#1 Wall Street Journal, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble Bestseller!
What would you do if you had nothing holding you back?
Many of us spend our lives on autopilot: work, bills, chores, sleep, repeat, in a never-ending cycle. We live the life that others expect us to, and not the life we desire.
In Best Version Ever: Discover the MAGIC of Becoming Extraordinary, Josh Painter provides an action-oriented and inspirational roadmap to escape the cycle of experiencing random motivational moments and then falling back into the same old routines. By following the M.A.G.I.C. formula (Mindset, Aim, Gameplan, Immersion, and Consistency), you’ll learn how to shift your thinking from negative to positive, identify and narrow down goals, and develop lifelong habits that will make your changes sustainable.
While other personal development programs offer short-term progress, the M.A.G.I.C. formula focuses on meaningful, lasting change. Best Version Ever is a lifelong roadmap to help you become extraordinary.
I have mixed feelings about this. Huge kudos to the author for writing this only to help others (not for the $). There are many helpful ideas here that will help lots of people.
At the same time, this recycles every idea for becoming better. I've read A LOT of self help books, and this could be a "best of" in that these are some of the best ideas about improving oneself. So I could recommend it to someone who is young and/or has read very little self-help.
I suspect for most people there's very little new here.
This book had accumulation of a lot of the things i’ve learned in the last couple years of my life and then some. It is an easy read and i would recommend it for ways to implement positive change into your own life. i wouldn’t even mind reading it again and gifting it to a friend. i recommend!
Josh’s story of persistent action to achieve his goals are an inspiration to us all. This book made me think hard about what it really means to be my Best Version Ever.
I received Best Version Ever by Josh Painter through a Goodreads Giveaway, and overall, it’s an encouraging and practical read. While it doesn’t necessarily introduce groundbreaking new concepts for those familiar with personal development, it does a wonderful job of bringing together motivational principles, success habits, and mindset strategies into one cohesive and easy-to-follow guide.
Painter’s writing is approachable and sincere. He blends stories from his own life with examples from well-known figures, creating a grounded, authentic tone that’s motivational without feeling preachy. One of the strongest aspects of the book is its focus on relationships—both personal and professional—and how deeply they shape our growth. Painter encourages readers to seek mentors, build meaningful friendships, and surround themselves with people who challenge and inspire them.
Another highlight is the book’s actionable advice. Rather than speaking in vague terms about success, Painter provides practical steps for creating change—immersing yourself in your goals, forming sustainable habits, and aligning daily actions with long-term vision. I especially appreciated his reminder that authenticity and vulnerability are not weaknesses, but strengths that allow leaders to connect deeply and live with purpose.
The title phrase, “Best Version Ever,” is repeated often, which might feel redundant for seasoned readers, but for newcomers to personal development, it reinforces the book’s central message. Painter’s reflections on giving back and serving others stand out as especially powerful—reminding readers that becoming your “best version ever” also means helping others reach theirs.
Overall, Best Version Ever is a well-structured, thoughtful, and uplifting book that encourages meaningful self-reflection. It’s an ideal read for young professionals, recent graduates, or anyone beginning their personal growth journey. Painter’s message is simple yet profound: personal success and community impact go hand in hand.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Best Version Ever offers insightful and practical advice that empowers readers to make positive changes in their lives. With its approachable tone and actionable strategies, it's an inspiring read for anyone looking to improve their mindset and overall well-being.
I haven't yet finished the book but have picked it up again - Life got in the way - VERY impressed - Easy reading format and truly resonates with me and rings true to what we should all be doing/thinking. Brilliant - Highly recommend it!