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Flip It: How to Get the Best Out of Everything

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There’s a simple way of thinking, acting and doing that, once learned, will make sure you get the very best out of everything. It’s called Flip It.

Flip It, the bestselling book of the same name, challenges you to rethink how you interpret and handle every situation. It liberates you from the beliefs that have been holding you back, and gives you powerfully simple ways to switch your thinking and change your actions so that you can get the very best out of whatever life sends your way.

Something or someone making you irritated or stressed?

Flip It!

Frustrated by not being able to get anywhere with anything?

Flip It!

Lacking energy, time, ideas or support?

Flip It!

And it really works! At home, at work, in love and in life, Flip It’s techniques have already helped millions of people achieve what they want, when they want.

Now it’s time for you to Flip It and reap the rewards: higher levels of happiness, confidence, creativity and success. With the new, revised edition of this bestselling book, you’ll discover how to make sure you never have a bad day ever again.

158 pages, Paperback

First published September 22, 2009

40 people are currently reading
357 people want to read

About the author

Michael Heppell

48 books19 followers

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5 stars
112 (26%)
4 stars
154 (35%)
3 stars
105 (24%)
2 stars
45 (10%)
1 star
13 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
2 reviews
October 3, 2012
Reading the back page you will think the book is just another one of those self-help "you can do anything" books, but luckily I ignored my knee-jerk reaction to drop the book.

The whole book is about one technique and that is "re-framing". The book could probably have been less pages, but knowing what the technique is, doesn't automatically leads to a successful application of it. Each chapter goes through examples of how to use it across various challenges in your life: work, friends, family, wealth, investment, etc.

Even though I have been using re-framing for a few years, this book gave me new strategies I wasn't previously aware of and that makes the book worthwhile for me.
Profile Image for Tim Corke.
767 reviews8 followers
March 18, 2013
How to get the best out of everything is life changing. If you're stuck in a rut or just want to kickstart and propel yourself forward read this book.

I've benefitted from reading this book by making key notes to refer back to but would definitely consider getting myself a copy given the range of helpful, supportive and inspirational tips and phrases it contains.

It's written very well; lists of key points and a friendly personal approach that reads like you're on the phone to a good friend giving you great advice.
Profile Image for Tom Walters.
18 reviews
August 13, 2019
Whilst I found nothing particularly groundbreaking within the book, it did contain some interesting and thought provoking ideas. There are also some useful exercises again to get you thinking a little more outside the box.

It's a quick read and a very positive message throughout, just don't expect it to change your life.
Profile Image for Jung.
1,937 reviews44 followers
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May 25, 2025
In "Flip It: How to Get the Best Out of Everything", Michael Heppell presents a practical, empowering guide to transforming the way we respond to life. At its core, the book explores how we can change outcomes not by altering our external circumstances, but by adjusting how we think about them. Heppell argues that the key to confidence, better relationships, energy, happiness, and resilience lies in one simple shift: learning how to flip your mindset. This doesn’t require grand plans, perfect timing, or additional resources—just a willingness to look at things differently and act accordingly.

Heppell starts by pointing out that many people stick to familiar thought patterns, even when they consistently produce stress, dissatisfaction, or stagnation. The breakthrough comes when we stop reacting automatically and start asking better questions. Instead of asking 'Why does this always happen to me?'—which often leads to self-blame or defeat—we should ask 'How can I handle this differently?' That one word switch—from 'why' to 'how'—moves our mind from passive reflection to active problem-solving. According to Heppell, this simple habit engages parts of the brain that thrive on challenge and possibility, setting a foundation for progress and resilience.

Self-talk is another focal point. The phrases we use shape our mood and direction. Flipping a statement like 'I’m exhausted' into 'I could use more energy' might seem subtle, but it redirects focus toward potential solutions rather than reinforcing fatigue. Excuses are similarly addressed—not as weaknesses to be ashamed of, but as signals of discomfort. Heppell suggests that cutting through them with honesty can be energizing. It clears mental clutter and replaces it with integrity and clarity.

The mindset shift extends to our interactions with others. Heppell emphasizes that focusing on other people—really listening, asking questions, showing interest—has more lasting impact than trying to impress. This principle not only deepens relationships but also reduces social anxiety, because it shifts attention away from self-consciousness and toward connection. In conversations and relationships, being present and thoughtful outweighs any performance.

One memorable story in the book describes Heppell attending a movie in Washington D.C. and realizing he was the only white person in the theater. Though he didn’t feel unsafe or out of place, the moment opened a new perspective for him. It gave him a clearer understanding of what his wife, a Black woman who had attended a majority-white school, may have felt as a child. That moment of perspective shift—what Heppell calls a paradigm shift—illustrates the power of intentionally disrupting your viewpoint to foster empathy, creativity, and personal growth.

Heppell explains that such dramatic shifts are powerful, but flipping your thinking doesn’t require a big event. Everyday situations can be transformed by small changes in how we view and react to them. For example, confidence isn’t something you either have or don’t have; it’s a state you can recreate by recognizing the elements that supported it in the past. Did you stand taller, speak differently, breathe slower? Those cues form a 'confidence recipe' that you can recreate intentionally. Even imagining your confident self—your 'Super Me'—can help summon the right mindset for difficult situations.

Behavior leads thought as often as the other way around. Acting like a confident person can actually make you feel more confident. The same goes for recovering from mistakes. Heppell shares the technique of a young athlete who snapped out of negative spirals with the phrase 'next ball,' helping himself move forward quickly. By adopting similar resets, we can stop ruminating and get back into action faster.

Heppell also tackles happiness as a trainable skill. You don’t have to wait to feel better—you can do something about it. Change your posture, focus on what’s going well, and take physical action. Even small steps can rewire your emotional state. Over time, these mini-adjustments build a more resilient and positive default mode.

The book also encourages readers to reassess their closest relationships. We often assume that friendships are automatically beneficial, but some can quietly drain us. Heppell introduces a four-quadrant model: Growers (positive and giving), Sappers (negative and taking), Poor Me types (giving but emotionally exhausting), and Groupies (positive but self-centered). The takeaway? Spend more time with Growers, set boundaries with the middle group, and gently distance yourself from those who consistently sap your energy.

He extends this idea into romantic relationships and family life. Don’t wait for love—seek it. Be proactive, sincere, and present. True intimacy, he says, is built on everyday actions: kind words, small notes, real attention. With family, it’s easy to take relationships for granted. Flip that tendency by treating family members as people you’re still getting to know. Ask them meaningful questions, put your phone away at dinner, and express love even when it feels awkward. These small acts create closeness and connection that last.

Health and well-being also benefit from this flipped mindset. Many people wait for energy to strike before they act, but Heppell advises doing the reverse: move first, and let energy follow. Whether it's stretching, hydrating, or changing clothes, small physical shifts can change your state. Rest is essential too—but not the mindless kind filled with distractions. Real rest, paired with intention, allows the brain to recover and reset.

Heppell addresses common health misconceptions as well. Tiredness isn’t just physical; it’s shaped by perception. Illness recovery improves when you stay mentally engaged in the process. Imagining yourself healing, asking questions about your care, and tuning into your body’s signals can all strengthen the recovery journey. Even tension and minor symptoms can be flipped with simple actions like adjusting posture, drinking water, or moving a little. These shifts create more control, and control feeds momentum.

The last major focus is on reframing personal traits and behaviors we often consider flaws. A standout anecdote is about a very tall man who slouched during a job interview, clearly uncomfortable with his own presence. Instead of owning his uniqueness, he shrank from it. Heppell sees this as a missed opportunity: what feels like a liability might actually be your advantage. When you stop hiding and start embracing your distinctiveness, it becomes a strength that sets you apart.

Rules, too, are up for flipping. Many habits and expectations are arbitrary and go unchallenged. Reconsidering routines, questioning 'the way things are done,' and tailoring your own processes can make life easier and more fulfilling. Procrastination, for instance, isn’t always laziness—it could be a clue that you’re ignoring what really matters. Instead of shaming yourself, try understanding the cause. Ask what you’re avoiding, and why. Tie tasks to values or identity to make them more meaningful, and use tools like public commitments or deadlines to get moving.

Heppell also stresses that problem-solving doesn’t require perfection. Start with rough ideas. Break big problems into smaller steps. Take imperfect action and adjust as you go. Often, waiting for the 'right' solution delays progress indefinitely. The best approach is one that creates motion. Intuition, which many dismiss, is also worth cultivating. Use it often, and it will sharpen. He describes it as a form of wisdom that emerges when you trust your own pattern recognition—something that improves with practice.

In the end, "Flip It" delivers a simple but profound message: real transformation starts in your thinking. You don’t have to overhaul your life to feel better, perform better, and connect more deeply. You only have to flip how you look at things. Whether it’s turning a complaint into a question, a flaw into a feature, or an excuse into an action, each small shift helps build momentum. When repeated, these shifts create lasting change. By training yourself to notice, reframe, and respond intentionally, you gain control over your experience—right now, with whatever you’re facing.
32 reviews
March 31, 2018
I like Michael Heppell's works, they're consistently positive and constructive and, if you give them a chance, a great way of growing. It's not magical thinking, or particularly difficult thinking, but truthfully even though we are all capable of doing this stuff, we don't. Sometimes you need that buddy to push you on, lift you up and call you on your bad habits. If you've got that buddy around then good for you. If not, Heppell's books do the job.

Flip It is the art of turning stuff on its head. Looking for another way of doing things, seeing things or turning to the positive when the grumps of the world are shouting loudest.

Sure, there'll be other books that do something similar, the real purpose isn't to give you all the answers, it's to start you thinking. Commit to the process, try your best and enjoy the victories that come your way.
Profile Image for The Idle Woman.
791 reviews33 followers
August 17, 2017
3.5 stars.

Flip it is one of the more appealing productivity / personal outlook books I've read. Encouraging his readers to challenge their way of thinking, Heppell tackles a range of areas in which we can improve our experience of life through slight shifts in our attitude. Essentially it's a guide to positive thinking. There are summaries, tips and exercises - personally I would have liked more of the tips and less of the 'fill out this worksheet', but that's just my own style of learning and I'm sure others will find the more interactive elements invaluable. Sensible, playful and practical, Heppell's approach encourages us to think of ways to solve problems and always to look on the bright side. I've filtered out a few valuable tips and look forward to putting them into practice.
Profile Image for Bjorn Hardarson.
178 reviews6 followers
October 8, 2011
I believe it is actually great to read books that tells you some good suggestion on your way of thinking your life, work, goals and etc. If you have read a lot it does maybe not actually gets you a new kind of knowledge. But I believe reminders are often better to "first learning" The good thing about Flip it is that it tells the truths focus on goals, task list and working with thoughts. At last it is short and does not take you long to read/remind you. just tell it as it is and Remind you as you were going to do things
Profile Image for Norm Tresadern.
42 reviews3 followers
November 27, 2021
This was basically a very simple book about how to re-frame in different situations. Could be useful if you find yourself without ideas - if you're frazzled, tired, depressed, or just not feeling creative for any reason.

I found it a little patronising in tone, but the content itself was fine, and it was a very easy read.
1 review
Want to read
April 8, 2016
I get it, I should not be asking 'why on earth did I buy this, but How on earth did I buy it. Well I wanted to try out Itunes audiobooks compared to audible. So now instead of thinking why is it so condescending, I'm thinking How come it sounds so condescending.....
24 reviews3 followers
April 28, 2014
Flip It; or, in other words, every cloud has a silver lining.
That's the overriding message of this book, with short chapters covering most aspects of life.
A good book to dip into, nothing too deep.
5 reviews
January 14, 2023
Great read

Enjoyed reading this as I am currently on Michael’s Writing course . He is highly energetic and this comes across in his book. At times he seems to state the obvious but that is why the book is so clever !
Profile Image for Hannah Esteban.
11 reviews
April 15, 2020
A concise read with practicable examples on how to flip things. Not your typical "look on the bright side" kind of book, but the ideas here have their uses.
Profile Image for Estelle (estellereadsbooks).
221 reviews10 followers
February 1, 2021
my man really said ‘cellulite?! ew gross women don’t have that!’ and then fat shamed men.

his message was just ‘think positively’ without telling the reader HOW to do that
1 review
September 5, 2021
Brilliant read

Simple yet effective!! Fantastic ideas that really work thank you Michael for introducing Flip It to me I'm off to put it into action
Profile Image for Vanessa.
211 reviews15 followers
November 8, 2025
Je lis une version traduite, et certaines choses m'agacent.

Entre les traductions mots à mots, et certains passages qui sont clairement du "toxic positivity", il y a quelques conseils intéressants.
Profile Image for Robert Day.
Author 5 books36 followers
April 16, 2015
This is such a wonderful little book. If this book was a bag of crisps, they would be chocolate coated, in a bed of liquorice ice cream with sprinkles.

Every single page is filled with lovely things you can do in order to make your life and that of those around you into a multiverse of goodness and success and stuff like that.

The language used is simple and easy to interact with - rather like it is programmed to behave like your favourite film star (or starlet), you know, the one you would stalk - if you were that kind of person.

It's interesting (for me anyway) that the best place to read this book is in company. I don't mean at the dinner table with your family staring disapprovingly at your eyeballs flicking backwards and forwards as if you were watching spiders play tennis on your book; I mean amongst people, like at the beach, or in a busy town centre, or in a full restaurant.

When I read it, I wanted to test it out straight away by getting a certain thought in my head and then looking at people so that I could tell how that thought was affecting them. Not in a telepathetic, telekinetic kind of way - more like by changing your face so that different messages go out. It has to be done around people, because I found that it doesn't really work with cows, sheep or spiders - not even ones that can play tennis.

Anyways - I enjoyed reading this book thoroughly and I recommend you try it too.
Profile Image for Maya Panika.
Author 1 book78 followers
July 19, 2015
Surprisingly inspirational - it certainly got ideas flowing for me (17 notebook pages so far on a business idea I'm working on). The 'flip it' concept isn't especially new and it builds on many well-worn positive thinking models, but it's nicely done here and it certainly got me thinking. The core idea gets a bit lost sometimes too, becoming a more generalised positive thinking tome. I found the chapter on relationships a little patronising - that's probably just me. For the most part, though there's nothing especially new here, the presentation is fresh. It's certainly helped me distil what had been some nebulous thinking into usable thoughts. It's been very useful to me and I'd certainly recommend it to anyone whose thinking is stuck in a rut and anyone whose day to day need a bit of a fillip.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
603 reviews
October 27, 2022
Not amazing, but a great starter book for people who are just starting on their knowledge of the power of mindsets.
Profile Image for Richard.
7 reviews
September 9, 2012
this book tells you how to change your out look in life (quality). it begins with attitude, instead of asking why, the book suggests to ask how? the book also says that quality of life comes from what you eat and activity levels, it claims this is done on an 80:20 rotio. 80 percent of what you eat is down to your weight and the remainder is down to exercise (20 percent). tells you how to be a better lover/ friend.
194 reviews5 followers
April 17, 2013
In this book the author offers his approach for thinking and taking actions that lead to higher levels of happiness, confidence, creativity and success. He calls this approach "Flip It".
A good light reading material. But it does not have an USP which can clearly differentiate it from other self-help books in the market.
More details about this book at
http://bookwormsrecos.blogspot.in/201...
Profile Image for Andrea Lewis.
Author 1 book8 followers
September 14, 2011
Flip It is simplistic yet powerful. It's basically being positive as opposed to negative. Instead of focusing on the problem. Flip It! I love the term.

Michael encourages to look at alternative and creative ways to live a happy life. This book was concise and to the point.
1 review
Currently reading
February 1, 2010
Instead of your glass being half empty, try and see it as half full. Learn to make the most of things.
Profile Image for Martin.
233 reviews3 followers
September 30, 2012
Some quite interesting ideas. I'd like to think I'd be able to put some into practice. We'll see.

Profile Image for Rosie Amber.
Author 1 book82 followers
January 12, 2013
This was a great read for January when we all need a motivational boost. Lots of ideas and ways to see things differently. Easy to read and well set out.
Profile Image for Susan.
171 reviews
August 16, 2014
It is good food for thought. Turing your attitude around and/or your habit around. I have found it useful to go back and re-read chapters. This I rarely do with any book.
101 reviews8 followers
January 24, 2021
Second time around and I'm not so impressed.
I've changed and the world's changed.
Parts of this are very ableist.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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