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Grow a Pair: How to Stop Being a Victim and Take Back Your Life, Your Business, and Your Sanity
The straight-talking, New York Times bestselling author and Pitbull of Personal Development® is back with a pithy and prescriptive guide to success.
A five-time bestselling author and one of the country’s leading business speakers, Larry has made a reputation for being the first to challenge the positive-attraction gurus and the law-of-attraction bozos with his commonsense approach to success. Larry doesn’t sugar-coat, and he isn’t afraid to make people uncomfortable, because he wants us to stop making excuses, and start getting results.
In Grow a Pair, Larry takes on entitlement culture, the self-help movement, political correctness, and more. We’ve all heard the phrase “grow a pair,” but Larry’s advice isn’t about anatomy— it’s about attitude. To get the success we want, we need to reject victimhood in favor of being assertive and finally taking some responsibility.
With prescriptive advice on goal achieving, career, personal finance, and more, Grow a Pair will give the readers the kick in the pants they need.
A five-time bestselling author and one of the country’s leading business speakers, Larry has made a reputation for being the first to challenge the positive-attraction gurus and the law-of-attraction bozos with his commonsense approach to success. Larry doesn’t sugar-coat, and he isn’t afraid to make people uncomfortable, because he wants us to stop making excuses, and start getting results.
In Grow a Pair, Larry takes on entitlement culture, the self-help movement, political correctness, and more. We’ve all heard the phrase “grow a pair,” but Larry’s advice isn’t about anatomy— it’s about attitude. To get the success we want, we need to reject victimhood in favor of being assertive and finally taking some responsibility.
With prescriptive advice on goal achieving, career, personal finance, and more, Grow a Pair will give the readers the kick in the pants they need.
Audiobook
First published September 12, 2013
28 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
About the author
Larry Winget
90 books99 followersLarry Winget is a motivational speaker and writer on the topics of money, personal success and business.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
September 11, 2020
Interesting short read where the author talks about how to not bullshit ourselves with excuses. He goes on about the areas where we could improve our stand, or some issues where we could speak up about so that we'll have a more meaningful life.
It's true, he's a motivational speaker, but there's a lot of common sense there.
I feel like some situations were made up or hyperbolized, but I guess they were there just to make a point. He even contradicts himself in some situations, but all in all, I believe people will benefit by reading this.
It's true, he's a motivational speaker, but there's a lot of common sense there.
I feel like some situations were made up or hyperbolized, but I guess they were there just to make a point. He even contradicts himself in some situations, but all in all, I believe people will benefit by reading this.
September 30, 2016
This guy says what he thinks and stands by it no matter who he pisses off. I was a bit irritated and I even felt slightly victimized by his comments about people complaining and wanting someone to "save" them or rescue them. I've been a victim of wrong doing and mistreatment. And I ultimately know that I AM the one to blame. I didn't have enough to esteem, courage and self love to stick up for myself. I had no voice and no "pair." As much as I'd like to call this guy an asshole this asshole is 100% right. Stop depending on others. Depend on yourself, get a voice, stand for something. I also have to laugh because one I hate politics. Left wing right wing.. I'm sorry. I do. However, I knew some "left" wing people are going to be pissed with his logic. Why? I'm sure the reference to this country being to PC pissed them off and because they do not want to face the fact that only they can help themselves. Stop depending on others to help you, fix yourself, take responsibility. Stop the blame.
Larry is on point. If I was rich or could contact him I would hire him as my life coach. He's confident and being PC is not.
Larry is on point. If I was rich or could contact him I would hire him as my life coach. He's confident and being PC is not.
September 27, 2013
Lazy, complacent and apathetic people make me sick…physically sick. They’re contagious. Complacency, sloth and apathy are infectious diseases and they’re destroying our society.
Larry Winget has the cure. It’s his newest book: Grow a Pair: How to Stop Being a Victim and Take Back Your Life, Your Business, and Your Sanity.
Sure, there are some circumstances and conditions you simply can’t control. If you’re focus is on things you can’t control, it’s on the wrong target. You can’t control the government, the economy or even the guy in the cubicle next to you…
…but you can always control your response and your attitude.
“That’s right- work on you before you concern yourself with other folks…instead of worrying yourself with fixing everyone else, focus on fixing yourself.”
That’s part of Larry’s opening salvo- and he doesn’t stop there. Stop worrying about what you can’t do and focus on what you can do; even when it comes to business, society, government and the economy.
You can make a difference, if you Grow a Pair. Whatever happened to the notion that every person makes a difference one act at a time? We better get it back and Larry’s book is a powerful guide.
“People with a pair have reasons for things not working out; people without a pair have excuses for things not working out.”
Larry takes on some big issues in Grow a Pair. One that particularly resonated with me was our growing problem with incivility.
“I know this flies in the face of the PC crap we have been taught. You should be tolerant of who people are, but intolerant of their stupid actions.”
He tackles parenting…
“Kids will learn more by watching you and the example you set than from any other thing…So be a real parent, and grow a pair. Stop being your kids’ friend. Be their parent and do your job.”
The economy…
“Interesting that some people used the recession as an excuse to fail and some used it as an excuse to reinvent themselves, get stronger, work harder, serve their customers better and grow their businesses.”
And even the government…
“Bare minimum, vote for politicians who have a pair…vote for people who stand up for their beliefs and yours…Can I guarantee that things will change if you vote? No. But I can guarantee that things will never change if you don’t vote!”
There is one glaring problem with Grow a Pair…
That problem is that the people who need this book the most will never open the cover…unless you grow a pair and make sure they do!
If you believe like Larry does, and like I do, that the answers to our problems lies in the simplest of each of our daily actions…you’ll find Grow a Pair a thoroughly enjoyable and validating read.
More than that, as always, Larry challenges each of us to look in the mirror and face up to whether or not we’re really doing our best.
Buy two copies…
Buy one for yourself. You’ll enjoy it thoroughly- and one for someone you know who really needs to Grow a Pair. You don’t have to say a word. You’ll make a statement just by dropping it on their desk.
Larry Winget has the cure. It’s his newest book: Grow a Pair: How to Stop Being a Victim and Take Back Your Life, Your Business, and Your Sanity.
Sure, there are some circumstances and conditions you simply can’t control. If you’re focus is on things you can’t control, it’s on the wrong target. You can’t control the government, the economy or even the guy in the cubicle next to you…
…but you can always control your response and your attitude.
“That’s right- work on you before you concern yourself with other folks…instead of worrying yourself with fixing everyone else, focus on fixing yourself.”
That’s part of Larry’s opening salvo- and he doesn’t stop there. Stop worrying about what you can’t do and focus on what you can do; even when it comes to business, society, government and the economy.
You can make a difference, if you Grow a Pair. Whatever happened to the notion that every person makes a difference one act at a time? We better get it back and Larry’s book is a powerful guide.
“People with a pair have reasons for things not working out; people without a pair have excuses for things not working out.”
Larry takes on some big issues in Grow a Pair. One that particularly resonated with me was our growing problem with incivility.
“I know this flies in the face of the PC crap we have been taught. You should be tolerant of who people are, but intolerant of their stupid actions.”
He tackles parenting…
“Kids will learn more by watching you and the example you set than from any other thing…So be a real parent, and grow a pair. Stop being your kids’ friend. Be their parent and do your job.”
The economy…
“Interesting that some people used the recession as an excuse to fail and some used it as an excuse to reinvent themselves, get stronger, work harder, serve their customers better and grow their businesses.”
And even the government…
“Bare minimum, vote for politicians who have a pair…vote for people who stand up for their beliefs and yours…Can I guarantee that things will change if you vote? No. But I can guarantee that things will never change if you don’t vote!”
There is one glaring problem with Grow a Pair…
That problem is that the people who need this book the most will never open the cover…unless you grow a pair and make sure they do!
If you believe like Larry does, and like I do, that the answers to our problems lies in the simplest of each of our daily actions…you’ll find Grow a Pair a thoroughly enjoyable and validating read.
More than that, as always, Larry challenges each of us to look in the mirror and face up to whether or not we’re really doing our best.
Buy two copies…
Buy one for yourself. You’ll enjoy it thoroughly- and one for someone you know who really needs to Grow a Pair. You don’t have to say a word. You’ll make a statement just by dropping it on their desk.
April 7, 2016
You can't go through life without a book by Larry Winget. I promise you one thing about Larry: He will set you straight! He will piss you off! But he will open your eyes! He will help you realize the truth about the life you are living now and the life you really want to live! I love Larry Winget because of his brutal honesty about everything. He is so honest. He lives by his values and that is something I have always done regardless of what the temptation to do otherwise was. He is so RIGHT!!!
I love his refusal to accept bad service and I love when he includes stories about excellent service. Because excellent service is so rare today, it can be hard to recognize it....we always focus so much on the bad! But if we want a different world, if we want great service, if we want to be better people and have better people around us, we can't just set back and let bad things happen. Don't refuse to do anything when you see something happening that you don't agree with. Give them your perspective. Just be careful doing it and use your damn head! Don't be rude or ignorant. Just be honest and be as respectful as possible while doing it. In some cases, private is better, other times you might want to do it publicly *for your safety.
This book is not all about service. In fact, service is just a part of this wonderful amazing book. This book is about having the balls to do what you know is right. It's about growing a pair, its about standing up for yourself and for others. Not dealing with disrespect, ignorance, or something that you don't agree with. If you can't stand lateness, tell the person you're dealing with. If they continue to be late and you can deal with it, than deal with it. If you can't stand it, and don't want people in your life like this, you can still be kind and respectful towards that person, just letting them know that you can't have people like that in your life, as you think being late is not fashionable, it is disrespectiful. And if they respect you, they would show up on time.
There's so much more....but the most important thing that you need to know? You need this book, and every single one of Larry Winget's published books in your life. It will change your life forever!!!
I love his refusal to accept bad service and I love when he includes stories about excellent service. Because excellent service is so rare today, it can be hard to recognize it....we always focus so much on the bad! But if we want a different world, if we want great service, if we want to be better people and have better people around us, we can't just set back and let bad things happen. Don't refuse to do anything when you see something happening that you don't agree with. Give them your perspective. Just be careful doing it and use your damn head! Don't be rude or ignorant. Just be honest and be as respectful as possible while doing it. In some cases, private is better, other times you might want to do it publicly *for your safety.
This book is not all about service. In fact, service is just a part of this wonderful amazing book. This book is about having the balls to do what you know is right. It's about growing a pair, its about standing up for yourself and for others. Not dealing with disrespect, ignorance, or something that you don't agree with. If you can't stand lateness, tell the person you're dealing with. If they continue to be late and you can deal with it, than deal with it. If you can't stand it, and don't want people in your life like this, you can still be kind and respectful towards that person, just letting them know that you can't have people like that in your life, as you think being late is not fashionable, it is disrespectiful. And if they respect you, they would show up on time.
There's so much more....but the most important thing that you need to know? You need this book, and every single one of Larry Winget's published books in your life. It will change your life forever!!!
September 13, 2018
"The truth doesn't care if you like it or not, it is the truth." (Larry Winget, Grow a Pair)
Have you ever wanted a friend to just tell you like it is and stop pussy footing around. To tell you the truth. Then this book will be like water for your thirsty soul. The author does not mince words, but shares his opinion on various topics. If you don't want to be confronted with the truth, then stay away from this book because you will be held accountable for the way your life is. You created it, everything you have is the result of how you have spent your time and the decisions you have made. The author's number one rule is: "Take responsibility". Even if you have had bad things happen to you, then you are responsible for how you will respond to those bad things.
Breath of fresh air for me personally in this politically correct world.
Have you ever wanted a friend to just tell you like it is and stop pussy footing around. To tell you the truth. Then this book will be like water for your thirsty soul. The author does not mince words, but shares his opinion on various topics. If you don't want to be confronted with the truth, then stay away from this book because you will be held accountable for the way your life is. You created it, everything you have is the result of how you have spent your time and the decisions you have made. The author's number one rule is: "Take responsibility". Even if you have had bad things happen to you, then you are responsible for how you will respond to those bad things.
Breath of fresh air for me personally in this politically correct world.
January 22, 2014
Okay,Grow a Pair. Funny title for a book, but it gets right to the heart of this work. The book is not a how to be, but rather "be you". It talks about standing up for what you believe in; religion, politics, sports and so on-doing it with passion, energy and intelligence instead of blah blah blah, or with no room for backing it up. Take a stand for holding the door for someone, stand up to bullying, be involved as a parent, vote, ground your kid, hold children accountable , don't make excuses, stop looking at phone 150 times a day, read a book-- the big one is understand fear, and hit it straight on. Don't be scared, who cares if you fail, do it again. Don't let fear hold you back-- Grow A Pair is a fun, engaging and truthful book. Nice job to the author.
September 19, 2014
I was very excited to find out Larry Winget published another book and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it, and now I'm pretty disappointed. If this was the first book of his that I've read, I would have loved it. Thing is, I've read all his books published in my country that I could possibly find and I don't see how this one is any different from the previous ones. Same old thoughts, same old quotes, even same old stories from his personal experience. I love Larry Winget and his trademark no-bullshit approach, but I'd rather read something new from him when he actually has something new to tell me.
November 24, 2013
This is the first book I've read from Larry Winget. I have to say I was a bit skeptical before I read it but I am glad I did. He surely does have a huge pair and I really like the points he makes about how its so necessary to grow a pair. What is interesting is that I'm in Vietnam and you get the impression that many people don;t have a pair, or they are not big enough to show that they have, people need to read this book and then we'll see who has ;em or not and that's good for everyone!
January 30, 2021
It's got a lot of good info, and it's written for common folk. Downside is he's a bit harsh, upfront, but almost always counters his harshness with some form of 'well, dont do this all the time'. For example, he'll say 'don't care what other people think', but then point out that it's important to listen to constructive critisism from others, just decide for yourself whether it's valid; don't just do whatever other people want because they say so. So it's good, but if you just buy into the first lines or paragraphs of each section and disregard the later expression of the need for rational moderation of some of the ideas presented, than you'll definitely end up actually being a jerk, not just getting mistaken for one.
October 10, 2019
Inspiring short on tactics
I really enjoyed the book. It's an easy read and I think the message is solid. It just lacks practical tactics. Larry give a lot of anecdotal instance where he has a pair and tells you where and when you should have a pair but doesn't give you a road map on how to grow a pair.
Still worth the time to read though and I found it really inspiring and motivational.
I really enjoyed the book. It's an easy read and I think the message is solid. It just lacks practical tactics. Larry give a lot of anecdotal instance where he has a pair and tells you where and when you should have a pair but doesn't give you a road map on how to grow a pair.
Still worth the time to read though and I found it really inspiring and motivational.
September 2, 2019
This book is what you’d expect from Larry Winget. The pages are full of straight forward advice to work hard, speak your mind and be responsible. He does caution that following his advice may bring some seemingly unpleasant consequences. For the most part it is just common sense advice about living right and doing right and expecting flack from those who do not, yet know better.
December 19, 2020
Larry Winget is Larry Winget. It is trademark of sanity and responsibility. Such men are few nowadays. Listen to all of his books. Never dissapointed. Some people say "but it is just common sense!" Yes, goddammit! Isn't it losing of common sense is major life problem? Life is not rocket science, it is all about common sense. And Larry is really good at it.
April 11, 2022
Very forward in his writing. We all have choice in life and you can either sit there and take it or do something about it. Great advice for someone who is always getting stepped on but I feel that it can be taken to extreme as well. Stand up for yourself and get what you want and deserve but you don’t have to be rude in the process.
May 21, 2017
I understand that Larry Winget's books & style are not for everyone, but I really liked it. Had to laugh out loud several times, and recognized many situations he described... and yes... even recognized myself. It is time to make some changes and "grow a pair" :)
May 12, 2018
The book comes like a critic to classical NLP books, pushing you to do „your job” properly, no excuses or mantras, I like his direct style although I think his audio or video recordings have more impact on me.
September 25, 2018
Refreshing insight for people who need a kick in the pants.
What a concept... You are responsible for your entire life, entirely.
Other books like this- Extreme Ownership and The Gulag Archipelago.
What a concept... You are responsible for your entire life, entirely.
Other books like this- Extreme Ownership and The Gulag Archipelago.
July 18, 2017
white privileged man bragging about his famous life successes. glad I didn't pay for this book and got it for free at a book exchange.
December 26, 2017
If you struggle with making excuses for your position in life or need a swift kick in the backside to get moving (or both), then this quick read could be for you.
April 6, 2019
While there are some good tips in here I don't really agree with everything he says but that's more a personal opinion. If you're trying to project more confidence I'd definitely recommend.
May 22, 2020
Warning: this book tells the truth and sometimes the truth hurts but if you’re looking for a bold change in your life with laughter to ease the pain I highly recommend!
August 23, 2024
It should be obvious what this book is about - speaking up for yourself, taking action, holding people accountable, and doing the right things.
April 20, 2015
Larry Winget, is the self described (and trademarked)Pitbull of Personal Development® and when you read his book, you'll know why. This latest entry into his series of no nonsense self help books can be described in two words: "Man up" (even if you're a woman).
Larry has opinions and he isn't afraid to share them and let you know that even you...yes, you... can get some cajones and make your life a lot more, er, something.
If you're looking for touchy-feely, warm and fuzzy, this is definitely the wrong book for you. You either get with the program or you stay the loser you've been for your entire life.
To be fair, Larry Winget, does take the occasional shot at himself and his fellow motivators. He also acknowledges that his plan to Grow a Pair: How to Stop Being a Victim and Take Back Your Life, Your Business, and Your Sanity will take some work and that you may lose some friends in the process.
It is no wonder he is the darling of Fox News and other right wing outlets. He doesn't really talk politics in this book but it's easy enough to figure out where he stands. There is a right way and a wrong way. Period. End of story.
He's quite successful and, as the saying goes, you can't argue with success. It's just not my cup of tea. I'm glad I read it, though, because now I know pretty much how the rest of his books would read and I can save my time.
I'm not big on the tough love thing. I know there must be lots of people who find him a refreshing breath of fresh air. God knows there are plenty of self styled self-help gurus out there that are so namby pamby and milquetoast that you can't even figure out what their "advice" (if you want to call it that) is.
So, maybe I'll practice a little bit of his advice and try to grow a pair
BTW, it's an easy to read book. I got through it in a few hours over a couple of days.
Larry has opinions and he isn't afraid to share them and let you know that even you...yes, you... can get some cajones and make your life a lot more, er, something.
If you're looking for touchy-feely, warm and fuzzy, this is definitely the wrong book for you. You either get with the program or you stay the loser you've been for your entire life.
To be fair, Larry Winget, does take the occasional shot at himself and his fellow motivators. He also acknowledges that his plan to Grow a Pair: How to Stop Being a Victim and Take Back Your Life, Your Business, and Your Sanity will take some work and that you may lose some friends in the process.
It is no wonder he is the darling of Fox News and other right wing outlets. He doesn't really talk politics in this book but it's easy enough to figure out where he stands. There is a right way and a wrong way. Period. End of story.
He's quite successful and, as the saying goes, you can't argue with success. It's just not my cup of tea. I'm glad I read it, though, because now I know pretty much how the rest of his books would read and I can save my time.
I'm not big on the tough love thing. I know there must be lots of people who find him a refreshing breath of fresh air. God knows there are plenty of self styled self-help gurus out there that are so namby pamby and milquetoast that you can't even figure out what their "advice" (if you want to call it that) is.
So, maybe I'll practice a little bit of his advice and try to grow a pair
BTW, it's an easy to read book. I got through it in a few hours over a couple of days.
January 8, 2014
I actually prefer Larry's books on audio. They have excellent re-listen value, and it just seems to work better. Plus, it takes me no time at all to read through his books in printed form, so I know I am missing a lot of internalization. I'll be picking this one up on audible before long so I can revisit it.
There's not a whole lot new here that's not in his other books like People Are Idiots and I Can Prove It!: The 10 Ways You Are Sabotaging Yourself and How You Can Overcome Them. But it's still good stuff that needs to be heard. It's interesting to read the reviews on amazon, many of which focus on what a jerk he is in the book. I suspect those people have not read it. Winget quotes one of my favorite John Wayne lines (from The Shootist):
“I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.”
That's the basis of the book. Respect yourself enough to take responsibility for your actions and to treat yourself and others with that same respect. And don't let others disrespect you.
There's not a whole lot new here that's not in his other books like People Are Idiots and I Can Prove It!: The 10 Ways You Are Sabotaging Yourself and How You Can Overcome Them. But it's still good stuff that needs to be heard. It's interesting to read the reviews on amazon, many of which focus on what a jerk he is in the book. I suspect those people have not read it. Winget quotes one of my favorite John Wayne lines (from The Shootist):
“I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.”
That's the basis of the book. Respect yourself enough to take responsibility for your actions and to treat yourself and others with that same respect. And don't let others disrespect you.
February 8, 2017
Winget's motivational strategy: Kick you in the teeth then pat you on the head while telling you how to avoid being kicked in the teeth again. I don't disagree with this strategy at all, even when on the receiving end. Sometimes you just need to be told to get yourself together in the strongest available terms.
September 10, 2016
Not as machismo as you'd think, great book!
March 26, 2014
This guy is bold and brash in his statements and challenges. He says it like he sees it and you can take it or leave it. While much of what he states, I already knew; it was a good reminder. There were also a few things that I never had thought about doing that made sense to me. So, if you want to grow in the area of money, business, home life, citizen, and learn benefits and effects then check out this book.
August 19, 2014
trite extension of a motivational speech. He capitalizes on his brash title and approach. while the subject and messages are ok the overall book is a let down. It is a bunch of short one liners. the funny thing is he mocks all other motivational speakers and self help books while offering far less than other authors I have ever read. It would be a waste of time if it weren't so simply written: you can easily read it in about a day.
November 27, 2014
This book felt lame for most part. There were few points here and there which made sense but generally there is nothing of substance that the Author mentions that I didn't already know. I know lot of people liked the crass and rash tone of the Author but I didn't think it was enjoyable.On top of that, there was very little humor than I actually hoped there would be when I picked up this book. An average piece of work.
October 7, 2020
An underrated self-help book that doesn’t seem to get too much attention in mainstream media. The author tells you things that you might not want to hear but yet are the most pertinent; man up, just do it, take ownership of your life. He then goes on to show how this can be applied to various aspects of life. The downside is that the author will likely come across as crude or indifferent, but he evidently doesn’t care if he hurts your feelings, and maybe neither should you.
August 8, 2014
As usual Larry Winget does an outstanding job in telling it like it is and how it needs to be done. I love his no frills approach to just about everything and believe if more people simply followed his simple advice, the world would be better for it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews