20.09.2024 Book Review 4

Friday 20th Sep

Embrace the Chaos: 52 Tactics to Make Every Day Count by Jason Fox

Jason Fox has done it again with Embrace the Chaos. Packed with practical life hacks, this book has quickly become my new life bible. Foxy has delivered yet another inspiring and fantastic read, designed to help you rise higher and reach your full potential

The book is divided into four sections: Mission, Recover, Chaos, and Calm. At first glance, these might seem overly simple, but once you dive into them, they offer a profound understanding, leaving you feeling supremely organized and at ease.

I honestly don’t know where to start describing this book. I’ve marked over 25 sections with coloured sticky notes, each highlighting key points that resonate deeply with me. Even though I am ex-army I know I’ll be using these insights to enhance my life and improve how I think and act moving forward.

I love Jason’s no-nonsense, down-to-earth writing style. It’s very British—entertaining, yet clear and concise. Each chapter ends with "The Look Forward," which I really enjoy. It offers a positive wrap-up and introduces new skill sets to carry into the future.

The only tiny drawback, which almost made me dock half a star (though I completely understand given Jason’s background), is the mention of the British Military being one of the best in the world. Maybe it’s just the Australian in me reacting! Ha ha!

All in all, I give this book a full 5 stars—it’s definitely worthy of that perfect score. Fantastic stuff, Foxy. Love it, mate!

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14.09.2024 Book Review 3

Saturday 14th Sep

The Diary of a CEO: The 33 Laws of Business and Life by 

Steven Bartlett

An engaging, insightful and refreshingly candid read from a young successful billionaire.

This book is structured around 33 Laws (rather than chapters) each aimed at the complexities of both business and life which together build a holistic view of what it takes to succeed in the modern world.

Steven bases his theory on 5 business buckets which must be filled in the correct order to achieve true success, with both knowledge and skills as the real basis to business success.  It seems common sense to me but potentially not for today’s generation as their knowledge and skill sets are no longer manually or verbally as ‘hands on’ as they were in my day. Comparatively, things now move at lightening pace and they have a different type of knowledge and skills to consider and learn.

I found this book is a great mix of motivation and practicality, and while complex in places it is written in a down to earth easy to read manner.  It will surely be sitting on many office bookshelves around the world as a “go to” reference book.  I didn’t realise that Steven Bartlett also has a podcast which I am in the process of looking up and listening to as well. This is guy is a whip and I highly recommend this book to any budding entrepreneurs out there, or anyone wanting to improve their approach to life. This book offers valuable lessons that can help you on your journey. 

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10.09.2024 Book Review 2

Tuesday 10th Sep

'Boundary Boss: The Essential Guide to True, Be Seen and (Finally) Life Free' by Terri Cole

Terri's book is an engaging and insightful guide from a sassy boundary coach and psychotherapist. She expertly helps readers unravel deep-seated beliefs formed in childhood that may no longer serve them in today’s world. With a refreshing blend of empathy and empowerment, Terri provides practical tools for setting firm, sensible boundaries that genuinely stick.

Each chapter is infused with a dose of caring, womanly encouragement, and concludes with thoughtful reflection exercises. At the end of the book, you’ll find a charming guide to creating your own 'Zen Den,' a cozy space for introspection and growth to use for each exercise.

I particularly enjoyed the chapters on boundary-destroyers and the real-world scenario scripts. Whether dealing with intrusive questions at work or from strangers on the street, Terri offers a range of polite and often humorous responses that are both practical and entertaining.

This book is a fantastic addition to any bookshelf. It’s one of those rare reads that you'll return to time and again, using those dog-eared pages as a reminder to assert your own boundaries with confidence. You’ll find yourself saying, 'I’ve got this! I am the Boundary Boss!'

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05.09.2024 Book Review 1

Thursday 5th Sep

"Why Does He Do That? Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men", by Lundy Bancroft.

This book is a revelation, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to all my female friends who have had and abusive man in their life  … ha ha all of us!

Truly life changing with a peek behind the curtain as to why abusive men behave the way they do.  Get the tools to spot red flags early and removed abusive behaviour from your life.

Written by an exceptional male psychologist with extensive experience rehabilitating abusive men, the book is both enlightening and empowering. It equips readers with strategies to remove abusive behaviours from their lives and foster healthier relationships.

A must read, highly recommend! 

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My 5 Books on Day 2 of the Readathon

Monday 2nd Sep

Day 2 📚 of the World's Coolest Readathon where I will be reading 5 books in 30 days!

All money goes toward the mental health charity @brothersnbooks whose programs support our ADF, Veterans and emergency services, in Australia.  Please help me reach my fundraising goal and feel free to sign up, read some great books and support a brilliant cause!

The Books:

1.        “Why Does He Do That? Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men” by Lundy Bancroft.

2.        “Boundary Boss: The Essential Guide to True, Be Seen and (Finally) Life Free” by Terri Cole.

3.        “The Diary of a CEO: The 33 Laws of Business and Life” by Steven Bartlett.

4.        “Embrace the Chaos. 52 Tactics to Make Every Day Count” by Jason Fox.

5.        “Ember” by Andrews and Wilson.

All donations for a great cause welcome please 🩷

 

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My Book Choices

Monday 26th Aug

The 30 day readathon from 1^st to the 30^th September, is coming around soon and I have my books squared away ready to go! They cover a few different reading styles beginning with a psychology self help book by Lundy Bancroft called, “Why Does He Do That? Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men”.

The second is a society and culture book written by Terri Cole, “Boundary Boss: The Essential Guide to True, Be Seen and (Finally) Life Free”.  

Looking at Business and productivity for number three, written Steven Bartlett, “The Diary of a CEO: The 33 Laws of Business and Life”.

Then onto the ultimate military grade productivity and self help book number four read written by Jason Fox, “Embrace the Chaos. 52 Tactics to Make Every Day Count”.

Lastly my final book which is the eighth book in the Tier One thriller series by Andrews and Wilson, called “Ember”.  

 

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My Why

Monday 5th Aug

I am proud to be participating in the Brothers and Books fundraiser this year as mental health is an issue close to my heart. 

I have led a rich life with Army service and travelled around Australia as a mad dog motorcyclist.   I still enjoy working out at the gym and also for many years was an avid runner where most people know me as “Playschool” through my days with the crazy Hash House Harriers in both the NT and on the Sunshine Coast in QLD.

I have watched some of my best mates struggle with mental health, and it’s something that needs to be talked about more.  We don’t need to battle it alone, and asking for help is OK.  I’m keen to help raise awareness and funds for this critical space.    I am especially passionate about making change for defence veterans, police force and emergency services with complex PTSD.  It can be an ugly debilitating place in your mind when you simply just need to feel safe in your own place.

I am delighted to be part of this fantastic initiative.  Please consider making a donation should you be able to support these courageous people through their tough times.

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