse I should start by saying that the reason why I found this book is because I went to a festival where Gavin Strange (the author) had a talk... It was THE best talk I've ever been in. The energy that Gavin Strange has is unbelievable, he has such a positive attitude that ends up filling you with want- wanting more, seeking more- so after debating a lot with myself, because I wanted to buy the paperback but I was unable to, I bought the epub. Best decision in weeks.
It may seem like an inspirational book, it kinda is, but instead of just filling you with phrases like "You can do this" "Nothing is impossible" "You're a champion" it tells you the two sides of the coin, doing the things that you like, finding time for yourself, improving your work, learning a new skill... man, it's not easy. Change is scary, but that shouldn't stop us from trying new things.
There are so many quotes in that book that I'll always carry close to heart, here are a few of my favorites:
"Hard work is just one piece of the puzzle, being kind and being positive are the other parts"
"No one has the time - you have to make the time"
"You should give every piece of work, every undertaking, your full undivided energy, effort and enthusiasm"
In a world where people devote themselves to one single little thing and forget about everything else, remembering that we need a balance is important. Knowing that we have the power of changing our enviroment or the way we see things, it's super important. So, hearing from someone else that we all have the same hours in a day and that if we allow ourselves, we can do great things, awesome things, it's much needed.
And finally, the most important quote of that book, that everyone needs to hear (or read):
"Be kind, be humble, be honest, be open, be supportive, be compassionate, be patient, be engaged, be excited, be dedicated, be true, be absolutely lovely"
May 17, 2020
Quick read. Very down-to-earth, told in a warm, human, humorous voice. With all the Do books, it's hard to make a proper judgement call immediately, as the proof of their true value is in the changes in behaviour that they inspire. So, I might come back to this review in time, when some of the work is done.
(Originally read Feb 2017)
Update May 2020:
Reflecting back, this book was one of the things that gave me the impetus to experiment with new approaches, reach out, get involved, seek out peers, build community initiatives and organise events over the last three years, that may not have happened otherwise. So, thanks Gavin, your words have had an impact.
Re-read during Covid19 pandemic.
Spot on with advice, tone and sentiment.
A valuable, gentle refuel. One to keep on the desk.
I’d genuinely love to see his post-kids update of Do Fly.
(Originally read Feb 2017)
Update May 2020:
Reflecting back, this book was one of the things that gave me the impetus to experiment with new approaches, reach out, get involved, seek out peers, build community initiatives and organise events over the last three years, that may not have happened otherwise. So, thanks Gavin, your words have had an impact.
Re-read during Covid19 pandemic.
Spot on with advice, tone and sentiment.
A valuable, gentle refuel. One to keep on the desk.
I’d genuinely love to see his post-kids update of Do Fly.
Read
September 19, 2020i love the do series, but unfortunately, this particular book contains way too many basic and banal ideas.
January 30, 2023
Najlepšia! Ako keby tu knihu napísalo moje druhé ja!
Budem ju čítať každý týždeň lebo myšlienky v nej sú úplne skvelé.
Konečne niečo, čo som tak dlho hľadala a som rada, že moje životné názory sú zhmotnené a už nie je potreba o tom napísať ďalšiu knihu.
Budem ju čítať každý týždeň lebo myšlienky v nej sú úplne skvelé.
Konečne niečo, čo som tak dlho hľadala a som rada, že moje životné názory sú zhmotnené a už nie je potreba o tom napísať ďalšiu knihu.
May 26, 2024
Es un buen libro. Más que todo motivador, esos que llegan para darte un impulso cuando estas cayendo en el desespero y la frustración. Al ser corto cumple muy bien su función.
Cómo siempre los temas los conocemos y son fáciles, lo que pasa es que es muy complicado hacerlos, ya que en un mundo que requiere inmediatez, el éxito solo premia a los que son persistentes, piensan y trabajan durante el tiempo y no por momentos.
Cómo siempre los temas los conocemos y son fáciles, lo que pasa es que es muy complicado hacerlos, ya que en un mundo que requiere inmediatez, el éxito solo premia a los que son persistentes, piensan y trabajan durante el tiempo y no por momentos.
August 10, 2018
Для мене ця книга була надзвичайно мотивуючою. Багато корисних порад, які можна застосувати до власних занять та цілей. Гейв пише з такою позитивністю та ентузіазмом, що відклав я цю книжку з відчуттям, що я можу все досягти. Буквально все.
‘Don’t make it perfect, make it now.’
‘Don’t make it perfect, make it now.’
July 25, 2016
A friend lent me his copy when I visited him this summer and I'm glad that he did - Gavin has a lot of encouraging words that offer a lot more than most inspirational books.
August 1, 2018
Wonderful book. I recommend it to anyone that feels stuck in life. Not only does this book deliver great tips but the pages are so colorful and vibrant. Great book!
September 7, 2025
“If the things I create today will shape how future generations think, feel, or act—even decades from now—what do I want to leave behind, and how do I ensure it carries both authenticity and quality?”
What I would want to leave behind is not a set of rigid answers, but an understanding—a way of seeing life and how deeply we are all connected as we move through it. The world often feels fast-paced, overwhelming, and saturated with possibilities, yet I believe within that chaos lies the opportunity to remind ourselves of our shared humanity.
For me, what makes my perspective unique is my lived experience. If I were to leave behind something of value, it would be my reflections and lessons, not as prescriptions but as guideposts. I want others to see their own duality mirrored within my words: the capacity for both brilliance and imperfection, for clarity and confusion. My work is not about telling people what they lack, but about reminding them of what is already within them, waiting to be seen and reconnected.
Authenticity and quality, I realize, stem from the same place: self-knowledge. The more I understand myself—and the more willing I am to expose both the light and the shadow within me—the more truthful my creations will be. This requires trust, a willingness to embrace my flaws without letting them define me, and the courage to let others witness that wholeness.
I do not measure success by scale. If my thoughts or words authentically touch even one or two people, that is enough. The impact is not in the numbers, but in the connection—moments when someone feels seen, accompanied, or inspired to move forward in their own journey.
I hope my legacy can be this: that my connection to the world becomes a bridge for others to deepen their own. The more connected I am with life itself, the more I can contribute to the collective consciousness, offering what I’ve learned back into the current that carries us all. In this way, what I leave behind is not just content, but connection—threads that link one human story to another across time.
What I would want to leave behind is not a set of rigid answers, but an understanding—a way of seeing life and how deeply we are all connected as we move through it. The world often feels fast-paced, overwhelming, and saturated with possibilities, yet I believe within that chaos lies the opportunity to remind ourselves of our shared humanity.
For me, what makes my perspective unique is my lived experience. If I were to leave behind something of value, it would be my reflections and lessons, not as prescriptions but as guideposts. I want others to see their own duality mirrored within my words: the capacity for both brilliance and imperfection, for clarity and confusion. My work is not about telling people what they lack, but about reminding them of what is already within them, waiting to be seen and reconnected.
Authenticity and quality, I realize, stem from the same place: self-knowledge. The more I understand myself—and the more willing I am to expose both the light and the shadow within me—the more truthful my creations will be. This requires trust, a willingness to embrace my flaws without letting them define me, and the courage to let others witness that wholeness.
I do not measure success by scale. If my thoughts or words authentically touch even one or two people, that is enough. The impact is not in the numbers, but in the connection—moments when someone feels seen, accompanied, or inspired to move forward in their own journey.
I hope my legacy can be this: that my connection to the world becomes a bridge for others to deepen their own. The more connected I am with life itself, the more I can contribute to the collective consciousness, offering what I’ve learned back into the current that carries us all. In this way, what I leave behind is not just content, but connection—threads that link one human story to another across time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2023
Sebenernya buku ini isinya kurang lebih udah pernah kita baca denger atau pahamin sebelumnya, tapi yang menarik tulisannya dibungkus dalam series do books. Series ini punya topik ‘do’ yg beda beda isinya kurang lebih tutorial dan motivational words ttg topik terkait. Poin plusnya ada alur yg jelas, ringkas, & ada visualnya!
Sesuai judul series do fly, gambaran buku ini kurang lebih ngebahas tutorial kita untuk siap ‘terbang’. Entah dari satu stage ke stages lainnya, encourage buat coba hal baru, atau ‘terbang jauh’ capai impian yang kita punya. Bagus sih kesannya kita beneran digebrak untuk just do it!! Sejauh ini aku suka series do fly daripada yang do stories.
Quoted,
“Make things that matter so you can leave them behind for others”
Sesuai judul series do fly, gambaran buku ini kurang lebih ngebahas tutorial kita untuk siap ‘terbang’. Entah dari satu stage ke stages lainnya, encourage buat coba hal baru, atau ‘terbang jauh’ capai impian yang kita punya. Bagus sih kesannya kita beneran digebrak untuk just do it!! Sejauh ini aku suka series do fly daripada yang do stories.
Quoted,
“Make things that matter so you can leave them behind for others”
July 16, 2019
This book is beautifully designed, easy to read, and inspiring. I liked Gavin’s writing style - I felt it was easy to connect with, which is very important for a book of this kind. It didn’t take very long to read and the sections are broken down into bitesize chunks. I’m 31 and in the process of embarking on a career change, and this book has definitely provided food for thought. I’m starting a work placement next week and I particularly enjoyed Gavin’s mention of work placements, it’s given me that extra bit of motivation to bring along!
November 7, 2020
If you've read a self-starter "just get do it" book for starting your hobby and turning it into a passion, Gavin doesn't really add anything you don't already know but that's ok. I loved the formatting and quick wit Gavin has and it was interesting to learn about his career and his family dynamic. If you already have a product out this book won't be very good for you but if in the back of your mind you want to start something, give this one a try. I hope you're able to fly~
December 8, 2020
I've read a lot of similar books, so it's not a new topic for me, but it's an easy reading and a good reminder.
I think it's a good book for someone who is trying to find their way and needs some push, cause it is full of good advices and straight to the point.
I think it's a good book for someone who is trying to find their way and needs some push, cause it is full of good advices and straight to the point.
November 28, 2021
A short read to fire up my motivation level, this book did not contain anything new for me, but served as a good refresher/reminder than at the only was to achieve what I desire is to push myself out of my comfort zone (which can drift into a lazy zone), and make it happen.
March 20, 2025
You could tell the author was passionate about things he’s done in his life and did well translating this into encouraging words with his positive mindset.
It was a very quick read, however I thought it was quite basic, would probably have enjoyed it more if it was more in depth/longer.
It was a very quick read, however I thought it was quite basic, would probably have enjoyed it more if it was more in depth/longer.
August 5, 2019
Muito superficial, infelizmente.
July 5, 2020
Interesting !
December 24, 2020
In short: Inspirational.
April 24, 2022
This book is great when you find it at the right time. It gives your words to go in the right direction. I loved it!
April 29, 2024
Rambling, cliche, no depth.
October 11, 2023
I don’t know how to describe this book! I’m completely speechless! Gavin Strange’s self-motivated book Do/Fly, brought me into another world & I can’t comprehend how thankful and pollyanna I am after it! For those who don’t know, Mr Strange is a creative designer and director who works for the Academy Award-winning animation studio Aardman Animations (the same group who created Wallace & Gromit) in Bristol. His book is part of the Do Book Company series - guidebooks from speakers who described their ideas as part of the Do Lectures. I LOVE the design style of the book’s pages as if it were a professional PowerPoint presentation.
Reading Mr Strange’s words took me to my core and I felt so emotional after reading the words off the pages. He not only made me question the borders of my creativity, but also the borders of me trying to be an adult. As I’m currently finishing up on my Master's degree in Film, I’m taking a new path - completely unaware of where the road is going to take me. Throughout my childhood to the present day, I’ve always been scared of change because I don’t know what to expect. As someone who is on the spectrum, the unknown is an unfriendly place.
But after reading Mr Strange’s words, it made me realise that I shouldn’t be in a tough spot about this new era of my life. No matter how scary the world may seem, I keep thinking that a fork in a road (the road that I’m on at the minute) is similar to the roads I’ve taken, it’ll just be a bit a bumpier. A new road is just as likely as an old one.
It doesn’t matter what occupation or career path you choose, this book is for everyone! It’s short, simple & straight to the point. This book gave me hope. And I don’t want to be an island anymore. Not again.
In reality, the sun doesn’t shine forever. I just want to spread my wings & fly away.
Reading Mr Strange’s words took me to my core and I felt so emotional after reading the words off the pages. He not only made me question the borders of my creativity, but also the borders of me trying to be an adult. As I’m currently finishing up on my Master's degree in Film, I’m taking a new path - completely unaware of where the road is going to take me. Throughout my childhood to the present day, I’ve always been scared of change because I don’t know what to expect. As someone who is on the spectrum, the unknown is an unfriendly place.
But after reading Mr Strange’s words, it made me realise that I shouldn’t be in a tough spot about this new era of my life. No matter how scary the world may seem, I keep thinking that a fork in a road (the road that I’m on at the minute) is similar to the roads I’ve taken, it’ll just be a bit a bumpier. A new road is just as likely as an old one.
It doesn’t matter what occupation or career path you choose, this book is for everyone! It’s short, simple & straight to the point. This book gave me hope. And I don’t want to be an island anymore. Not again.
In reality, the sun doesn’t shine forever. I just want to spread my wings & fly away.
August 14, 2018
Thank you to Chronicle Books for the giveaway.
I have enjoyed my time with Gavin Strange; I phrase it this way because it feels as though the author is right there speaking to you in a personal tone, about personal (not too personal) topics: namely, your life.
This book did inspire me to expand my career specialization and integrate other areas of my life into work. Not only that, but build upon what I've already got. That part spoke to me. My job is a "specialist" and that seems rather one-directional now. The part about not quitting the day job and feel free to explore side projects makes it seem easy enough to actually give it a shot.
I also enjoyed most of the quotes sprinkled throughout; my favorite being: 'You're a ghost driving a meat-covered skeleton made of stardust.' Just love it. Sometimes we need to step back and look at the larger picture of this life and remember that the minute details of day to day are not quite as important as we give them credit for.
This book is not as preachy as some others might be. If the reader wants to be inspired, he or she will be. Not with every section or chapter, but there are words of wisdom here that are worthy of attention. Most of it we already know but the reminders are always good. It's ok, good even, to fail. Be well-rounded. Leave a legacy. Be a nice person. Gavin does a nice job of saying these things in a way that makes him sound believable and real.
Overall this book is worth the (very fast) read, especially if you are open to inspiration and are looking for a way to decrease the mundane and increase the profound.
Thank you!
I have enjoyed my time with Gavin Strange; I phrase it this way because it feels as though the author is right there speaking to you in a personal tone, about personal (not too personal) topics: namely, your life.
This book did inspire me to expand my career specialization and integrate other areas of my life into work. Not only that, but build upon what I've already got. That part spoke to me. My job is a "specialist" and that seems rather one-directional now. The part about not quitting the day job and feel free to explore side projects makes it seem easy enough to actually give it a shot.
I also enjoyed most of the quotes sprinkled throughout; my favorite being: 'You're a ghost driving a meat-covered skeleton made of stardust.' Just love it. Sometimes we need to step back and look at the larger picture of this life and remember that the minute details of day to day are not quite as important as we give them credit for.
This book is not as preachy as some others might be. If the reader wants to be inspired, he or she will be. Not with every section or chapter, but there are words of wisdom here that are worthy of attention. Most of it we already know but the reminders are always good. It's ok, good even, to fail. Be well-rounded. Leave a legacy. Be a nice person. Gavin does a nice job of saying these things in a way that makes him sound believable and real.
Overall this book is worth the (very fast) read, especially if you are open to inspiration and are looking for a way to decrease the mundane and increase the profound.
Thank you!
January 6, 2019
Just Finished the “DO FLY” book by Gavin Strange.
One of the books that I was reading it out loud, thinking mindfully about each word. Wrote a lot of notes and took a lot of quotes. This will be one of the books in the re- read list.
.
.
.
It is a three ingredients recipe to be closer to your goal and to do what you really enjoy. It is written on the cover page:
• Find you way.
• Make a living.
• Be your best self.
How to re- discover yourself, your interests and your hobbies. How to redirect your thoughts and create your own turning point.
We must pause, think and analyze where we’re standing right now and where we want to be.
It will not happen right away. So let’s be patient and never lose hope. Let’s keep digging and knocking on every door possible to keep us a step closer to our goal.
If you don’t like your job and you feel stuck and can no longer function in your area, read this book please.
.
.
.
#gavinstrange
One of the books that I was reading it out loud, thinking mindfully about each word. Wrote a lot of notes and took a lot of quotes. This will be one of the books in the re- read list.
.
.
.
It is a three ingredients recipe to be closer to your goal and to do what you really enjoy. It is written on the cover page:
• Find you way.
• Make a living.
• Be your best self.
How to re- discover yourself, your interests and your hobbies. How to redirect your thoughts and create your own turning point.
We must pause, think and analyze where we’re standing right now and where we want to be.
It will not happen right away. So let’s be patient and never lose hope. Let’s keep digging and knocking on every door possible to keep us a step closer to our goal.
If you don’t like your job and you feel stuck and can no longer function in your area, read this book please.
.
.
.
#gavinstrange
November 15, 2017
Gavin is someone I would want to have around me all the time. His advice is to the point and remarkably, he phrases the common "Yup, I know that." ideas into something that has you thinking with a smile on your face and a nod of "Omg, yes!....Makes so much better sense." The best parts for me were the one-liners scattered through the book that made me think: "Wow, I never thought of it like that."
The book is an easy read, fun read, quick read.
It does leave one smiling though....
The book is an easy read, fun read, quick read.
It does leave one smiling though....
February 4, 2021
There's soooooooo many books on productivity and creativity, but I really liked this series for being short, to the point, positive and full of practical advice, rather than droning on and on for chapter and chapter, focusing on the Do. And the author's productivity range is impressive!
October 6, 2023
**I received my copy through Goodreads Giveaways.**
A gem of a paperback. This is a great gift for someone feeling a little lost, and needs some inspiration. Full-color photos, beautiful text, and small binding. I love the design from Chronicle Books.
A gem of a paperback. This is a great gift for someone feeling a little lost, and needs some inspiration. Full-color photos, beautiful text, and small binding. I love the design from Chronicle Books.
August 1, 2018
If you're sat there thinking that you want to start something new but aren't sure how to go about it, this book is for you. Strange talks about how he built his career while giving advice on how you can do the same. All wrapped up in amazing quotes.
February 15, 2020
If you are in need of a kick in the arse to start. If you are looking for encouragement to keep going. If you want to challenge your mindset. This is another great addition from The Do Book Co. book shelf. Throughly recommend
April 4, 2023
This is a good book to give us that sense of "Yes, I'm able to do anything I want", sharing lot's of thoughts, considerations, warnings, suggestion and interesting quotes and author points of view. It's a complete Food for Thought! And it's also pretty graphic!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews