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Z-isms: Insights To Live By

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Z-isms [Zee-iz-umz] (Noun) Pearls of wisdom, original wit or personal experience shared to positively impact as many people as possible; Insights to Live By.What do you wish your younger self knew? What life lessons would you share to benefit others? These are among the core questions Matt Zinman posed as inspiration to provide readers with insightful guidance to create and live their best life, along with practical tools like the Self-Care Report Card and a Life Enrichment Action Plan (LEAP). Richly authentic, deeply personal and highly motivating, Z-isms offers new ways to better ourselves, our experiences and our encounters. Matt keeps it casual, as though in private conversation with readers, freely sharing his own life experiences and challenges. It’s impossible to read this book and not be better for it.

238 pages, Paperback

Published March 2, 2020

26 people want to read

About the author

Matt Zinman

2 books

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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Profile Image for Grady.
Author 51 books1,820 followers
March 4, 2020
‘Life should be enjoyed, not endured’

Pennsylvania author Matt Zinman has honed his mind and skills and life to make a difference: his passion is to positively impact as many people as possible. Earning his degree in journalism from Temple University, he has applied himself to assist others in his work in public relations and communications management. He founded Z Communications, INC (‘connecting expression with impression’ or the sender-receiver feedback loop), the Z University, and is CEO of Internship Institute, a non-profit bridge gap between education and employment that cultivates opportunity for students, veterans, businesses, non profits and communities by ‘Making Experience Matter.’

The title of the book – Z-Isms – is defined by Matt as ‘a personal insight, wit or experience one shares to positively impact the lives of as many people as possible to leap beyond their limits.’ With that torch of a title lifted, this book sails into the realm of life guidance with erudite practicality. Rich in wisdom and insights and understanding, this book shares the impressive life of the author as he leads the reader through finding and using the keys to self-improvement and satisfying/rewarding interaction with the world.

One of the many aspects of this solid new book is the manner in which the insightful ideas are presented. Matt keeps it casual, as though in private conversation with the reader, freely sharing examples of his own life experiences and challenges as prompts to understand the impact his advice offers. His concept of Earned Confidence is a major topic throughout the book, and he defines this term as ’an undeniable logic filter based on one’s life experiences that proves it unnecessary to worry, be anxious or make assumptions about uncertainties because one is fully capable to cope with actual occurrences in real time.’ In many ways that is the key to his Life Enrichment Action Plan (LEAP) – one of his many phrases he has created to assist us in making that leap beyond limits.

So much of this excellent book is distilled in the numerous catchy but wise fragments peppered throughout the book – ‘Determine compatibility with whom we choose to let into our lives and then how to navigate those different relationships,’ ‘Why be anything less than kind to yourself,’ ‘The very best way to manage a crisis is to look out for yourself and others,’ ‘Live in the current moment,’ ‘Do I live to work or do I work to live,’ ‘You are the first you there ever has been or ever will be,’ ‘Amplify gratitude,’ ‘One cannot achieve lofty goals alone,’ and more. Pungent, accessible diagnostic methods to assess and embrace earned confidence.

Z-isms is one of the finest guides to discover our true self and stimulate personal and interpersonal growth in most every aspect of being a significant and happy human being. ‘Take charge of your career and life destiny.’ Very highly recommended.
Profile Image for Susan Keefe.
Author 11 books58 followers
March 4, 2020
An inspirational guide to achieving your dreams.

So, you like I wonder, what is a Z-isms? Well Z-ism is “A personal insight, wit or experience one shares to positively impact the lives of as many people as possible to leap beyond limits.” This is what the author Matt Zinman defines it as, and this is what he has achieved in this inspirational book. He has called upon his various life experiences, and those of others, given guidelines, and inspired his readers to begin a new chapter of life, armed with the tools needed to achieve success.

In order to write this motivational piece he asked himself what he wished his younger self would have known, what life lessons he had learnt which others would benefit from knowing, and lastly what lessons could he take forwards and use as a guide to living his best life?

Upon reflection on these things this book was born, and throughout writing it the author has not only examined his life experiences but also candidly laid before his readers the impact they have had on him. In becoming the man he is today he realised that he had a burning need and passion for these experiences to be shared, and that the lessons learnt could help others to achieve their full potential.

By identifying people either as Spiders or those who get caught in their webs, he encourages us to examine the type of person we, and those we surround ourselves are. Then he offers advice on how to improve ourselves, fulfil our dreams, be aware of our shortcomings, and yet be sensitive to others. He provides all the inspiration and motivation which is needed to become who we really want to be, teaching us how to build and reinforce confidence, and instilling in us the importance of a healthy lifestyle, exercising, sleeping, and eating well.

In doing these things, Matt Zinman encourages his readers to improve themselves, and their world, go forward positively and make the changes. He also encourages us to call upon our own experiences to strengthen our resolve and listen to our gut instincts.

To facilitate this, in the final chapter he sets down a formula for success which he suggests is instigated in bite sized chunks, and worked upon to make our dreams and aspirations come to fruition.

In writing this book Matt Zinman has provided each and every one of his readers with a blue print for success, both in business, and in life, it is now up to us to embrace it. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for John J..
106 reviews7 followers
March 4, 2020
How do you live your most authentic life? That’s one of the questions at the heart of Matt Zinman’s guide (and workbook) for better living. It’s a highly personal and practical primer packed with anecdotes and life lessons to help you better navigate your way through the peaks and valleys of life. Zinman offers stories and advice aimed at helping you become more proficient at managing and directing your life. From forming basic healthy habits to dealing with trouble and strife, this book is a pathway to a better, more fulfilling life. It’s also well-written, easy to understand, concise and, often, quite funny.

Matt Zinman is an experienced writer, life coach and CEO of The Internship Institute. He defines a “Z-izm” as a “personal insight” or “nugget of wisdom” learned from what he calls “Earned Confidence.” This is perspective and wisdom that comes from dealing with a difficult situation. Although often overlooked, the author says this kind of learned wisdom is priceless, like when it comes to spotting “spiders” in your life.

Zinman dedicates an entire chapter to spotting these “spiders,” who he says can be very deceptive and debilitating. He defines these individuals as those who will “manipulate others without any regard to the negative consequences their prey may suffer.” These “spiders” are extremely dangerous and the author shows how to effectively rid your life of these manipulators and energy-drainers.

Other topics include: mental health, avoiding unnecessary worry, minimizing anxiety and stopping inaccurate assumptions. Zinman also councils the reader to “trust your gut,” simply by depending on self-reliance and self-trust. And there are chapters dedicated to “going with the flow,” and the phenomenon called “coincidence.” It’s all very useful and illuminating.

“Z-ism’s” contains an incredible amount of advice, experience and wisdom and it is information and enlightenment intended to help us experience lives more enjoyable and fulfilling. It’s a great companion on your journey and it’s a perfect gift for yourself or anyone who could use an emotional “tune-up” right about now.
Profile Image for Cami.
12 reviews6 followers
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March 24, 2020
Reading Z-isms is like spending an afternoon in a coffee shop with a trusted friend. It’s a warm, encouraging conversation that leaves you refreshed, inspired and ready to step out in a new way.

Z-isms speaks loudly to those who are struggling – perhaps grappling with a dysfunctional relationship, a stressful job or a destructive habit. The counsel is clear, simple and kind. Author Matt Zinman skillfully weaves together w wealth of practical insights with his own life experiences. Some of his vignettes are uplifting and cheer-worthy. Others are bittersweet. There are no empty clichés or self-righteous platitudes here. Zinman writes with sensitivity and vulnerability, making an instant connection with the reader. Although he holds a humanist perspective, Zinman is self-aware and respectful of others’ views, as he shares his passion for the world around him and his appreciation for life itself. He encourages self-reflection, mindfulness, forgiveness, gratitude, positivity and more, coupled with discipline and courageous forward motion. Real-life examples and helpful exercises coach the reader toward their best vision of themselves. For anyone who’s ready to make a positive change in their lives, I highly recommend that they grab a cup of coffee and spend an afternoon with Z-isms!
Profile Image for J.B..
Author 5 books57 followers
March 28, 2020
Matt Zinman's Z-isms is an invaluable book of life lessons, principles, and situational advice, offered by way of personal anecdotes, insightful parables, and concrete examples that make them resonate.

Starting with a foundational concept of Earned Confidence, a concept for taking into consideration the successful and reassuring experiences of your past, and moving through a plethora of maxims, such as how to avoid getting trapped by "spiders,' those pesky influencers that seem to enjoy ensnaring others in their web of negativity, the book offers sage advise that can help anyone adapt to common dilemmas and situations.

Advice on how to prevent or minimize the chances of issues occurring, understanding what drives our moods, and being aware of our perceptions is particularly useful, as are the mind/body insights, such as managing our energy and being a life athlete. Tips on recognizing and seizing opportunities, and on the power of gratitude really rang true with me as well.

This is the kind of book that should be a foundation for a "life lessons" curriculum in schools, something I've always felt should be mandatory. I highly recommend this as a great set of insights for applying to your daily life and as an attitude kick-starter. 
1 review
March 23, 2020
TITLE: Z-isms - A belief system worth considering

Matt Zinman (Z-Man) has written a very introspective and personal account of his life using lessons and stories which may be helpful if you are taking an inventory of yours. His writing style incorporating examples of situations in his life makes it an enjoyable and helpful guide. This book could certainly be used to share your own life lessons with your children or grandchildren. It made me look at my life's 'chapters' and gain insight of how I've grown from my experiences, and how I could have possibly handled some in a different way.

Matt's familial style and his personal offerings allows the reader to grasp concepts, learn from them, and ultimately apply them. His examples led me to remember some of my experiences, which at times made me laugh out loud, as well as some that made me ponder their importance and effects.

If you think you've read too many 'self-help books,' don't give up yet until you read Matt's. It may just be the easy-to-read 'mirror' you've needed to assess YOUR life and become a better person for it!
Profile Image for Megan.
1 review
March 23, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this book. As soon as I started reading, I couldn’t stop. The author, Matt Zinman, makes you feel like one of his friends as you read through the book. I have never been able to relate to a book as much as I did reading Z-isms. As a college student, I go through a lot day in and day out and by reading this book I believe I have become the best version of myself. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking to grow as a person, which I believe everybody has the ability to do.
1 review
March 23, 2020
This book drew me in from the start and kept me engaged to the finish. I also like how the author invites readers to join a private forum to continue to interact.
Matt Zinman offers a wide-range of insights about the ins and outs of life and is very relatable in sharing in own experiences, some of which are private disclosures that are moving and authentic.
Z-isms is highly motivational with a lot of takeaways that I’ll continue to put to good use.
I’d recommend this book to just about anyone.
Profile Image for Scott Lorenz.
Author 1 book268 followers
March 22, 2020
Z-isms is an excellent guide to uncover our true selves and foster personal growth.

A terrific book with inspiring advice to live life to it’s fullest.
Z-isms is an excellent guide to uncover our true selves and foster personal growth.
If you like Tony Robbins or Zig Ziglar or other books in this genre then you’ll love this book. I highly recommend ‘Z-ISMS Insights To Live By.’
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