Zero Negativity: The Power of Positive Thinking

by Ant Middleton

NO.1 BESTSELLER ANT MIDDLETON SHARES HIS SECRETS ABOUT HIS POSITIVE MINDSET AND TEACHES YOU TO LIVE A LIFE WITH ZERO NEGATIVITY There are times when life feels like it has you financial difficulties, relationship issues, work problems, all of the above. Every one of us, at one time or another, will have to face up to the challenges that come our way. And there are two ways of meeting negatively, where blame is the answer, where other people are at fault, where you haven’t been treated fairly. Or positively, where you own the situation, learn and grow from it, and become a better person at the end of it. Letting you into areas of his life he’s never talked about before, in Zero Negativity , Ant will show you how to embrace failure and use it to your advantage, how to see change as the foundation of your future success, how to develop resilience, how to deal with bullies, what it means to be a positive roll model, and how to live a life with no regrets. This book will not tell you who to be, where you should live, or what job you should do. That’s up to you. What this book is for, however, is to give you the tools you need to become the best possible version of yourself, to own who and what you are, and to live your life with Zero Negativity.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Personal Development, Autobiography, Military Fiction, Audiobook, Psychology

336 pages, Hardcover

Published September 3, 2020

Reviews

[Ricky Paule · Rating 3 out of 5]

The weakest of the three I have read but still good in places. I found his wife's parts to be a bit sycophantic and they actually turned me off. I don't need an Ant fan singing his praises every chapter to be honest. The bits when she wrote about herself were good though.
Worth a read? Meh. On it's own, probably not but with the others, yes. Just don't expect a great read, it felt more like a rushed or forced book, almost like he was signed to a three book deal and was just completing his obligations.

[Dan Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book but was part of a trilogy where first man in was a biography with some tips in about positive thinking. The second book fear bubble was half biopic half well-being and the third book zero negativity was 90% well-being and only 10% about his life. Definitely not knocking it as the guy is smart and it’s very interesting to challenge your own strengths and adaptability to new challenges in life but love hearing about his time in the military other adventures. What I love about his books is his brutal honesty on failures and mistakes and how he deals with it. As he constantly says he is not perfect but he is trying to improve himself each day which makes this trilogy an inspiring read. Would definitely recommend but you can’t have my copies as I will likely read them again and again 😂

[Jolanta · Rating 3 out of 5]

❝ Yra skirtumas tarp gero ir elitinio kario. Tai- didžiulė atsakomybė. Turi priimti tuos sprendimus ir galiausiai privalai su jais gyventi.<…> Todėl turi smarkiai stengtis, kad netaptum kraujo ištroškusiu šunimi.

❝ Kai žmonės puola jus negatyvumu, nepasiduokite pagundai atsakyti tuo pačiu.
Sprendimai sunkūs tik tada, kai į juos taip ir žvelgiate.
Kai kas nors sako, kad jūs pasikeitėte, priimkite tai kaip komplimentą.
Net ir menkiausi darbai yra geriau nei nieko nedarymas.

[Lina · Rating 1 out of 5]

The title of the book couldn't be any more misleading. The book really isn't about positive thinking, but rather about the author's own life. He spends countless pages shamelessly bragging and comes off as extremely narcissistic and arrogant. The weird paragraphs from his wife were the cherry on top of the cake - they felt so awkward and cringe worthy. What little advice Middleton does give is beyond simplistic, obvious and cliché.

[Mish · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. Love the SAS shows and the author, his attitude is great. But this book was just far too simplistic & repetitive for my liking.

[Elka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't love this book enough! Ant's honesty, his down to earth approach and his insane love of and dedication to self development is so inspiring. Even if you aren't into 'self help' books, I think anyone could take something out of this. And his voice is sexy af too

[Leo Sparkes · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I am honest, this book was a little disappointing. It lacked any real substance. Would recommended his first and second book over this one.

[Lina · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book summed up:

1. think positive
2. don't be afraid to fail and learn from failures
3. be more like Ant

The concepts in the book are very basic and offer zero actionable advice.

[Lakhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.2 stars. Started off okay but gets better than expected with his brutal honesty and wife's view. In simple terms he explains how we can attempt to see positivity in our life no matter what situation we are facing. Through his experiences he outlines a positive prespective to use 'every experience as an opportunity for growth' and the old cliché of 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger'.

'In life you have to commit to the unknown'.

'Greed is not sustainable, personal improvement is'.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this and it was very thought-provoking and motivational as Ant Middleton’s books and speeches are. My favourite book of Ant’s is ‘First Man In’ because there are a lot of stories in it. I found I had already heard a lot of the stories in Zero Negativity (but I had read his previous two books and attended two talks by Ant Middleton).

[Daniel Field · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounding off Middleton's "Mindset Trilogy" we have Zero Negativity. As a massive fan of the first two books, First Man In and The Fear Bubble, I found this to be a great continuation and finale. First Man In focuses on Ants life, in The Fear Bubble we explored his soul, and here, finally, we have an in-depth analysis of his mindset and outlook on life. He offers strong advice on how to remain positive in the worst of situations, and how a positive mindset can make a seemingly impossible situation end in success, in a multitude of ways.

While there are no truly original concepts here, such as there was in The Fear Bubble, every lesson here is still a strong one, even if most of them are common sense, not a lot of people follow these rules in daily life but reading them here may make people really take a look at themselves and see what they really need to do within their life to grow and develop, mature and evolve.

Thank you very much for this outstanding trilogy, Ant. It's been one hell of a journey, and I can't wait to get my hands on your first fictional novel next year!

[Teena Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like this book in it’s honesty is the closest we will get to having an insight into who Ant is.

For me, the first and second books felt more focused where this one was more anecdotal. At times it felt like Ant was trying to explain the inner workings of his mind and impart his lessons with it; how and why he reacts the way he does and the benefits/downfalls of it. To me, who thoroughly enjoyed his other books, it felt like this was valuable but it was just backing up what he’s been saying all along. You make your own chances in life and you have to keep pushing and striving to be better.

I know he says the first and second books were his heart and soul and now this is his mind (maybe not in that order) but this felt like a bit of everything to me. Well worth a read.

[Ashley Brewer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was given for Christmas and only read it because I was isolating. What a massive, massive bell end.

[Ana Copping · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was simply written, and had a great personal story throughout.

Ants Middleton is very rich in life experience and was vulnerable in sharing his story and how remaining positive has helped him to achieve some of his feats.

Before picking up this book, I was very sceptical of the title zero negativity, and was hoping to potentially be challenged in my way of thinking. However, this was written by one man and his experience of how positive thinking has helped him and his family. I believe if this book had been written to gather more stories and experiences from other individual perspectives of why positive thinking has helped them through hardship, this would have been a richer and more powerful.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's the end of the trilogy.
I appreciated Ant's wife Emilie's thoughts especially on 'that' Instagram message during the early Covid-19 days (yes I thought as much) at least he admits his mistakes and takes a lesson from them.
I am always motivated by Ant's books and although a lot of what he says is stuff you know it's always good if you're having a bad day to see get up, brush teeth, put clothes on as positives to power you on.
I feel he's said what he has to say and given out the tools to help those of us who need a kick up the bum to get going sometimes.
Also to recognise there are those who are just negative and to let them go if they are bringing you down.
With the chapter breakdowns at the end of each one I like to go back to these when I need a bit of a positive boost. The trilogy is complete.

[Suzanne Spencer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book that shows the mindset of a very successful man. This book shows the importance of positivity but would be nice for guidance on how to get there or achieve it yourself. Overall a good book.

[Julie Makin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great third book from Ant Middleton.

[Matt Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good ending to the trilogy series. It repeats some of the other parts mentioned in previous books, but still worth a read.

[Adriarn Crane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it Found it interesting didn’t know this was the last of 3 books so keen to read the others ! What a life he has had all with a positive mindset

[Kylie Latu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an easy and quick read, a nice filler in-between larger reads. I feel that this 3rd book from Ant Middleton presents as a consolidation of his approach to life and is most likely more enjoyable or easier to take into context if you have previously read his other two books, First man in and fear bubble. Although it is not a literacy masterpiece, and I found the contributions from his wife a little unnecessary, I do like his simple approach to positivity and success in life that he presents in this book.

[Michelle Dodd (Creaney) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7. I agree with much of what he says. Too much gratuitous swearing though. It’s not big and it’s not clever.

[Andie Constantinides · Rating 2 out of 5]

Love Ant Middleton but this book was too repetitive and felt a bit forced. Some takeaways but nothing revolutionary

[Carol Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suprisingly good read

Ok, why did I say suprisingly when it sounds judgemental even and the book being about positive positioning? Its just not normally the type of book I'd read. But I'd enjoyed this guys TV stuff and again I wouldn't normally read a book just because of a TV series. It just was the right book on the right shelf at the right time. One book later (reading) went for the job I always made excuses for and smashed it. Applied for uni, and grasping life again. I best read the other two now!

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book but I think it could of been at least 50 pages shorter.
Its called Zero Negativity but a lot of the time he's just going on more about himself and his life than he is about trying to help the reader.It's the first book I've read of his but it will be the last.The way he comes across in this book,he thinks he's right famous but if it wasn't for SAS:Who Dares Wins I wouldn't of had a clue who he was.If he walked past me in the street I probably wouldn't even recognize him.
I've nothing against Ant Middleton, I just think he's very self-centred.
If I could of I'd of rated this book 2.75 stars out of five I would have.

[Lisa Billingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I haven't yet read the first two but I intend to. This was recommended to me and I'm so grateful that it was. Minus the swearing... I do lots of it but not as much as Ant, it really resonated with me. It's very hard to do day in day out but your mindset does make so much difference to your life. Live in the moment and be your best you. What else is there?

[Chris · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poor writing, even poorer content.

[CadyReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has changed my life.
I got about a quarter of the way into the audiobook when I realised that.
Firstly, having Ant narrate it was so perfect. He has such an authentic and matter of fact way of speaking that it was instantly relatable and motivating.
Secondly, the way he said these things and actually related them to his experiences made them all seem real. Sure we’ve heard to be positive before and to not care about what other people think but so what? I understood these things before, hell, I even said them, but I didn’t KNOW them.
What I learned was that it is always better to go into a situation with a positive mindset. To do otherwise is a disservice to ourselves. Believing that you are amazing makes you amazing too. Being around people that give you energy is important and doing things that excite and challenge you and give you purpose is essential. Sometimes I would hear something and be like “oh so this is what therapy kept telling me lol. I get it now”.
I also learned that sometimes you can be positive and kind but people are still going to be dicks. For those people, treat them with kindness but also set boundaries. The people that used to bother me, I now find them funny! It’s hilarious to think that people react so miserably to compassion, and it’s more of a reflection on them.
One of my biggest hesitations going into this is that it would be about “okay always be happy, nothing is wrong, just be falsely positive.” Instead I realised that negative things are going to happen but it’s not about ignoring them it’s about choosing your attitude towards it. You might make mistakes and miss the opportunities that come up, or be stuck in a hard situation but it’s up to us to make sure when another train comes by, we’re ready for it and to be adaptable.
Thirdly, I really appreciated Emily’s contributions. It was great hearing an alternate view on what Ant was talking about, and a female perspective on some of these more traditionally masculine topics. Plus she also had a real and authentic way of speaking.
I took off a star because there were some things that were said that I didn’t necessarily agree with (gender roles etc). I also couldn’t find much interest in the military parts of this personally.
Overall, it was really comforting to hear everyday sounding people reading this. It was great to have Ant narrate with inspiration and to hear Emilys perspective. I want to watch SAS Who Dares Wins now. The ideas in here came across in a way I hadn’t realised before and this has already begun to change me and how I think. Very grateful to have picked this up on a chance and am eager to read what else Ant has and gain that wisdom.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zero Negativity: The Power of Positive Thinking features 10 chapters which follow a layout containing stories from Anthony Middleton's life (inclusive of childhood, military life, experiences, opportunities), sections presenting advice learnt by Ant and for the reader to learn/take on board, insight on Ant through Emilie's perspective and concluding with key take aways from each chapter.

This book was a really great read, especially as a first read of the year. Although it was simple and somewhat obvious at times, it made me realise that things don't need to be overly complex and sometimes you need that reminder of how to practice positivity as we often forget its significance.

The layout of the book featuring stories from Ant's life, to advice, to Emilie's perspective and recapping with a summary at the end of each chapter in very simple language and briefness was effective.

I loved how you could hear Ant's voice as you read through the passages and see how he is within his everyday life thanks to Emilie. It was reassuring and a perfect reminder of the importance of having positivity present within your life, even if it starts as something small because eventually it will grow into something bigger. The book has made me think a lot about what positivity is, how it is being used and what I can do to keep exploring and implementing it in my everyday life. It has made me reflect on negative experiences I have had and flipping it around to find those positives, no matter how bad a situation is because something can always be taken away from it. It has made me be honest with myself and want to be honest with myself.

I am excited to exercise positivity and live a life with a positive mindset.

Thank you, Anthony.

[Ellie Cake · Rating 3 out of 5]

It seems absurd to give a bad review on a book about positivity but here we go. Ant Middleton is clearly good at showing what an optimistic mindset has done for him. He's charismatic, able to talk to anyone, the perfect family man but also the ex service man who fought hardship, overall you can't deny he's managed an impressive skill set. His wife is 'sometimes overly' expressive of how wonderful he is. It did become, I'm sad to say, a bit self centred. There were glimpses of advice for how you could incorporate positivity into your daily life. Which was good, but it didn't seem as though he had a grasp on what real life entails. For example when the office gets too much he suggested moving your laptop away to another area which is less distracting. Now, don't get me wrong but don't most offices have secured PCs to allocated spaces. I think most bosses would be up in arms if you suddenly decided to up and move. The other example that triggered me was the metaphor of a lion. A lion doesn't give up if it doesn't catch it's food first time. Well no but if it doesn't catch food it dies. So are we saying here if you're not positive you will too?
Then there were the nods to his impressive career and opportunities. I say opportunities as some people would give their life savings to take time off to climb Ben Nevis, be on a television show, amongst other things.
It all seemed a bit out of touch and verging on if you don't like it well.. tough, "get knotted" attitude (which is not positivity). I know this is probably coming across a tad harsh but when talking a subject of positive mindset the facts and proven material need to be right. Overall it was a good read. He's an interesting man and had some good things to say but don't use this as a self help book.

[Maryam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book about positivity?

After a reading hiatus, I came across Ant Middleton in real life and got the urge to read one of his books.

When I met this author, he was extremely humble, kind, and clearly positive.

I usually find the majority of books focused on positivity to lack depth and to be somewhat vague with simplistic solutions towards positivity and happiness.

By reading Ant’s book, it was everything a stereotypical positivity book is not, which is exactly what I was looking for.

Ant shares extremely deep and honest stories from different stages in his life which builds upon his ideologies regarding positivity and happiness.

By going through the chapters of this book, we can see how the author acknowledges his flaws and fixes his mistakes. Ultimately, we can see a smooth evolution of this author’s character while he shares deep and detailed stories about his life.

I particularly enjoyed his stories about spending time in Afghanistan and Sierra Leone and the cultural elements he involved in the book as well.

For me personally, reading this book has taken some weight off my shoulders. I’ve learnt from the book that many things are not as we like, we are not the best version of ourselves, but with hard work and focus, we will get there. I particularly appreciate Ant’s focus on how our personalities are constantly evolving and we can improve our weaknesses and we can fix our mistakes.

Interestingly, the author mentions that he feels complimented when people tell him he has changed. If we don’t change, then we are not evolving/improving.

This book motivates the reader to trust the process and to focus on self-improvement and development and the positivity will come side-by-side.

I enjoyed reading this book.