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Not a Life Coach: Push Your Boundaries. Unlock Your Potential. Redefine Your Life.
The follow up to James Smith’s international number one bestseller, Not a Diet Book.
• Do you love your job?
• Does your future excite you?
• Are your relationships working for you?
James Smith is back to challenge everything you thought you knew about the path to fulfilment and happiness. With hard-hitting home truths and a helping of tough love, be prepared to re-set your outlook, redefine your goals and truly consider:
What does SUCCESS truly mean to you?
Now, more than ever, is the time to take back control. Time to stop sleep-walking through your life; to challenge the status quo; and to truly ask yourself if you’re on the right path to success, happiness and fulfilment.
Only you can take the reins of your own life and choose to make a change, but with invaluable experience, a hunger for genuine happiness, and a drive to be the kind of coach he needed when his life was broken, James can give you the tools to do it.
• Do you love your job?
• Does your future excite you?
• Are your relationships working for you?
James Smith is back to challenge everything you thought you knew about the path to fulfilment and happiness. With hard-hitting home truths and a helping of tough love, be prepared to re-set your outlook, redefine your goals and truly consider:
What does SUCCESS truly mean to you?
Now, more than ever, is the time to take back control. Time to stop sleep-walking through your life; to challenge the status quo; and to truly ask yourself if you’re on the right path to success, happiness and fulfilment.
Only you can take the reins of your own life and choose to make a change, but with invaluable experience, a hunger for genuine happiness, and a drive to be the kind of coach he needed when his life was broken, James can give you the tools to do it.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published January 5, 2021
309 people are currently reading
1643 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
December 8, 2020
Read a few reviews before writing this one. People are complaining that James didn’t write exactly what they wanted to hear. That he didn’t blow the exact kind of smoke they wanted up their bums. Pardon my French.
Anyway, the book is down to earth. Good general guidlines to living life in a different manner and not following a script that makes you unhappy. Is this lifestyle for everyone? Of course not. Did anyone say follow his exact steps? Of course not. But to complain that he did not write “something groundbreaking” is the exact problem of people that are looking for a recipe to live their life after. Carve out your own path. Good read. Refrences to other good books inside.
Anyway, the book is down to earth. Good general guidlines to living life in a different manner and not following a script that makes you unhappy. Is this lifestyle for everyone? Of course not. Did anyone say follow his exact steps? Of course not. But to complain that he did not write “something groundbreaking” is the exact problem of people that are looking for a recipe to live their life after. Carve out your own path. Good read. Refrences to other good books inside.
November 9, 2020
Listened to the audible versio of this book and it just didn't flow for me unfortunately. I loved James first book and got lots from it but this basically was bits of his life story, how to build social media which he's already talked about and goes on to discuss changing your life but probably easier said from a privileged man who can move to the other side of the world without too much trouble but for someone like myself who has mouths to feed and mortgage to pay it was a bit far fetched and nothing I could take from it.
November 24, 2020
Cancelled my original buy of this and glad I saved the money. It’s one big regurgitation of the online podcasts and stuff on social media. Not only that, but it’s not relatable at all. A grown man living a gap year lifestyle doesn’t have the capacity to be a life coach. Far fetched and not worth the read.
January 8, 2021
I didn't find this book anywhere near as good as his first book, and I think that is probably because it is abundantly clear that he is not at an accomplished level of most of the topics of the book.
The book reminds me of how I used to present my school homework, i.e. double spacing between lines, far too many blank pages and lots of repetition throughout, all of which give a misleading impression of the quantity of content contained in the book. It is also reminiscent of times I would just open a web page and copy verbatim what was in front of me in an attempt to pass it off as my own work.
I feel he is very underqualified/experienced to write this book and feel that it has been solely done for financial gain while his profile is high. Every reference book he cites would be far better to read than this book (I haven't read them all but I have read a good proportion).
To give a James Smith like analogy, this book is like me reading his 'not a diet' book then writing a diet book myself as though I know what I'm on about.
The book reminds me of how I used to present my school homework, i.e. double spacing between lines, far too many blank pages and lots of repetition throughout, all of which give a misleading impression of the quantity of content contained in the book. It is also reminiscent of times I would just open a web page and copy verbatim what was in front of me in an attempt to pass it off as my own work.
I feel he is very underqualified/experienced to write this book and feel that it has been solely done for financial gain while his profile is high. Every reference book he cites would be far better to read than this book (I haven't read them all but I have read a good proportion).
To give a James Smith like analogy, this book is like me reading his 'not a diet' book then writing a diet book myself as though I know what I'm on about.
December 1, 2021
Quite possibly one of the worst “things” (book would be too generous) that I have ever read. I could not even finish it.
James is most definitely not a life coach. The irony of the title is not lost. The writing style is painful, hard to read and full of repetitive phrases. The content too, is just awful, embarrassing almost, it makes me wonder who pushed it to publication.
The overt swearing is totally unnecessary - as are the constant references to masturbation. It gets worse when there is a chapter titled “fucking” where the author brags about hitting his “century” (for those of you who have been spared the painful explanation in the book, a “century man” is someone who has slept with at least 100 different women). It gets more diabolical in the next part where he says his future wife will thank him for “getting it out of his system” … I just have no words for this drivel, it has no place in an alleged “self help” publication. It is simply enabling male narcissistic behaviour.
The editing is not much better either and there are multiple mistakes throughout. It is particularly infuriating when a reference page is constantly mentioned in the footnotes but said page is actually on a different page number. An unacceptable publication error.
You pick this up thinking that you are getting a light hearted self help book. Instead you are getting a crass account of the life of someone living in dreamland on the other side of the world, who has cashed in on the vanity trend of Instagram and travelling.
James is most definitely not a life coach. The irony of the title is not lost. The writing style is painful, hard to read and full of repetitive phrases. The content too, is just awful, embarrassing almost, it makes me wonder who pushed it to publication.
The overt swearing is totally unnecessary - as are the constant references to masturbation. It gets worse when there is a chapter titled “fucking” where the author brags about hitting his “century” (for those of you who have been spared the painful explanation in the book, a “century man” is someone who has slept with at least 100 different women). It gets more diabolical in the next part where he says his future wife will thank him for “getting it out of his system” … I just have no words for this drivel, it has no place in an alleged “self help” publication. It is simply enabling male narcissistic behaviour.
The editing is not much better either and there are multiple mistakes throughout. It is particularly infuriating when a reference page is constantly mentioned in the footnotes but said page is actually on a different page number. An unacceptable publication error.
You pick this up thinking that you are getting a light hearted self help book. Instead you are getting a crass account of the life of someone living in dreamland on the other side of the world, who has cashed in on the vanity trend of Instagram and travelling.
May 4, 2021
Not A Life Coach
📚Overview: Life advice from personal trainer, James Smith.
👍 Likes: Simple language, split into interesting categories, good reminder of some topics such as Carol Dweck’s mindset concept.
👎 Dislikes: Hugely disappointing! Disjointed by touching on numerous points without zoning in specifically on any, little to no scientific research or data, consistent quotations of other authors without creating any new concept himself, the book was a mixture between trying to be funny and inspirational without hitting either, I found the author really irritating, it felt like his key focus was to brag about himself and make money from the book!
🤓 Recommend For: I wouldn’t recommend this book. My first one ⭐️ of 2021!
Favourite Quotes:
💬“Becoming is better than being”, Carol Dweck author of Mindset
💬To achieve a growth mindset, be more open to learning.
📚Overview: Life advice from personal trainer, James Smith.
👍 Likes: Simple language, split into interesting categories, good reminder of some topics such as Carol Dweck’s mindset concept.
👎 Dislikes: Hugely disappointing! Disjointed by touching on numerous points without zoning in specifically on any, little to no scientific research or data, consistent quotations of other authors without creating any new concept himself, the book was a mixture between trying to be funny and inspirational without hitting either, I found the author really irritating, it felt like his key focus was to brag about himself and make money from the book!
🤓 Recommend For: I wouldn’t recommend this book. My first one ⭐️ of 2021!
Favourite Quotes:
💬“Becoming is better than being”, Carol Dweck author of Mindset
💬To achieve a growth mindset, be more open to learning.
January 26, 2021
I’m afraid this book has been the reason why I’ll stop following James. The book title should have been “how to be better at using social media based on physics”. The only possible reason why he abruptly kept quoting Einstein about the law of thermodynamics in a self improvement book is the effort to seem smarter even though “he didn’t do school”.
The only stars I gave are for the quotes from Lucy Lord.
The only stars I gave are for the quotes from Lucy Lord.
July 28, 2025
This was so good! Made me want to work in engineering even less… didn’t think that was possible at this stage. Guess I’m off to Sydney to become an influencer now!!
February 3, 2021
Good for perhaps a teenager or someone in their early twenties who aren’t sure on what route to take in their lives.
Someone with a mortgage and mouths to feed... there is nothing usable in this book.
Shame because his first book was fantastic.
Someone with a mortgage and mouths to feed... there is nothing usable in this book.
Shame because his first book was fantastic.
August 25, 2021
Picked this up and put it down a few times, as I kind of had to be in the mood for it. Some great practical advice and some parts that really get you thinking about your priorities. I’m sure I will dip in and out of it in the future for a bit of inspiration, as I do love James’s “why not?” attitude to life.
January 28, 2021
Jumps around a lot and not the best writing but the points made are good and its always nice to be reminded to act as if the world is your oyster.
December 9, 2022
This is ok. There’s some wisdom in here which I’ve heard elsewhere to be honest though I do like him. He doesn’t narrate it that well, bit stilted but I do like him and imagine he’s bringing some of these concepts to a new audience. I’m not really his target audience though to be honest.
May 15, 2021
Listened to this as an audiobook. Really enjoyed it and will definitely be popping it on again for a listen while out walking.
In essence, what I took from it is like similar books, only you can change your situation. Bad relationship? You can leave. Hate your job? You can apply for another one. Want a new car? You can save for it or make it work on finance.
It’s easy to say “oh but it’s easy for him..” “he doesn’t have the responsibilities I have”. That may be true but if you want something to change bad enough, you’ll make it happen. There are ways around everything.
No you might not be able to just up and leave country at this given moment, but if you so desperately want to you can plan to make that happen. It may be more difficult if you have other responsibilities but those are a direct result from choices you made. I think we all need to take more accountability for situations we find ourselves in and stop begrudging others.
Sometimes I think we just need a little reminder of things aren’t as we always perceive them and this book was good at that.
After finishing this I have even signed up for my first BJJ class. Call me influenced.
In essence, what I took from it is like similar books, only you can change your situation. Bad relationship? You can leave. Hate your job? You can apply for another one. Want a new car? You can save for it or make it work on finance.
It’s easy to say “oh but it’s easy for him..” “he doesn’t have the responsibilities I have”. That may be true but if you want something to change bad enough, you’ll make it happen. There are ways around everything.
No you might not be able to just up and leave country at this given moment, but if you so desperately want to you can plan to make that happen. It may be more difficult if you have other responsibilities but those are a direct result from choices you made. I think we all need to take more accountability for situations we find ourselves in and stop begrudging others.
Sometimes I think we just need a little reminder of things aren’t as we always perceive them and this book was good at that.
After finishing this I have even signed up for my first BJJ class. Call me influenced.
April 16, 2021
This book would have been better titled “Not a Life Coach - Ramblings of a Privileged Middleclass White Man” I am astonished this book got as far as being published. How many people have to tick it off before it gets to that stage. Literally the most pointless book ever written. Written by a man who doesn’t even realise how privileged he is. What a load of rubbish. Please don’t waste your time reading it. That is the best advice I can give you as not your life coach
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2022
Fantastic book if you’re looking for a kick up the arse or reassurance that you should do that thing you’re scared to do. Both eye opening and comforting.
Would recommend to anyone who wants to change their life, whether minor or majorly, but is sitting in the fence/living in fear.
You’re gonna be told what you need to hear, not what you want to hear so approach it with an open mind.
Would recommend to anyone who wants to change their life, whether minor or majorly, but is sitting in the fence/living in fear.
You’re gonna be told what you need to hear, not what you want to hear so approach it with an open mind.
February 17, 2021
Quick and easy read. Good one if you’re in the mood to be jolted out of the mundane
March 13, 2022
Great "self-help" book without all the BS. A great distillation of some of my favourite books and people from the self help world such as Mark Manson, Tim Ferris etc.
December 21, 2021
There are some good nuggets in this book but it is not as good as “Not a diet book”.
I don’t think I am the target audience. I think someone younger and with too many limiting beliefs would benefit more from this book.
I am an expatriate (for the 3rd time now), childfree and used to do things differently. So I’ve learned already the tips from this book in my own life.
I was bored past the first chapters. It is like a big compilation of many other self-help books. But more dumbed-down, so it is quite patronizing.
That said, there are still some good stuff here, like the part about brain plasticity and growth mentality (ok, one good thing).
However, James has an unique non-bullshit style that is interesting to listen to.
I don’t think I am the target audience. I think someone younger and with too many limiting beliefs would benefit more from this book.
I am an expatriate (for the 3rd time now), childfree and used to do things differently. So I’ve learned already the tips from this book in my own life.
I was bored past the first chapters. It is like a big compilation of many other self-help books. But more dumbed-down, so it is quite patronizing.
That said, there are still some good stuff here, like the part about brain plasticity and growth mentality (ok, one good thing).
However, James has an unique non-bullshit style that is interesting to listen to.
April 11, 2024
Very much aimed at a younger audience. A lot of ramble about Jui Jitsu and how all that money and women hasn't made him happy.
Some good advice within of course but nothing others haven't said before.
The best part of the book was a 1000 words about anxiety that was written by someone else.
A good section relating our actions to Newton near the end.
Some good advice within of course but nothing others haven't said before.
The best part of the book was a 1000 words about anxiety that was written by someone else.
A good section relating our actions to Newton near the end.
February 6, 2021
Audible version. I enjoyed it.
May 11, 2021
A really good book and I loved the advice in it.
February 4, 2024
Some interesting points amongst a lot of waffle
September 10, 2024
A good listen. I enjoy listening to James' books and always take things from them.
March 1, 2023
Took me way longer to finish this book than I wanted. There are some nuggets of wisdom in here but also some absolute waffle 🧇
January 11, 2022
This is the first self help book that I’ve read and it will also be my last. This is not to say I didn’t enjoy this book, it’s the fact that I prefer fiction.
This book does make you reflect on your own life and you need to remember how important having a work life balance is.
I also learnt a lot about James in the book. I cannot say this book has changed me in anyway.
This book does make you reflect on your own life and you need to remember how important having a work life balance is.
I also learnt a lot about James in the book. I cannot say this book has changed me in anyway.
November 25, 2020
James is back with an incredible new book pushing boundaries and redefining life and its in stores today!
I was so excited when I found out James was brining out a new book. Im a huge fan of his podcast and really enjoyed his first book Not a Diet Book. It came out at the right time for me personally and Not a Life a coach has absolutely nailed it’s timing too.
This book is quintessentially a how to life guide with the steps to finding happiness. It covers an array of topics from environment, values, foundations, identity and comfort zones. I devoured this in one sitting as it resonated with my life and the particular point I’m at in it.
We are all so busy and for the most part unhappy with some element. It’s time to reassess and decide in the end will you look back and say working 60 hours a week was so important?
Meditation and mental health were great chapters but the ones that hit home was mindset and motivation. “When you feel demotivated it’s important not to stop.” We’re our on worst enemies.
My favourite parts of this book are the amazing quotes that are so perfectly put into place and the little tasks throughout the chapters. I post-it’d so many pages, make sure you’ve got a pen and paper handy when you read this. I’ve got take 10 scheduled in my phone every day reminding me to stop and recharge.
If your looking for that book to help you plan your next step or looking for the push to chuck the traditional life in a follow your dreams this ones for you!
“The whole future lies with uncertainty: live immediately” Seneca
I was so excited when I found out James was brining out a new book. Im a huge fan of his podcast and really enjoyed his first book Not a Diet Book. It came out at the right time for me personally and Not a Life a coach has absolutely nailed it’s timing too.
This book is quintessentially a how to life guide with the steps to finding happiness. It covers an array of topics from environment, values, foundations, identity and comfort zones. I devoured this in one sitting as it resonated with my life and the particular point I’m at in it.
We are all so busy and for the most part unhappy with some element. It’s time to reassess and decide in the end will you look back and say working 60 hours a week was so important?
Meditation and mental health were great chapters but the ones that hit home was mindset and motivation. “When you feel demotivated it’s important not to stop.” We’re our on worst enemies.
My favourite parts of this book are the amazing quotes that are so perfectly put into place and the little tasks throughout the chapters. I post-it’d so many pages, make sure you’ve got a pen and paper handy when you read this. I’ve got take 10 scheduled in my phone every day reminding me to stop and recharge.
If your looking for that book to help you plan your next step or looking for the push to chuck the traditional life in a follow your dreams this ones for you!
“The whole future lies with uncertainty: live immediately” Seneca
October 10, 2021
No great. Found a few interesting ideas such as James' philosophy on social media use but the majority of this book can be summarized as poor regurgitation of original personal development bestsellers such as "4-hour workweek", "Atomic Habits", "The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F*ck" etc. Little or no recognition is given to the original books. Many references come from Wikipedia and Twitter. Also, the writing style and numerous unrelated tangents makes it incredibly difficult to read. The formatting is poor too.
March 7, 2022
Awful. Had to give up. He's right. He's not a life coach. Got fed up of the references to his penis. Also got fed up of the "everyones born the same you are what you make of yourself" drivel. Coming from a white man this is utter shite.
And that you don't need to be concerned about how much you earn. Which is fine and easy to say when you earn enough.
It's probably fine for someone younger who doesn't have a family feed and a roof to pay for. It helps to frame that life isn't all about pursuing the big salary.... but also some people actually need to earn to survive.
And that you don't need to be concerned about how much you earn. Which is fine and easy to say when you earn enough.
It's probably fine for someone younger who doesn't have a family feed and a roof to pay for. It helps to frame that life isn't all about pursuing the big salary.... but also some people actually need to earn to survive.
January 30, 2021
Underwhelming. Possibly a good gateway personal development book for someone who doesn't read non fiction but I felt there was nothing new or noted information or even memorable stories. Most of the positive psychology anecdotes have been written time and time again and by better authors.
I like the guy but he really should just stick to Instagram.
I like the guy but he really should just stick to Instagram.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews