The Stoic Mindset - Book Review

Title: The Stoic Mindset; Living the Ten Principles of Stoicism

Author: Mark Tuitert

Publisher: St. Martin Essentials

Publication Date: April 8, 2024

About the Author
 Mark Tuitert won the gold medal in speed skating in the 1500-meter event at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. After retiring from competitive speed skating, Mark has continued to make a positive impact as a bestselling author, successful entrepreneur, host of the podcast Drive, motivational speaker, and representative for some of the largest organizations in the world.

An Initiation Into Stoic Mindset and Action
Mark Tuitert presents the following ten principles for developing a Stoic mindset;

• Use setbacks as signposts
• Judge less, understand more
• Win by not focusing on winning
• What's good for the team is good for you
• Accept your fate (and love it)
• Death makes life epic
• Happiness is a side effect
• A map is good, a compass better
• Character is your most important project
• Actions speak louder than words

My Thoughts
Mr. Tuitert started reading about Stoic philosophy in the weeks before he won a gold medal in the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. Since then, he has continued to study and apply Stoic philosophy to his life.

The author does a good job sharing Stoic principles and explaining how he has used these principles to improve his life. He shares many experiences about his athletic endeavors and his struggles to get to the Olympics. 

There are some very helpful practice exercises at the end of each chapter. There are also colorful illustrations that illustrate and clarify the Stoic concepts.

Stoicism has been undergoing a resurgence in the 21st century. Over the last decade, the philosophy of Stoicism has managed to permeate mainstream culture in a way that most philosophies never do. This book does an excellent job of presenting material that provides core information and encourages the reader to delve deeper into the subject. 

This book is an excellent introduction to Stoicism and offers a great deal of help in applying the principles to your life. Highly recommended!

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

Thank you to Net Galley for an excellent reading opportunity.

The Perennials Megatrends by Mauro Guillen - Book Review

Title: The Perennials; The Megatrends Creating a Postgenerational Society

Author: Mauro F. Guillen

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Publication Date: August 22, 2023

Length: 272 Pages

About the Author
Mauro F. Guillén is one of the most original thinkers at the Wharton School, where he is a Professor of Management and Vice Dean for the MBA for Executives Program. He combines his training as a sociologist at Yale and as a business economist in his native Spain to methodically identify and quantify the most promising opportunities at the intersection of demographic, economic, and technological developments.

Play - Study - Work - Retirement
Virtually every country in the world has embraced the idea that life proceeds in the following four sequential stages;

1. Play 
2. Study
3. Work
4. Retirement

The author believes the trend of sequential stages is coming to an end and we are entering an era where the perennials will thrive. Perennials are defined as "people who are not characterized by the decade in which they were born but rather by the way they work, learn, and interact with others."

My Thoughts

People are living longer and having fewer children.  Multi-generational households are becoming more common. 

The demand for social skills in the workplace is increasing. The future will require more soft skills, self-awareness, empathy, networked thinking, and lifelong learning. 
The ability to adapt to changes will be crucial in the workplace, in social interactions, and at home. People will be required to adapt, learn, unlearn, and relearn.

This is a fascinating book designed to predict the future trends of the worldwide economy and way of life. This book represents many years of research by the author and his team. The writing style is appropriate for the lay reader as well as professionals in the fields of business, sociology, and economics.

I found this book insightful and inspiring. 

The world will be a better place if these trends come to pass. Long live the Perennials!

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

Thank you to NetGalley for an excellent reading opportunity.

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Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis

Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis

Author: J.D. Vance

Publisher: Harper

Publication Date: June 28, 2016

Length: 272 Pages









About the Author
J.D. Vance grew up in the Rust Belt city of Middletown, Ohio, and the Appalachian town of Jackson, Kentucky. He enlisted in the Marine Corps after high school and served in Iraq. A graduate of the Ohio State University and Yale Law School, he has contributed to the National Review and is a principal at a leading Silicon Valley Investment firm.

White, Working and Poor in America
J.D.'s grandparents moved north from Kentucky's Appalachia region to Ohio in hopes of escaping the devastating poverty around them. His family struggled to adjust to their new middle-class status. His mother was never able to escape the legacy of abuse, addiction, poverty and trauma that was so characteristic of her childhood years in Appalachia. Mr. Vance lived a very chaotic childhood and was passed around to numerous family members while his mother struggled with drug addiction and moved different men in and out of her home.

J.D. decided to join the Marines when he graduated from high school. When he left the Marines, he used his military education benefits to attend Ohio State University. He eventually graduated from Yale Law School and learned that social mobility involves much more than acquiring money.

“social mobility isn’t just about money and economics, it’s about a lifestyle change. The wealthy and the powerful aren’t just wealthy and powerful; they follow a different set of norms and mores. When you go from working-class to professional-class, almost everything about your old life becomes unfashionable at best or unhealthy at worst.” 

My Thoughts
I chose this book because it was on the Bill Gates book list for 2017. 


I was extremely touched by the childhood experiences that are described in this book. Mr. Vance is truly a survivor and overcomer. He credits his grandparents, sister and other family members for being there for him when his mother was unable or unwilling to take care of him.

“For kids like me, the part of the brain that deals with stress and conflict is always activated...We are constantly ready to fight or flee, because there is a constant exposure to the bear, whether that bear is an alcoholic dad or an unhinged mom....I see conflict and I run away or prepare for battle.”

The author believes his years in the U.S. Marine Corp gave him the confidence and skills he needed to overcome his chaotic childhood and set realistic goals for the future. 

Mr. Vance met his future wife at Yale and she became an excellent mentor and friend during his years in law school. He is now a practicing attorney and appears to have a very bright future indeed. However, sometimes things are not as they seem to outsiders. 

“That is the real story of my lift, and that is why I wrote this book. I want people to know what it feels like to nearly give up on yourself and why you might do it. I want people to understand what happens in the lives of the poor and the psychological impact that spiritual and material poverty has on their children. I want people to understand the American Dream as my family and I encountered it. I want people to understand how upward mobility really feels. And I want people to understand something I learned only recently: that for those of us lucky enough to live the American Dream, the demons of the life we left behind continue to chase us.”

This book is informative and inspiring. I am sure that many have walked a similar path as described in this book. The author was able to eloquently express the emotions and vulnerability that he feels as a result of his childhood experiences.

Dr. Phil frequently says, "There's an old saying in Texas: You gotta rise above your raisin'." 
This book shows you how.

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

FYI - I borrowed this book from my public library.

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Compass for an Extraordinary Life

Extraordinary: Living in the Direction of You

Author: Michael Dauphinee

Publisher: Broadstreet Publishing Group LLC

Publication Date: September 4, 2018

Length: 160 Pages

About the Author
Michael Dauphinee is a speaker, writer, and leadership consultant. For more than a decade he has devoted his life to helping people around the world understand their identity and its direct impact on leadership, employee engagement, and life.


"To live an extraordinary life is to live outside the normal course of events."
Michael Dauphinee provides guidelines for navigating an extraordinary life. This navigation process includes the following four points;

• Where are we? (Identity)
• Where are we going? (Permission)
• How do we get there? (Courage)
• How do we keep from getting lost? (Generosity)

The author begins by defining the terms and then explains how these concepts can be applied to your life. He shares experiences from his own life and also provides case studies from some of his client's experiences.

My Thoughts

WOW! I can't remember the last time I used the highlight feature on my Kindle e-reader as frequently as I did while reading this book. The pages became a colorful rainbow of quotations, definitions and strategies that I want to go back and review. It is difficult to digest this information in just one reading. I plan to go back and reread each chapter and think about how I can apply the strategies and techniques to my life.

Mr. Dauphinee dedicates a portion of each chapter to defining the terms. This is an informative and enlightening addition that adds great value. I have read many self-help books and very few take time to define the terms before they give instructions for applying the concepts and strategies.

"The beginning of wisdom is to call things by their right name."

The author is a Clifton Strengthsfinder coach but he has not made this this book into an advertisement for this service. He does encourage readers to take a strengths assessment (Clifton Strengths, MyersBriggs, DISC, Enneagram, etc.) to realize your talents and stop discarding your most valuable parts. 

"Every day we make choices that will choose for us later."

When I read this quotation, I reflected on many of the decisions I had made in the past. The choices that are made today will mold our futures for years to come. Decisions move us toward or away from our identity. The author believes we tend to disconnect the choices of today from the impact of tomorrow. We live like slaves to the immediate. 

Mr. Dauphinee expresses his personality with both humor and poignant stories. He is a Christian and enthusiastically shares his faith in Jesus Christ. However, I would not call this a "religious" book. 

Excellent. Impactful. Motivating. Memorable. This book is all of this and more. Highly Recommended!

FIVE STARS OUT OF 5

FYI ~ I received a free digital copy of this book for NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
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Wealth Redefined - A Review

Wealth Redefined: Charting the Way to Personal and Financial Freedom

Authors: Bob Reby and Greg Ruais

Publisher: River Grove Books

Publication Date: August 2, 2017

Pages: 183



About the Author
After graduating from James Madison University with a BA in Finance in 1985, Robert J. Reby decided to pursue his passion for personal finance by founding Reby Advisors. After more than three decades in business, his vision and the firm’s mission remain the same: to inspire people to achieve financial peace of mind.

Wealth is More Than Money

Do you have a financial plan for your future?

Have you made goals for your investment strategies?

What are your hopes and dreams for retirement?

Drawing on over twenty years of experience as a Certified Financial Planner, author Bob Reby explores the idea that wealth means different things to different people. Your health, relationships, and family are all components of wealth, and your financial plan should be in line with those values.

My Thoughts

I think this is the first book on the subject of financial planning that I have ever reviewed on this blog. I wish I had read this book AND TAKEN ACTION on managing my finances many years ago. However, it is never too late to educate myself on financial matters that will provide freedom and peace of mind in future days.

A financial plan is unique to each individual. It is based on that person's goals for the future. A large portion of this book is dedicated to retirement planning. How can you live the lifestyle that you want without running out of money?

Mr. Reby is a financial planner and highly recommends the use of a professional adviser to keep you on track with your financial goals.  He believes that "wealth redefined means that we should strive to achieve the right balance in our lives that also takes into consideration whether we're spending our time and our money on the right things."

Mr. Reby explains exactly how to go about choosing the best financial planner for your situation. He offers information about the right kind of insurance and how to avoid paying unnecessary taxes.

The author believes the most critical financial risk facing investors today is behavioral risk. That means people who make unwise investment decisions based on FEAR and GREED.  There is an entire chapter dedicated on how to avoid investment mistakes that will shipwreck your future.

As a novice investor, I found this book very helpful. The information is presented in an understandable manner and many examples and case studies are provided. This book has encouraged me to read and study and learn more on this important topic. 

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below. I will reply to all questions and remarks.

FYI - I received a digital review copy of this book from Net Galley.

Book Review: The Lose Your Belly Diet by Dr. Travis Stork

Start the new year with a healthy diet and lifestyle!
Dr. Travis Stork shares new research about how to lose weight and improve your heath with the right foods and exercise.

Title:  The Lose Your Belly Diet: Change Your Gut, Change Your Life

Author: Dr. Travis Stork
Publisher: Ghost Mountain Books
Date of Publication: December 27, 2016

Length: 256 Pages


About The Author
Travis Lane Stork is an American emergency physician and television personality, best known for appearing on The Bachelor, and as the host of the syndicated daytime talk show The Doctors.

Buddies in your Belly
In this book, Dr. Stork shares new research that reveals important connections between our overall health and the well-being of the microbes that live in our gut.

The good bacteria and other microbes in our belly work with our immune system to fight off dangerous invaders and help us digest food. Gut microbes play such a crucial role in our health that it is amazing that it has taken us so long to give them the attention they deserve.

Here are some ways you can nourish and support your gut microbes:

Eat high-fiber fruits, vegetables and grains.

Fill your belly with prebiotic and probiotic superstars.

Learn why probiotic supplements are usually not necessary.

Eat nuts.

Avoid excess and unnecessary use of antibiotics.

Be aware of pesticides in fresh fruits and vegetables.

Strengthen your belly buddies with exercise.

Drink plenty of water.

Dr. Stork shares a detailed diet plan to help you lose weight and improve your health. 

My Thoughts
I really like the way Dr. Stork explains complicated medical research in a way that is easy to understand and really interesting to learn. This is not a book about losing weight, it is about a lifestyle change that will make you a healthier person. However, weight loss will be a wonderful result of following this diet/exercise plan.

It takes time to change our eating habits, but this book demonstrates that you don't have to be hungry to embrace a healthy lifestyle. 

I really enjoyed the way Dr. Stork tells how he goes to the grocery store and chooses healthy veggies from the salad bar when he is traveling instead of eating in restaurants. 

I have started to implement this diet in my meals. I am eating a limited amount of meat and focusing on high-fiber raw fruits and vegetables. I am looking forward to a healthy and happy new year!

I recommend this book for your consideration. It will give you insight on how food affects your body...for good and bad. It is never too late to make healthy changes in your diet and lifestyle.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI - I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

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Book Review: The 20/20 Diet by Dr. Phil McGraw

One Word Book Review: HEALTHY

 The 20/20 Diet: Turn Your Weight Loss Vision Into Reality

 Author: Dr. Phil McGraw

 Publisher: Bird Street Books

 Publication Date: January 6, 2015

 Print Length: 252 Pages


About The Author
"Dr. Phil" (Phillip C. McGraw, Ph.D.) is the host of America’s number one daytime talk show and is perhaps the most well-known expert in the field of psychology and human functioning in the world today.

New Year Resolution #1 - Achieve a Healthy Weight!
In The 20/20 Diet, Dr. Phil McGraw identifies seven reasons other diets fail people over and over again:

• hunger,
• cravings,
• feeling of restriction,
• impracticality and expense,
• boredom,
• temptations,
• and disappointing results or plateaus.

Then, he addresses each of these roadblocks by applying the latest research and theories that have emerged since his last book on the same topic, The Ultimate Weight Solution.

Dr. Phil and his team have created a plan that you can start following right now and continue working for the rest of your life. In this diet, readers will start by eating only 20 key ingredients, called the “20/20 Foods,” which theories indicate may help enhance your body’s thermogenesis and help you feel full.

But that's just the beginning. Healthy weight loss requires a lifestyle change. This book promotes a permanent change in your eating habits, exercise patterns and the way you think about your food.

My Thoughts
This is the diet book that I have been waiting for. It is based on 20 foods that are healthy, filling and will lead to achieving a healthy weight and sustaining that weight.

I have lost seven pounds since I started following this diet. My goal is to lose 20 pounds on the 20/20 diet.  I have allowed an entire year to achieve this goal because I want to gradually change my eating habits and exercise patterns.

This is the tool you need if you want to achieve a healthy weight and lifestyle. The information in this book is based on current nutritional research and trends. You have to be willing to make a commitment and work toward achieving your goal. This is not a miracle diet, but it is a diet that will work if you are willing to put in the time and effort.

Are you ready to join me in this quest for a healthy lifestyle?

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI - I received a digital copy of this book to read and review from NetGalley.
I received a print copy of this book from The Dr. Phil Show. I will use my print copy to make notes and track my progress.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Book Review: Eat Move Sleep by Tom Rath

Eat Move Sleep: Why Small Choices Make a Big Difference

Author: Tom Rath

Publisher: Missionday

Release Date: October 8, 2013





About The Author
Tom Rath is a Senior Scientist and Advisor to Gallup, where he previously spent 13 years leading the organization's work on employee engagement, strengths, and wellbeing. He also served as Vice Chairman of the VHL cancer research organization. Tom earned degrees from the University of Michigan and University of Pennsylvania, where he is now a guest lecturer.

Small Choices Make a Big Difference
Mr. Tom Rath has organized this book about healthy living into the following three categories;
(1.) Eat - Our diet
(2.) Move - Exercise
(3.) Sleep - How many hours each night?

Mr. Rath has spent many years researching these topics and has presented the information in a fascinating and scholarly book about the food we eat, our daily exercise and sleep habits.

The author believes the right choices over time will greatly improve our odds for a long and healthy life. The problem is, we can't see the threat small daily decisions pose in the moment. Small decisions about how you eat, move, and sleep count more than you think.

Each chapter includes three findings and concludes with three ideas for how you can apply these discoveries in your life. The author suggests that the readers use the resources in this book to start a 30-day challenge to learn new and healthier habits.

My Thoughts
I discovered this book at a time when I really needed to make improvements in my health and lifestyle habits. I have gained weight, I am not exercising as much as I once did and my sleep habits have been sporadic.

Here are some things that I learned in this book that will help me get back on a healthier track;
(1.) Exercise is not enough. Being active throughout the day is what keeps you healthy. Sitting more than six hours a day greatly increases your risk of an early death. Limit yourself to two hours of seated television a day.

(2.) When you want to do your best work, sleep longer. Missing sleep can change the trajectory of an entire week. Wake up at the same general time every day to keep your internal clock on track.

(3.) Ask yourself if the next food you put in your mouth is a net gain or a net loss. Sugar is the next nicotine. It fuels diabetes, obesity, heart disease and cancer. Get most of your protein from vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, fish or white meats. Always eat the healthiest food first.

(4.) When it comes to beverages...stick with coffee, tea and water.

I am very glad that I had the opportunity to read this book. I think the one thing that impressed me the most was the importance of frequent MOVEMENT during the day.

I highly recommend this book. Small choices really can make a big difference!

My Rating: 5 Stars Out of 5

FYI ~ I received a digital preview copy of this book from NetGalley.

Do you need to make some changes in your health and lifestyle habits? Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Book Review: Walking, Living, Learning! by Al Argo

Walking, Living, Learning! An Adventure In Personal And Professional Development

1 Man - 1 Year - 5 Countries - 66 Books - 1,000 Miles
1,000+ Life Lessons

Author: Al Argo

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services

Date: July 17, 2011


About The Author
Al Argo, The Positive Impact Coach, is a personal and professional development expert, author & speaker. His Bachelor of Arts is in Advertising/Marketing from the University of Alabama and he has completed numerous courses in leadership, cross-cultural communications, business, personal development & more.

Exercise For The Body And The Mind

"An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day." - Henry David Thoreau

Al Argo believes that exercise is important for the body and the mind. In this book, he documents one year of walking 60 minutes a day and listening to audio books.

This book has 365 short chapters...one for each day of the year. Mr. Argo describes the neighborhood where he is walking, the name of the book that he is listening to and a summary of the book.

Some of the books that he listens to during his year of walking/listening are;

• Brain Rules by John Medina
• Position Yourself For Success by Nido Qubein
• Getting Things Done by David Allen
• Flawless Consulting by Peter Block
• How To Win Friends And Influence People by Dale Carnegie
• My Father, Maker Of The Trees by Eric Irivuzumugabe
• How To Win Customers and Keep Them For Life by Dr. Michael LeBoeuf
• What Makes An Effective Executive by Peter Drucker
• The Magic Of Thinking Big by Dr. David Schwartz
• Loving Your Child Is Not Enough by Nancy Samalin

Mr Argo chose books that would improve his skills as a business owner, a parent and an individual.

My Thoughts
The title of this book just jumped off the page at me because I am an avid walker, reader and lifelong learner. I could truly relate to Mr. Argo's "Walking, Living, Learning" project.

Research shows that walking is one of the best ways to exercise the body and keep the brain alert and healthy. Mr. Argo's goal of listening to audio books and walking 60 minutes a day was an excellent way to develop a habit that will serve him well for the rest of his life.

When I worked as an elementary school librarian, the skill of summarizing reading material was taught at all grade levels. I think the ability to summarize a report/book/article is not only a learned skill but also a special talent. Mr. Argo did a great job picking out the most important points in his books and sharing his thoughts and insights.

I may never have the opportunity to read the 66 books that the author read, but I now have a general understanding about the key concepts that are covered. 

"Walking, Living, Learning!" is a no-frills book that provides "just the facts" about a nice selection of motivational and inspirational books. This was an inspiring and informative read that might inspire others to put on their walking shoes and attach headphones to their e-reader. Highly recommended!

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received this book as a FREE digital download during a special promotion on Amazon.Com. Please check the price before ordering.

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Book Review: Business Around A Lifestyle

Business Around A Lifestyle (First Step: How To Dream Your Perfect Lifestyle, Then Go Get It!)

Author: Jim F. Kukral

Publisher: Digital Book Launch (February 19, 2012)








About The Author
For over 16-years, Jim Kukral has helped businesses understand how to build successful new online businesses or energize and refresh existing ones. He is also a successful author and digital publisher.

What Is A Business Around A Lifestyle?
The author encourages his readers to answer the following three questions to help determine the kind of lifestyle they want;

• What do you love, and/or what are you most passionate about?
• How many hours a week do you want to work?
• What does your perfect day look like?

Mr. Kukral answers each of these questions and describes his own "business around a lifestyle".

This book provides several interviews with people who have been successful in creating a business that allows them the freedom to spend time with family, travel and enjoy a variety of interests.

Mr. Kukral is a marketer and he has created his "business around a lifestyle" by Internet marketing and writing books. This is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It takes work, persistence and patience to establish a reputable business on the Internet.

This book offers guidelines for setting goals and getting started in a rewarding business and lifestyle. The rest is up to you...you have to take action!

My Thoughts
I enjoyed reading about how Mr. Kukral got started in the business of Internet marketing.  I think it is always very inspiring to read honest accounts of how others got started.

There is no fluff here. This book offers sound advice to those who are serious about starting a new business. I think most people will agree that building a business around a lifestyle is hard work. The rewards are great for those willing to pay the price.

My Rating:  5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I ordered this ebook from Amazon when it was offered as a free download. Please check the current price before purchasing.

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Book Review: Happiness In A Nutshell

Happiness in a Nutshell

Written and Illustrated by Andrew Matthews

Seashell Publishers, 1999
(Reprinted 16 times to April 2012)

ISBN: 0 9577572 6 3

About The Author

Over 1 million people have attended Andrew Matthews' seminars and keynote speeches across Australia, Asia and North America. His presentations are laced with humor and he draws lightning-fast cartoons as he speaks!

Andrew Matthews’ books including "Happiness Now", "Follow Your Heart", "Being Happy!", "Making Friends", and "Being a Happy Teenager" are now published in 38 different languages with sales of over 5 million copies in 60 countries.

Consider Changing Your Thinking

When you change (your thinking), your situation changes. It is law.

This book provides food for thought served with a large dose of laughter. Mr. Matthews shares wisdom and wit in his endeavor to explain the key to true happiness.

The law of the seed;

effort + patience = results

You reap your harvest

after you do the work.

This little volume will put a smile on your face and inspiration in your heart.

My Thoughts

I downloaded this book because it was being offered as a FREE ebook on Amazon.Com. I was attracted to the funny cartoon on the cover and was very curious about the contents of this ebook.

It took me about ten minutes to read the book and it was time well spent. The advice for finding happiness is right on target and the original cartoons are just delightful.

This is the kind of book that should be read over and over again. It is a simple and effective reminder that we can be happy....if we want to be.

FYI ~ This ebook is being offered as a FREE Kindle ebook TODAY on Amazon.Com. Please check the price before downloading.

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