When I heard he released this book, it was not my immediate choice. By happenstance, I was at the bookstore (yes, they still exist), and I decided to give it a whirl. This is one of my favorite books to inspire, motivate and even reflect on. Now, before you ask, "what can Steve Harvey tell me about success, let alone business?" I can say, it's a lot!" Steve Harvey lived in his car for three years after quitting his job at a car manufacturer to become a comedian. So trust me when I say, "he can tell you all the battles, fear, doubt, and even shame you may feel when pursuing your dream."
Unlike most books that give you a romanticized experience+ of their past and struggle, Steve Harvey is very transparent. He offers great insight that he frames in a way that captures your attention and inspires you to do more with your own life. At the end of each chapter, he includes challenges that range from questions to thoughts for you to self-reflect and identify the handicaps preventing you from living the life you deserve.
My favorite quote in the book comes from chapter 1, where he identified a deep seeded thought I felt but never knew how to express. The quote is as follows: "I was tired of the way I was living. I was tired of going nowhere. I was sick and tired of being poor. Poverty had exhausted me. It was exhausting for me to constantly have to think up ways to provide and survive. It was difficult to see things that I wanted and not be able to afford them. I was completely worn out by poverty. I was sick of myself for not pursuing my God-given gift. I was tired of myself for not going after my dreams." It was nice to know I wasn't alone in that feeling, and if he could find success, so could I!
Two chapters also stood out for their resources and authenticity. Chapter 14 focused on "The Power of No." It included a chart to identify when to say no, which was helpful because it offered a criterion to remain focused. Chapter 7, titled "Understanding the Makeup of You," forces internal dialogue and introspection, which is necessary to move from one stage of your life to another.
Sometimes, reading self-help books can feel like you are being judged for past mistakes. In this book, Steve Harvey highlights how he was no different from us. After making his own mistakes and finding success, this book feels like a cheat code for finding success without having to go through all the struggles he confronted. You will find his book refreshing if you are tired of the proverbial self-help success books. Read it and tell me what you think.
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