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Life Is Short, Don't Wait to Dance: Advice and Inspiration from the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame Coach of 7 NCAA Championship Teams
Highly acclaimed UCLA Women's gymnastics coach of 7 NCAA championships Valorie Kondos Field shares insights on how to use uniqueness and authenticity to achieve success.
Former professional ballerina Valorie Kondos Field--or Miss Val, as she's affectionately known--has never tumbled, flipped, or even played any type of organized sports, and yet she has been able to craft a legendary coaching career through curiosity, creativity, attention to detail, and unwavering care for the overall well-being of her athletes. For Miss Val, it's not about winning and losing, it's about choreographing your life and owning the choices you make.
Miss Val has shaped her UCLA Gymnastics program as a life skills class and now she's sharing those lessons with you, whether you're an athlete, business leader, or simply someone who wants to own their destiny. Miss Val's philosophies are timeless. Her coaching style is unorthodox. Life Is Short, Don't Wait to Dance is a thought-provoking, fun journey through the anecdotes of the 35-year career of a dancer/choreographer turned athletic coach.
The book includes unforgettable stories of the Olympians and athletes with whom she's worked-including the inspirational journey of Katelyn Ohashi, whose joyful transformation under the tutelage of Miss Val was evident to the world when her perfect 10 floor routine went viral -- reaching over 100 million viewers. Other triumphs include Olympian Jamie Dantzscher, who found her confidence at UCLA and learned the tools to combat her previous abuse; and sensation Christine Peng Peng Lee, who helped the Bruins clinch the 2018 NCAA championship with back-to-back 10's. Miss Val also shares her favorite memories of her mentor, legendary basketball coach John Wooden, as well as her thoughts on Larry Nassar and the gymnastics sexual abuse scandal.
Miss Val reveals how her coaching journey had a rocky start before she found her own best approach. In time she realized that her dance background wasn't a detriment, it was a gift. When she embraced this, Miss Val led the Bruins to victory. Life Is Short, Don't Wait to Dance is packed with great advice for anyone on a quest for success, delivered in Miss Val's reassuring and inspirational tone. She took the same approach to her breast cancer diagnosis, explaining how she made that struggle into one of the best years of her life. For Miss Val, it's all about attitude. Life Is Short, Don't Wait to Dance is a powerful book that shows you how to make the leap of faith in choosing your own path to greatness.
Former professional ballerina Valorie Kondos Field--or Miss Val, as she's affectionately known--has never tumbled, flipped, or even played any type of organized sports, and yet she has been able to craft a legendary coaching career through curiosity, creativity, attention to detail, and unwavering care for the overall well-being of her athletes. For Miss Val, it's not about winning and losing, it's about choreographing your life and owning the choices you make.
Miss Val has shaped her UCLA Gymnastics program as a life skills class and now she's sharing those lessons with you, whether you're an athlete, business leader, or simply someone who wants to own their destiny. Miss Val's philosophies are timeless. Her coaching style is unorthodox. Life Is Short, Don't Wait to Dance is a thought-provoking, fun journey through the anecdotes of the 35-year career of a dancer/choreographer turned athletic coach.
The book includes unforgettable stories of the Olympians and athletes with whom she's worked-including the inspirational journey of Katelyn Ohashi, whose joyful transformation under the tutelage of Miss Val was evident to the world when her perfect 10 floor routine went viral -- reaching over 100 million viewers. Other triumphs include Olympian Jamie Dantzscher, who found her confidence at UCLA and learned the tools to combat her previous abuse; and sensation Christine Peng Peng Lee, who helped the Bruins clinch the 2018 NCAA championship with back-to-back 10's. Miss Val also shares her favorite memories of her mentor, legendary basketball coach John Wooden, as well as her thoughts on Larry Nassar and the gymnastics sexual abuse scandal.
Miss Val reveals how her coaching journey had a rocky start before she found her own best approach. In time she realized that her dance background wasn't a detriment, it was a gift. When she embraced this, Miss Val led the Bruins to victory. Life Is Short, Don't Wait to Dance is packed with great advice for anyone on a quest for success, delivered in Miss Val's reassuring and inspirational tone. She took the same approach to her breast cancer diagnosis, explaining how she made that struggle into one of the best years of her life. For Miss Val, it's all about attitude. Life Is Short, Don't Wait to Dance is a powerful book that shows you how to make the leap of faith in choosing your own path to greatness.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published October 2, 2018
89 people are currently reading
1095 people want to read
About the author
Valorie Kondos Field
3 books35 followersValorie Kondos Field--or Miss Val as she's affectionately known--was a professional ballerina who has become one of the winningest coaches in NCAA history... even though she has never tumbled, flipped or ever played any type of organized sports.
Miss Val has been able to craft a legendary coaching career through curiosity, creativity, intention to detail, and unwavering care for the overall well-being of her athletes. For Miss Val, it's not about the X's and O's, it's about choreographing your life and owning the choices you make.
Miss Val has shaped her UCLA Gymnastics program as a life skills class and now she's sharing those lessons with you, whether you're an athlete, business leader or simply someone who wants to own their destiny. Miss Val's philosophies are timeless. Her coaching style is unorthodox. Miss Val shares her fun journey through the personal stories and anecdotes of the 35-year career of a dancer/choreographer turned athletic coach. Along the way you'll hear Miss Val's favorite memories she experienced with her mentor, legendary coach John Wooden; as well as some of her most unforgettable stories of the Olympians and student-athletes she's coached.
Miss Val has been able to craft a legendary coaching career through curiosity, creativity, intention to detail, and unwavering care for the overall well-being of her athletes. For Miss Val, it's not about the X's and O's, it's about choreographing your life and owning the choices you make.
Miss Val has shaped her UCLA Gymnastics program as a life skills class and now she's sharing those lessons with you, whether you're an athlete, business leader or simply someone who wants to own their destiny. Miss Val's philosophies are timeless. Her coaching style is unorthodox. Miss Val shares her fun journey through the personal stories and anecdotes of the 35-year career of a dancer/choreographer turned athletic coach. Along the way you'll hear Miss Val's favorite memories she experienced with her mentor, legendary coach John Wooden; as well as some of her most unforgettable stories of the Olympians and student-athletes she's coached.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
December 19, 2018
I loved some parts of this book and didn't love others. I'll start with the positive after some brief background. I am what Miss Val refers to as a gym nerd. I grew up doing gymnastics through high school before "retiring" due to excessive injuries and covering it for the student newspaper in college while also interning for a gymnastics magazine, as well as the national governing body. After graduating, I also started a college specific website, College Gym News, that covers the sport. So you could say I'm pretty knowledgeable about it. Now onto the book itself.
Miss Val is such a positive person, and it comes across in her story. A lot of the life lessons she discusses are worthwhile and things that everyone, not just coaches, gymnasts or athletes should take in. I also really enjoyed some of the "insider stories" she told that I had never heard before. Growing up a Georgia fan, being coached by former Gymdogs and later attending UGA myself, I knew a lot about Suzanne Yoculan, which made the story about her making the team in 2005 all live in a house together all the more interesting. That's just one example of the compelling anecdotes Miss Val either mentions specifically or in passing—she discusses backless leotards, burlesque dancer techniques, kicking people off the team (and why) and more—throughout the book. As a gym fan, it's worth reading for these bits alone, even if you're not as much into the self-help aspect.
Now at this point, you're probably wondering why I only gave it 3/5 stars, and to be fair, it's probably more toward 3.5—or 7/10 if we're talking gymnastics—but Goodreads doesn't follow the gymnastics Code of Points. However, my reasoning is one-part opinion, one-part small factual question and one-part grammar. I'll start with the first: I'm not much of a self-help, think-happy-and-you'll-be-happy type of person, but I do realize its usefulness for some people. I did appreciate some of the lessons Miss Val discusses—I even took the enneagram test myself (I'm a 1, 6w5)—and how she intertwined them with actual examples from her life, making them more relatable. But as a whole, it's not for me.
The second "issue" came on 78 of the hardcopy edition where Miss Val is discussing missing the meet where UCLA breaks Utah's 170-meet home win streak. The part I'm referring to comes after the team finished bars with two falls and she says "the balance beam was next." While I wasn't able to fact check this 100 percent, typically the away team rotates in the order of bars, vault, floor, beam. I don't know whether it's written incorrectly in the book or if the middle events are skipped and the wording isn't clear. Clearly, I'm nitpicking, but facts are important.
Finally, my final issue is more of an overarching thing, that is likely something I and few others will pick up on being a journalist/editor myself. But overall, the grammar is really poor and the book could have used a good edit before publication. Again, this is minor and inconsequential to most people because there's technically no misspellings or large errors, but the comma usage, mix up of it/they (we don't live in the UK) and unbalanced sentences made it hard for me to read sometimes.
Overall, I still call this book a success and something I can see myself referring to in the future for life lessons when, perhaps, I'm in the desert myself. Everyone can probably afford to add a little more positivity to their lives and learn a thing or two from Miss Val. I can't wait to see what UCLA and Miss Val do as a team in 2019 for her final season.
Miss Val is such a positive person, and it comes across in her story. A lot of the life lessons she discusses are worthwhile and things that everyone, not just coaches, gymnasts or athletes should take in. I also really enjoyed some of the "insider stories" she told that I had never heard before. Growing up a Georgia fan, being coached by former Gymdogs and later attending UGA myself, I knew a lot about Suzanne Yoculan, which made the story about her making the team in 2005 all live in a house together all the more interesting. That's just one example of the compelling anecdotes Miss Val either mentions specifically or in passing—she discusses backless leotards, burlesque dancer techniques, kicking people off the team (and why) and more—throughout the book. As a gym fan, it's worth reading for these bits alone, even if you're not as much into the self-help aspect.
Now at this point, you're probably wondering why I only gave it 3/5 stars, and to be fair, it's probably more toward 3.5—or 7/10 if we're talking gymnastics—but Goodreads doesn't follow the gymnastics Code of Points. However, my reasoning is one-part opinion, one-part small factual question and one-part grammar. I'll start with the first: I'm not much of a self-help, think-happy-and-you'll-be-happy type of person, but I do realize its usefulness for some people. I did appreciate some of the lessons Miss Val discusses—I even took the enneagram test myself (I'm a 1, 6w5)—and how she intertwined them with actual examples from her life, making them more relatable. But as a whole, it's not for me.
The second "issue" came on 78 of the hardcopy edition where Miss Val is discussing missing the meet where UCLA breaks Utah's 170-meet home win streak. The part I'm referring to comes after the team finished bars with two falls and she says "the balance beam was next." While I wasn't able to fact check this 100 percent, typically the away team rotates in the order of bars, vault, floor, beam. I don't know whether it's written incorrectly in the book or if the middle events are skipped and the wording isn't clear. Clearly, I'm nitpicking, but facts are important.
Finally, my final issue is more of an overarching thing, that is likely something I and few others will pick up on being a journalist/editor myself. But overall, the grammar is really poor and the book could have used a good edit before publication. Again, this is minor and inconsequential to most people because there's technically no misspellings or large errors, but the comma usage, mix up of it/they (we don't live in the UK) and unbalanced sentences made it hard for me to read sometimes.
Overall, I still call this book a success and something I can see myself referring to in the future for life lessons when, perhaps, I'm in the desert myself. Everyone can probably afford to add a little more positivity to their lives and learn a thing or two from Miss Val. I can't wait to see what UCLA and Miss Val do as a team in 2019 for her final season.
Read
April 30, 2021I read this book on a recommendation from a friend. Elizabeth and I talked about an idea from this book, "Ask for a favor in the right way," in episode 321 of the Happier podcast.
October 11, 2018
At a risk of sounding like an absolute cliché, I learnt a lot about myself from this book. It has some great life lessons!
The audiobook is read by Miss Val herself, if you like audiobooks I would recommend it!
The audiobook is read by Miss Val herself, if you like audiobooks I would recommend it!
September 26, 2018
I am in the middle of reading this book....
First, in the prologue Valorie harps on how she teaches her SAs that their choices will dictate the life they lead. This ribbon involving the ability to dictate what happens in your life seamlessly flows throughout your book, like watching Kyla transition from the high bar to the low bar. It’s something that she narrates as being so obvious, yet in my opinion is something people need to acknowledge, celebrate, and discuss more. Everyone can make choices to take their life in the direction they desire. Once we can accept and realize that the power that comes with this realization is bliss, bliss in knowing that you and only you have the ability to control your life’s path.
Second, she addresses "the desert" and completely break down the f-word. She gives that word no power. A word that people literally believe is inevitable and almost expected to show up multiple times a day, a month a year-you demean down to almost nothing, to something insignificant (yet relevant) in life. There is none of that, just the obstacles and adventures that become the BEST PART OF LIFE. The f-word doesn’t determine what happens next in life, it’s merely something that can redirect your life and during that redirection you experience JOY and HAPPINESS that one wouldn’t even have had the pleasure of experiencing if they had let that f-word weigh them down.
Third, she bluntly address something I believe women don’t do enough- ask for something they want. I hate when people say “good things come to those who wait.” No, good things come to those who ask and go get those good things they want. Thank you for reminding me, and all of us readers, that if you want to create an opportunity, devise a plan and go ask for it.
LASTLY (sorry I could go on and I’m only on page 150), I personally resonate with when you say “And when I screwed up….I knew I had to compose myself and finish.”
First, in the prologue Valorie harps on how she teaches her SAs that their choices will dictate the life they lead. This ribbon involving the ability to dictate what happens in your life seamlessly flows throughout your book, like watching Kyla transition from the high bar to the low bar. It’s something that she narrates as being so obvious, yet in my opinion is something people need to acknowledge, celebrate, and discuss more. Everyone can make choices to take their life in the direction they desire. Once we can accept and realize that the power that comes with this realization is bliss, bliss in knowing that you and only you have the ability to control your life’s path.
Second, she addresses "the desert" and completely break down the f-word. She gives that word no power. A word that people literally believe is inevitable and almost expected to show up multiple times a day, a month a year-you demean down to almost nothing, to something insignificant (yet relevant) in life. There is none of that, just the obstacles and adventures that become the BEST PART OF LIFE. The f-word doesn’t determine what happens next in life, it’s merely something that can redirect your life and during that redirection you experience JOY and HAPPINESS that one wouldn’t even have had the pleasure of experiencing if they had let that f-word weigh them down.
Third, she bluntly address something I believe women don’t do enough- ask for something they want. I hate when people say “good things come to those who wait.” No, good things come to those who ask and go get those good things they want. Thank you for reminding me, and all of us readers, that if you want to create an opportunity, devise a plan and go ask for it.
LASTLY (sorry I could go on and I’m only on page 150), I personally resonate with when you say “And when I screwed up….I knew I had to compose myself and finish.”
May 26, 2020
Could not finish. MISS Val was our gymnastic team's ballet coach in the 1980s while she was also the dance coach for the UCLA Women's Gymnastics team. We were in elementary school - and she made us call her MISS VAL, made fun of our hair, leotards and was a very snooty and judgmental BALLET coach for our gymnastics team. We weren't college athletes, our parents paid serious $ for our 25 hour a week gymnastics training....and we weren't going to the Olympics.
She addresses & acknowledges her bad early behavior in coaching in her recent TED Talks and apologizes for it, but I can't reconcile that Miss Val with the legend she claims to be in her book - especially when we were so so young and didn't need to be treated that way. She wasn't Martha Karolyi, and we weren't even there to take ballet - were forced to because the coaches thought it was a good idea and had some ties to the UCLA program.
I hope she reads this. The JETC gymnastics team does not remember you as a legend and we were so so young to be treated like that by you. 10 years before college age gymnasts....I remember her as mean, condescending, arrogant, critical of our appearances, and not awesome or inspiring. I'd die if I had a 11 year old daughter treated like that today and was paying for her to be there. Gosh, I would have spoken up then but it wasn't the culture or the thing to do. Things have changed thank goodness.
She addresses & acknowledges her bad early behavior in coaching in her recent TED Talks and apologizes for it, but I can't reconcile that Miss Val with the legend she claims to be in her book - especially when we were so so young and didn't need to be treated that way. She wasn't Martha Karolyi, and we weren't even there to take ballet - were forced to because the coaches thought it was a good idea and had some ties to the UCLA program.
I hope she reads this. The JETC gymnastics team does not remember you as a legend and we were so so young to be treated like that by you. 10 years before college age gymnasts....I remember her as mean, condescending, arrogant, critical of our appearances, and not awesome or inspiring. I'd die if I had a 11 year old daughter treated like that today and was paying for her to be there. Gosh, I would have spoken up then but it wasn't the culture or the thing to do. Things have changed thank goodness.
March 27, 2019
Ok, I actually got this for my daughter. A 12yo gymnast, level 6 trying for level 7, who thinks UCLA is *amazing*. While I agree that UCLA is amazing, I firmly believe that it is because of the unique coaching of Miss Val. Particularly with the current issues that USAG is having, and knowing of coaches who are rude and cruel to their gymnasts, it is both heartening that a program can excel and show the world that it is possible, and sad that Miss Val is leaving and that far too many still believe in harsh methods. I read this because I'm curious about what she had to say, and I wanted to be able to talk to my daughter about what she's reading. I look forward to hearing her thoughts.
Overall the book in interesting and has some extremely good information for people of all ages, regardless of their attachment to gymnastics. There were some grammar issues that should have been caught, but for the most part, it was easy to look past them. It was neat to hear about some of the gymnasts who have been through the program, her thoughts about choreographing floor routines, and even the leos that UCLA wears. A little bit of lots of things, all tied in with a philosophy that has proven quite successful for both her and the girls she has coached.
Overall the book in interesting and has some extremely good information for people of all ages, regardless of their attachment to gymnastics. There were some grammar issues that should have been caught, but for the most part, it was easy to look past them. It was neat to hear about some of the gymnasts who have been through the program, her thoughts about choreographing floor routines, and even the leos that UCLA wears. A little bit of lots of things, all tied in with a philosophy that has proven quite successful for both her and the girls she has coached.
February 14, 2020
I rolled my eyes so many times listening to this book (especially the last 45min of it) that I thought they would get stuck! I'm giving it 2 stars because there were a few good things I got from this book but I found most of it cliche and cringeworthy. The author mentions she's a bit narcissistic... really? A bit??? Narration didn't quite work for me either, I swear I'll here that high pitch "whaaat?" in my nightmares.
January 15, 2019
While a fan of the powers of positive thinking, I felt the book was very rushed, trying to include too many names of too many “talented athletes “ rather than focusing on any particular issue. A little too self serving for me.
March 11, 2021
3wordreview
Uplifting
Real
Sensible
4/5 ⭐️
Uplifting
Real
Sensible
4/5 ⭐️
October 18, 2018
The contents of this book are something that each individual should experience on their own, in their own time. Once, twice, alone or in a group setting, in the wee hours of the morning as the alarm clock threatens to ring, or in the middle of the day, in your favorite chair. The stories, which some may assume can only be used as advice for athletes, students, or sports fans, have little to do with upping ticket t-shirt sales. Delving into the carefully selected words, allowing the passages to work their way into your brain, heart, and soul will surely give you a new perspective on how you can live your life. What you have the potential to become. A traditional self-help book this is not. A book filled with advertisements about a favorite sports team? Again, no. You may go into your first read thinking those things. You will get plenty out of it, but you would only be scratching the surface. In your second, third, and fourth reads, the deeper meaning of the book will come into view. We, as a rule, will never be able to have the same experiences as others, but in her book, Miss Val helps us learn about and from the experiences of others. We are granted precious access to not only the things that went right, but the ones that went wrong. In absorbing the stories and experiences presented in the text, we can see within ourselves parallels and trust that the advice and longstanding goodwill will improve our lives.
I recommend everyone take the time to read this book and learn from this phenomenal woman.
I recommend everyone take the time to read this book and learn from this phenomenal woman.
October 10, 2018
“My mission is not merely to survive, but to thrive, and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” Valorie Kondos Field’s infectious charisma translates onto the page in this authentic, relatable, and inviting memoir.
I have long been inspired by Valorie’s commitment to using sports as a platform for life lessons. Valorie is distinct from many coaches due to the great care she puts into instilling values in her athletes that will inspire them to be the best versions of themselves well after their athletic careers have ended.
Even if you’ve never seen her gymnasts compete (though I recommend you do, either in person or on TV), Valorie’s book is broadly relatable, uplifting, and full of philosophies that are easy to implement. She uses her personal experiences and savvy as a conduit for keen insights on the importance of being an active participant in your own life & going after what you want, the impact of your choices, words & behaviors, taking ownership & seeking transformation in trying situations, and embracing what makes you different. Her conscious choice to embrace gratitude over fear after being diagnosed with cancer is a mantra that will stick with me.
As I have a ton of passages highlighted, I hope she writes a second book.
I have long been inspired by Valorie’s commitment to using sports as a platform for life lessons. Valorie is distinct from many coaches due to the great care she puts into instilling values in her athletes that will inspire them to be the best versions of themselves well after their athletic careers have ended.
Even if you’ve never seen her gymnasts compete (though I recommend you do, either in person or on TV), Valorie’s book is broadly relatable, uplifting, and full of philosophies that are easy to implement. She uses her personal experiences and savvy as a conduit for keen insights on the importance of being an active participant in your own life & going after what you want, the impact of your choices, words & behaviors, taking ownership & seeking transformation in trying situations, and embracing what makes you different. Her conscious choice to embrace gratitude over fear after being diagnosed with cancer is a mantra that will stick with me.
As I have a ton of passages highlighted, I hope she writes a second book.
January 27, 2019
I admit I'm hardly impartial with reviewing this book. It brought back some delightful memories since I worked for UCLA Athletics waaaaaaaay back when Valorie was first hired by my dear friend, Jerry! Aside from that, this really is quite an interesting and very inspirational read. It's very easy to pick up and enjoy, and as I would put it down, couldn't wait to pick it up to continue on this very nice relaxing journey. It is filled with nice insight, and loads of inspiration. Not fair to Val, as I barely knew her then, and I'm sure she would never remember me, I do feel like I "know" her now! This is probably the feeling many people have after reading this book, after having watched her coaching our beloved Bruins for all these years. Nicely done, Val! Keep on keeping on and doing what you do so well. As you move on from coaching, I can't wait to see/hear what the next chapter is for you to embrace with all your positivity and love.
February 27, 2023
This is less of your typical self-help book and more of a blend of self-help and memoir. Sometimes felt like the author was just name-dropping some of her better athletes and going on about how amazing Coach Wooden was rather than sticking to the message of her book. Despite that there were some good messages. It may benefit from being a bit more refined though.
April 11, 2024
I discovered Miss Val as a gymnastics fan following the UCLA Bruins around the time of their 2018 NCAA Championship season. A great book for a fan of gymnastics and the Bruins, but also part self help book and some stories of having faith and trust in the process.
Be anxious for nothing, and grateful for all things.
Be anxious for nothing, and grateful for all things.
August 15, 2020
A wonderful combination of memoir and life lessons. Whether you follow gymnastics or not, Miss Val's coaching philosophies and mantras will help you approach every day just a bit better. I know it's helped me.
August 24, 2018
Cant wait to receive this book!!!
February 15, 2019
I just love her and wish that everyone could have a person like this in their life.
June 12, 2019
I respect Coach Val. The book overall was nothing too special.
January 13, 2020
I really enjoyed the book as it brings me back to the heart of the matter- the attitude. It also brings a host of techniques to bring about better discipline and change. I would recommend it!
March 24, 2020
I just couldn’t get into the book. I found I didn’t want to spend time with the author (via audiobook). Too preachy? Too holier than thou? Too This Is What I’ve Done? Don’t know, except that I DNF.
July 22, 2024
How do you lead high achieving young people to become successful, complete, and thriving adults? That's the essence of the philosophies and experiences of Valorie Kondos Field (Miss Val). In this book, she chronicles her successes, mistakes, discoveries, and perhaps most importantly, her intentional approach to relationships that have caused her success and created a culture of belonging and winning over decades of leadership.
This title and cover does not capture the intention and substance of the book--the content is the impartation of a champion coach and a compassionate mentor. It has very little to do with dance and everything to do with the non-typical yet deeply impactful principles of success.
This would be a great read for those who lead teams, lead young people, or those who help to create organizational culture.
This title and cover does not capture the intention and substance of the book--the content is the impartation of a champion coach and a compassionate mentor. It has very little to do with dance and everything to do with the non-typical yet deeply impactful principles of success.
This would be a great read for those who lead teams, lead young people, or those who help to create organizational culture.
September 26, 2021
Conclusion: Thank you Miss Val for the fun stories and reminding me why I love coaching.
I greatly dislike this title and cover combination, I think it dates the book to at least a decade before it was written and makes it look incredibly cheesy. However I saw her TED talk and was curious so I gave it a try.
This book reads like a conversation with Miss Val. While this makes for some disjointed transitions, with random tangents here and there, the overall feeling is personal and intimate. This is clearly not a self-help book by someone practiced in selling their version of miraculous life-improvement. It is not polished by years of giving paid talks and structured into ten easy steps or something. However, it feels like, by the end of it, Miss Val is your friend. I finished the book and wanted to jump up and do something, anything, I just felt energized. Unfortunately it was 10:30 pm and I was in the middle of the woods, so I stayed in my sleeping bag instead.
I think everyone could get something from the book, some tidbit that they need to hear right now. I personally was re-inspired to look through the Enneagram system and found a wonderful affirmation of why I do my job. Because I can. Her speech to her girls on 9/11 was so perfect and so true, and that’s the point. It was genuine.
I didn’t agree with everything in the book, but I like that it never said I had to. It self-identifies as advice, not mandates. It is part memoir of an incredibly strong and creative woman and part inspiration every coach needs to hear. Put your athletes’ humanity first and their success in life next. Their success in sports will grow from that.
I greatly dislike this title and cover combination, I think it dates the book to at least a decade before it was written and makes it look incredibly cheesy. However I saw her TED talk and was curious so I gave it a try.
This book reads like a conversation with Miss Val. While this makes for some disjointed transitions, with random tangents here and there, the overall feeling is personal and intimate. This is clearly not a self-help book by someone practiced in selling their version of miraculous life-improvement. It is not polished by years of giving paid talks and structured into ten easy steps or something. However, it feels like, by the end of it, Miss Val is your friend. I finished the book and wanted to jump up and do something, anything, I just felt energized. Unfortunately it was 10:30 pm and I was in the middle of the woods, so I stayed in my sleeping bag instead.
I think everyone could get something from the book, some tidbit that they need to hear right now. I personally was re-inspired to look through the Enneagram system and found a wonderful affirmation of why I do my job. Because I can. Her speech to her girls on 9/11 was so perfect and so true, and that’s the point. It was genuine.
I didn’t agree with everything in the book, but I like that it never said I had to. It self-identifies as advice, not mandates. It is part memoir of an incredibly strong and creative woman and part inspiration every coach needs to hear. Put your athletes’ humanity first and their success in life next. Their success in sports will grow from that.
November 18, 2018
I first came to hear about this wonderfully string and resilliant lady when I started to watch in 2016 the NCAA Gymnastics Championships.
Miss Val they call her and she is one of the truly great coaches in women’s gymnastics. Though never a gymnast herself she has managed to win 7 championships for her school UCLA.
She is one of those strong willed people who you gravitate to. So many of the top elite gymnasts have came to her team.
In her time a lot of Canadians have also became members of her team including my four favourites.
What I like this isn’t just a memoir or a how to coach book but its about her philosophy on life itself. She talks about everything and has so many amazing things to say about her athletes who are now friends.
She talks about the hurt her elite gymnasts had and how strong they were when they spoke out about the assaults and abuse they suffered. This is a very powerful piece because to me it shows what is wrong and Miss Val knows how to correct this with her wonderful approach.
I really enjoyed this book and just how well it shows how you can help yourself. I plan to use the reset button approach in life going forward.
This book really struck a chord with me and I have to say that Miss Val is a real hero. She treats people the way she expects to be treated and has earned the respect of everyone.
For any athletes and coaches out there read this book to get an idea of what a coach can do to help and how to make a difference.
Miss Val they call her and she is one of the truly great coaches in women’s gymnastics. Though never a gymnast herself she has managed to win 7 championships for her school UCLA.
She is one of those strong willed people who you gravitate to. So many of the top elite gymnasts have came to her team.
In her time a lot of Canadians have also became members of her team including my four favourites.
What I like this isn’t just a memoir or a how to coach book but its about her philosophy on life itself. She talks about everything and has so many amazing things to say about her athletes who are now friends.
She talks about the hurt her elite gymnasts had and how strong they were when they spoke out about the assaults and abuse they suffered. This is a very powerful piece because to me it shows what is wrong and Miss Val knows how to correct this with her wonderful approach.
I really enjoyed this book and just how well it shows how you can help yourself. I plan to use the reset button approach in life going forward.
This book really struck a chord with me and I have to say that Miss Val is a real hero. She treats people the way she expects to be treated and has earned the respect of everyone.
For any athletes and coaches out there read this book to get an idea of what a coach can do to help and how to make a difference.
October 11, 2018
This book is a quick, easy read that packs a POWERFUL and PROFOUND punch! Miss Val has a unique way of drawing you into her world--and not just the world of dance or gymnastics, a world that is relevant to ALL of us. Being a teacher of junior high students, so much of this book resonated with me. I have already used some of Miss Val's tips and tricks in my classroom, and I'm excited to incorporate more as we work through the year. One of the best pieces of advice from the book that I have taught my students is that "LISTEN" and "SILENT" are made up of the same letters. In order to truly listen, we have to silence our minds and not just be thinking about what we want to say next. Of course, Miss Val says it far more eloquently than I ever could in a review! It truly doesn't matter if you're a dance enthusiast or a gymnastics fan or if you have never seen a ballet or gymnastics meet in your life, this book is still RELEVANT to you! It speaks of universal truths and encourages all of us to be better people--all while making us laugh. BUY IT. READ IT. SHARE IT. You won't be disappointed!
September 27, 2018
I’m not a gymnast, athlete or coach, but I consider myself a leader. I work in a politically charged, high-stress organization where winning is the ultimate goal. Leading with gratitude, kindness and authenticity is difficult, to say the least. So, I began a search for someone, anyone, who was doing it differently… and with integrity. Enter Miss Val.
In a world that is more divisive than ever, we need a new roadmap, new tools, a new way. Life is Short, Don't Wait to Dance is my new roadmap.
This book has absolutely changed the way I lead and operate on a daily basis. Success, diversity, purpose, passion, gratitude, joy, and my choice in the matter. It has become my manual for leadership, mentorship, and everyday living.
Miss Val lays out a foundation of beliefs that serves to make us better, kinder, and more successful. Whether it’s sports, politics, business, classrooms, or boardrooms… wherever people lead, we need tools to breed winners without compromising the human spirit.
With humor, humility and honesty, Miss Val provides the tools to get us there.
In a world that is more divisive than ever, we need a new roadmap, new tools, a new way. Life is Short, Don't Wait to Dance is my new roadmap.
This book has absolutely changed the way I lead and operate on a daily basis. Success, diversity, purpose, passion, gratitude, joy, and my choice in the matter. It has become my manual for leadership, mentorship, and everyday living.
Miss Val lays out a foundation of beliefs that serves to make us better, kinder, and more successful. Whether it’s sports, politics, business, classrooms, or boardrooms… wherever people lead, we need tools to breed winners without compromising the human spirit.
With humor, humility and honesty, Miss Val provides the tools to get us there.
March 7, 2019
I heard Miss Val speak last into at UCLA’s Velocity conference and found her inspiring. This is an easy read and you certainly don’t read it for the writing but rather the message. I think that too often “inspirational leaders” like to talk about themselves too much and give advice that is way too broad to be meaningful (eg never give up). By the way, I would love for someone to get up and say “I actually gave up but then I got lucky.” I digress.
One important message she talks about (although not as explicitly defined) is framing and reappraisal. When referring to her day, she looks at activities as things she “gets to do” versus “has to do.” This seemingly minor shift in how she frames events is actually quite powerful and not easy to do as it takes intentional inhibition of going to your default way of thinking.
Secondly, I like how she gives concrete examples of how impactful just asking can be. They can always say no. We hear this often but I don’t think we put this into practice nearly enough (myself included)!
One important message she talks about (although not as explicitly defined) is framing and reappraisal. When referring to her day, she looks at activities as things she “gets to do” versus “has to do.” This seemingly minor shift in how she frames events is actually quite powerful and not easy to do as it takes intentional inhibition of going to your default way of thinking.
Secondly, I like how she gives concrete examples of how impactful just asking can be. They can always say no. We hear this often but I don’t think we put this into practice nearly enough (myself included)!
September 24, 2018
I have been a fan of the sport of gymnastics for many years, but I have come to NCAA gymnastics just in the last two seasons. From the very first UCLA meet that I watched, coach "Miss Val" was infectious. I wanted to know more about her, and was delighted to find that she was, like me, a former dancer. In a time when fans of gymnastics have little to feel hopeful about, Miss Val has consistently been a guiding voice and advocate for athletes and the sport. However, this book is not just for gymnastics fans, who will revel in the behind the scenes look at coaching athletes such as Katelyn Ohashi and Madison Kocian. Part memoir, part coaching philosophy, part self-help, anyone who is interested in sports psychology, how to motivate others, and how to be your best self will benefit from Miss Val's wisdom. I know that I have.
(I was provided this book for review but opinions are my own and a review was not required as terms of my receiving the book.)
(I was provided this book for review but opinions are my own and a review was not required as terms of my receiving the book.)
February 12, 2021
If you, like me, love both gymnastics and self help books you will love this! I listened to it on Audible, narrated by Valerie Kondos Field, herself. It was fabulous. She reminds me so much of one of my coaches at a YMCA growing up. Hearing her talk about her philosophy makes me thankful all over again that I trained with coaches who put the person before the athlete. If you work with athletes, young women, or simply young people I think you could find some jewels of wisdom in this book. If you were into gymnastics in the 90s and through the 2000s you'll probably enjoy hearing about some of the UCLA athletes Coach Val worked with. The thing that really made me want to read this book was knowing the backstories of a couple of her athletes (two different but rough histories) and knowing how they grew into dazzling gymnasts under her tenure. She's a very inspiring and positive person with a bright outlook on life.
April 12, 2019
As a gymnast myself I was ecstatic to hear that Miss Val wrote a book. I was not disappointed at all throughout reading this novel. Her courageous life stories and advise scattered throughout brings some peace to your own problems. This book is not just for gymnasts or athletes but for anyone seeking a new outlook on life with some helpful tips. She voices her opinions in such a respectful way that you can't help but stop to think about them instead of arguing. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book as not only an autobiography but in ways, a self help book. It helped to open up my own eyes and think about myself and my view on life. Miss Val carries her joyful, insightful personality throughout this entire novel. I would recommend this book to anyone from athlete to someone in need of advise or just a positive book to read.
September 11, 2019
Knowing Miss Val for a number of years, her stories are timeless and since I have to admit to some bias I rounded up to 5 stars. I also should qualify the rating as one for this particular genre of self-reflection and self-help, a genre that I have happen to have read a number of books from recently. But perhaps what put me over the top was her thoughts about choices. "Life is a choice". For those who know me, that life is about the choices you make, shouldn't be surprised. In my own small effort at writing my cover page reads "Ultimately, it is all abut choices."
Miss Val takes it one step further and chooses (pun intended)to say "Say it. Know it. Own it." I like the emphasis on owning your choices. So of the many books I have recently read in this genre, Life is Short comes out in first place.
Miss Val takes it one step further and chooses (pun intended)to say "Say it. Know it. Own it." I like the emphasis on owning your choices. So of the many books I have recently read in this genre, Life is Short comes out in first place.
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