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1% Better: Reaching My Full Potential and How You Can Too
Chris Nikic, the first person with Down syndrome to ever complete an IRONMAN triathlon, inspires others to achieve their goals by getting better 1% at a time.
If you have read only one article about Chris Nikic, you were likely hooked and wanted to read more. This inspiring young man, who in November 2020 became the first person with Down syndrome to complete an IRONMAN (and verified by Guinness World Records), has become famous. All across the globe, people followed his pursuit and cheered him on, but in this book Chris and his father, Nik, will give the how-to behind his success - getting better 1% at a time - which is something everyone can do in any area of their lives.
“My mission is to honor God by being the best me I can be so I can be an example to others,” states Chris. “I want to change the perceptions and raise expectations for others like me so we can reach our God-given potential.” In '1% BETTER', Chris and Nik share the motivating principles that can be applied by anyone trying to realize a dream and reach their full potential - whether they are young or old, in shape or out of shape, and even if living with a disability.
If you have read only one article about Chris Nikic, you were likely hooked and wanted to read more. This inspiring young man, who in November 2020 became the first person with Down syndrome to complete an IRONMAN (and verified by Guinness World Records), has become famous. All across the globe, people followed his pursuit and cheered him on, but in this book Chris and his father, Nik, will give the how-to behind his success - getting better 1% at a time - which is something everyone can do in any area of their lives.
“My mission is to honor God by being the best me I can be so I can be an example to others,” states Chris. “I want to change the perceptions and raise expectations for others like me so we can reach our God-given potential.” In '1% BETTER', Chris and Nik share the motivating principles that can be applied by anyone trying to realize a dream and reach their full potential - whether they are young or old, in shape or out of shape, and even if living with a disability.
224 pages, Paperback
First published October 5, 2021
19 people are currently reading
686 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
July 28, 2021
I was really excited to read this book. I thought it would be a great inspiration to hear Chris talk about his Ironman experience.
THIS WAS NOT THE CASE!
The book should NOT have Chris' name on it, since his father is the one talking/writing/his perspective.
I was so disappointed on NOT hearing from Chris.
This book should be titled....How I pushed my Down Syndrome Son into doing an Ironman.
Nik goes on and on about his own life and HIS aspirations...we never hear from Chris.
Then near the end of the book, when we get to the 1% Better aspect, Nik again says oh create a mindset, have goals, create a dream board.
Yet when he talks about Chris' goals....buy a car, buy a house, get a pretty wife....NONE OF THAT TRANSLATES to completing an IRONMAN.
And don't get me started with FAKE PAIN and real pain.
WOW!
Overall, this book can be summed up by wealthy person pushes son to complete an ironman by getting a "team" together and we never HEAR from the actual athlete.
How do you get better....by improving just a little bit every day. Numerous other books (the author even mentions them in the book) make the case for 1% better then this author.
Disappointing book.
Thanks to Netgalley and to the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for this honest review.
THIS WAS NOT THE CASE!
The book should NOT have Chris' name on it, since his father is the one talking/writing/his perspective.
I was so disappointed on NOT hearing from Chris.
This book should be titled....How I pushed my Down Syndrome Son into doing an Ironman.
Nik goes on and on about his own life and HIS aspirations...we never hear from Chris.
Then near the end of the book, when we get to the 1% Better aspect, Nik again says oh create a mindset, have goals, create a dream board.
Yet when he talks about Chris' goals....buy a car, buy a house, get a pretty wife....NONE OF THAT TRANSLATES to completing an IRONMAN.
And don't get me started with FAKE PAIN and real pain.
WOW!
Overall, this book can be summed up by wealthy person pushes son to complete an ironman by getting a "team" together and we never HEAR from the actual athlete.
How do you get better....by improving just a little bit every day. Numerous other books (the author even mentions them in the book) make the case for 1% better then this author.
Disappointing book.
Thanks to Netgalley and to the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for this honest review.
dnf
October 6, 2021Note: The marketing on this book as since change/updated. Now, It does states that the book is being told through the Father eyes.
This book is not what it is marketed to be because it is said it be a book told by Chris about he being the first person with Down syndrome to complete an IRONMAN. This book is mostly told by his father and it is mostly about his father and being a parent of the child with Down Syndrome. I have three special needs kid, and I really wanted to read a book told by a person that has special needs. I ended up DNFing this book around the 50% mark because to me it just did not want to read a book about a special needs parents that pushes his kid so much. I am a special needs parent, and I do not need to read a book about being a special needs parent. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
This book is not what it is marketed to be because it is said it be a book told by Chris about he being the first person with Down syndrome to complete an IRONMAN. This book is mostly told by his father and it is mostly about his father and being a parent of the child with Down Syndrome. I have three special needs kid, and I really wanted to read a book told by a person that has special needs. I ended up DNFing this book around the 50% mark because to me it just did not want to read a book about a special needs parents that pushes his kid so much. I am a special needs parent, and I do not need to read a book about being a special needs parent. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
October 17, 2021
This is the story everyone's been waiting for about Chris Nikic and his father and team who gained fame for becoming the first man with Down Syndrome to complete an Ironman Triathlon.
The book is narrated by his father Nik and tells basically the same story that all of the articles and press did at the time. The first section highlights his father's family history coming to America and business background. Part 2 focuses on Chris and his trajectory building to becoming an Ironman. Part 3 returns to the father's philosophy and process of 1% Better.
While interesting, it is very much Nik on a soap box about his idea of 1% Better and his long-winded way of explaining it. While he claims to be a salesman, the story and philosophy wind and drag a bit trying to get to the point. He also comes off as the major force making things happen, giving minor credit to the rest of the family and training team, hinting at making things happen despite everyone else's resistance.
Readers will reach for this hoping to hear about / from Chris and I think the family hopes to capitalize on that interest to share their philosophy. Not the biography you're probably looking for, nor quite the inspiration you might hope to find.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in a Goodreads Giveaway. This is my voluntary, honest review.
The book is narrated by his father Nik and tells basically the same story that all of the articles and press did at the time. The first section highlights his father's family history coming to America and business background. Part 2 focuses on Chris and his trajectory building to becoming an Ironman. Part 3 returns to the father's philosophy and process of 1% Better.
While interesting, it is very much Nik on a soap box about his idea of 1% Better and his long-winded way of explaining it. While he claims to be a salesman, the story and philosophy wind and drag a bit trying to get to the point. He also comes off as the major force making things happen, giving minor credit to the rest of the family and training team, hinting at making things happen despite everyone else's resistance.
Readers will reach for this hoping to hear about / from Chris and I think the family hopes to capitalize on that interest to share their philosophy. Not the biography you're probably looking for, nor quite the inspiration you might hope to find.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in a Goodreads Giveaway. This is my voluntary, honest review.
December 19, 2021
1% Better tells the incredible story of Chris Nikic – the first person with Down syndrome to ever complete an IRONMAN® triathlon – through the words of Nik Nikic, Chris’s father. From the moment Chris was born, his parents raised him with the mindset that he could achieve anything he set his mind to do.
In 1% Better, Nik shares the secret to Chris’s success – getting better 1% at a time – which is something each of us can do in any area of our lives!
Adopting the 1% Better mindset helped Chris achieve many of his goals. Learning the underlying principles of the 1% Better system can help you achieve your dreams too!
This excerpt is taken from the original review that is published on my blog. To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.
In 1% Better, Nik shares the secret to Chris’s success – getting better 1% at a time – which is something each of us can do in any area of our lives!
Adopting the 1% Better mindset helped Chris achieve many of his goals. Learning the underlying principles of the 1% Better system can help you achieve your dreams too!
This excerpt is taken from the original review that is published on my blog. To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.
January 8, 2022
While I was disappointed that this was never in Chris's voice (I mean, is he can do a 20 minutes speech, he can get to tell good story in his own words)but only his father's, I did appreciate it.
I wanted to read this because I have a cousin and a sister in law with Down Syndrome. This book even made me learn a few things about Down Syndrome that I didn't know.
I do like the concept of trying to be just 1% better everyday. It's going to look different for everyone. But I wish the focus had been more on Chris and why he wanted to complete an Ironman. It was kind of told but more glossed over.
I wanted to read this because I have a cousin and a sister in law with Down Syndrome. This book even made me learn a few things about Down Syndrome that I didn't know.
I do like the concept of trying to be just 1% better everyday. It's going to look different for everyone. But I wish the focus had been more on Chris and why he wanted to complete an Ironman. It was kind of told but more glossed over.
October 6, 2025
Not going to lie, it was a good book overall. I do agree, I would’ve liked to hear more about Chris and his thoughts going through the training. Chris is coauthor of the book, therefore he should’ve had his own part in the book. I do like the concept and will try to adopt it in my life, very inspiring!
August 2, 2023
This was such an inspiring book, and it was amazing to get some insights into this story! Maybe it's not what most people expect to read, but for most of us, this is such an encouragement!
November 13, 2023
What Chris accomplished is commendable, however I was disappointed how little of Chris actually came through this book. Also Patty! I wanted to hear more from both of them
September 7, 2021
A good book about overcoming mental barriers and becoming better. Nik Nikic begins the book with the story of his life, Chris Nikic's birth, and how Nik Nikic rose to success in the business world. Nik Nikic says that this portion of the book was necessary for him to set up his 1% Better mindset, but it is a little boastful about his success. The 1% Better is truly a mindset not just a habit, and it was really cool to hear how this worked for Chris Nikic as he overcame physical challenges in running an Ironman marathon. As someone who has recently taken up running, I may have to start implementing the 1% Better into my training some. This book also made me realize that a sprint triathlon is not as far of a distance as I thought it would be. Overall, a decent book on overcoming mental barriers.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions in this review are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions in this review are my own.
December 18, 2022
First, I would classify this more as memoir rather than a road map. This was no James Clear, but rather felt like a wealthy man boasting about his personal accomplishments. At best it feels aggressively well meaning and at worst it feels exploitative. As I don't have a child with Downs Syndrome, I'm not sure how I would respond in Nik Nikic's place, but after reading I hope it would be with more empathy, less manipulation, and the same enthusiasm and love.
September 22, 2021
I received an advance copy of, 1% Better, by Chris Nikic, Nik Nikic. I thought this book had to much about Nik in and not enough about Chris. Chris's story is inspirational, not his dads. Chris is an amazing person, with great discipline, he never gives up.
Read
January 7, 2022* I don’t rate NF
I was intrigued by the young man on this cover and his story as the first person with Down Syndrome to complete an IRONMAN triathlon!
How amazing is Chris who set a goal and then trained and achieved it. I needed to hear his story!
His father writes of their family’s background, we hear Chris’ motivations, how he overcame roadblocks during the triathlon before finishing it with almost 15 minutes to spare, and lastly Nik provides tips on how to apply the 1% better method to achieving your goals.
I would have loved even more details about Chris and less about the 1% method applied but that’s just me personally not necessarily picking this up as a self help read but solely because I was interested in Chris as a person and his accomplishment. So that isn’t to say anything negative about the book.
Nik is clearly a driven person and a huge advocate for his son and isn’t going to let the world define what it means to be a person with Down Syndrome or what they can or cannot achieve.
I don’t see how anybody could read about Chris’ accomplishments and not feel anything but hopeful and inspired themselves. Congratulations, Chris!
Thank you TLC Book Tours for the gifted copy!
I was intrigued by the young man on this cover and his story as the first person with Down Syndrome to complete an IRONMAN triathlon!
How amazing is Chris who set a goal and then trained and achieved it. I needed to hear his story!
His father writes of their family’s background, we hear Chris’ motivations, how he overcame roadblocks during the triathlon before finishing it with almost 15 minutes to spare, and lastly Nik provides tips on how to apply the 1% better method to achieving your goals.
I would have loved even more details about Chris and less about the 1% method applied but that’s just me personally not necessarily picking this up as a self help read but solely because I was interested in Chris as a person and his accomplishment. So that isn’t to say anything negative about the book.
Nik is clearly a driven person and a huge advocate for his son and isn’t going to let the world define what it means to be a person with Down Syndrome or what they can or cannot achieve.
I don’t see how anybody could read about Chris’ accomplishments and not feel anything but hopeful and inspired themselves. Congratulations, Chris!
Thank you TLC Book Tours for the gifted copy!
October 31, 2021
1% Better, is not only the story of Chris Nikic's difficult life living with Downs Syndrome, but focuses also on his accomplishments in spite of it, going on to become the first person to complete an Ironman Triathlon.
Chris' mom, Patty, gives us a glimpse into the medical aspect of taking care of his medical needs. She also shares Chris' many years of trying to fit into the basic school system, to finally discover a system that worked. There is a wealth of knowledge that can help other people deal with the same thing.
It's an uplifting and inspirational story of the sacrifices his parents make in order to give Chris a better qualify of life.
The story was an eye-opener for me, not knowing much about Down Syndrome and how to motivate and encourage a child with it. I now how a broader sense of the disability and a great admiration for the strength and determination one needs to take on that challenge. The references to the 1% Better system used for Chris give me a better idea of how to improve my own quality of life.
I was provided with a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily choose to review it.
Chris' mom, Patty, gives us a glimpse into the medical aspect of taking care of his medical needs. She also shares Chris' many years of trying to fit into the basic school system, to finally discover a system that worked. There is a wealth of knowledge that can help other people deal with the same thing.
It's an uplifting and inspirational story of the sacrifices his parents make in order to give Chris a better qualify of life.
The story was an eye-opener for me, not knowing much about Down Syndrome and how to motivate and encourage a child with it. I now how a broader sense of the disability and a great admiration for the strength and determination one needs to take on that challenge. The references to the 1% Better system used for Chris give me a better idea of how to improve my own quality of life.
I was provided with a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily choose to review it.
June 26, 2025
If I were to be rating the first 2/3 of the book, I would give it a 4 or possibly a 4.5 on a scale of 1 to 5. However, with the final part of the book the score goes down somewhat. I felt a little beat over the head with the sales talk about 1% better after reading large portions of it being repeated. This should have either been one chapter if it needed to be its own body section. I understood what the father was trying to get across with 1% better in the body section.
That being said, I feel Chris Nikic is one of the most inspirational people I have read about recently, especially in the special education category. He overcame things that most would not, due to the support and love of his family and those around them. I have also heard Chris and Nik speak in person, and they are very inspirational in that arena as well.
That being said, I feel Chris Nikic is one of the most inspirational people I have read about recently, especially in the special education category. He overcame things that most would not, due to the support and love of his family and those around them. I have also heard Chris and Nik speak in person, and they are very inspirational in that arena as well.
December 2, 2023
Pe Goodreads i-am dat o singură stea, iar pe Facebook am tot postat despre câte sentimente negative mi-a declanșat. Știți teoria mea, extrem de rar mai scriu și recenzii despre ce nu mi-a plăcut, însă acum o fac din două motive: (1) pentru simt că e datoria mea să avertizez alți posibili cititori despre ce vor găsi în carte (și nu va fi deloc ce promite coperta I, coperta a IV-a sau marketingul cărții) și (2) pentru că pot argumenta de ce este periculos modul în care poate fi interpretată și folosită cartea asta nu doar de către cei care au în îngrijire copii cu sindrom Down sau alte afecțiuni, ci și de părinți și îngrijitori și educatori ai unor copii, în general.
Recenzia integrală este aici: https://ancazaharia.ro/cu-1-mai-bun-d...
Recenzia integrală este aici: https://ancazaharia.ro/cu-1-mai-bun-d...
November 27, 2022
This book portrayed Chris's journey to success and sadly anchored too much on the Father's story and successes in business rather than focusing solely on his son and Chris's wonderful achievement. I loved the premise and information provided however it was deceiving in its advertisement and it received a lower score due to Nik Nikic 'stealing the spotlight' if you will. I fell that this comes across as almost selfish to the audience. Overall though it tells a wonderful tale of Christ and his phenomenal journey which is breathtaking and hear wrenching. (likelihood to recommend 8/10)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2023
This was a good book on helping you understand how Chris got to the level of athletics and motivational speaking he’s at today. It’s a book that emphasizes plans to get to a better you, much like the book about Tiny Habits. I was disappointed that this book was more written by his father, Nik, rather than in the words of Chris himself. I get why it wasn’t, but I was hoping we would at least have more first person perspective from Chris. That’s the reason I’m only giving it 3 stars. It’s a heart warning, helpful book the for underdog in us all, but it wasn’t what I was hoping it would be.
October 31, 2022
A simple path to success
This is an engaging and inspiring story, but unlike most stories of extraordinary accomplishments, this explains how us average joes can do it, following a simple plan that foregoes “no pain, no gain” for slow, long lasting improvement over time. Using logical goal setting, motivation, and execution, an ordinary father/son team joins with friends to do the impossible. A feel good story that everyone trying to succeed at anything should read.
This is an engaging and inspiring story, but unlike most stories of extraordinary accomplishments, this explains how us average joes can do it, following a simple plan that foregoes “no pain, no gain” for slow, long lasting improvement over time. Using logical goal setting, motivation, and execution, an ordinary father/son team joins with friends to do the impossible. A feel good story that everyone trying to succeed at anything should read.
January 31, 2023
I want to read this again in a few years when my son is a little older! Chris' story is so inspiring and the wisdom and how it's applied is great! It's not written or marketed as Christian non-fic, but it's clear from the author that he is writing from a biblical worldview. 10/10 would recommend (whether you have someone in your life with Down's or not). The wisdom in this quick read is applicable to anyone regardless of age or mental/phyisical ability!
January 17, 2022
Small tiny habits change the course of your life. Take it one step at a time. The approach is that is hard. You want to do everything all at once. Can't happen. You need to grow your mind first for the body to get used to it then start increasing the steps. The same concept as in Tiny Habits by B.j. Fogg.
July 22, 2022
This was a very easy read. I had the privilege of listening to the authors’ story at an ACSM conference and received a signed copy of this book. The 1% Better program seems very simple but without keeping a strong and focused mindset one could easily stray from the course.
Definitely worth the read!
Definitely worth the read!
October 2, 2023
I was disappointed that the book didn't talk more about Chris and that so much of the emphasis was on the father's idea of how 1% better works. I think he has a good idea how to incorporate changes into our life with his 1% better method but I wasn't expecting that to be the main focus of the book. It's a self help book more than it is a biography.
January 7, 2022
3.5 Stars, rounded down. What Chris has accomplished is a Five Star inspirational story! The format of the book just falls very flat & almost reads like a sale pitch; it lacks heart. Also, the audiobook narrator is pretty terrible.
September 2, 2022
We are big IM and Nikic family fans at our house and loved getting the details of this amazing story! Also really appreciated gaining a better understanding of the 1% principle… I’ll be thinking of how to apply it for a while!
October 17, 2022
I’m a bit biased, as I got to meet the family and watch Chris cross the finish line in Kona. Wonderful family. Honest, sincere, motivational advice we can all apply to our lives. I do wish we had heard more from Chris
September 6, 2024
This was a riveting book. I loved it until
The last couple of chapters. Then it got just a little too academic for me and I lost interest.
But Chris Nickic is an amazing young man and his parents are rock stars… especially his mother who did the grunt work in the early years.
The last couple of chapters. Then it got just a little too academic for me and I lost interest.
But Chris Nickic is an amazing young man and his parents are rock stars… especially his mother who did the grunt work in the early years.
December 31, 2024
Giving this a 2.5 because I was looking forward to hearing Chris’ story. However it was mostly his father’s, great story but I came here thinking Chris was the main focus. Good read about habits and motivation.
October 7, 2021
Such a cute motivational book!
November 1, 2021
Great book to read.
December 19, 2021
An interesting read. Gives some insight into the approach for training (and life)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews