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Stay Sane in an Insane World: How to Control the Controllables and Thrive
“What I learned from Greg is still a part of who I am today.”—Tom Brady, 7-time Super Bowl champion Greg Harden changes lives. This is why hundreds of world-class athletes, doctors, lawyers, teachers, business leaders, college students, and professionals from all walks of life have come to him for advice and direction—including 7-time Super Bowl Champion Tom Brady , 23-time Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Phelps , Heisman Trophy winners Desmond Howard and Charles Woodson , CEOs of major companies, and championship coaching staffs from all over the world. Harden teaches his students how to practice, train, and rehearse to give 100 percent, 100 percent of the time, and challenges them by If you don’t believe in yourself, why should I believe in you? Champions aren’t born. They’re built. Greg Harden spent over 30 years building them at the University of Michigan, including 400 future professional athletes, 50 NFL first-round draft picks, and 120 Olympians from over 20 countries. He gained national recognition when 60 Minutes Sports profiled him as “Michigan’s Secret Weapon.” Now, in his first book, Greg Harden is reaching out to help anyone who wants to live their best life by offering powerful and practical advice. You will learn This is a one-of-a-kind book that will give you the indispensable lessons and tools necessary to create real change in your life.
Hardcover
First published March 21, 2023
435 people are currently reading
2944 people want to read
About the author
Greg Harden
3 books16 followersGreg Harden was an American life coach, motivational speaker, and executive consultant who was best known for his work with 7-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Tom Brady. He also worked with Heisman Trophy winner and Super Bowl MVP Desmond Howard, and 23-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps. Brady, Howard, and other athletes credit Harden with inspiring them to overcome obstacles and achieve success in their professional and personal lives. Harden has created a personal improvement program that is unique in sports. In 2014, he was profiled in a segment on 60 Minutes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
October 23, 2023
I saw Greg Harden being interviewed about this book. He is so incredibly charismatic and had so many great stories where he shared simple tips for mental performance. I work with a mental skills coach for performance in my sport and was definitely going to get this book 1. because I really liked Greg Harden, and 2. because I want to continue my work in this area.
Well, I immediately knew this was ghost written - which was pretty much confirmed by introduction of the assisting author towards the end of the work. It just really wasn't in the voice of the charismatic person I saw interviewed. The book flipped between testimonials from people with whom Greg had worked and ideas he was trying to convey. I got the feeling that they got a lot of testimonials and then tried to back into chapters. There was repetition between things in the testimonials and the chapters and everything stayed very surface level.
The book is less than 200 pages and has pages between each short chapter that include a quote alone. Towards the end of the book, I wanted to re-write it to expand on certain sections and weave topics together in a better way than saying, "As I mentioned in Chapter 3..."
Overall, there were some good reminders of things you know and we are given a glimpse into the man that Greg Harden is. We also got some interesting perspectives on Tom Brady, Desmond Howard, Michael Phelps, etc. At the end of the book there is a summary of 7 things to remember. That probably should have been the identity of this book.
Well, I immediately knew this was ghost written - which was pretty much confirmed by introduction of the assisting author towards the end of the work. It just really wasn't in the voice of the charismatic person I saw interviewed. The book flipped between testimonials from people with whom Greg had worked and ideas he was trying to convey. I got the feeling that they got a lot of testimonials and then tried to back into chapters. There was repetition between things in the testimonials and the chapters and everything stayed very surface level.
The book is less than 200 pages and has pages between each short chapter that include a quote alone. Towards the end of the book, I wanted to re-write it to expand on certain sections and weave topics together in a better way than saying, "As I mentioned in Chapter 3..."
Overall, there were some good reminders of things you know and we are given a glimpse into the man that Greg Harden is. We also got some interesting perspectives on Tom Brady, Desmond Howard, Michael Phelps, etc. At the end of the book there is a summary of 7 things to remember. That probably should have been the identity of this book.
May 24, 2025
A sports psychologist and motivational speaker, Harden worked with world class athletes, including Tom Brady, Desmond Howard, and Michael Phelps, mostly by improving their mental game. In this book he details how those athletes improve their performance and by extension how you can too - no matter what area of life you want to improve.
His key points:
✅ Become an expert on yourself so that you can become the best version of yourself
✅ Control the controllables - you control your own thoughts and feelings
✅ Practice, train, and rehearse giving 100% every time
✅ Commit, improve, maintain
✅ Control fear and self-doubt
✅ Practice self-love and self-acceptance
✅ Be your own best friend
Quote I liked:
No man is more important than the team. No coach is more important than the team.
His key points:
✅ Become an expert on yourself so that you can become the best version of yourself
✅ Control the controllables - you control your own thoughts and feelings
✅ Practice, train, and rehearse giving 100% every time
✅ Commit, improve, maintain
✅ Control fear and self-doubt
✅ Practice self-love and self-acceptance
✅ Be your own best friend
Quote I liked:
No man is more important than the team. No coach is more important than the team.
June 4, 2024
A conglomeration of life lessons told through the eyes of Greg Harden, University of Michigan’s Director of Athletic Counseling. Focuses heavily on self-awareness and how to become your own best friend in life. Highly recommend this book or any podcast/ show he’s interviewed on!
November 13, 2023
This book got quite a push on Twitter and anyone who has helped Tom Brady, Michael Phelps etc, clearly knows what they’re doing. And that’s why I feel a bit disappointed in this book, the content is nothing new, I’ve read many leadership, psychology books that cover the topics of controlling the controllable, self-love etc. I didn’t really learn anything and read the book in one sitting, yes, it’s that short.
September 10, 2023
What a privilege to listen to something that could help anyone on any walk of life. Every chapter touched on ways to omprove to recognise and accept. Casestudies of real people many famous athletes alongside every dsy people. This was really thought provoking and have me ideas of how i vould be a better valued me for me and not anyone else. It made me feel like i mattered and there was no expectation as too why i was listening. A very talented author hope they might be more listens like this.
5 star highly recommended
Thank you to netgallery publisher and author for a fab listen
5 star highly recommended
Thank you to netgallery publisher and author for a fab listen
December 13, 2023
Greg Harden’s Stay Sane is an excellent, quick read about organizing your goals and taking a long, hard look at the things that may be holding you back. Mr. Harden has worked as a counselor for the University of Michigan Athletic Department for last 30 years. You can read the Who’s Who list of athletes he has worked with on the blurbs for the book. He has crafted a therapeutic approach to tackling the day to day obstacles that may be blocking you from success. His approach translates to all facets of life, not just athletics.
I share much in common with Mr. Harden. We both graduated with MSWs from UM (we may have been in the same 1981 graduating class). We both continue to live in the Ann Arbor area. I worked counseling young people in public education for 30 years and coached at the high school level. His approach outlined in this book is sound, effective and easily translated. Well Done!
I share much in common with Mr. Harden. We both graduated with MSWs from UM (we may have been in the same 1981 graduating class). We both continue to live in the Ann Arbor area. I worked counseling young people in public education for 30 years and coached at the high school level. His approach outlined in this book is sound, effective and easily translated. Well Done!
March 16, 2024
LOVED this book. This was a very powerful read and I loved the testimonials from the different people Greg Harden has worked with including Tom Brady, Desmond Howard, and many more professional athletes or even just seemingly “ordinary” people who have gone on to lead successful lives with flourishing careers who were all deeply impacted by the lessons Greg Harden imparted on them.
Very inspired by this one. Useful for anyone to read whether they are athletes or not!
Very inspired by this one. Useful for anyone to read whether they are athletes or not!
Read
July 5, 2024I'd give it four stars as far as content is concerned, but I am not the target audience, and therefore, as far as personal enjoyment, I think three stars would be generous. This book is a lovely, potentially motivating resource for athletes, particularly men. Also, his voice is lovely if listening on audio.
October 15, 2023
What a wonderfully inspiring book by Greg Harden, there are nuggets of wisdom throughout, thoroughly enjoyable!
October 22, 2023
I will admit, I'm biased as a Greg Harden Fan and could hear him while reading this. Great points and enjoyed the mental challenge as a Sport Social Worker
December 6, 2023
“I want you to become the best friend you’ve ever had in your life because your very best friend has to be you”
September 5, 2024
4 stars
Beautiful book with wise advices and short and meaningful stories.
Beautiful book with wise advices and short and meaningful stories.
July 14, 2025
There were some great lessons on personal growth and improvement.
April 8, 2024
This book was so good I actually read it twice! That says it all!
I wish I could have read this book 30 years ago! I hope to have the chance to meet this man!
He makes the world a better place.
I wish I could have read this book 30 years ago! I hope to have the chance to meet this man!
He makes the world a better place.
January 13, 2025
To start, I am someone who has read a great deal of personal development over the years. I have a connection to Michigan athletics after completing their AT fellowship, so I was excited to read this book. If this was the first ever personal development book I had read, I likely would’ve rated it higher. To me it felt repetitive of concepts I’ve heard before, but it was Greg Harden’s spin on it. It wasn’t bad by any means and did give me motivation, but it wasn’t ground breaking information for me personally. I would recommend it to someone who maybe hasn’t read as many books in this genre.
June 9, 2024
Excellent. I especially like the idea of recognizing and dealing with your self-defeating attitudes and behaviors that are holding you back, and embracing self-supporting attitudes and behaviors you want to cultivate in your life. Through referencing many famous athletes (Tom Brady, Michael Phelps, Desmond Howard) who achieved greater heights by working with the author, I think every reader will gain valuable insight.
October 13, 2023
This is a nice book buoyed by the earnest commitment of the author. Personally I feel there are many other books that deal with these subjects in a deeper and more engaging way, and I also have found there are limits to positive psychology. I’m more interested in what happens when you find you can no longer talk yourself into a better way of thinking. Still, if you’re looking for a foundational set of ways to increase your own agency, this could be a good place to start.
September 19, 2023
DNF. Got thru 3/4 (since it was recommended to me) before I couldn’t tolerate one more “how to be a better you story” illustrated by examples of athletes. In a book that was meant to be broadly applicable, maybe work a little harder to diverge from almost exclusively sports scenarios. I get that it’s your background, but then it’s really just a psychology of sports book…
October 20, 2023
TL;DR
Harden's purpose is to help the reader become the world's greatest expert on themself.
SUMMARY
Harden is the Athletic Director and de facto motivational coach at the University of Michigan. Harden reflects on experiences he's honed over decades mentoring young athletes (Tom Brady, Desmond Howard, Michael Phelps) to relay time-tested motivational concepts:
REVIEW
The idea of me becoming the world's greatest expert on me has some important underpinnings. Like Crucial Learning's self-help programs, Harden encourages others to become data scientists. Emotion and negative self-talk often prevent individuals from examining themselves objectively. By soaking in Harden's motivational messages and committing to his pattern of self-improvement, you can't NOT become your best self.
Audiobook Pro: Harden infuses his narration with the enthusiasm of a motivational speaker.
Audiobook Con: Many important worksheets are referenced but are currently only accessible via the print version of the book.
I only gave this 3 stars because I am already drinking the cool-aid. There was no life-changing shift that unlocked my potential or helped me get out of a rut. If I were in a low place, this book would have garnered 4 or 5 stars.
Harden's purpose is to help the reader become the world's greatest expert on themself.
SUMMARY
Harden is the Athletic Director and de facto motivational coach at the University of Michigan. Harden reflects on experiences he's honed over decades mentoring young athletes (Tom Brady, Desmond Howard, Michael Phelps) to relay time-tested motivational concepts:
REVIEW
The idea of me becoming the world's greatest expert on me has some important underpinnings. Like Crucial Learning's self-help programs, Harden encourages others to become data scientists. Emotion and negative self-talk often prevent individuals from examining themselves objectively. By soaking in Harden's motivational messages and committing to his pattern of self-improvement, you can't NOT become your best self.
Audiobook Pro: Harden infuses his narration with the enthusiasm of a motivational speaker.
Audiobook Con: Many important worksheets are referenced but are currently only accessible via the print version of the book.
I only gave this 3 stars because I am already drinking the cool-aid. There was no life-changing shift that unlocked my potential or helped me get out of a rut. If I were in a low place, this book would have garnered 4 or 5 stars.
June 6, 2024
A walkthrough of the life-changing Big Ideas peak performers use to go next level and how we can apply them to our lives.
Greg Harden is one of the world’s greatest peak performance coaches.
He tells us that champions aren’t born. They’re built. He spent over 30 years building them at the University of Michigan where he worked with 400 future professional athletes, 50 NFL first-round draft picks, and 120 Olympians from over 20 countries. He gained national recognition when 60 Minutes Sports profiled him as “Michigan’s Secret Weapon.”
To put it in perspective, Harden has worked with seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady (who wrote the foreword to the book) and twenty-three-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps—two of the greatest athletes of all time.
As per the inside flap of the book, he teaches his students how to practice, train, and rehearse to give 100 percent, 100 percent of the time, and challenges them by asking: If you don’t believe in yourself, why should I believe in you?
The book is PACKED (!) with Big Ideas. Some of my favorites are:
1. YOU Have the Gift - Use It.
2. When Opportunity Knocks - Be Prepared and Answer the Call.
3. 100 Percent - 100 Percent of the Time.
4. One-Tenth of a Second - 00:00.10 Then Get Back to Work.
5. The Challenge - We Need YOU to Step Up.
Lastly… I’ve added Stay Sane in an Insane World by Greg Harden to my collection of Philosopher’s Notes--distilling the Big Ideas into 6-page PDF and 20-minute MP3s on 600+ of the BEST self-development books ever. You can get access to all of those plus a TON more over at https://heroic.us.
“Of course, it’s the same truth for anyone, at any age, in any walk of life. You can’t become the best sales rep, the best manager, the best parent, the best spouse, the best anything, until you become the best person you can possibly be.
This message is more important today than ever as we watch this country, and the entire world, struggle with not one but two historic crises at the same time. …
Our ability to keep functioning, both together and as individuals, as everything gets turned upside down all around us—to focus on those things that we can control when everything else seems to be spinning completely out of control—is more valuable right now than it has ever been. …
In the end, all I’m trying to do is build you up, encourage you to stay positive in a negative world, and help you stay sane in an insane world.
I want you to become the best friend you ever had in your life, because your very best friend has to be you.
I want you to become the world’s greatest expert on yourself, so you’ll have the knowledge and the power to become the very best version of yourself.
As my amazing wife, Sheila Harden, likes to say, ‘I want you to live your best life now.’ …
So let’s get started.”
~ Greg Harden from Stay Sane in an Insane World
Greg Harden is one of the world’s greatest peak performance coaches.
He tells us that champions aren’t born. They’re built. He spent over 30 years building them at the University of Michigan where he worked with 400 future professional athletes, 50 NFL first-round draft picks, and 120 Olympians from over 20 countries. He gained national recognition when 60 Minutes Sports profiled him as “Michigan’s Secret Weapon.”
To put it in perspective, Harden has worked with seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady (who wrote the foreword to the book) and twenty-three-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps—two of the greatest athletes of all time.
As per the inside flap of the book, he teaches his students how to practice, train, and rehearse to give 100 percent, 100 percent of the time, and challenges them by asking: If you don’t believe in yourself, why should I believe in you?
The book is PACKED (!) with Big Ideas. Some of my favorites are:
1. YOU Have the Gift - Use It.
2. When Opportunity Knocks - Be Prepared and Answer the Call.
3. 100 Percent - 100 Percent of the Time.
4. One-Tenth of a Second - 00:00.10 Then Get Back to Work.
5. The Challenge - We Need YOU to Step Up.
Lastly… I’ve added Stay Sane in an Insane World by Greg Harden to my collection of Philosopher’s Notes--distilling the Big Ideas into 6-page PDF and 20-minute MP3s on 600+ of the BEST self-development books ever. You can get access to all of those plus a TON more over at https://heroic.us.
April 19, 2023
Define the world success? Thriving? Using your God given talents to the best of your abilities?
All of us are defined by who and what we are, what we do, how well we perform under pressure, and how well we succeed.
The sum of all these moving parts determine not just how we view ourselves but how others view us.
When we which to excell in any one endeavor how do we go about choosing what path to take, what power level to perform, what mindset must we possess.
These questions as well as the answers to these questions are provided in this new ARC entitled, "Stay Sane in an Insane World" by the wonderfully talented author Greg Harden.
Greg showcases many professional athletes, celebrities, and powerful figures but he also attempts to show how anyone at any level in life can achieve the same visions, goals, and dreams.
It's all about the power of the mind. To be present, to perform to your best level, to achieve what no man thought was possible. You must first believe to achieve. If you don't believe in yourself who will is the question to be addressed in this novel.
"If it was to be, it was up to me." Difficulty is an advantage." "If you don't believe in yourself, why should I believe in you?"
Coachability, Desire to learn, and having an Edge are all products for discussion here. Dream big, believe big, level up, Inner Core, Spirit, and Soul is just some topics.
What we also need to look at is the 4 A's in life: Attention, Affection, Approval, and Acceptance.
Don't let self defeating ideas or attitudes become the center point. Focus on providing your own self love, self guidance, self acceptance. With grace and gratitude. Greatness and aforethought. With love as you build the stones thrown and rebuild as stepping stones to a higher ground.
Forgive others who did you wrong and forget so that you may move forward in peace and harmony.
The lessons provided are food for the soul and was a great piece to examine in further detail.
Thank you to Greg Harden, the publisher, and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.
All of us are defined by who and what we are, what we do, how well we perform under pressure, and how well we succeed.
The sum of all these moving parts determine not just how we view ourselves but how others view us.
When we which to excell in any one endeavor how do we go about choosing what path to take, what power level to perform, what mindset must we possess.
These questions as well as the answers to these questions are provided in this new ARC entitled, "Stay Sane in an Insane World" by the wonderfully talented author Greg Harden.
Greg showcases many professional athletes, celebrities, and powerful figures but he also attempts to show how anyone at any level in life can achieve the same visions, goals, and dreams.
It's all about the power of the mind. To be present, to perform to your best level, to achieve what no man thought was possible. You must first believe to achieve. If you don't believe in yourself who will is the question to be addressed in this novel.
"If it was to be, it was up to me." Difficulty is an advantage." "If you don't believe in yourself, why should I believe in you?"
Coachability, Desire to learn, and having an Edge are all products for discussion here. Dream big, believe big, level up, Inner Core, Spirit, and Soul is just some topics.
What we also need to look at is the 4 A's in life: Attention, Affection, Approval, and Acceptance.
Don't let self defeating ideas or attitudes become the center point. Focus on providing your own self love, self guidance, self acceptance. With grace and gratitude. Greatness and aforethought. With love as you build the stones thrown and rebuild as stepping stones to a higher ground.
Forgive others who did you wrong and forget so that you may move forward in peace and harmony.
The lessons provided are food for the soul and was a great piece to examine in further detail.
Thank you to Greg Harden, the publisher, and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.
June 5, 2024
Greg Harden emphasizes that the only thing you can control is your own thoughts. He urges readers to invest time in self-understanding and self-acceptance, as no one else can do this for you. Harden stresses the importance of fully embracing who you are and making conscious decisions about who you want to become. Makes sense, and smart /wise advice throughout this book.
SPOILERS
Greg Harden advises readers to reflect on what has worked and what hasn't in their lives. He suggests focusing on the things that have brought success. According to Harden, it's important not to fear failure but to value the effort put into trying. He acknowledges that sometimes it might feel like you're faking it—such as being patient when you're actually frustrated or sticking to a workout routine you doubt—but reassures that this is okay. Harden believes in the phrase "fake it till you make it"; persistence will lead to genuine results. He encourages aiming for perfection while understanding that the journey will be long. Improvement, he explains, comes in steps: from good to better, then to great, and finally to perfect. Each step is crucial, so take them one at a time.
Harden even offers practical advice for those who fear public speaking. He recommends memorizing the first two minutes of a speech and practicing it repeatedly. By doing this, when it comes time to give a 20-minute speech, you'll be on autopilot for the first two minutes. Over those initial two minutes, you'll start to calm down and gain confidence. This technique is designed to help you overcome the anxiety associated with public speaking by ensuring that the beginning of your speech is solid and well-rehearsed.
SPOILERS
Greg Harden advises readers to reflect on what has worked and what hasn't in their lives. He suggests focusing on the things that have brought success. According to Harden, it's important not to fear failure but to value the effort put into trying. He acknowledges that sometimes it might feel like you're faking it—such as being patient when you're actually frustrated or sticking to a workout routine you doubt—but reassures that this is okay. Harden believes in the phrase "fake it till you make it"; persistence will lead to genuine results. He encourages aiming for perfection while understanding that the journey will be long. Improvement, he explains, comes in steps: from good to better, then to great, and finally to perfect. Each step is crucial, so take them one at a time.
Harden even offers practical advice for those who fear public speaking. He recommends memorizing the first two minutes of a speech and practicing it repeatedly. By doing this, when it comes time to give a 20-minute speech, you'll be on autopilot for the first two minutes. Over those initial two minutes, you'll start to calm down and gain confidence. This technique is designed to help you overcome the anxiety associated with public speaking by ensuring that the beginning of your speech is solid and well-rehearsed.
October 4, 2024
I didn’t really know about Greg Harden until I heard the news of his passing. I looked up some videos of his work, including what I believe will now be a very famous 60 Minutes interview with him, along with an appearance on the Rich Eisen show around the release of this book. What I saw, along with my affinity for Michigan, was enough to convince me to pick up the book.
I think what you get out this book will depend on your mindset going into it. There is nothing in here that is groundbreakingly new. One might even spend a large portion of the book saying, “duh”. I don’t know how others might receive it. But for me, I think I happened to be in the right headspace at the right time. Having prepared myself by watching those videos ahead of time, and having Greg’s voice in my head while I read, I was ready to receive his message.
More than anything, the chapter about positive self-talk, along with the reinforcement of being your own very best friend, came at a really good time for me. I felt my spirits rise almost immediately while reading it, and felt better about my interactions with others. Being a golfer, I know a thing or two about toxic negative self-talk, and was surprised to find the chapter at the very end of the book about Greg trying to pick up golf to help out a struggling player from the golf team.
There is just a lot of simple and straightforward stuff in here. You have to be open to it, and you have to spend time with it to think about how his message applies to your own life. It’s most certainly worth a read.
I think what you get out this book will depend on your mindset going into it. There is nothing in here that is groundbreakingly new. One might even spend a large portion of the book saying, “duh”. I don’t know how others might receive it. But for me, I think I happened to be in the right headspace at the right time. Having prepared myself by watching those videos ahead of time, and having Greg’s voice in my head while I read, I was ready to receive his message.
More than anything, the chapter about positive self-talk, along with the reinforcement of being your own very best friend, came at a really good time for me. I felt my spirits rise almost immediately while reading it, and felt better about my interactions with others. Being a golfer, I know a thing or two about toxic negative self-talk, and was surprised to find the chapter at the very end of the book about Greg trying to pick up golf to help out a struggling player from the golf team.
There is just a lot of simple and straightforward stuff in here. You have to be open to it, and you have to spend time with it to think about how his message applies to your own life. It’s most certainly worth a read.
August 1, 2024
For anyone for whom their own mind, their own self-limiting beliefs, and their own thoughts are often their biggest obstacle in life--that is most of us--this is a great book. However, it gets repetitive, and a bit too self-indulgent; the first half is great, the second half not so much. The chapters are interspersed with testimonials from Greg's clients, and the chapters themselves are often anecdotes told with an disproportionate focus on Greg's achievements (rather than the theory or principle). The result is what feels like a long-form resume of a book with a heavy PR angle. If Greg wanted a way to recruit the next generation of clients to him, this book delivers 100%. A lot of the stories emphasize how impossible of a task it was to talk to this group, or that individual, or how intimidating it was, but lo and behold look at how Greg managed to get through to even THIS person! Wow!
Okay but with that criticism aside, the book does involve a lot of substantive concepts, especially in the first half. The key concepts that resonated with me are control the controllables, be your own best friend, get rid of negative self-talk, belief in yourself is the most important and all you need.
Okay but with that criticism aside, the book does involve a lot of substantive concepts, especially in the first half. The key concepts that resonated with me are control the controllables, be your own best friend, get rid of negative self-talk, belief in yourself is the most important and all you need.
May 11, 2025
There are millions of self-help books out there, but if I had to choose just one to keep with me for the rest of my life, this would be it. In short, engaging chapters, the author lays out an effective strategy for self-improvement that relies on changing the way we think, starting with the way we talk to ourselves and how we tell our stories, both to ourselves and others. It's one thing to be told you're choosing to feel a certain way. It's quite another to see the logic of that statement presented in a non-judgmental way. Readers who choose to consider the book's principles may find themselves surprised and delighted by the positive effects they have on setting, working toward, and accomplishing goals.
The author acknowledges that making big changes or achieving big things takes time and hard work. On every page, readers will find encouragement to persevere, to keep going even when they get discouraged, tired, or knocked off course for a while.
I wish I could give this book to every fifteen-year-old. While they might not be ready to hear and practice every technique mentioned, they are the people who, in ten years, will be stepping into leadership roles at every level. Now more than ever, we must all commit to being our best selves and bringing our best to whatever we do.
The author acknowledges that making big changes or achieving big things takes time and hard work. On every page, readers will find encouragement to persevere, to keep going even when they get discouraged, tired, or knocked off course for a while.
I wish I could give this book to every fifteen-year-old. While they might not be ready to hear and practice every technique mentioned, they are the people who, in ten years, will be stepping into leadership roles at every level. Now more than ever, we must all commit to being our best selves and bringing our best to whatever we do.
September 1, 2023
One of the top books I've read in this three year journey of mine. Synopsis, Greg is a career counselor who started out in addictions at Michigan in the late 80's. Years before Tom Brady graced the campus. Impression is after several years was asked to talk to FB team about that subject and turned down coach Bo Schembechler's invite. A second request was made to Greg, who would accept on his terms. Which were met. This opened up years of working with many athletes who participated in all sports at Michigan. Two of the bigger names Tom Brady and Desmond Howard. Through his writings he presents an issue and steps to assist in resolution. What one sees throughout the book is Greg is a great listener who ask the right question and present ideas that might assist. Through simple assignments the athlete works their way out of the funk. Things like Control the Controllables (what you can't control let it go), practice, train, rehearse, give 100%, 100% of the time, stop being afraid of being afraid and many others. I think this book presents information that could be valuable to coaches, teachers, individuals and business leaders.
September 10, 2023
Interesting perspective on what psychologists think, and what ideas seem to sell. Also an easy book to read with short chapters, which might be helpful especially for jocks with short attention spans who got hit in the head too many times. Though I read it cover to cover I didn't find it applicable to my experience and life, nor real helpful. If I could control the controllables- i.e. "my own" thoughts and emotions then I wouldn't be deemed insane and a schizophrenic. That is one of those things I really don't have control over- though I've certainly tried. And its not like I never tried and gave 110% 110% of the time, I just never succeeded. Ask the Grateful Dead, I tried too hard. And to think all that inferiority I felt all these years being ignored and called crazy was because I "gave my permission" to them- after feeling like I was being mentally and metaphorically raped for decades as I screamed for them to stop and get me medical attention- is just like kicking someone when they are already down. I never gave me permission to have my very soul prostituted and sold. And no, I don't get many compliments, so its not like I could have a hard time taking them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2024
Life advice from an influencer who has inspired numerous athletes from Tom Brady to Michael Phelps. Greg Harden guides the reader through strategies to perform optimally and believe in yourself. Some topics include:
-Stop being afraid of being afraid: Fear and self-doubt are the enemy
-Control the controllables : Stop letting others control how you feel about yourself
-Commit, improve, and maintain: Make small improvements every day
-Practice self-love and self-acceptance
Reflections: A number of topics in this book resonated with me deeply. The one that stands out the most is to ‘not let others have power over how you feel about yourself’. For myself and my clients, too often we give away too much influence unnecessarily. There are a number of factors including self-confidence, fear, etc. that contribute to these actions. Greg Harden does a great job of helping us understand where that may be coming from and take action to overcome it, living a more powerful life.
I am featuring this book as the favorite that I read so far in 2024. Check it out with other inspirational books at michaeltiger.com/leadership-library.
-Stop being afraid of being afraid: Fear and self-doubt are the enemy
-Control the controllables : Stop letting others control how you feel about yourself
-Commit, improve, and maintain: Make small improvements every day
-Practice self-love and self-acceptance
Reflections: A number of topics in this book resonated with me deeply. The one that stands out the most is to ‘not let others have power over how you feel about yourself’. For myself and my clients, too often we give away too much influence unnecessarily. There are a number of factors including self-confidence, fear, etc. that contribute to these actions. Greg Harden does a great job of helping us understand where that may be coming from and take action to overcome it, living a more powerful life.
I am featuring this book as the favorite that I read so far in 2024. Check it out with other inspirational books at michaeltiger.com/leadership-library.
October 8, 2024
You are capable, qualified, and confident.
Being prepared for an opportunity is a lot better than waiting, wishing or playing the lottery.
It’s not enough just to dream big, big dreams are easy. You have to believe Big to become big.
Make your career, something that you do. Not who you are.
Plot, plan, scheme and dream!
Even as good as you are, we still don’t know how good you can be.
Refusing to admit, you were wrong is a fake strength, hiding as a real weakness.
When you worry too much about letting other people down, the only person you let down is yourself.
These are just a few of the golden nuggets that Greg Harden filled his book with. I found this book surprisingly more insightful than I anticipated, and written in a way where a previous athlete can take away a lot more value from this book than the average person. Don’t get me wrong, this is an incredible book for all audiences, but the parallels to sport give the understanding of the deep concepts of this book a new meaning.
I thoroughly enjoyed, listening to harden explain the concepts of living a better life and being your best self.
Being prepared for an opportunity is a lot better than waiting, wishing or playing the lottery.
It’s not enough just to dream big, big dreams are easy. You have to believe Big to become big.
Make your career, something that you do. Not who you are.
Plot, plan, scheme and dream!
Even as good as you are, we still don’t know how good you can be.
Refusing to admit, you were wrong is a fake strength, hiding as a real weakness.
When you worry too much about letting other people down, the only person you let down is yourself.
These are just a few of the golden nuggets that Greg Harden filled his book with. I found this book surprisingly more insightful than I anticipated, and written in a way where a previous athlete can take away a lot more value from this book than the average person. Don’t get me wrong, this is an incredible book for all audiences, but the parallels to sport give the understanding of the deep concepts of this book a new meaning.
I thoroughly enjoyed, listening to harden explain the concepts of living a better life and being your best self.
October 30, 2024
I consumed this as an audiobook, where the narration is given by the author. I really liked how every chapter and "lesson" had a different sort of case study example of who it helped and how it played out in real life. It was really redundant but I think most of it was intentional on the author's part, and didn't bother me as much in audio form as it might have if I had read such on paper.
I mostly thought of the student-athletes I work with while reading this book, so I am not sure if people outside of athletics will enjoy it as much but I think there is still value in all of the messages for non-athletes/folks in different industries. The rating I gave it certainly reflects how valuable I found the book's contents to be in my life as well as for the immediate individuals around me.
I definitely recommend to any athlete who is still discovering their role on their team, and to anyone who is looking to improve themselves and maximize their own potential.
I mostly thought of the student-athletes I work with while reading this book, so I am not sure if people outside of athletics will enjoy it as much but I think there is still value in all of the messages for non-athletes/folks in different industries. The rating I gave it certainly reflects how valuable I found the book's contents to be in my life as well as for the immediate individuals around me.
I definitely recommend to any athlete who is still discovering their role on their team, and to anyone who is looking to improve themselves and maximize their own potential.
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