What do you think?
Rate this book
You Can Achieve More: Live By Design, Not By Default
If You Want To Stand Out
Then You Need To Do Something Outstanding
A person with a positive attitude cannot be stopped and a person with a negative
attitude cannot be helped. Both success and failure have a limited lifespan. Success
is neither a miracle nor a mystery. It does not depend upon special skills, formal
education or superior intelligence. It is the natural outcome of consistently applying
certain principles on an ongoing basis. The ultimate goal is to sustain success and
eliminate failure.
Acquiring facts is knowledge, understanding facts is comprehension, and the proper
application of facts is wisdom. The principles in this book can help you to:
1. Live by design, not by default
2. Gain confidence and optimize your potential
3. Become proactive and develop a winning attitude
4. Balance your health, wealth and relationships
5. Overcome day-to-day problems and make better decisions
6. Make positive choices and avoid pitfalls
The secret to a meaningful life is in your hands. Through inspiring ideas
and basic values, this book will help empower you to Achieve More and
become unstoppable.
Then You Need To Do Something Outstanding
A person with a positive attitude cannot be stopped and a person with a negative
attitude cannot be helped. Both success and failure have a limited lifespan. Success
is neither a miracle nor a mystery. It does not depend upon special skills, formal
education or superior intelligence. It is the natural outcome of consistently applying
certain principles on an ongoing basis. The ultimate goal is to sustain success and
eliminate failure.
Acquiring facts is knowledge, understanding facts is comprehension, and the proper
application of facts is wisdom. The principles in this book can help you to:
1. Live by design, not by default
2. Gain confidence and optimize your potential
3. Become proactive and develop a winning attitude
4. Balance your health, wealth and relationships
5. Overcome day-to-day problems and make better decisions
6. Make positive choices and avoid pitfalls
The secret to a meaningful life is in your hands. Through inspiring ideas
and basic values, this book will help empower you to Achieve More and
become unstoppable.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 23, 2018
75 people are currently reading
422 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 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 23, 2018
Most motivational books have similar theme. Many short stories with an insightful message or moral at the end. Chapters over chapters screaming importance of perseverance, positive attitude, self and mutual trust, persistence, balance and the list goes on..
The reader gets a short lived 'feel-good' dopamine boost. Many times deep rooted psychological problems stay the way they are.
This book is not only about how to get rich or how to be professionally successful but emphasizes on emotional health, physical health, wealth and good relationships altogether.
Author gives guidelines about how to use this book to achieve more is by personalizing the inferences or quotes as reader sees fit for himself.
Every chapter is not more than 5 pages long, so that reader can take pauses in between to think and meditate over an idea.
There is a dedicated page for 'action plan' after every chapter, which is the most interesting about the book. Sort of like homework after a chapter in curriculum books. It is to keep reader mindfully engaged and self reflected. The questions and the 1 to 10 or good to bad scales are designed to make reader self aware of his strengths, weaknesses, priorities, actions or lack thereof.
This book plays a role of a good mentor and a journal for self reinvention if used sincerely the way it is designed.
The reader gets a short lived 'feel-good' dopamine boost. Many times deep rooted psychological problems stay the way they are.
This book is not only about how to get rich or how to be professionally successful but emphasizes on emotional health, physical health, wealth and good relationships altogether.
Author gives guidelines about how to use this book to achieve more is by personalizing the inferences or quotes as reader sees fit for himself.
Every chapter is not more than 5 pages long, so that reader can take pauses in between to think and meditate over an idea.
There is a dedicated page for 'action plan' after every chapter, which is the most interesting about the book. Sort of like homework after a chapter in curriculum books. It is to keep reader mindfully engaged and self reflected. The questions and the 1 to 10 or good to bad scales are designed to make reader self aware of his strengths, weaknesses, priorities, actions or lack thereof.
This book plays a role of a good mentor and a journal for self reinvention if used sincerely the way it is designed.
May 21, 2018
n this world of high fever, one strives for some respite and direction. And then Shiv Khera announces THE book – You can achieve more. Now, there are 2 types of people that you will fall into – the first is the group that want to take a step back and do something about the turmoil that everyday life throws at them. The second group is the one that stands out in the sun and waits…waits forever…for in this world, you either live by default or by design. This book is for the first stock – the people who are OK with studying their behavior bit by bit and then re adjusting it to suit their purpose.
Default or design – this is the underlying theme. When I picked up the book, I expected it to be a wholesome take on what causes our issues and how to break away from them. For some reason, I expected an Indian take on this eternal issue. Instead, I was treated to a very Americanized version of approaching the subject. I was an avid reader of Norman Vincent Peale and Napoleon Hill while in school and I could see their strong influence on Shiv Khera.
I nevertheless found the contents very insightful and easy to read. When one is reading a self help book, one is only bound to become wiser. I still couldn’t resist the urge to see Shiv Khera deliver one of his speeches. On youtube, I was surprised to see this very American accent even though nothing on public sites told me that he was American. I could now tell for sure that he had been influenced by the American motivational speakers, with the typical sermonizing replete with day to day stories, anecdotes and examples. I still think that this book makes for very good reading, the reader though needs to look at his work with a constructive frame of mind – Shiv Khera has taken the practical approach to life as evangelized by other (mostly American) motivational writers/ speakers and Shiv has tried to build on the art…it is an honest attempt, and will stand the reader in good stead if the reader goes through the journey as a learner.
Default or design – this is the underlying theme. When I picked up the book, I expected it to be a wholesome take on what causes our issues and how to break away from them. For some reason, I expected an Indian take on this eternal issue. Instead, I was treated to a very Americanized version of approaching the subject. I was an avid reader of Norman Vincent Peale and Napoleon Hill while in school and I could see their strong influence on Shiv Khera.
I nevertheless found the contents very insightful and easy to read. When one is reading a self help book, one is only bound to become wiser. I still couldn’t resist the urge to see Shiv Khera deliver one of his speeches. On youtube, I was surprised to see this very American accent even though nothing on public sites told me that he was American. I could now tell for sure that he had been influenced by the American motivational speakers, with the typical sermonizing replete with day to day stories, anecdotes and examples. I still think that this book makes for very good reading, the reader though needs to look at his work with a constructive frame of mind – Shiv Khera has taken the practical approach to life as evangelized by other (mostly American) motivational writers/ speakers and Shiv has tried to build on the art…it is an honest attempt, and will stand the reader in good stead if the reader goes through the journey as a learner.
May 18, 2018
Shiv Khera's latest book You Can Achieve More is a self help book that aims at encouraging the potential within you, and to create a life for yourself instead of being a victim of your circumstances. Mr.Khera is not just an author but an Educator, motivational speaker, entrepreneur and Business consultant. His idea of living a successful life is,"Winners don't do different things. They do things differently". His book You Can Win sold over a million copies in 21 languages.
You Can Achieve More is a guide on how to take responsibility for your actions, plan and organize your life. It is about evaluating the bad, and appreciating the good. At the end of every chapter, the author has posed several questions to its readers that help them introspect about their behavior, and life. It's an action plan aimed at a deeper understanding of oneself. It is more of a self-realization technique that propels individuals to ponder over past situations, and self-evaluate. The questions are well-thought and often point out things one would have otherwise missed.
However, the book appeared too preachy. Most of the quotes used have become redundant or are no longer applicable. The author's intentions are very clear but he offers no practical advise on how to live a life by design and not by default.
You Can Achieve More is a guide on how to take responsibility for your actions, plan and organize your life. It is about evaluating the bad, and appreciating the good. At the end of every chapter, the author has posed several questions to its readers that help them introspect about their behavior, and life. It's an action plan aimed at a deeper understanding of oneself. It is more of a self-realization technique that propels individuals to ponder over past situations, and self-evaluate. The questions are well-thought and often point out things one would have otherwise missed.
However, the book appeared too preachy. Most of the quotes used have become redundant or are no longer applicable. The author's intentions are very clear but he offers no practical advise on how to live a life by design and not by default.
May 23, 2018
If “winning” is all about goal setting, preparation and time management, “achieving” involves a lot more to do with our mind. The author touches upon most important aspects such as creating a positive attitude, watching our thought patterns, cultivating a high self-esteem, importance of self-discipline, overcoming self-imposed limitations etc. He explains each of these aspects through interesting anecdotes from his personal experiences as well as popular stories.
What I loved the most about this book is that the author has included the importance of values, ethics, integrity and character in a book on “achieving more”. On the contrary, what we see in the real world today is people giving up on their values, losing integrity and spoiling their character, all for the sake of “achievement” as defined by the society.
The only area where this book is lacking is a structure or a flow to showcase how the content is presented. Many relevant topics are covered, but they don’t seem to be linked in a logical flow. So at the end of the book, it is hard to recollect a path or a framework to associate the topics.
Leaving that aside, it is a relevant read for all of us in the present context. It is imperative we take a deep look at ourselves to reflect on areas that are important to our growth and to build a life of excellence.
What I loved the most about this book is that the author has included the importance of values, ethics, integrity and character in a book on “achieving more”. On the contrary, what we see in the real world today is people giving up on their values, losing integrity and spoiling their character, all for the sake of “achievement” as defined by the society.
The only area where this book is lacking is a structure or a flow to showcase how the content is presented. Many relevant topics are covered, but they don’t seem to be linked in a logical flow. So at the end of the book, it is hard to recollect a path or a framework to associate the topics.
Leaving that aside, it is a relevant read for all of us in the present context. It is imperative we take a deep look at ourselves to reflect on areas that are important to our growth and to build a life of excellence.
May 24, 2018
The interesting subtitle ‘Live by design, not by default’ itself is a clear indication of what the book has in it. This book has a lot of issues we face in our daily life, along with the ways to combat those in a calm manner. To ensure well-being of our physical health, we must improve the condition of our mental health as well. If the mind becomes restless, our physical condition can deteriorate at times. By following the principles, illustrated in this book, one can regain their confidence, optimism and positive energy. One who is lost or full of negativity, after reading this book will turn into a confident, hopeful, driven and optimistic person, if he/she actually follows the ways mentioned. Personally, the action plan part of each chapter helped me a lot to overcome my stress and gave me hopes. This book is not for story book lovers, this book is for the ones who needs peace of mind and loads of motivation. ‘You Can Achieve More’ is no doubt the magnum opus of Shiv Khera. One can read it hundred times, and still feel as motivated as the first time after finishing it. This book has helped me to calm down and be more focused towards my goals. A perfect book to keep your wandering mind at one place. A gem of my book collection indeed. Go for it and you will gain deeper understanding regarding your existence.
May 19, 2018
The book is a very lucid in the sense making the subject easy. Not many jargons. Author given his extensive training experience quotes from his seminars and makes us relate to the messages he has, in his inimitable style.
To be honest his approach on the ethical and moral issues deserves praise simply because he has taken it to the logical end in terms of the context and more so he believes real issues are taken up.
The base premise is of living by design and not by default. I think we get into the default mode the moment we get into a comfort zone. Perhaps that is why we need to remind ourselves that its not the real potential that we are really better and more capable that what we think.
There are books and there will be books, this is one of the simpler ones and easy to digest if you ask me. The design of the book and the layout with easy to read format and quotes in special boxes makes it reader friendly and also make it easy to take notes.
More on this book at www.rsenthilkumar.com/2018/05/you-can...
To be honest his approach on the ethical and moral issues deserves praise simply because he has taken it to the logical end in terms of the context and more so he believes real issues are taken up.
The base premise is of living by design and not by default. I think we get into the default mode the moment we get into a comfort zone. Perhaps that is why we need to remind ourselves that its not the real potential that we are really better and more capable that what we think.
There are books and there will be books, this is one of the simpler ones and easy to digest if you ask me. The design of the book and the layout with easy to read format and quotes in special boxes makes it reader friendly and also make it easy to take notes.
More on this book at www.rsenthilkumar.com/2018/05/you-can...
May 24, 2018
As with most self-help books, the book covers the three pillars that make the life of every human being on this planet. Health, Wealth and the glue that binds these together – good relationships. Shiv Khera has reviewed the life of many successful individuals and worked out what makes their lives successful. I suggest that if you’re in a situation where you feel stagnated, this is one book that will get you back to the achiever you can be!
Read the full review here - Book Review: You Can Achieve More
Read the full review here - Book Review: You Can Achieve More
April 24, 2018
A shallow rehash of the popular christian dogma. Everything rewritten with a 21st century New Age vocabulary. Here you have the angelic self, always ready to better oneself. And the satanic self ready to party and waste. And reading books to become wise is relevant and eating at a fancy restaurant is just a waste. Well, never mind how to sort the books, or how to get the money to do all the wonderfully useless tasks suggested by the author.
May 18, 2018
A pretty decent attempt at breaking down the very obvious yet ignored problems we face in life, that hold us back from achieving more. This book is a specifically for people who wish to achieve more from life yet for some reasons, are unable too. If you need a push or a shove, this book could help you. Complete review can be read at: http://sankshvet.blogspot.in/2018/05/...
December 22, 2019
This book is the best way to think our your inner self and the positive attitude towards life.
It carry 23 chapters with the different stories of the different peoples towards the success and achievement what they have gone through.
The best thing is each at the end of the chapter have the action plan (the questions asked from self) which makes you think deeply what changes we can make towards our life in a positive way.
It carry 23 chapters with the different stories of the different peoples towards the success and achievement what they have gone through.
The best thing is each at the end of the chapter have the action plan (the questions asked from self) which makes you think deeply what changes we can make towards our life in a positive way.
January 29, 2021
This book says about the definitions of the things that we should stick to and live by. The title does match the actual book.
If you want to learn the values to live by you can refer this but it will show you only the definitions if you are expecting way to much from this book you wouldn't otherwise one should read this book to have the knowledge about the designs to live by.
.
Live by design not default...
If you want to learn the values to live by you can refer this but it will show you only the definitions if you are expecting way to much from this book you wouldn't otherwise one should read this book to have the knowledge about the designs to live by.
.
Live by design not default...
May 21, 2018
The book by one of India's most famous self help authors, is a good guide on taking actionable steps for living your life by design and not by default. The book is designed to help you navigate simple actionable steps towards your goal of living a better life. Good read for anyone looking for a little Kickstarter motivation.
June 22, 2018
Must read
July 21, 2018
The book is very inspiring and motivating. His anecdotes are very convincing and realistic. A perfect book to understand the purpose of life and its existence.
August 5, 2018
A book worth reading and putting into action!
September 13, 2018
I loved this book
September 15, 2018
A must read
Well Narrated Book from Shiv for the people to leave a legacy not mere living once in life time here
Well Narrated Book from Shiv for the people to leave a legacy not mere living once in life time here
January 23, 2019
Written in simple words.
Many of things we read in facebook status.
All find in one book.
Good for beginner readers.
Many of things we read in facebook status.
All find in one book.
Good for beginner readers.
April 27, 2019
Live by Design,
Not by Default
Motivational book... feeling happy after reading it..
Not by Default
Motivational book... feeling happy after reading it..
May 20, 2019
Mind blowing
July 13, 2019
Best ever Indian author to write motivational stuff
August 5, 2019
Perfectly elaborate every situation of one's life.
How to deal with them and answer of question with real life examples
How to deal with them and answer of question with real life examples
August 26, 2019
Pure waste of time. Avoid this book.
October 12, 2019
Pretty standard self-help book fare. If you're looking for something revolutionary this is not it. Not the worst, but nothing to get excited about either.
December 10, 2019
Outstanding self-improvement book. One of my favourite books and author. Its a must for difficult days.
May 12, 2020
Nice book
September 2, 2020
Nice Read - More on Moral Values, Self Discipline & Attitude
April 14, 2021
Best book in very easy and understandable language.
All the things from several books are covered too.
All the things from several books are covered too.
April 21, 2021
Best for core values and good lessons.
October 28, 2021
Best self help book!!!The author has written the book in a lucid way with best examples!!Definitely you can go through this book once without second thought
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews