What do you think?
Rate this book
Perseverance: The Seven Skills You Need to Survive, Thrive, and Accomplish More Than You Ever Imagined
An inspiring story of beating the odds and learning to overcome--no matter what life hands you.
After starting a family and flourishing in his career, Tim Hague was struck by misfortune. The irritating tremor in his foot turned out to be early onset Parkinson's disease. He was only 46 years old. But what seemed to be an end became a new beginning. Just three years later, Hague won the inaugural The Amazing Race Canada (with his son, Tim Jr., as his teammate). His remarkable life story shows that perseverance is not just a matter of willpower: it is a skill that can be learned and honed.
And perseverance is the theme of his life. From the day he was born, Hague has gone from one struggle to another. Yet, remarkably, he doesn't have a trace of self-pity. In fact, he feels blessed. From his tough start in life as an unwanted mixed-race baby born in Texas in 1964, to his eventual move to the unforgiving climate of Winnipeg, Canada, to start a family under difficult circumstances, and his continuing battle with Parkinson's--Hague's life is a roadmap of perseverance.
Parkinson's has forced him to retire early from the work he loves as a registered nurse. But as a healthcare professional, and now suffering from a challenging disease himself, Hague discusses living with Parkinson's like no one else could. He now works with charities to help promote Parkinson's awareness and his "Live Your Best" message. Drawing on his experience winning The Amazing Race, and referencing cutting-edge research and studies, Hague weaves a moving story of failure and success, outlining the elements of his philosophy that anyone can apply to their own lives, including:
* The nature of luck: Luck comes to those who keep trying until the end--never stop until the race is over.
* Find community: As a nurse, a husband and father, and a man living with Parkinson's, Hague knows better than most that we all need to ask for help sometimes, and that's a good thing.
* Accept limits: By focusing on what we can do, we accomplish more than we ever thought possible.
* Cease striving: We think of striving as a positive attribute, but all we end up doing is banging our heads against the wall. Have goals, but have fun. Do not create anxiety out of nothing and maintain perspective.
* Live Your Best: No such thing as giving 110%--can only do your best.
Inspirational and entertaining, Hague's message is both simple and profound: perseverance isn't just something a person has, or a trait we admire in others. Hague's book, like his life, is a guide to how we can all learn to persevere in the face of daily struggles--or even life-changing illness.
After starting a family and flourishing in his career, Tim Hague was struck by misfortune. The irritating tremor in his foot turned out to be early onset Parkinson's disease. He was only 46 years old. But what seemed to be an end became a new beginning. Just three years later, Hague won the inaugural The Amazing Race Canada (with his son, Tim Jr., as his teammate). His remarkable life story shows that perseverance is not just a matter of willpower: it is a skill that can be learned and honed.
And perseverance is the theme of his life. From the day he was born, Hague has gone from one struggle to another. Yet, remarkably, he doesn't have a trace of self-pity. In fact, he feels blessed. From his tough start in life as an unwanted mixed-race baby born in Texas in 1964, to his eventual move to the unforgiving climate of Winnipeg, Canada, to start a family under difficult circumstances, and his continuing battle with Parkinson's--Hague's life is a roadmap of perseverance.
Parkinson's has forced him to retire early from the work he loves as a registered nurse. But as a healthcare professional, and now suffering from a challenging disease himself, Hague discusses living with Parkinson's like no one else could. He now works with charities to help promote Parkinson's awareness and his "Live Your Best" message. Drawing on his experience winning The Amazing Race, and referencing cutting-edge research and studies, Hague weaves a moving story of failure and success, outlining the elements of his philosophy that anyone can apply to their own lives, including:
* The nature of luck: Luck comes to those who keep trying until the end--never stop until the race is over.
* Find community: As a nurse, a husband and father, and a man living with Parkinson's, Hague knows better than most that we all need to ask for help sometimes, and that's a good thing.
* Accept limits: By focusing on what we can do, we accomplish more than we ever thought possible.
* Cease striving: We think of striving as a positive attribute, but all we end up doing is banging our heads against the wall. Have goals, but have fun. Do not create anxiety out of nothing and maintain perspective.
* Live Your Best: No such thing as giving 110%--can only do your best.
Inspirational and entertaining, Hague's message is both simple and profound: perseverance isn't just something a person has, or a trait we admire in others. Hague's book, like his life, is a guide to how we can all learn to persevere in the face of daily struggles--or even life-changing illness.
- GenresNonfictionSelf Help
272 pages, Hardcover
Published May 8, 2018
9 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 17, 2018
This was a delightful book. From Tim's beginnings as an unwanted, mixed-race baby, to his diagnosis of Parkinson's, his tales of running the Amazing Race, and his reflections on how to accept and embrace the hand we are dealt in life, I couldn't put it down. The book sweeps the reader along on a provoking, entertaining, and moving journey, all the while challenging the reader to think through and come to terms with their own hardships in life.
I highly recommend this book, not only for those with Parkinson's and their caregivers, but for anyone struggling to hold on to hope and meaning in the face of suffering... or those simply looking for a good read.
I highly recommend this book, not only for those with Parkinson's and their caregivers, but for anyone struggling to hold on to hope and meaning in the face of suffering... or those simply looking for a good read.
November 20, 2018
This is a very inspiring book! With so much going on in the world it is nice to read a story about rising up from a bad situation through perseverance and optimism. I remember Tim appearing on The Amazing Race Canada so it felt like I had a bit of a connection with him already. I really enjoyed this book. There are some Amazing Race stories that were interesting but it is the struggles Tim has faced that are the most fascinating parts of the story.
November 25, 2018
3.5 stars. Much more of a memoir than a self-help book, but I found it entertaining. Will be discussing with my dad for Family Reads.
May 5, 2018
Watch on YouTube
We are sent scores of books to review each month. It seems that the subject of Parkinson’s Disease is coming up more and more.
Not to long before reading Perseverance: The Seven Skills You Need to Survive, Thrive, and Accomplish More Than You Ever Imagined by Tim Hague, we completed Fighting Parkinson's...and Winning: A memoir of my recovery from Parkinson's Disease by Howard Shifke.
The two books really work well together. With this book, Perseverance, we learn about the many challenges of living with Parkinson’s Disease, an incurable disease that is caused by lack of dopamine in the body. Tim Hauge decided he wasn’t going to let Parkinson’s Disease slow him down. He was going to live life to the fullest.
Fighting Parkinson's...and Winning is the story of the author who, like Tim Hague, learned he had Parkinson’s Disease. He also decided he was going to live life to the fullest. However, in this book the author decided that just because Western medicine says there is no cure for Parkinson’s that does not mean it is so.
The first part of Perseverance gives us the story of a mixed race child born in rural Texas and raised by a loving adopted family.
We follow the author through disappointment after disappointment. We see how he did not really fit in with any race. He was always too black, too white, or otherwise just not acceptable.
Perseverance will make you laugh, will make you cry, it will make you mad. AND, it will have you on the edge of your seat.
In Perseverance, we read the fascinating and exciting story of the author and his son competing in The Amazing Race Canada.
We see how Tim and his son Tim, Jr. worked to face all the obstacles head on. Even though we learn the outcome of the race early in the book, the excitement is still there. We still hang on every word.
We give Perseverance all five stars. It is very well-written and downright hard to put down. We think it makes an excellent tool to help others living with Parkinson’s Disease.
If, however, you or someone you love has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and you want to find a different tool box, one that offers a cure, then you will want to read Fighting Parkinson's...and Winning.
Interestingly enough, both books have a similar mindset. However, Shifke learns that Parkinson’s Disease is not caused by lack of Dopamine. He found it is that the body does not use what it produces properly and how to retrain the body to use it.
You will want to buy both books.
We were sent a complimentary copy of this book. We are under no obligation to write any review, positive or negative.
We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
We are sent scores of books to review each month. It seems that the subject of Parkinson’s Disease is coming up more and more.
Not to long before reading Perseverance: The Seven Skills You Need to Survive, Thrive, and Accomplish More Than You Ever Imagined by Tim Hague, we completed Fighting Parkinson's...and Winning: A memoir of my recovery from Parkinson's Disease by Howard Shifke.
The two books really work well together. With this book, Perseverance, we learn about the many challenges of living with Parkinson’s Disease, an incurable disease that is caused by lack of dopamine in the body. Tim Hauge decided he wasn’t going to let Parkinson’s Disease slow him down. He was going to live life to the fullest.
Fighting Parkinson's...and Winning is the story of the author who, like Tim Hague, learned he had Parkinson’s Disease. He also decided he was going to live life to the fullest. However, in this book the author decided that just because Western medicine says there is no cure for Parkinson’s that does not mean it is so.
The first part of Perseverance gives us the story of a mixed race child born in rural Texas and raised by a loving adopted family.
We follow the author through disappointment after disappointment. We see how he did not really fit in with any race. He was always too black, too white, or otherwise just not acceptable.
Perseverance will make you laugh, will make you cry, it will make you mad. AND, it will have you on the edge of your seat.
In Perseverance, we read the fascinating and exciting story of the author and his son competing in The Amazing Race Canada.
We see how Tim and his son Tim, Jr. worked to face all the obstacles head on. Even though we learn the outcome of the race early in the book, the excitement is still there. We still hang on every word.
We give Perseverance all five stars. It is very well-written and downright hard to put down. We think it makes an excellent tool to help others living with Parkinson’s Disease.
If, however, you or someone you love has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and you want to find a different tool box, one that offers a cure, then you will want to read Fighting Parkinson's...and Winning.
Interestingly enough, both books have a similar mindset. However, Shifke learns that Parkinson’s Disease is not caused by lack of Dopamine. He found it is that the body does not use what it produces properly and how to retrain the body to use it.
You will want to buy both books.
We were sent a complimentary copy of this book. We are under no obligation to write any review, positive or negative.
We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
May 27, 2018
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I'm usually not a fan of these types of books, but am trying to diversify my reading a bit as I've been in a rut. From the cover, this one appeared to be a buzzfeed style, with enough writing under each point to make it into a "book", maybe with an intro and conclusion. That's true... for about 15 pages near the end. What you actually get is a story. A story about a man with Parkinson's and how he and his son won The Amazing Race Canada. There's some background information about the rest of his family, his job, how he grew up and that sort of thing as well. Mainly though, it's about the race. After I read it I remembered that there was a Tim Hague that died in a Fredericton boxing match last year. I'm left wondering if that was Tim Jr.
July 3, 2018
This was a Goodreads winner.
I found the title of the book a little misleading in that, coming into the book, I thought this was very much going to be a book in the same vein as Charles Duhigg, Angela Duckworth, etc., but this was more an autobiography and relaying of a personal journey than an analysis of the concept of perseverance. In fact, the 7 skills are tucked at the back of the book and are more observations than skills.
That said, Mr. Hague's story is an interesting one and the recounting of his participation in the Amazing Race is rather engaging. A good read for someone looking for a little inspiration under tough times.
I found the title of the book a little misleading in that, coming into the book, I thought this was very much going to be a book in the same vein as Charles Duhigg, Angela Duckworth, etc., but this was more an autobiography and relaying of a personal journey than an analysis of the concept of perseverance. In fact, the 7 skills are tucked at the back of the book and are more observations than skills.
That said, Mr. Hague's story is an interesting one and the recounting of his participation in the Amazing Race is rather engaging. A good read for someone looking for a little inspiration under tough times.
August 29, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. The author's writing style is easy to read, no-nonsense, straight to the point. The book covers a serious subject about Parkinson's disease and the associated challenges that come with it. Although a serious topic, the author injects some great humour into the story, especially when he begins to describe the journey of the race. The seven skills that he imparts hit home with me, although familiar with most of them (the definition of striving was a new one for me), have not yet been able to insert all of them into my daily life. I appreciated the reinforcement and reminder of the importance of them.
I received this book for free from Goodreads Giveaways.
I received this book for free from Goodreads Giveaways.
July 19, 2018
I watch the Amazing Race Canada since season 1. I recalled the Hagues race. I also recalled that at some point, when it was done to may 5 teams left, I actually didn't like the Hagues. There was something bothering me about it. Nonetheless, I believe it is an amazing feat that someone with Parkinsons at such a early age ran a great race with his son.
May 5, 2020
Inspirational for all those with with any kind of physical or mental crisis. Tim Hague writes what he has learned and what he has lived as a member of the winning team of first Season of Canada’s Amazing Race. A man who gets through his diagnosis of Parkinson’s with perseverance and shares his insights and strengths.
October 30, 2020
A really persevered individual depicting his life and how he grows through in his situations. We actually watched the entire season of "Amazon Race Canada" for those you have read this book will understand what i mean.
June 10, 2018
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway, which I really appreciate. I had a hard time getting into it, unfortunately, but it's a very inspiring story.
July 24, 2018
Took a while to make it to point of its title, but this book was an easy enough read.
January 25, 2021
Easy and entertaining read with lots of lessons to learned about perseverance.
October 18, 2021
This was a quick read. It was interesting and despite the author being diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s, uplifting and inspirational.
August 12, 2018
This is a nice book to know about the behind the scenes story of Tim and Tim in the Amazing Race Canada Season 1.
Do not expect any step by step guidance on how to persevere. But what you will do find is inspiration and encouragement. Inspiration to persevere in the advent of an unhappy incident. Encouragement to help yourself and be of help to others in situations needing support. It also encourages you to be open to ask for help and seek support. After all we are humans, social animals, we thrive in groups and strive if left alone.
I strongly recommend this book to everyone.
Do not expect any step by step guidance on how to persevere. But what you will do find is inspiration and encouragement. Inspiration to persevere in the advent of an unhappy incident. Encouragement to help yourself and be of help to others in situations needing support. It also encourages you to be open to ask for help and seek support. After all we are humans, social animals, we thrive in groups and strive if left alone.
I strongly recommend this book to everyone.
January 16, 2019
This is a good book about perseverance and Parkinson’s. I’m now able to understand my friend who has this.
Linking to The Amazing Race Canada was a great strategy. I’m from Winnipeg and I rooted for the Tims as I watch it!
Bravo Tim for sharing your insights and perseverance!
Linking to The Amazing Race Canada was a great strategy. I’m from Winnipeg and I rooted for the Tims as I watch it!
Bravo Tim for sharing your insights and perseverance!
January 19, 2019
I loved this book! My mom was diagnosed with Parkinson’s last year, so I can really relate to Tim Sr.’s struggles and advice!
Want to read
May 12, 2018I just received this book only yesterday. Not enough time to read it yet.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews