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Stop Doing That Sh*t: End Self-Sabotage and Demand Your Life Back
From the author of the New York Times and international bestseller Unfu*k Yourself, Gary John Bishop presents a no-holds-barred guide to breaking through our cycles of self-sabotage to get what we want out of life.
In Unfu*k Yourself, Gary John Bishop told us it was time to stop making excuses—to recognize and take responsibility for the negative self-talk holding us back.
In Stop Doing That Sh*t, he builds on that message, teaching us how to stop self-sabotaging behavior. Bishop explains how our destructive cycles come down to the way that we’re wired. He then identifies different types of people and the ways we fu*k ourselves over: We can’t save money. We land in the same type of toxic relationship. We’re stuck in a rut at work. Analyzing why we act the way we do, including what our common grenades are that blow up our lives, Bishop then shows how we can interrupt the cycle and stop self-sabotaging our lives.
Written in the same in your face style as Unfu*k Yourself, Stop Doing that Sh*t will help us get in touch with our psychological machinery so we learn to interrupt negative thoughts and behavior before they start, allowing us to give our attention to something else, and start to find success in the areas we thought we never could.
We can take back our lives. We may have fu*ked up in the past, but Stop Doing That Sh*t will show us how to break the patterns in order to live the lives we yearn to have.
In Unfu*k Yourself, Gary John Bishop told us it was time to stop making excuses—to recognize and take responsibility for the negative self-talk holding us back.
In Stop Doing That Sh*t, he builds on that message, teaching us how to stop self-sabotaging behavior. Bishop explains how our destructive cycles come down to the way that we’re wired. He then identifies different types of people and the ways we fu*k ourselves over: We can’t save money. We land in the same type of toxic relationship. We’re stuck in a rut at work. Analyzing why we act the way we do, including what our common grenades are that blow up our lives, Bishop then shows how we can interrupt the cycle and stop self-sabotaging our lives.
Written in the same in your face style as Unfu*k Yourself, Stop Doing that Sh*t will help us get in touch with our psychological machinery so we learn to interrupt negative thoughts and behavior before they start, allowing us to give our attention to something else, and start to find success in the areas we thought we never could.
We can take back our lives. We may have fu*ked up in the past, but Stop Doing That Sh*t will show us how to break the patterns in order to live the lives we yearn to have.
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First published May 7, 2019
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About the author
Gary John Bishop
87 books1,166 followersGary John Bishop began his life journey in Glasgow, Scotland. The grit and wit of his early life have contributed to his tough-love, in-your-face approach to coaching. Coupled with world-class training and development, Gary has created a potent brew of effectiveness and the ability to reach through the crust of people's lives and root out the deeper issues that consume them and tie them to their hurdles. His ability to elevate and expand people's greatness makes the kind of life-altering impact that is so rare in the industry. Gary's hyper-awareness and years of elite training allow him to assess each client and guide them to the path that best expresses their lives; with micro precision, he cuts straight to the heart of what is going to make a difference.
Gary's experience and quick ascent to becoming a senior program director for one of the world's leading personal development organizations is proof that he is dedicated and committed to what is possible for every client and person he encounters. He doesn't claim perfection. He's been through life and doesn't sugar coat his folly. He uses his experience as both a human and a world class coach to mentor and coach people to raise the bar higher for what they once thought would be their greatest self.
Gary John Bishop is one of the leading Personal Development experts in the industry with a global reputation that has impacted tens of thousands of people worldwide. His "urban philosophy" approach represents a new wave of personal empowerment and life mastery that has caused miraculous results for people in the quality and performance of their lives. He calls it like it is while being influenced by ontology, phenomenology and the philosophy of some of the world's greatest thinkers. You be inspired, unburdened and grounded. Working with Gary creates the space to be an altered version of you. The greatness you once imagined becomes a reality, only its bigger, better and more incredibly freeing than you dreamed it could be. His work life changing.
Gary is willing to say what needs to be said. His writing is a higher level experience and the benefits of his philosophies have touched lives worldwide.
Gary's experience and quick ascent to becoming a senior program director for one of the world's leading personal development organizations is proof that he is dedicated and committed to what is possible for every client and person he encounters. He doesn't claim perfection. He's been through life and doesn't sugar coat his folly. He uses his experience as both a human and a world class coach to mentor and coach people to raise the bar higher for what they once thought would be their greatest self.
Gary John Bishop is one of the leading Personal Development experts in the industry with a global reputation that has impacted tens of thousands of people worldwide. His "urban philosophy" approach represents a new wave of personal empowerment and life mastery that has caused miraculous results for people in the quality and performance of their lives. He calls it like it is while being influenced by ontology, phenomenology and the philosophy of some of the world's greatest thinkers. You be inspired, unburdened and grounded. Working with Gary creates the space to be an altered version of you. The greatness you once imagined becomes a reality, only its bigger, better and more incredibly freeing than you dreamed it could be. His work life changing.
Gary is willing to say what needs to be said. His writing is a higher level experience and the benefits of his philosophies have touched lives worldwide.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 645 reviews
July 3, 2019
Dang. I was hoping for Jen Sincero-esque storytelling, wisdom & humor. This did not deliver. I felt like he didn't say anything! 227 pages could have been condensed to about 27.
October 12, 2019
I had mixed views on the previous book, Unfu*k Yourself, and about a third of the way through the latest one I was still unsure if this was a series I'd get much out of. Mostly so far I'd just felt that I'd been shouted at. Then we get to the 3 Saboteurs. I know I'm guilty of self sabotage but have to work out exactly what I'm doing and why.
I found this part the most useful as it looks at how you view yourself, other people and life in general. Then I managed to make loads of notes and come to a few resolutions. There's no magic answers in the book but a few good pointers as to how to start taking control and move forward without the sabotage.
The author is described as having a no nonsense point of view but I still ended the book feeling like I'd had the telling off my mother never gave me however I got a really good starting point for how to fix something that has been troubling me.
I found this part the most useful as it looks at how you view yourself, other people and life in general. Then I managed to make loads of notes and come to a few resolutions. There's no magic answers in the book but a few good pointers as to how to start taking control and move forward without the sabotage.
The author is described as having a no nonsense point of view but I still ended the book feeling like I'd had the telling off my mother never gave me however I got a really good starting point for how to fix something that has been troubling me.
June 24, 2019
As far as the genre goes, this book was incredibly refreshing. Not only does he say “the universe does not have your back,” but he also tells you all the shit you do or don’t do in your life is your own fault. I mean, them’s fightin’ words in the world of self help. How dare he tell people they’re their own problem?
Genuinely enjoyed that part of it. But aside from the shock and awe of how Bishop breaks rank, I can’t say it was a revelation to me. But I devoured it in a few days which is hard for me to do with a printed book lately, so there’s that. Highly recommend for people who keep “falling off the wagon” and are sick of their own bullshit.
Genuinely enjoyed that part of it. But aside from the shock and awe of how Bishop breaks rank, I can’t say it was a revelation to me. But I devoured it in a few days which is hard for me to do with a printed book lately, so there’s that. Highly recommend for people who keep “falling off the wagon” and are sick of their own bullshit.
November 19, 2021
Too complicated for me ?! No, I think not.
This is the second book of the series, well, the first was honest, simple but this went like too far ahead.
Self development doesn't mean you gotta be Jeff Bezos, right ?
I feel disappointed cause the last book had me for real.
This is the second book of the series, well, the first was honest, simple but this went like too far ahead.
Self development doesn't mean you gotta be Jeff Bezos, right ?
I feel disappointed cause the last book had me for real.
November 4, 2019
This review was inspired by my annotations. To view all my detailed annotations you are welcome to join my Patreon page (John Lawchamp). For $0.99 you can read my favorite lines and excerpts from the book with additional personal thoughts. The annotations are released once the review of that book has been posted on Goodreads. Why spend $15.00 on a book you are not invested in when you can explore the main topics for a fraction of the price? Visit Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Lawchamp
John Lawchamp’s Review:
I like this book, but it just wasn't something that I haven't heard before. Just the regular recycled stuff in other motivational books. If you know me, I have a lot of experience with this type of writing style and I have a large group of book dedicated to this genre of self improvement and development. So I tell nothing but the truth.
However, if you are looking for a short motivational read, this might do you some good. Here you'll learn that your predictions about yourself, other people and life in general are, indeed, holding you back from living the life that you want.
Gary speak about the three saboteurs that are affecting all people today.
1. Conclusions of Yourself
2. Conclusions about other people
3. Conclusions about Life
What I did like about this book was that he was straightforward and wasn't giving you the helping hand and quick fix that would make your life ultimately better in a week or month. He clearly let you know that this is a life journey and that you are here to learn from your mistakes, but that your mistakes and past are not your final ruling. You can still become what you want through hard work and looking forward to the future.
John Lawchamp’s Review:
I like this book, but it just wasn't something that I haven't heard before. Just the regular recycled stuff in other motivational books. If you know me, I have a lot of experience with this type of writing style and I have a large group of book dedicated to this genre of self improvement and development. So I tell nothing but the truth.
However, if you are looking for a short motivational read, this might do you some good. Here you'll learn that your predictions about yourself, other people and life in general are, indeed, holding you back from living the life that you want.
Gary speak about the three saboteurs that are affecting all people today.
1. Conclusions of Yourself
2. Conclusions about other people
3. Conclusions about Life
What I did like about this book was that he was straightforward and wasn't giving you the helping hand and quick fix that would make your life ultimately better in a week or month. He clearly let you know that this is a life journey and that you are here to learn from your mistakes, but that your mistakes and past are not your final ruling. You can still become what you want through hard work and looking forward to the future.
June 2, 2019
85% of book was focused on defining the saboteurs and only 15% to finding the way forward. Disappointing. I like the authors “tell it like it is” format; it just seemed rushed at the end and half baked. Not a lot of depth here.
January 3, 2023
2022 goes down as one of the worst years of my life (so far). I have spent many months buried in the written word, trying to better educate myself on the experience so I can heal and move past it (what us readers do). I am not going to get into the nitty-gritty of it all, and I do not write this seeking acknowledgement or pity. I am only giving background to why this book ended up in my hands.
Part of my path out was to confront myself. To take a mirror out and really give myself a once over. This book is about that. Seeing yourself for who you are, picking out the bits of bad, and working to be better minus those bits. The author does an excellent job of speaking to the reader like a close friend a few drinks deep, hitting you with the truth. The only negative of his tone is some aspects of it was clownish. Like if that friend was one drink over the line and should have taken a piss to clear his head before opening his mouth again.
The three things I will carry with me are the following:
You
Them
Life
If you want to know more, read the book. I do recommend it to those that are open to the concept of checking in on your own shit now and then. To make sure you are the best version of yourself for yourself, and for those loving souls that are close to you.
Part of my path out was to confront myself. To take a mirror out and really give myself a once over. This book is about that. Seeing yourself for who you are, picking out the bits of bad, and working to be better minus those bits. The author does an excellent job of speaking to the reader like a close friend a few drinks deep, hitting you with the truth. The only negative of his tone is some aspects of it was clownish. Like if that friend was one drink over the line and should have taken a piss to clear his head before opening his mouth again.
The three things I will carry with me are the following:
You
Them
Life
If you want to know more, read the book. I do recommend it to those that are open to the concept of checking in on your own shit now and then. To make sure you are the best version of yourself for yourself, and for those loving souls that are close to you.
May 17, 2019
Nothing absolutely mind blowing here that you may not have already heard or read in other books. But a delightful straightforward and bluntly honest new way to look at your life and maybe why you’re not happy with every aspect of it. I think everyone could take away something from reading this.
October 10, 2020
Hay algunas cosas en este libro que simplemente no me convencen, en general creo que di es un libro que te hace reflexionar pero yo no estoy de acuerdo con algunos argumentos que se relatan aquí.
September 19, 2019
I think I’ve read just too many of this sort of motivational-with-added-snark sorts of books. Too long, irritating tone that isn’t as funny as it thinks it is, and took too long to unpack the “what is wrong with you” part before getting to, and spending too little time on, the “how to fix it” part.
June 7, 2019
Very to the point and told with lots of humor.
January 28, 2023
This book is certainly not for everyone, but it smacked me in the face. Worth it if you’re looking for some “tough love” with how to make changes in your life.
June 10, 2019
This book is just plain bullshit! After spending a lot of time thinking about the things the author says we need to know there is no point at the end. Now that we know the issues he says are so important what do we do about or with them? What a waste of time and money.
June 18, 2019
Gary John Bishop has some great information.
His intention is to teach one to: “Stare your own truths in your face.”
June 8, 2020
Not super revelatory, and it's going to piss a whole lot of people off who will have to start taking responsibility for their choices, or lack-thereof, but it's a quick and decent reminder. to get off your ass and do something. Also, I highly recommend you listen to this one on audio because the author reads it to you in his Scottish brogue. Ain't nothin' wrong with that.
June 10, 2019
Bunch of babble
February 16, 2023
As a therapist, that specializes in trauma, I would never recommend this book to client. I had to force myself to finish it. I kept hoping I would start liking it but that never happened.
September 24, 2020
As always Gary continues to swears like a trooper in all of his books, but his passion and efforts to change and help people's mentality is showing especially since I listened to the audio book narrated by none other than Gary himself with his Scottish accent which I highly recommend. Again such a short, cut to the chase kind of book so it'll definitely be helpful for people willing to change.
May 25, 2020
Have you tried just being better?
Good if you need a good pep talk but otherwise an oversimplified CBT. There’s probably some merit to sessions with this Counselor but it doesn’t translate well to the page.
Good if you need a good pep talk but otherwise an oversimplified CBT. There’s probably some merit to sessions with this Counselor but it doesn’t translate well to the page.
May 19, 2019
Nothing new however, this book takes you through self-revelation that is at times painful to think about, but helpful in the revelation.
August 7, 2019
Definitely good for anyone that needs a kick in the arse to get motivated and has issues with self-sabotage. If you're easily offended, perhaps this book isn't for you.
January 13, 2020
یە کتاب تبلیغاتی....جالب نبود اصلا
January 30, 2025
I find it funny when people say "be in the moment " as if there's some kind of ...alternative. You're always here. You're just not always here for what's here. p88
The details differ but the bullshit continues. p95
Gary John Bishop carries on with his mission to bring his style of enlightenment to people who have failed to find it in the traditional way.
Your truth is NOT the truth to anyone but you, and if your truth does not light you up, it might be time for you to find another one. p100
It may not be what you wanted to hear, but need to.
Freedom is what we do with what is done to us. p73
Instead of trying to fix the broken system, you have to create an entirely new one. p205
Update: January 2025
It's unfortunate that the title and cover of this book are so offptting; it encourages disdain although there are plenty of people who like it or find it provocative and are up for being provoked.
In fact its a challenge worth taking seriously. If we are at all alarmed by all the bullshit coming our way, some very good suggestions here.
The details differ but the bullshit continues. p95
Gary John Bishop carries on with his mission to bring his style of enlightenment to people who have failed to find it in the traditional way.
Your truth is NOT the truth to anyone but you, and if your truth does not light you up, it might be time for you to find another one. p100
It may not be what you wanted to hear, but need to.
Freedom is what we do with what is done to us. p73
Instead of trying to fix the broken system, you have to create an entirely new one. p205
Update: January 2025
It's unfortunate that the title and cover of this book are so offptting; it encourages disdain although there are plenty of people who like it or find it provocative and are up for being provoked.
In fact its a challenge worth taking seriously. If we are at all alarmed by all the bullshit coming our way, some very good suggestions here.
April 19, 2020
“That’s what we call a life. Wanting new; addicted to the familiar.” -
First of all, I read this book with his Scottish accent on mind. And that was fun! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Secondly, Let me share with you a bit of my thoughts on this book. It was great. One of my favorite conversations this year. Glad to have gotten to know #GaryJohnBishop and looking for more of conversations soon. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This book basically speaks to you in a very straightforward way no sugarcoating about how you are stuck at life in a self destructive cycle by blaming you, your past, others and your life. A lot of the information that I have read weren’t new necessarily to me. But the author’s way of talking to you was good and his sarcasm made me laugh many times. The book explains to you what you are actually doing and what you shouldn’t do, and what you should do but you are not doing… Some parts of the book made me feel embarrassed because how true they are. Truth has to be told… A lot of people want to change their lives but aren’t willing to do a thing about it. What is the quality of your life if you lived it complaining, blaming and making excuses for being stuck where you are.. mentally, emotionally and physically? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This book is not a magical pill. If you are not willing to change your life by doing the work and what is necessary then there is no one can help you. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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July 26, 2019
In Stop Doing That Sh*t Gary John Bishop tries to get to the heart of self-sabotaging behavior, by attempting to consciously access destructive sub-conscious beliefs.
I'm generally not a fan of self motivation/help books. I read Bishop's previous book Unfu*k Yourself, and while I found it entertaining, it didn't really do anything for me. When I heard the premise of Stop Doing That Sh*t, I was even more skeptical.
It was not long after I started, however, that things began to click. What he said, although still sounding vaguely silly, made a lot of sense to me. It made me look back and consider some of the driving forces in my life, and how I was cycling through the same unproductive behaviors.
If you are looking for a new perspective that might help you break out of your rut, this may not be the book for you. Bishop's style is loud and somewhat abrasive. Not everyone enjoys being yelled at by an angry Scotsman. If, however, that doesn't bother you, Stop Doing That Sh*t might be a helpful read.
I'm generally not a fan of self motivation/help books. I read Bishop's previous book Unfu*k Yourself, and while I found it entertaining, it didn't really do anything for me. When I heard the premise of Stop Doing That Sh*t, I was even more skeptical.
It was not long after I started, however, that things began to click. What he said, although still sounding vaguely silly, made a lot of sense to me. It made me look back and consider some of the driving forces in my life, and how I was cycling through the same unproductive behaviors.
If you are looking for a new perspective that might help you break out of your rut, this may not be the book for you. Bishop's style is loud and somewhat abrasive. Not everyone enjoys being yelled at by an angry Scotsman. If, however, that doesn't bother you, Stop Doing That Sh*t might be a helpful read.
October 17, 2025
Listened to this on audio. Sometimes when I get in a slump, I read a non-fiction to refresh myself because it’s a nice slap to the face to wake up when you feel like you’ve lost control.
Reading this book felt like a bucket of cold water thrown on you. The author doesn’t sugar coat anything. The way he delivers his message is more blunt, maybe a bit harsh and for me a couple times I personally felt attacked but those are the kind of things I know I need to confront and overcome in order to grow.
The main point of this book is to address your self sabotaging and what you can do to end it. Towards the end it really stuck out to me when he said the reason why a person self sabotages is because their life is mundane and boring and they get stuck in the cycle. something that I realize applied to my life. A rude awakening for me but one that was much needed.
I have not read his other book which is more popular (Unf*ck Yourself) but I do plan on reading at some point. I think this book is great for people who find themselves stuck in a rut and perhaps in a cycle of self sabotage.
Reading this book felt like a bucket of cold water thrown on you. The author doesn’t sugar coat anything. The way he delivers his message is more blunt, maybe a bit harsh and for me a couple times I personally felt attacked but those are the kind of things I know I need to confront and overcome in order to grow.
The main point of this book is to address your self sabotaging and what you can do to end it. Towards the end it really stuck out to me when he said the reason why a person self sabotages is because their life is mundane and boring and they get stuck in the cycle. something that I realize applied to my life. A rude awakening for me but one that was much needed.
I have not read his other book which is more popular (Unf*ck Yourself) but I do plan on reading at some point. I think this book is great for people who find themselves stuck in a rut and perhaps in a cycle of self sabotage.
June 18, 2019
Stop Doing That Sh*t:End Self-Sabotage and Demand Your Life Back.
by Gary John Bishop
2019
Harper One
4.0 / 5.0
This book is an excellent resource to begin enriching your life by being honest, and humble about your own self. It is not for the sensitive or weak -of-heart. It is straight forward, in your face and unashamedly brash. I thought it was really harsh at first, until I realized he is trying to reach those that need a dose of reality that's severe enough to get those stubborn to see a severe example of reality to change. By forcing you to face full-on your own defeating behaviors and negative self-talk, you are forced to confront your own bullshit and illusion. Chapters 12 and 13 were the best, in my opinion.
Recommended for those brave enough to be 100% in the moment.....This will make you think.
by Gary John Bishop
2019
Harper One
4.0 / 5.0
This book is an excellent resource to begin enriching your life by being honest, and humble about your own self. It is not for the sensitive or weak -of-heart. It is straight forward, in your face and unashamedly brash. I thought it was really harsh at first, until I realized he is trying to reach those that need a dose of reality that's severe enough to get those stubborn to see a severe example of reality to change. By forcing you to face full-on your own defeating behaviors and negative self-talk, you are forced to confront your own bullshit and illusion. Chapters 12 and 13 were the best, in my opinion.
Recommended for those brave enough to be 100% in the moment.....This will make you think.
April 18, 2024
Having to DNF this one. I’m listening to the audiobook, and first off, the author is narrating their own book in a very thick Scottish (mixed with Irish) accent, that’s really distracting. It’s not just that though, he reads it like a rant and it’s a rant that never really gets to a point. There doesn’t seem to be a solid plan or structure to the content, it just rambles on with no depth.
The author also doesn’t seem to understand the effects of trauma and how it alters the brain, making it very difficult to move forward. He’s not concerned about what happened to you in the past. He talks to you as if you’re a teenager who just needs a good lecture to get you motivated. If that is all you need, then maybe you’ll get something out of this book. But, I’m not getting any insight here, so I’m bowing out halfway through.
The author also doesn’t seem to understand the effects of trauma and how it alters the brain, making it very difficult to move forward. He’s not concerned about what happened to you in the past. He talks to you as if you’re a teenager who just needs a good lecture to get you motivated. If that is all you need, then maybe you’ll get something out of this book. But, I’m not getting any insight here, so I’m bowing out halfway through.
July 28, 2020
A nice, sweary, get over yourself self help book, the author (go for the audiobook for the accent and scottish ranting! Sooo much better!) gives you a proverbial kick in the head.
You want the dream life? Live life like you’re going to get there and stop dragging the past around. No easy answers here so if that’s what you want you ain’t getting it, but if you enjoy a good “smarten up buttercup” this is your book!
You want the dream life? Live life like you’re going to get there and stop dragging the past around. No easy answers here so if that’s what you want you ain’t getting it, but if you enjoy a good “smarten up buttercup” this is your book!
July 6, 2020
Shouldn’t be done, by the likes of me, as an audiobook. Much as I like / need the audio format to chip away at my tbr pile, the inventory and introspection required pencil and noodle time, that a-format doesn’t dovetail nicely with.
Material was useful. A bit like Daniel’s writings over the years. Useful. Familiar. Good.
I liked the sponge word picture.
Material was useful. A bit like Daniel’s writings over the years. Useful. Familiar. Good.
I liked the sponge word picture.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 645 reviews