Sign in with Facebook
20th out of 33 books
—
8 voters
The Flinch
by
Julien Smith
A book so important we refuse to charge for it.
Julien Smith has delivered a surprise, a confrontation, a book that will push you, scare you and possibly stick with you for years to come.
The idea is simple: your flinch mechanism can save your life. It shortcircuits the conscious mind and allows you to pull back and avoid danger faster than you can even imagine it’s there....more
Julien Smith has delivered a surprise, a confrontation, a book that will push you, scare you and possibly stick with you for years to come.
The idea is simple: your flinch mechanism can save your life. It shortcircuits the conscious mind and allows you to pull back and avoid danger faster than you can even imagine it’s there....more
Kindle Edition, 131 pages
Published
(first published December 7th 2011)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
1,925)
To me this was "Poke the box" rewritten. Until I came to the end where he mentioned that "the goal isn't to get used to he pain. It's to understand that pain is something you can survive." And the next day I broke 2 bones in my hand skiing and realized why he wrote this book: for the last year I have been working to take my life to the next level with great success, finance, health, personal development, career and relationships all have made massive progress towards the goal. And now this happe...more
This book was okay. If you haven't read anything before about facing your fears and doing it anyway (good book by Susan Jeffers), or any of Seth Godin's material on the lizard brain, then this might be a good introductory lesson. It is not totally without value.
You will have to be able to look past being talked down to when you simply choose to not participate in the exercises suggested to help you get past the flinch. The tone is somewhat reminiscent of those annoying emails that promise catac...more
You will have to be able to look past being talked down to when you simply choose to not participate in the exercises suggested to help you get past the flinch. The tone is somewhat reminiscent of those annoying emails that promise catac...more
INTERESTING, INSIGHTFUL (AND FREE).
“The flinch is your real opponent, and information won’t help you fight it. It’s behind every unhappy marriage, every hidden vice, and every unfulfilled life. Behind the flinch is pain avoidance, and dealing with pain demands strength you may not think you have.” —loc 51/1303
“Before the bicycle helmet, the seat belt, and the bulletproof vest, there was the flinch.” “It’s one of the few instincts you’re born with, and keep, all your life.”—loc 84/1303
It isn’t ‘R...more
“The flinch is your real opponent, and information won’t help you fight it. It’s behind every unhappy marriage, every hidden vice, and every unfulfilled life. Behind the flinch is pain avoidance, and dealing with pain demands strength you may not think you have.” —loc 51/1303
“Before the bicycle helmet, the seat belt, and the bulletproof vest, there was the flinch.” “It’s one of the few instincts you’re born with, and keep, all your life.”—loc 84/1303
It isn’t ‘R...more
Quote from near the end of the book: "At this point in most books, the authors promise you that if you do what they say, you’re sure to succeed.
In this case, you’re sure to fail. To be rejected. To discover wrong paths. To see what
humiliation is like, firsthand".
Me, after reading the above:I don't like it, it sounds dangerous...
"You’re sure to live.
And then yes, maybe, you might reach your goals.
Would you have it any other way?"
So, is The Flinch a book or not? In theory, it is; to me, all it tak...more
In this case, you’re sure to fail. To be rejected. To discover wrong paths. To see what
humiliation is like, firsthand".
Me, after reading the above:I don't like it, it sounds dangerous...
"You’re sure to live.
And then yes, maybe, you might reach your goals.
Would you have it any other way?"
So, is The Flinch a book or not? In theory, it is; to me, all it tak...more
"Words are wind", says a proverb in a popular contemporary fantasy series. Here we have solid evidence supporting that saying.
The Flinch is a pamphlet on the topic of "face your fear". Specifically, "face your fear of doing things, where there is no significant downside to attempting those things." Which is good advice in general, but which does not automatically turn a pamphlet offering said advice into a good work.
I keep saying pamphlet becaus The Flinch, sadly, is not a book. It has neither t...more
The Flinch is a pamphlet on the topic of "face your fear". Specifically, "face your fear of doing things, where there is no significant downside to attempting those things." Which is good advice in general, but which does not automatically turn a pamphlet offering said advice into a good work.
I keep saying pamphlet becaus The Flinch, sadly, is not a book. It has neither t...more
A good idea and potentially life changing, but this could have been executed just as powerfully as a 2000-3000 word magazine article. But yeah, Smith has sold me on the value of discovering the actions you fear doing, and "flinching forward" until they're complete.
Another E-book that is really an essay. I saw this on Twitter and since it was free, picked it up.
I think your reaction depends on a lot on your worldview, perspective, place in life, etc. Reading the reviews you can see that some people thought it was BS while others found it very helpful.
I think it is a little bit of both. If you need a pep talk to get you out of your rut and start thinking about achieving the things you have always claimed you would, this can be a helpful book.
I think it can...more
I think your reaction depends on a lot on your worldview, perspective, place in life, etc. Reading the reviews you can see that some people thought it was BS while others found it very helpful.
I think it is a little bit of both. If you need a pep talk to get you out of your rut and start thinking about achieving the things you have always claimed you would, this can be a helpful book.
I think it can...more
"Today, right now, eliminate all excuses from your vocabulary. Refuse to mince words or actions. Refuse a scar-free life." (42)
This little book talks about how we build up defense mechanisms to protect ourselves from real or imagined pain. Because of it, we flinch away every time something new or challenging comes along.
The second half of the book is actually just advertising for other books, with short excerpts. I guess you could consider it an extended "for further reading" list. The author's...more
This little book talks about how we build up defense mechanisms to protect ourselves from real or imagined pain. Because of it, we flinch away every time something new or challenging comes along.
The second half of the book is actually just advertising for other books, with short excerpts. I guess you could consider it an extended "for further reading" list. The author's...more
This is one of those books that I feel like I need to read a few times before it fully empowers me. I think a lot of it made me question how comfortable I am with my current life, and in many ways it did inspire me to start making changes.
There are several "homework" assignments in the book geared towards making you more aware when you avoid things for no reason. I've been jumping in the cold shower every morning, and every time I think "no, no, why?" but as the book says, it causes you no pain...more
There are several "homework" assignments in the book geared towards making you more aware when you avoid things for no reason. I've been jumping in the cold shower every morning, and every time I think "no, no, why?" but as the book says, it causes you no pain...more
Substitute the name Pressfield for Smith, and "resistance" for "flinch" and you've got "Do the Work." Another essay called a book by the Domino Project. Im a Godin fan, but having read all the books he (and Amazon) have published under the Domino imprint, Im convinced they sacrificed quality, thoroughness snd depth for quick production, and mass distribution- even if many are free.
In his book On Writing, Stephen King praises his favorite writers by saying that when he reads them he feels like h...more
In his book On Writing, Stephen King praises his favorite writers by saying that when he reads them he feels like h...more
It's a small, feel-good book; basically about how to overcome some irrational fear/ flinches preventing you from doing something you would like to do. Here are some of my favorite excerpts:
'Focus your energy on the fight that matters'
'Without scars, there is no evidence or strong memory'
'You can't settle for reaching other people's limits. You have to reach yours'
'The anxiety of the flinch is almost always worse than the pain itself'
'Start doing the opposite of your habits'
'Judgment and fear wil...more
'Focus your energy on the fight that matters'
'Without scars, there is no evidence or strong memory'
'You can't settle for reaching other people's limits. You have to reach yours'
'The anxiety of the flinch is almost always worse than the pain itself'
'Start doing the opposite of your habits'
'Judgment and fear wil...more
If I'm honest, this book really gets 3.5 stars.
The Flinch is ostensibly a self-help book free to download from Goodreads or Amazon, amongst other places. I read it courtesy of a recommendation by Hank Green. The theory is this: everyone has an ingrained "flinch" mechanism, evolved to make humans survive danger. However, in the modern world this has become an issue - people flinch when there is no danger and instead get scared by the prospect of humiliation or breaking habits. This drags them bac...more
The Flinch is ostensibly a self-help book free to download from Goodreads or Amazon, amongst other places. I read it courtesy of a recommendation by Hank Green. The theory is this: everyone has an ingrained "flinch" mechanism, evolved to make humans survive danger. However, in the modern world this has become an issue - people flinch when there is no danger and instead get scared by the prospect of humiliation or breaking habits. This drags them bac...more
The Flinch was an entertaining and enriching book and I am glad to have read it. I really enjoyed the light, fast-paced, and fun style of Julien Smith.
I have touched on the subject of fear in my blog and I had planned to circle back again to it again. The Flinch gave me some new inspiration, physiological experiments, and a different perspective for a familiar topic.
I enjoyed the book enough to devour its entire contents in one sitting. I like to imagine that Smith had originally written more, t...more
I have touched on the subject of fear in my blog and I had planned to circle back again to it again. The Flinch gave me some new inspiration, physiological experiments, and a different perspective for a familiar topic.
I enjoyed the book enough to devour its entire contents in one sitting. I like to imagine that Smith had originally written more, t...more
I found this mildly amusing. But really, does this book help anybody? I've read this kind of thing before. I already know the shtick. So really, I do wonder if anybody would pick up this book and actually find value in its message.
And come on, the last test is to give the book to somebody else? And 2/3 of the book is excerpts from other books? Laaaaaaaaame.
Plus, cold showers? What do these self-help gurus keep their water temperature set at? I've taken cold showers before. In the summer it's gre...more
And come on, the last test is to give the book to somebody else? And 2/3 of the book is excerpts from other books? Laaaaaaaaame.
Plus, cold showers? What do these self-help gurus keep their water temperature set at? I've taken cold showers before. In the summer it's gre...more
Another (perhaps the final?) book published by The Domino Project (books for the attentively poor). Short, heavy duty and actually a good level above some of the business “ra-ra” drivel and mini versions of classics that have come out of the project.
Two things struck me about The Flinch:
1. The language used is direct and engaging; a great match for the subject matter. It can be read and understood with intent. Something will happen when you read it.
2. The book/long essay is exactly the right len...more
Two things struck me about The Flinch:
1. The language used is direct and engaging; a great match for the subject matter. It can be read and understood with intent. Something will happen when you read it.
2. The book/long essay is exactly the right len...more
This book could be helpful. I feel it was very useful to me since I am a coward and need to put myself out there more. This book is helping me with that a little by realizing there are very few truly terrible consequences to putting yourself out there and taking risks (like just talking to people) It isn't all that clear on how to do so in everything and where you can draw that line. I'm not sure what I should still be okay with avoiding and saying no to, but it really can't just be a universal...more
I'm giving this as few stars as possible.
The basic message of the book is fine, good even... it's good to face your fears.
But you really don't need a whole book to say that.
The main message I received from reading this, was: People who don't flinch are brilliant and great and brave and heroic and accomplish great things with their lives, and if you're a "flincher" you are useless and pathetic, you won't get anywhere with your life and you need to change.
And that's not a good message. Take co...more
The basic message of the book is fine, good even... it's good to face your fears.
But you really don't need a whole book to say that.
The main message I received from reading this, was: People who don't flinch are brilliant and great and brave and heroic and accomplish great things with their lives, and if you're a "flincher" you are useless and pathetic, you won't get anywhere with your life and you need to change.
And that's not a good message. Take co...more
You know how if you say a word over and over, after a while, it starts to sound funny? (I'm serious - try it.)
That's how the word "flinch" is in this ebook. I began reading it but I kept seeing "flinch" so often that I got distracted. My thoughts wandered. "Flinch. That's a funny word. Wonder whoever said the word first? What were they flinching about? It's almost like one of those words whose meaning is the same as the sound? What is that called? Onomatopoeia? Remember those posters in Mrs. Nan...more
That's how the word "flinch" is in this ebook. I began reading it but I kept seeing "flinch" so often that I got distracted. My thoughts wandered. "Flinch. That's a funny word. Wonder whoever said the word first? What were they flinching about? It's almost like one of those words whose meaning is the same as the sound? What is that called? Onomatopoeia? Remember those posters in Mrs. Nan...more
A decent book on facing fears and getting in the habit of doing so. It didn't go very deep, but should empower people to recognize the flinch and take action on it.
My personal belief is that it's not always right to act on a flinch. Acting on a flinch requires willpower all the same. Instead, we should cultivate a balance wherein we act on some flinches, but pass on others—with a lean towards acting—to sustainably be in the habit of getting out of your comfort zone. If you act on flinches all th...more
My personal belief is that it's not always right to act on a flinch. Acting on a flinch requires willpower all the same. Instead, we should cultivate a balance wherein we act on some flinches, but pass on others—with a lean towards acting—to sustainably be in the habit of getting out of your comfort zone. If you act on flinches all th...more
The premise of this book, that people are held back in life by "the flinch", which stops us from doing things that are not dangerous, is admirable. However, the book poorly supports this premise. It uses maybe one personal anecdote, no science, just repetition of the same phrases and ideas. The book relies on the reader fully supporting it as a lifestyle. If you disagree with any of the methods that's "the flinch" talking that you have to overcome. That said, since it was free and very short I d...more
If you're thinking about starting something big, about pursuing your goals, about reinventing yourself, this is the book that will push you over the limit (your limits) and help you overcome your own resistance to doing things that will make you grow (or great).
The book covers just one concept: The Flinch, and teaches you through the writing and some simple and quick excercises to recognize it, feel it and reprogram yourself to overcome it for your own good.
I liked it, I think every word in the...more
The book covers just one concept: The Flinch, and teaches you through the writing and some simple and quick excercises to recognize it, feel it and reprogram yourself to overcome it for your own good.
I liked it, I think every word in the...more
Short version: Have a cold shower. Done.
Long version: Even on skim reading I just thought this was a load of pretentious bollocks. Even the opener shows how strained the use of the "flinch" metaphor is:
"It's about an instinct - the flinch - and why mastering it is vital. This book is about how to stop flinching. It's about facing pain."
So are we mastering the flinch (i.e. controlling and using it) or just stopping it? The author is correct though: If I stop flinching I will have to learn to face...more
Long version: Even on skim reading I just thought this was a load of pretentious bollocks. Even the opener shows how strained the use of the "flinch" metaphor is:
"It's about an instinct - the flinch - and why mastering it is vital. This book is about how to stop flinching. It's about facing pain."
So are we mastering the flinch (i.e. controlling and using it) or just stopping it? The author is correct though: If I stop flinching I will have to learn to face...more
Some great insight into how overcoming some of our natural impulses to shrink back from challenges will allow us to break through to new heights. I really enjoyed the challenge, though I'll confess I haven't done any of the homework assignments that are listed throughout. I plan to go back and re-read this one, accomplishing those (except the mug one; I have no mugs I don't like).
If you're looking for some good motivational reading, especially an encouragement to break through the barriers that...more
If you're looking for some good motivational reading, especially an encouragement to break through the barriers that...more
Jan 01, 2013
John
added it
If you read this, please do the most important part: the homework assignments. Do them. Every day for the whole week, I did the first one even though I was feverish with the flu. That actually made the lesson clearer.
The homework assignments can prove something to you because they are about you. And if you see from your experience that Smith is right, then something in you will grow. You will learn that the locked door was never actually locked. You will learn that you can choose what's scary bu...more
The homework assignments can prove something to you because they are about you. And if you see from your experience that Smith is right, then something in you will grow. You will learn that the locked door was never actually locked. You will learn that you can choose what's scary bu...more
Aggressive, quick, thought-provoking, and possibly really useful. Entirely worth the time and money, which is to say I'm giving it an extra star for being both short and free.
The second half has sort of an in your face drill-sargent-y feel to it, which does not totally work for me. I prefer the motivational exploration to the belittling exhortation. It's written to people who are paralyzed by avoiding discomfort, which is all of us sometimes, but not so much me right now, so some of it felt holl...more
The second half has sort of an in your face drill-sargent-y feel to it, which does not totally work for me. I prefer the motivational exploration to the belittling exhortation. It's written to people who are paralyzed by avoiding discomfort, which is all of us sometimes, but not so much me right now, so some of it felt holl...more
Pros
1. Good at getting you to face up to the things you'd normally shy away from, it encourages you to put yourself back out there.
2. Very well written and articulate.
3. I liked that it gave you ways to stop flinching even in your mundane every day life and how if you stopped flinching at. The little things you could tackle the bigger ones.
Cons
1. I am a pretty outgoing person and feel that this book would benefit a shyer person better.
2. Also I think that this is definitely more useful for...more
1. Good at getting you to face up to the things you'd normally shy away from, it encourages you to put yourself back out there.
2. Very well written and articulate.
3. I liked that it gave you ways to stop flinching even in your mundane every day life and how if you stopped flinching at. The little things you could tackle the bigger ones.
Cons
1. I am a pretty outgoing person and feel that this book would benefit a shyer person better.
2. Also I think that this is definitely more useful for...more
It may appear to be hedonistic or over-simplified, but the real strength of it is the way it shakes of the load of glib and arbitrary (sadly, often transcendent) approaches to motivation seen in other works of the genre, and reduces it, in a true Occam's razor fashion, into a simple principle of fear of the uncomfortable and plants it gently in the reader's mind. Sure, it gives a fair share of "methods" (and not very good ones) as well, but those can be ignored - as long as the reader catches hi...more
An okay read. It wasn't as strong as some of Julien's blog posts on his site, In Over Your Head. At times it felt a bit distanced and vague. Because it's a book format, the thing I missed the most were stories and anecdotes. He had a couple in there, but it could have packed more of a punch, with more.
Best thing... and I don't mean this as critical as it may sound, but the excerpts at the back led me to Emerson's essay, 'Self-Reliance'. Mind blown! Julien talks about reading a book or two from t...more
Best thing... and I don't mean this as critical as it may sound, but the excerpts at the back led me to Emerson's essay, 'Self-Reliance'. Mind blown! Julien talks about reading a book or two from t...more
I think this is one of those "everyone should read it once" kind of books. It does get a bit rambling - one star off.
On the one hand I think that what the book is saying is so counter to our norm that he NEEDS to say it more than once. On the other hand, part of me says he should trust his readers.
The message is fabulous. The delivery is good, not great. The book doesn't read like a finely-honed presentation...I don't think it's supposed to. Instead the story is woven in layer on layer that br...more
On the one hand I think that what the book is saying is so counter to our norm that he NEEDS to say it more than once. On the other hand, part of me says he should trust his readers.
The message is fabulous. The delivery is good, not great. The book doesn't read like a finely-honed presentation...I don't think it's supposed to. Instead the story is woven in layer on layer that br...more
Details at my blog
The basic gist is that what's stopping you from achieving more isn't know-how; it's pain-avoidance. The instincts humans developed to keep from being eaten by velociraptors (just kidding!) are now keeping us from public speaking and joining gyms and taking other uncomfortable risks that could vastly improve our lives.
The book assumes you've only got first world problems, but considering it's e-book only, that's not an unreasonable assumption about its readership. The Flinch is...more
The basic gist is that what's stopping you from achieving more isn't know-how; it's pain-avoidance. The instincts humans developed to keep from being eaten by velociraptors (just kidding!) are now keeping us from public speaking and joining gyms and taking other uncomfortable risks that could vastly improve our lives.
The book assumes you've only got first world problems, but considering it's e-book only, that's not an unreasonable assumption about its readership. The Flinch is...more
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“You can't make yourself feel positive, but you can choose how to act, and if you choose right, it builds your confidence.”
—
34 people liked it
“You will never be entirely comfortable. This is the truth behind the champion - he is always fighting something. To do otherwise is to settle.”
—
26 people liked it
More quotes…
Feb 08, 2012 04:17am
Apr 05, 2013 02:31pm