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Built Through Courage: Face Your Fears to Live the Life You Were Meant For
New York Times bestselling author Dave Hollis knows what it feels like to realize you’ve been chasing someone else’s goals and sacrificing your own. He has taken control of his life and future, and he’s ready to share the lessons he learned along the way with readers who are facing similar struggles.
After his hardest year also became his best ever, Dave came to appreciate the power of cultivating courage in the face of adversity. Taking steps into the unknown came at the expense of his comfort, but the willingness to invite discomfort and use it as fuel was precisely why he grew through it to get a step closer to the person he was meant to be. The same can be true for you. After weathering a highly publicized personal crisis amid the backdrop of a global pandemic and navigating the enjoyable but unpredictable waters of being a single father to four kids, he has been forced to become the captain of his own life and is ready to teach others how to do the same.
Built for Courage will help you:
- Develop a deep understanding where you are, a clear vision of where you’re going and the practical steps it will take to get you there;
- Cultivate the courage to face your fears and embrace discomfort to live the life of impact and fulfillment you were meant for;
- Unpack the deliberate design and specific purpose that you were created for along with the fundamental daily habits and routines that you’ll need to attach yourself to if you’re going to honor the intention of your creator;
- Dive deeper into the stories, values, and beliefs you attach yourself to and decide once and for all if they have credibility or if it’s time to cut bait;
- Identify and, if necessary, adjust your goals to ensure they are clear, don’t belong to other people, and are not contingent on immediate results;
- Accept failure as the richest source of intelligence and help you reframe it as a requirement for your own progress and growth; and
Much, much more.
Built for Courage gleans wisdom from sources vast and wide, as well as from the life experiences of Dave himself, to get you to the place you’re meant to go and become who you are meant to be, regardless of any anchor holding you back.
After his hardest year also became his best ever, Dave came to appreciate the power of cultivating courage in the face of adversity. Taking steps into the unknown came at the expense of his comfort, but the willingness to invite discomfort and use it as fuel was precisely why he grew through it to get a step closer to the person he was meant to be. The same can be true for you. After weathering a highly publicized personal crisis amid the backdrop of a global pandemic and navigating the enjoyable but unpredictable waters of being a single father to four kids, he has been forced to become the captain of his own life and is ready to teach others how to do the same.
Built for Courage will help you:
- Develop a deep understanding where you are, a clear vision of where you’re going and the practical steps it will take to get you there;
- Cultivate the courage to face your fears and embrace discomfort to live the life of impact and fulfillment you were meant for;
- Unpack the deliberate design and specific purpose that you were created for along with the fundamental daily habits and routines that you’ll need to attach yourself to if you’re going to honor the intention of your creator;
- Dive deeper into the stories, values, and beliefs you attach yourself to and decide once and for all if they have credibility or if it’s time to cut bait;
- Identify and, if necessary, adjust your goals to ensure they are clear, don’t belong to other people, and are not contingent on immediate results;
- Accept failure as the richest source of intelligence and help you reframe it as a requirement for your own progress and growth; and
Much, much more.
Built for Courage gleans wisdom from sources vast and wide, as well as from the life experiences of Dave himself, to get you to the place you’re meant to go and become who you are meant to be, regardless of any anchor holding you back.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published October 26, 2021
118 people are currently reading
875 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
November 6, 2022
Executive Summary: I do not recommend this book.
Dave Hollis is mostly known for having been married to Rachel Hollis, author of Girl Wash Your Face; Girl, Stop Apologizing; and Didn't See That Coming. Of these, I have only read Girl Wash Your Face, and here is a quote from my review that applies fairly well to this book by Dave Hollis, as well:
One of the things that made me go "WHAT?!?!" early on was the author's mention of the book having a "Christian publisher." That was not made obvious in any way. Often throughout the book, Hollis refers to God's plan; hearing the Lord quietly speaking to her, etc. I found myself recoiling whenever she did that. I'm neither Christian nor religious.
Rachel Hollis is your friend who thinks she can be your therapist because she goes to therapy herself. She's your friend who lost weight and thinks she knows the cure to everyone's fatness. She's also the friend who posts Jesus memes on Facebook and then doesn't understand when her Jewish friends don't like them.
Dave Hollis is slightly less overt about religious references, though he does throw in the occasional Bible quote. He leans more heavily on a generalized "you were made by your creator for a specific purpose," and the language of what "the universe" wants for you (ingredients of the Prosperity Gospel and Law of Attraction).
Backing up a bit, for those not well-versed in All Things Hollis.... Dave Hollis used to be a Disney Executive (something readers are reminded of frequently in this book). His Disney money allowed Rachel to transition from running a party-planning company to a "lifestyle"/"media" company (Chic Media, which I'd legit never heard of before I read GWYF) to moving into the realm of women's conferences and the self-help guru space. This included, unfortunately, Rachel being a speaker at various MLM conventions, but that is a whole other story.
According to Dave, when Rachel conducted her 2017 Rise Conference in Austin, TX, he was so impressed by Rachel's magic that he wanted to be a part of it. This led to his leaving his Disney job in 2018 and becoming the CEO of The Hollis Company. The family left LA and moved to Austin.
So, Dave straight-up says that when he left Disney and joined HollisCo, he was having a mid-life crisis and he mistook Rachel's dream for his own. Keep that in mind.
Fast-forward to 2020. In June, Dave and Rachel both released statements that they were divorcing. Dave shared that it was Rachel who had asked for the divorce. Both Hollises also shared that they'd been considering divorce for years. While all that had been happening in the background, Dave and Rachel had been running Rise Together conferences for couples. People paid thousands of dollars for the conferences, despite the Hollises having absolutely no credentials or qualifications in counseling of any kind--a fact they flippantly acknowledged in a promo video for their conference.
So the central premise of this book is that the year since the break-up has been the hardest but best year of his life. And he's here to advise/counsel people based on that experience. And use nautical metaphors throughout.
You see, there is a quote that Dave loves so much, he has had it tattooed on one of his forearms: "A ship in harbor is safe, but that's not what ships are built for." This is his guiding metaphor through the whole book, and he endlessly urges his readers to leave their "safe harbor" to go out into the ocean to pursue their true purpose (that their "creator" made them for). Spoiler alert: It gets old fast.
Dave has a line, "YOU CAN’T SAIL THE OCEAN WITH SOMEONE ELSE’S MAP." Dude that is LITERALLY how maps work. We don't all make our own map when we go on a trip. We use maps that Google or a mapmaker created. I eventually realized that he was probably confusing "map" with "itinerary." It seems that when Dave impulsively quit Disney, he was sailing the ocean with Rachel's itinerary.
But here is the piece that puzzles me. After saying he was trying to follow Rachel's dream rather than his own, he also describes something that sounds very much like trying to make his own version of Rachel's brand: being in the self-help space (without credentials or qualifications), "coaching," planning conferences. I can't help thinking that it is too soon for Dave Hollis to declare what his dream even is. He writes about surviving this year since the divorce, but he must have been writing the book less than a year into divorced life. It seems to me he is much too close to the trauma to teach or advise from it.
In the book, Dave Hollis describes meeting and becoming romantically involved with Heidi Powell. Heidi had recently gone through her divorce from Chris Powell (formerly of the show Extreme Weight Loss). Not to bring too much "outside" information into this review, but Dave and Heidi have apparently gotten "serious" very quickly, and are living their relationship very publicly on the socials. And both seem to be trying to rebrand themselves in the context of being part of an "influencer" couple. It's rather hypocritical that Dave comments in the book about fighting for eye contact with his kids, without their staring at a screen. Dave and Heidi are constantly pointing their phones at their kids (each has four kids), putting everything on video for Instagram.
Some of the advice in the book is not terrible, some is just so-so, and some strikes me as potentially harmful. Anything of value in the book can be gleaned from more qualified sources. To his credit, Dave Hollis does promote seeking therapy. Anyone feeling stuck in their lives should begin there, not with a Dave Hollis book.
There is a moment in the book where Dave shares that he doubted his competence and qualifications to write a book like this. I think that was good instinct that he should have stuck with.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC; this review is my honest opinion.
Edit, 11/6/2022: Dave Hollis's children's book, Here's to Your Dreams!: A Teatime with Noah Book will be released on 11/8/2022. I received an ARC from Netgalley, and my review is here.
Dave Hollis is mostly known for having been married to Rachel Hollis, author of Girl Wash Your Face; Girl, Stop Apologizing; and Didn't See That Coming. Of these, I have only read Girl Wash Your Face, and here is a quote from my review that applies fairly well to this book by Dave Hollis, as well:
One of the things that made me go "WHAT?!?!" early on was the author's mention of the book having a "Christian publisher." That was not made obvious in any way. Often throughout the book, Hollis refers to God's plan; hearing the Lord quietly speaking to her, etc. I found myself recoiling whenever she did that. I'm neither Christian nor religious.
Rachel Hollis is your friend who thinks she can be your therapist because she goes to therapy herself. She's your friend who lost weight and thinks she knows the cure to everyone's fatness. She's also the friend who posts Jesus memes on Facebook and then doesn't understand when her Jewish friends don't like them.
Dave Hollis is slightly less overt about religious references, though he does throw in the occasional Bible quote. He leans more heavily on a generalized "you were made by your creator for a specific purpose," and the language of what "the universe" wants for you (ingredients of the Prosperity Gospel and Law of Attraction).
Backing up a bit, for those not well-versed in All Things Hollis.... Dave Hollis used to be a Disney Executive (something readers are reminded of frequently in this book). His Disney money allowed Rachel to transition from running a party-planning company to a "lifestyle"/"media" company (Chic Media, which I'd legit never heard of before I read GWYF) to moving into the realm of women's conferences and the self-help guru space. This included, unfortunately, Rachel being a speaker at various MLM conventions, but that is a whole other story.
According to Dave, when Rachel conducted her 2017 Rise Conference in Austin, TX, he was so impressed by Rachel's magic that he wanted to be a part of it. This led to his leaving his Disney job in 2018 and becoming the CEO of The Hollis Company. The family left LA and moved to Austin.
So, Dave straight-up says that when he left Disney and joined HollisCo, he was having a mid-life crisis and he mistook Rachel's dream for his own. Keep that in mind.
Fast-forward to 2020. In June, Dave and Rachel both released statements that they were divorcing. Dave shared that it was Rachel who had asked for the divorce. Both Hollises also shared that they'd been considering divorce for years. While all that had been happening in the background, Dave and Rachel had been running Rise Together conferences for couples. People paid thousands of dollars for the conferences, despite the Hollises having absolutely no credentials or qualifications in counseling of any kind--a fact they flippantly acknowledged in a promo video for their conference.
So the central premise of this book is that the year since the break-up has been the hardest but best year of his life. And he's here to advise/counsel people based on that experience. And use nautical metaphors throughout.
You see, there is a quote that Dave loves so much, he has had it tattooed on one of his forearms: "A ship in harbor is safe, but that's not what ships are built for." This is his guiding metaphor through the whole book, and he endlessly urges his readers to leave their "safe harbor" to go out into the ocean to pursue their true purpose (that their "creator" made them for). Spoiler alert: It gets old fast.
Dave has a line, "YOU CAN’T SAIL THE OCEAN WITH SOMEONE ELSE’S MAP." Dude that is LITERALLY how maps work. We don't all make our own map when we go on a trip. We use maps that Google or a mapmaker created. I eventually realized that he was probably confusing "map" with "itinerary." It seems that when Dave impulsively quit Disney, he was sailing the ocean with Rachel's itinerary.
But here is the piece that puzzles me. After saying he was trying to follow Rachel's dream rather than his own, he also describes something that sounds very much like trying to make his own version of Rachel's brand: being in the self-help space (without credentials or qualifications), "coaching," planning conferences. I can't help thinking that it is too soon for Dave Hollis to declare what his dream even is. He writes about surviving this year since the divorce, but he must have been writing the book less than a year into divorced life. It seems to me he is much too close to the trauma to teach or advise from it.
In the book, Dave Hollis describes meeting and becoming romantically involved with Heidi Powell. Heidi had recently gone through her divorce from Chris Powell (formerly of the show Extreme Weight Loss). Not to bring too much "outside" information into this review, but Dave and Heidi have apparently gotten "serious" very quickly, and are living their relationship very publicly on the socials. And both seem to be trying to rebrand themselves in the context of being part of an "influencer" couple. It's rather hypocritical that Dave comments in the book about fighting for eye contact with his kids, without their staring at a screen. Dave and Heidi are constantly pointing their phones at their kids (each has four kids), putting everything on video for Instagram.
Some of the advice in the book is not terrible, some is just so-so, and some strikes me as potentially harmful. Anything of value in the book can be gleaned from more qualified sources. To his credit, Dave Hollis does promote seeking therapy. Anyone feeling stuck in their lives should begin there, not with a Dave Hollis book.
There is a moment in the book where Dave shares that he doubted his competence and qualifications to write a book like this. I think that was good instinct that he should have stuck with.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC; this review is my honest opinion.
Edit, 11/6/2022: Dave Hollis's children's book, Here's to Your Dreams!: A Teatime with Noah Book will be released on 11/8/2022. I received an ARC from Netgalley, and my review is here.
October 29, 2021
Review here on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOar2...
It was, uh ... very boring.
It was, uh ... very boring.
October 11, 2021
Omg what is he doing?! The dude wrote this book 5 minutes after getting divorced (and let’s not talk about the years that they lied about their “exceptional marriage” to make millions of people), shacks up with Heidi Powell, and the entire internet is laughing at their ridiculous non stop social media relationship nonsense. I was team Dave for forever but this guy needs to sit down, get off social media, stop telling people to take risks (he came from money and then made millions and millions at Disney- that wasn’t a risk, and sloooooooow his roll.
November 1, 2021
Even worse than his first book, says nothing except he built his life through privilege. Such a crap book, save yourself the money.
November 1, 2021
Long-winded inaccurate nautical platitudes. Shocked that H/C sent this to print.
November 2, 2021
Was very disappointed in this book. The author repeatedly made judgments that would not apply for the lives of most. Hollis claims to be a "credible source" and then makes no effort to cite the claims he makes.
The writing itself is very difficult to get through. Hollis frequently uses "buzzwords" that have little meaning. His sentences are lengthy and often poorly written--grammar didn't seem to be a priority.
I would not recommend this book for anyone. Frankly, I regret buying the Kindle version and wish I could get a refund.
Please look _literally anywhere else_ for a better self-help book.
The writing itself is very difficult to get through. Hollis frequently uses "buzzwords" that have little meaning. His sentences are lengthy and often poorly written--grammar didn't seem to be a priority.
I would not recommend this book for anyone. Frankly, I regret buying the Kindle version and wish I could get a refund.
Please look _literally anywhere else_ for a better self-help book.
August 29, 2021
Another entry in the Self-Help You- Can-Do-It genre that summarizes much of what can be found on Instagram or through podcasts on any given day. Dave Hollis has gathered up the wisdom that has led him through the last two years of life transitions and stacked them up neatly in one place with a nautical theme as an organizing principle. The chapter and section headings are illustrated using buoys which brilliantly helps the reader track what has been covered and what's coming next. While the information in the book and the stories he tells are not earth-shaking, they will be helpful for anyone looking for a plan to execute or a structure to frame their journey. The book is written from a place of privilege, which Dave acknowledges, but also from the place of a cis-hetero-parent. Most of Dave's motivation is connected to his kids in some way and there is nothing here acknowledging that the reader may not be a parent. There is a repeated, disturbing use of the phrase "sometimes you have to be willing to shoot a hostage" which should not have made it past the editor, but is another example of Dave's privilege, living a life free of violence that he didn't recognize the insensitivity of using this phrase. For anyone who follows Dave online or listens to his podcast, there won't be much new here, but if you are looking for a summary of other people's wisdom gathered in one digestible place, this is it.
I was privileged to read a digial ARC of this title.
*Full disclosure: I've known Dave IRL for over a decade.
I was privileged to read a digial ARC of this title.
*Full disclosure: I've known Dave IRL for over a decade.
November 4, 2021
This has to be the most self-indulgent, narcissistic drivel I've ever attempted to read. It lacks focus. He is repetitive and quite frankly boring. He fails to make a point in most passages. The metaphors and platitudes are overwrought and overwritten. Hollis thinks he's a lot smarter than he actually shows himself to be. He's a cheap rip off of Rick Warren.
Save yourself time and money, and skip this book. You are worth more and deserve better.
Save yourself time and money, and skip this book. You are worth more and deserve better.
August 9, 2021
This is an advanced reviewers copy. Thank-you to NetGalley for providing this.
I found this book to be overly wordy particularly in the first half. It was not uncommon to see a single sentence that spans 4 to 5 lines of text. Sentences that long can be distracting and take away from the content, making it hard to understand.
Speaking of the content, the best portions were personal stories from Dave's life. I found however that too many of the book's lessons are coming from other sources and authors. There are too many instances of, "My friend (famous author) says" or "in the book (insert book name here) they say"
Also be prepared to hear, "when I was at Disney..." about a dozen times.
Dave gets a little carried away with the nautical metaphor. Often times this metaphor for embarking on a journey is used as a way to give very generic advice at the expense of really digging into details.
In my opinion this book serves as good encouragement to try new things but is ultimately too generic to actually be very helpful.
I found this book to be overly wordy particularly in the first half. It was not uncommon to see a single sentence that spans 4 to 5 lines of text. Sentences that long can be distracting and take away from the content, making it hard to understand.
Speaking of the content, the best portions were personal stories from Dave's life. I found however that too many of the book's lessons are coming from other sources and authors. There are too many instances of, "My friend (famous author) says" or "in the book (insert book name here) they say"
Also be prepared to hear, "when I was at Disney..." about a dozen times.
Dave gets a little carried away with the nautical metaphor. Often times this metaphor for embarking on a journey is used as a way to give very generic advice at the expense of really digging into details.
In my opinion this book serves as good encouragement to try new things but is ultimately too generic to actually be very helpful.
August 12, 2021
This book is essentially “Self-help 101.” Mostly solid advice - about choosing a positive attitude, not letting failure make you give up, the power of re-framing, etc. But it is absolutely at a beginner level. Which Hollis has conceded that he is - not too long ago, he was a successful executive at Disney who thought all of this self-help stuff was nonsense. In the years since then, his life (marriage, career) has kind of collapsed, and unfortunately this book came out before he had time to make sense of all that he’s been through. So while most of what he says is decent enough advice, it’s very basic, and there are no deep insights to be found here. I’m not sure he’d share them if he had them, as he seems like a surface sort of guy, at least in his public persona. Hollis confesses to being a Christian, which feels more like a nod to his fan base than a motivating force behind his writing. This book would have been much stronger with more mystery and faith and questions about how God works, and less rah-rah/you can do it/don’t give up self-reliance/self-care/self-motivation jargon. Because eventually that always fails, and one gets the sense that Dave is speaking from some quickly-shifting sand in this book.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book.
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November 3, 2021The only thing worse than a Rachel Hollis book is a Dave Hollis book. Still waiting to get to the part about courage. So far it’s basically a showcase of privilege.
November 8, 2021
Having read Get Out of Your Own Way and both his ex-wife’s books, I can’t help but notice how similar these all are. I’ve followed Dave since 2017 and have watched his transition from a CEO to now an influencer, and for as much as he talks about finding his calling it appears he hasn’t found his. The book has almost every story I’ve heard on Instagram which makes it redundant. Or it may be because it’s simply similar ideas reworded to sound like different lessons learned. It is heavy on religion and should perhaps be labeled as Christian self-help.
October 7, 2021
After experiencing a surprising major life event, Dave Hollis dives in to how to live fully and face your fears. Often referring to a favorite quote that is tattooed on his arm, Hollis compares life to a safe harbor that is not made to hang out in. He challenges the reader to leave the harbor and go after becoming the person you were created to be. The practice of remembering the lies that you have allowed to continue to hurt and stop you from moving forward into your passion is eye opening. I received an advanced copy of this book but had already pre-ordered it after enjoying his first book. This is helpful for anyone who struggles with fear and being stuck.
November 9, 2021
I had read Dave’s previous book and had a pretty good idea what I was getting myself into with this one.
This book is filled with the same recycled, regurgitated self-help information you will hear from any of the big names in the business – the self-help business. Dave is very vocal about who is he “inspired” by and you will definitely hear their words coming through Dave’s writing.
Very similar to his wife’s work, Dave has a talent for repackaging other peoples’ work into his own.
Stars 1
Would I Recommend? No
This book is filled with the same recycled, regurgitated self-help information you will hear from any of the big names in the business – the self-help business. Dave is very vocal about who is he “inspired” by and you will definitely hear their words coming through Dave’s writing.
Very similar to his wife’s work, Dave has a talent for repackaging other peoples’ work into his own.
Stars 1
Would I Recommend? No
October 23, 2021
The life of DAVE HOLLIS turned on a dime and knocked the breath out of him. He was left in a puddle of tears and depression. He learned the hard way how to pivot and take control of his life again. In this book DAVE is willing to be transparent about his journey and to share “all the things” he learned and HOW he implemented the changes to find his best life again. This book is more than self-help, it feels more like a friendship experience.
DAVE HOLLIS shares how he pushed through challenges that would crush most.
If you are going through the challenges of life or struggling to chart a new path in your life, this book is for you. If you are healing from being pushed into a new path in your life that you weren’t ready for, don’t miss this book. Help and direction is offered right here!
DAVE HOLLIS is a REAL GUY!
Dave Hollis is a “real guy”, like your brother, your neighbor, your best friend, or even your spouse. He’s raw and real in this book and shares what he’s learned through the most difficult challenges in his life - and shares some of the most valuable advice that you won’t hear anywhere else.
DAVE HOLLIS will GUIDE YOU through CHANGE!
He guides readers through the process of change one step at a time. His writing style is professional but also feels comfortable. You will feel like you are sitting next to Dave as you read this book.
DAVE HOLLIS Narrates the Audio Version! 🤩
If reading isn’t your favorite thing to do - get the audio version of the book and the added bonus - Dave narrates the book! His voice is engaging and delightful on the ears!
Bottom line - here’s what the book has to offer you.
1. Dive deeper into the stories, values, and beliefs you attach yourself to and decide once and for all if they have credibility or if it’s time to cut bait.
2. Incorporate fundamental habits and routines specific to you and your circumstances that will flood your daily life with consistency, flexibility, simplicity, and integrity.
3. Identify and, if necessary, adjust your goals to ensure they are clear, don’t belong to other people, and are not contingent on immediate results.
4. Accept failure as the richest source of intelligence and help you reframe it as a requirement for your own progress and growth; and much, much more.
You can learn more about the book by listening to Dave’s Podcast episode about the book - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
DAVE HOLLIS shares how he pushed through challenges that would crush most.
If you are going through the challenges of life or struggling to chart a new path in your life, this book is for you. If you are healing from being pushed into a new path in your life that you weren’t ready for, don’t miss this book. Help and direction is offered right here!
DAVE HOLLIS is a REAL GUY!
Dave Hollis is a “real guy”, like your brother, your neighbor, your best friend, or even your spouse. He’s raw and real in this book and shares what he’s learned through the most difficult challenges in his life - and shares some of the most valuable advice that you won’t hear anywhere else.
DAVE HOLLIS will GUIDE YOU through CHANGE!
He guides readers through the process of change one step at a time. His writing style is professional but also feels comfortable. You will feel like you are sitting next to Dave as you read this book.
DAVE HOLLIS Narrates the Audio Version! 🤩
If reading isn’t your favorite thing to do - get the audio version of the book and the added bonus - Dave narrates the book! His voice is engaging and delightful on the ears!
Bottom line - here’s what the book has to offer you.
1. Dive deeper into the stories, values, and beliefs you attach yourself to and decide once and for all if they have credibility or if it’s time to cut bait.
2. Incorporate fundamental habits and routines specific to you and your circumstances that will flood your daily life with consistency, flexibility, simplicity, and integrity.
3. Identify and, if necessary, adjust your goals to ensure they are clear, don’t belong to other people, and are not contingent on immediate results.
4. Accept failure as the richest source of intelligence and help you reframe it as a requirement for your own progress and growth; and much, much more.
You can learn more about the book by listening to Dave’s Podcast episode about the book - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
October 24, 2021
Some moments in your life are defined by the smallest of biggest things. This book is one of them.
I will admit, I am a longtime Dave Hollis fan. He is a fantastic teacher, coach, and human. This book lays all of those things out on the page like a beating heart.
Built Through Courage is a book that everyone can get something out of. Courage isn't always easy, and sometimes, even if you're brave, the Courage to continue is brutal because of all the surrounding pressures, thoughts, and just dang reality. This book teaches you how to overcome and face the fears that are holding you back. It gives you the motivation to push for the life that you've always wanted or dreamed of. Who doesn't need an extra bit of help? Or a heck of a lot of help?
Everyone is at a different place in life, and this book is an excellent read for everyone.
I have followed Dave for years now, and I can tell you that watching him practice what he preaches is the best seller for this book. No snake oil here. Take a chance on yourself. Give this a read. Apply this to your life in ways that integrate the best at this moment. Next, add in steps when you can. You can always grow. You can always be stronger, better, faster, and wiser.
Take a chance on this book. You will not regret it. This big guy has an even bigger heart than you can imagine, and his truth shines through on every page.
I was lucky enough to snag a copy of this book early to review it. However, all opinions are my own, and in no way am I paid to do this. I am however honored.
I will admit, I am a longtime Dave Hollis fan. He is a fantastic teacher, coach, and human. This book lays all of those things out on the page like a beating heart.
Built Through Courage is a book that everyone can get something out of. Courage isn't always easy, and sometimes, even if you're brave, the Courage to continue is brutal because of all the surrounding pressures, thoughts, and just dang reality. This book teaches you how to overcome and face the fears that are holding you back. It gives you the motivation to push for the life that you've always wanted or dreamed of. Who doesn't need an extra bit of help? Or a heck of a lot of help?
Everyone is at a different place in life, and this book is an excellent read for everyone.
I have followed Dave for years now, and I can tell you that watching him practice what he preaches is the best seller for this book. No snake oil here. Take a chance on yourself. Give this a read. Apply this to your life in ways that integrate the best at this moment. Next, add in steps when you can. You can always grow. You can always be stronger, better, faster, and wiser.
Take a chance on this book. You will not regret it. This big guy has an even bigger heart than you can imagine, and his truth shines through on every page.
I was lucky enough to snag a copy of this book early to review it. However, all opinions are my own, and in no way am I paid to do this. I am however honored.
September 28, 2022
Well, I do not have much to say!
I follow the sh!tshow that these people's lives have turned into and I just had to get this book to have a look - is it really as bad as they say?
Yes. Yes, it is.
I do not know what a privileged middle-aged white man could offer me as actionable advice, especially at this time of his life... I could not relate to any of the sea metaphors and I think this was more a brag-book than a 'my experiences-can-help-someone-else book'.
The writing was so twisty and long-winded, it made my head hurt! I can barely remember what the start of the sentence says by the time I have stumbled way to mid-sentence.
Just know, that it's ok to not be ok. Don't pretend it is ok when it's not. And don't write a self-help book when you're going through some serious stuff!!
If you are thinking of purchasing this book- don't! You don't need this self-help crap.
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC!
I follow the sh!tshow that these people's lives have turned into and I just had to get this book to have a look - is it really as bad as they say?
Yes. Yes, it is.
I do not know what a privileged middle-aged white man could offer me as actionable advice, especially at this time of his life... I could not relate to any of the sea metaphors and I think this was more a brag-book than a 'my experiences-can-help-someone-else book'.
The writing was so twisty and long-winded, it made my head hurt! I can barely remember what the start of the sentence says by the time I have stumbled way to mid-sentence.
Just know, that it's ok to not be ok. Don't pretend it is ok when it's not. And don't write a self-help book when you're going through some serious stuff!!
If you are thinking of purchasing this book- don't! You don't need this self-help crap.
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC!
November 6, 2021
Honestly, one of the worst "self-help" book I have ever read. I would not have even finished it, if I didn't have the internal need to finish what I start. NOTHING in Dave's pedagee or education gives him the credentials to write a self-help book. And I use the word "self-help " loosely. He rambles on and on about nothing and there is never a real point or a solution. He is so self absorbed and righteous! What has he really accomplished? Why would we want to follow his advise or lead? In certain parts I feel the book wasn't even edited.
He states the book will change your life and it did no such thing. Seriously, don't waste your money.
He states the book will change your life and it did no such thing. Seriously, don't waste your money.
November 6, 2021
This narrative talks more and says less- would love applicable action as opposed to colloquial phrases that we’ve heard over and over. Not discounting the work I’m sure was put into, but this isn’t new or innovative.
October 14, 2021
Built Through Courage is a wonderful addition to the personal growth and development genre. I feel like this book could be helpful for a wide variety of people, but especially someone just starting the journey of personal growth. The journal activities at the end of each section are great for getting people to examine ideas/plans/actions that they may not have thought about before. Personal introspection is key for growing into the best possible version of ourselves. Also, I love Dave’s honesty. It’s nice to hear his stories - some I can relate to, and others allow me the opportunity to examine things from another’s point of view.
March 2, 2022
I first heard of Dave Hollis, probably like a lot of people, through his ex-wife, Rachel Hollis. I had read her book, Girl Wash Your Face, and wanted to see her in person. So in 2019, I went to RISE Dallas. That is when I saw Dave speak. I thought he was an excellent speaker and loved his message. I had drunk the kool aid and was on the Hollis train. I signed up for coaching classes with Dave, listened to their podcasts and their "daily show" podcast. Once they announced their divorce, I really started to follow Dave more than Rachel. This year I decided to finally read "Get Out Of Your Own Way," Dave's first book, and then immediately after read "Built Through Courage" (BTC). Reading BTC felt like I was reading his first book again, but revamped to include the major life event of going through a divorce. I also felt that BTC was leaning too hard on the whole nautical theme he was going for based on his tattoo. There was too much emphasis on the nautical metaphor that some of the context was lost. If there was less emphasis on the theme, it would have resonated a lot more.
The content itself was OK, but he was basically rehashing the content from his first book, re-writing it to make it seem different, and then inserting A LOT of material from other personal development authors and psychologists. He gives credit when credit is due, but do I really need to read a book in which someone paraphrases another person's research and how it applied to their life? Not really. And, since I had signed up for his personal coaching back in 2019, the majority of the logbook activities are THE EXACT SAME as the ones from his coaching classes. In a way, I am paying for the same content twice (book and coaching form). It is not new material but a different way to sell the same material.
And the life circumstances he went through (career change, divorce, move) aren't all that earth-shattering. I went through similar things at the same time (lost job, moved states, had a baby). Does that make me qualified to write a book, even though I may not have had such a high-profile job or in a marriage to someone famous? No. So when I read the book with all of his advice, I think, "Good for him. But does this qualify him to give me advice? What other background/experience does he have to make me want to read another book by him or follow him? Why should I listen to him when I can listen to others, like Brene Brown?" The content felt like he was trying too hard to convince me to listen to what he has to say about other people's research.
The book organization is annoying. There are chapters and a basic map he provides with different sections, but there are 40 different buoys (again with the nautical theme) that I wasn't quite sure what their purpose was. I get the map, but then what am I supposed to follow with these sub-section buoys? It felt like he wanted to include as much as he could and tried to organize it with these buoy subsections, but it just added more confusion.
Lastly, with the underlying foundation of believing you were created with a specific purpose by a creator, you cannot follow the rest of his advice without believing this creed. That is the bedrock of this book. He tries to open this up to those who are not Christian by saying "another higher power". But really, this is the foundation in which all of his advice and guidance stems from. If you believe anything differently, you will have a hard time trying to follow his advice without thinking, "why am I doing this?"
I do appreciate this conclusion in which he highlights the need for us to look outside of ourselves to learn about and support marginalized communities and voices.
The content itself was OK, but he was basically rehashing the content from his first book, re-writing it to make it seem different, and then inserting A LOT of material from other personal development authors and psychologists. He gives credit when credit is due, but do I really need to read a book in which someone paraphrases another person's research and how it applied to their life? Not really. And, since I had signed up for his personal coaching back in 2019, the majority of the logbook activities are THE EXACT SAME as the ones from his coaching classes. In a way, I am paying for the same content twice (book and coaching form). It is not new material but a different way to sell the same material.
And the life circumstances he went through (career change, divorce, move) aren't all that earth-shattering. I went through similar things at the same time (lost job, moved states, had a baby). Does that make me qualified to write a book, even though I may not have had such a high-profile job or in a marriage to someone famous? No. So when I read the book with all of his advice, I think, "Good for him. But does this qualify him to give me advice? What other background/experience does he have to make me want to read another book by him or follow him? Why should I listen to him when I can listen to others, like Brene Brown?" The content felt like he was trying too hard to convince me to listen to what he has to say about other people's research.
The book organization is annoying. There are chapters and a basic map he provides with different sections, but there are 40 different buoys (again with the nautical theme) that I wasn't quite sure what their purpose was. I get the map, but then what am I supposed to follow with these sub-section buoys? It felt like he wanted to include as much as he could and tried to organize it with these buoy subsections, but it just added more confusion.
Lastly, with the underlying foundation of believing you were created with a specific purpose by a creator, you cannot follow the rest of his advice without believing this creed. That is the bedrock of this book. He tries to open this up to those who are not Christian by saying "another higher power". But really, this is the foundation in which all of his advice and guidance stems from. If you believe anything differently, you will have a hard time trying to follow his advice without thinking, "why am I doing this?"
I do appreciate this conclusion in which he highlights the need for us to look outside of ourselves to learn about and support marginalized communities and voices.
October 7, 2021
The Built Through Courage book was released at the perfect time in a year that has given us the ability to reevaluate. The journaling activities throughout the book are very helpful. I will be going back through the book slower and revisiting the journaling prompts to dig in deeper. So many great quotes in this book got me really thinking. As a people pleaser the section on boundaries was very informative. My favorite quote is is "Boundaries are a form of self-care." I needed to read that quote at this time of my life! Looking forward to using the tools in this book to become the best version of me that I can become! You can too!
October 7, 2021
I have read the first chapter, and this book is exceptional! It is really helping me dig into who I was meant to be, and to actually love into that.
October 24, 2021
What an inspiring read. Hollis finds a way to face life’s challenges with wisdom and grace. In his own experiences, not only is able to find a path to what matters most; but he is also able to help others find a path forward. He teaches that life experiences shape the future and we are able to walk through them in a transformational way. Practical, heart warming and inspiring. This is a must read for any person that wants to weather life’s storms and become who they are truly meant to be. You’ll be glad you take the time to read this book and become your own advocate for being the best version of you.
October 7, 2021
Few people in the world can really hype you up the way Dave Hollis can. I’m a few chapters into Built to Belong and already feel like I can’t read fast enough. I very much enjoyed his previous book, and knew that this one would be no different. He’s a fantastic storyteller and shares experiences that almost all of us can relate to in some way, helping you realize that we truly aren’t alone. This book, even just a few chapters in, is such a beacon of light in a world that use more of it, and I highly recommend it!
October 14, 2021
Time to irritate the Hollis Haters once again...
I actually enjoyed this one more than Dave's first book and plan to get it for a couple people in my life who are going through similar situations. He processes through his public divorce and how he made other major decisions in his life. There is a lot of hate about him writing about his divorce while still relatively close to it, but that time of intense healing is when moving forward takes the most courage. Moving forward is better than wallowing and being stuck, so let the man enjoy his life. It's not yours people!
Yes, a lot of it is basic self help you'll find everywhere, but different voices connect and resonate better with different people. If that's not you, cool. Move on. Let those who can glean some lesson from his experiences do so without the hate. Be kind, y'all. Here acknowledges his privilege and tries to hear from others and learn. It's a lot more than many people can say.
I actually enjoyed this one more than Dave's first book and plan to get it for a couple people in my life who are going through similar situations. He processes through his public divorce and how he made other major decisions in his life. There is a lot of hate about him writing about his divorce while still relatively close to it, but that time of intense healing is when moving forward takes the most courage. Moving forward is better than wallowing and being stuck, so let the man enjoy his life. It's not yours people!
Yes, a lot of it is basic self help you'll find everywhere, but different voices connect and resonate better with different people. If that's not you, cool. Move on. Let those who can glean some lesson from his experiences do so without the hate. Be kind, y'all. Here acknowledges his privilege and tries to hear from others and learn. It's a lot more than many people can say.
March 12, 2022
Dave has once again put out a book that inspires readers to dig deep and be vulnerable. He provides real-life stories and helps the reader apply it to their lives. The authenticity in the book is refreshing. I follow Dave on Facebook and have gotten to know his personality through posts and videos. So, after “knowing” him for a few months, reading his book was not a surprise that I would get the deeper side of life revealed. If you are a person who is seeking growth of any kind, this book is for you. If you are a person who is stuck in a rut asking yourself why, this book is for you. If you are a skeptic who lives in a negative space, this book is most certainly for you too. I dare you not to find nuggets of wisdom that make you reach deep into your soul to do the hard work that needs to be done. I can’t wait to do the book club with Dave and the Built Through Courage group.
May 8, 2022
Overall I liked this book. I think Dave had some good points and a great path to follow when heading into unchartered seas. I liked the pictures and LOVED how he brought his faith into this one! That was probably my favorite part. There were some quotes that I tagged so I can reference back to.
That said, I have found that I relate more closely to a memoir or life story rather than a targeted self help book which I think is why I didn’t think this was over the top amazing. It offered some great tips/pointers but might not be something I’m recommending to everyone.
That said, I have found that I relate more closely to a memoir or life story rather than a targeted self help book which I think is why I didn’t think this was over the top amazing. It offered some great tips/pointers but might not be something I’m recommending to everyone.
October 16, 2021
I find Dave Hollis' writing style to be conversational, friendly, and encouraging. Built Through Courage is a good book for beginners who have just decided to make a significant change or those who are being forced to unexpectedly (i.e. through job loss). Hollis takes the reader through the steps of Where You Are (really identifying your values and identity) and Where You Are Going (making your plan and confronting fear). It does have a nautical theme overall of leaving the safe harbor for the seas.
My favorite parts of the book were the journaling prompts at the end of each chapter - great things to reflect on and write down rather than having them float around in your head.
As a Christian, Hollis includes Bible verses. I only felt like it was too much in one chapter, but they were all relevant.
Fans/followers have likely heard some of the stories in here before, but I did find some I was unfamiliar with. If there were repeats, they may have had some additional details, and they were relevant to the topic he was discussing. There needed to be example stories, and those who aren't familiar with him should find value in them.
My favorite parts of the book were the journaling prompts at the end of each chapter - great things to reflect on and write down rather than having them float around in your head.
As a Christian, Hollis includes Bible verses. I only felt like it was too much in one chapter, but they were all relevant.
Fans/followers have likely heard some of the stories in here before, but I did find some I was unfamiliar with. If there were repeats, they may have had some additional details, and they were relevant to the topic he was discussing. There needed to be example stories, and those who aren't familiar with him should find value in them.
January 2, 2023
Another self help that can help but also can just motivate and get you going. I enjoy Dave's writing and voice much more than I originally thought and although he aimed his first book at men I felt that men and women could use his advice in many situations. I don't know how important the timing of this book is and that's why I gave it a 4 star. It's saturated with the troubled times but he is still dealing with that and that's where I struggled to truly believe he's done with his own work where he is able to give the advice to others. It's fresh and raw and I would like to see him pause and think about that before rushing to write a book.
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