S.U.M.O (Shut Up, Move On): The Straight-Talking Guide to Succeeding in Life

by Paul McGee, Fiona Griffiths (Illustrator)

Celebrating 10 Years of Shut Up, Move On! Paul McGee's international bestselling personal development heavyweight S.U.M.O. has helped hundreds of thousands of people around the world fulfil their potential, seize opportunities, succeed at work, and respond to adverse situations with a positive attitude. Weighing in with humour, insight, practical tips, and personal anecdotes, it's a thought provoking--and possibly life-changing--read. Now newly updated to celebrate 10 years since its first publication and including up-to-date case studies and examples, as well brand new exercises to test yourself, S.U.M.O: 10th Anniversary Edition will help SUMO fans, as well as SUMO amateurs, get more out of this bestselling, self-help classic.

There are six S.U.M.O. principles that are designed to help you create and enjoy a brilliant life:


Change Your T-Shirt-- take responsibility for your own life and don't be a victim. Develop Fruity Thinking-- change your thinking and change your results. Hippo Time is OK-- understand how setbacks affect you and how to recover from them. Remember the Beachball-- increase your understanding and awareness of other people's world. Learn Latin-- change comes through action not intention. Overcome the tendency to put things off. Ditch Doris Day-- create your own future rather than leave it to chance. Forget the attitude 'que sera, sera, whatever will be, will be.'

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Personal Development, Psychology, Business, Reference, Productivity

224 pages, Paperback

First published April 9, 2015

About the author

Paul McGee is one of the UK’s leading authors and speakers on the subject of change, workplace relationships and motivation. His book 'SUMO' (Shut Up, Move On) became an instant best seller and 'Self Confidence' reached number one in the WHSmith’s business book chart and remained there for a further 24 weeks. He has appeared on BBC Breakfast television and is a regular contributor on BBC Radio.
Building on his background in psychology, Paul’s aim is to deliver a practical, relevant message that he hopes can make an immediate impact on people’s professional and personal lives.
Paul has written eleven books, and is in the process of writing number twelve, and co-writing thirteen (a children's book). He has spoken at over 1,000 organisations in 41 countries to date, and from Todmorden to Tehran and from Bradford to Brisbane, Paul also has created a schools pack, with resources and literature to link SUMO principles with the PHSE curriculum.

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a common-sense and easy to read book. Whenever I feel sorry for myself, I re-read it.

It's like advice given by a wise friend to help you to put your life into perspective.

I've bought at least four copies for friends. I have a copy on my bookshelf and one on my book reader.

[Siobhan Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although none of the concepts behind the crazy names were new to me, I really enjoyed this book. It reaffirmed a lot of what I already know/believe, but perhaps don't always acknowledge.
I read this book as recommended by my mindset coach as she talked to me about hippo time (I now have a pic of a hippo on my mood board!).
I love the way the book was written as though Paul is talking to you, very accessible and I really liked the personal touches too.
I plan to sit down with my journal over the next few days and tackle some of the questions in the book.

[Damaskcat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read the original edition of this book when it was published ten years ago. A copy fell off a display at a station book stall in front of me. I picked it up and glanced through it. At the time I was in a work situation which I didn't like and which I really needed to shut up and move on from so the book hit exactly the right note and I bought a copy.

It was a pleasure to renew my acquaintance with the book in this tenth anniversary edition. It has lost none of its freshness over the years. I love the little cartoons which reinforce the messages. This is a quirky self help book which does not assume you can be perfect just by reading it. It includes a lot of the usual things such as changing the messages you give yourself; looking at people and situations from a different perspective trying to be positive. But it also suggests there are times when you actually need to just accept that you're feeling unhappy for whatever reason.

'Hippo Time' is when you need to wallow in your feelings of sadness or anger over something which has happened so that you get them out of your system. You have to be able to accept your feeling in order to move on. The book emphasises that you have to take responsibility for your own life and actions. Even if you can't control events which affect you, you can control your reactions to those events.

As with any self help book, the author's writing style has a big part to play in whether or not this book is of use to you. I found the author's style resonates with me and this book really did help me ten years ago and re-reading it now has reminded me of things I can do to improve my current situation.

[Karen Broughton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've struggled for years to cope with anxiety (various forms) Depresion as well as other mental health problems. I've tried various forms of help, medication, therapy without making much of a difference. I had looked at other self help books but i just couldnt bring myself to delve into them.
I think I was put of by the thickness of some of them, the terminology and the high flying Dr/Psychologist authors.
I was offered a chance to do a short S.U.M.O course and told it would make a difference. I went along and was blown by the course, the ideas which are covered in this book as well as the bond that has grown up between us women on the course.
I bought the above book and for the first time ever I understood. It's light hearted to read, with a real sense of the author has been through tough times too, he wasn't just preaching. Full of sound advice and valuable small steps to apply to reach a positive outcome.
within two weeks i was applying the "beach ball" to my life at home with my family and getting great responses. Now ive finished the whole book I am feeling more focused, more inspired, more ready to throat punch my "Doris Day" thoughts.
highly reccommend this to anyone. Am now about to start another in this fab series of self help books.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul McGee (2012) S.U.M.O. (SHUT UP, MOVE ON) (AUDIOBOOK)
Audible - Audible Ltd

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 out of 5 stars

Audible writes, "S.U.M.O. stands for Shut Up, Move On. It's a phrase to say to ourselves (and sometimes others) when we are acting or thinking in a way that is hindering our ability to succeed. It doesn't necessarily mean "get over it" or "pull yourself together" (although there may be occasions when both responses are necessary): "Shut Up" means stop what you're doing, take time out to reflect, let go of baggage and beliefs that hinder your potential; "Move On" means tomorrow can be different from today, look for new possibilities, don't just think about it, take action. There are six S.U.M.O. principles that are designed to help you create and enjoy a brilliant life. If you are wrestling with life's challenges, these principles will help you do so more successfully.

1. CHANGE YOUR T–SHIRT - take responsibility for your own life and don't be a victim.
2. DEVELOP FRUITY THINKING - change your thinking and change your results.
3. HIPPO TIME IS OK - understand how setbacks affect you and how to recover from them.
4. REMEMBER THE BEACHBALL - increase your understanding and awareness of other people's world.
5. LEARN LATIN - change comes through action not intention. Overcome the tendency to put things off.
6. DITCH DORIS DAY - create your own future rather than leave it to chance. Forget the attitude "que sera, sera, whatever will be, will be."
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Pahaha... my parents grew conifer trees deliberately too. The Victim T-shirt is a genius metaphor everyone can relate to. The thing with this book is that it's all so bloody obvious. That's not a criticism of the book at all. It's a criticism of our selves. We know it already yet we habituate with the BS don't we. It's really really not rocket science: E + R = O! Everyone should read/listen to this. This is helpful and right up there with "Lost Connections".
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[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, whenever I need inspiration I re read it again and it gives me a boost

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book after seeing Paul McGee speaking at the FD Forum.

Paul is a very impressive speaker and I went straight out and downloaded his book.

Paul has a sense of humour that I really understand well. This kept the book entertaining and kept my interest.

I feel what SUMO is about is very similar to stocism, essentially the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to take action and change what we can and essentially the wisdom to know the difference.

The book covers goal setting, focusing on what is important and taking action to maxmise your results in those areas while not spending too much time ruminating on things that have happened, might not happen and are otherwise outside of our control or not important.

Paul recommends that we label challenges (or potential challenges) on a scale of 1-10 where 10 is death. This quickly puts most things in their correct perspective. Most people rarely get things in the 8-9 range more than every few years yet some people behave like each day they are facing challenges that are 8's and 9's.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking to worry less, focus more and just generally improve their performance and general wellbeing. Paul has written a number of other books that I am now very interested in reading very soon.

[Elena Schalkowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy written book for those who don't want to read boring terminology he/she doesn't understand. Paul McGee suggests many tables and structures how it could be possible to create an amazing life. Most of them are clear and you can think like: yeah, well I know it already..but the way he writes it is really cool! He also tells his own experience, his up and downs, his failures, his success. I enjoyed reading the book. I could categorize many things I already new into the subject matter. When I think about what Paul writes about I get just pictures in my head from the book. The book itself is very interactive and it is very helpful.
A lovely book worth reading!

[Nicky Tate · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's a witty and well-written little book but it felt very insubstantial. It took about an hour to finish. The advice wasn't bad; but it seemed somewhat obvious, a little stretched out to fill the pages and the whole left me rather unmoved.

Prof. Windy Dryden's 10 Steps to Positive Living is a more intelligent and detailed take on a similar theme, with similar solutions offered; and far more engaging and persuasive.

[Tim · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was made to read this at the request of a previous employer, admittedly I've never found self help books useful but this one in particular was the death knell to me for the whole genre. I'm not the target audience and if you have a proclivity for these sorts of things then maybe your life will be changed forever, mine was but only for the worse. I wouldn't even bother pirating the free eBook let alone paying actual money for it.

[Beata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read. Good practical exercises, allow time to reflect. Systematic approach for those needing a push. In short: don't count the days, make the days count. And here's how you can do it guide.

[Timofey Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Годная мотивирующая книжка, небольшая, отлично структурирована, полная правильных вопросов к себе и практических советов. Это 47-я книга, прочитанная мной за это год.

[Mike Guzowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book draws attention to why and how to get a grip, motivate and start achieving their goals. If anyone would like to read only one motivational reading, this should be the book.

[Trevor Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a strange review to have to write because I read the book as a result of attending a four week course in SUMO with my granddaughter at her Grammar School. I enrolled for the course, Stop, Understand, and Move On and was curious why there'd been a re-think (?) about the change in title. Presumably it was because Stop, Understand & Move On is more child/school friendly.

So, the the book. There's very little scientific research and use of academic thought in this book. We have to accept that it's the thoughts and observations of one man. Which is fine, but it's not comparable to say, The Chimp Paradox in any way. The main messages are similar though - are control of your life, don't wallow (too long) in your own self-pity, stop having an attitude of being a victim of life/fate/other people, seize opportunity and so on. If there's a weakness, it's that the 'how' to do these things is not well explained. If there's a strength, it's the direct, uncompromising nature of the key messages, which I like. For example, when you've finished this book, you might procrastinate, you might do nothing, if you do, don't blame the book, instead, look in the mirror. My final criticism is that the author uses too many examples from his own life and his own experience, which gives a bit of a 'be like me and you'll be fine' feeling.

[Ro · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wish I had seen the original cover of this book -otherwise I wouldn’t have gotten it at all. I GOT THE 10th edition that was written in 2019 BUT HONESTLY in the 10th edition he should’ve changed his culturally appropriating name and overall logo.. smh

I am disappointed because up until the end of reading the preface..

Found out this PAUL MCGEE’s (Obvious YT guy) Instagram handle which IS “thesumoguy” I was confused because the first thing that comes to mind is SUMO WRESTLING- Japanese traditional practice and martial art. RIGHTT?

He also colonized the “SUMO” to stand for (SHUT UP MOVE ON)

Like is this a joke?? I feel second hand embarrassment from his IGNORANCE. And most of his books have SUMO WRESTLERS riding on bikes/unicycles… IN WHAT WORLD??? Ugh. If u are NOT a supporter ignorant old white men… I WOULD NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS WASTE UR MONEY ON THIS BOOK.

I just bought it and just reading the preface was enough to make me want to slap my head for even purchasing this book in the first place.

Side note: if u don’t care about the facts I just stated.. lmao educate yourself please…. Thank you..

[Robert Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's no way to choose three and a half stars unless you stab at the screen half way between the icons and see which one your subconsciousness guides you towards. So that's why four stars.

This is a simple book to read and the advice is easily actionable. I particularly like the section where you're given seven questions to ask yourself to determine whether something you consider to be a problem really is a problem. The takeaway point is that with the correct perspective it often isn't. And the whole book is like that - you're encouraged to shift your perspective by thinking and looking at things in a different way. It's a cool way to go forward and not a little like CBT (look it up).

I'd recommend this book to anyone who has destructive habits of thinking and behaviour and is willing to put in the work to change them. The worst thing you can do is read this book and not follow the advice. You might as well.save yourself the trouble and keep on doing the same old same old until you die of boredom. Hint: don't do that.

[Sunz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feeling stuck in life? Paul McGee offers steps to move forward following the six principles in his book, S.U.M.O (Shut Up, Move On). As an international speaker and performance coach, McGee is passionate about helping people change their mindset, choose to be more proactive, and create their own path to a better and more fulfilling life.

One surprising principle presented in this book is the Hippo Time, “ the bridge between Shutting Up and Moving On.” I thought wallowing in negativity after a failure is a bad practice but McGee encourages us to have a Hippo Time to experience “emotional lows and be honest about those feeling” which I think helps us to have clarity and insights that are essential in planning the next steps to take.

For me, this book is for those who have just started delving into self-growth. The principles are easy to follow and the author also provides questions that would make you think about your life.

[Dan Bourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with straightforward advice on succeeding at life! Everyone can benefit from reading this book!

Paul McGee nailed the structure - so often I find authors get this wrong and make it harder for the reader - SUMO has clear and easy to follow advice, real life stories to bring the principles to life, key points and messages highlighted throughout the chapters, humour, a summary after each chapter, and an overall summary at the end. I couldn’t ask for more!

I made lots of notes whilst reading the book and looking through them now, there’s many good SUMO principles to reflect on. One that resonated with me was:

“I am not always responsible for what happens to me, but I am responsible for how I choose to respond.”

This book is all about how you can take better care and control of your life, and the direction you want it to head in.

Now Shut Up, and Move On!

[Emma-Louise Ekpo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this for work. The book is very simple making it incredibly easy for anyone to read.
The principles are common sense but ones that are easily forgotten in times of stress.
I would recommend this to anyone struggling at work (or even personal) with change, different opinions/approaches, supporting themselves and others through tough times.

I did find there was a lot of waffle, and a lot of “personal” experiences from the author. I didn’t like these as much, I felt like everything was over explained and the author was trying to be relatable. I think I was hoping for something more advanced and challenging but it is nonetheless helpful.

[Sio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here are my thoughts. I am probably not the best 'self development' reader. However, this book is a little gem. What I really love about it is how Mr. McGee gives definition to some overseen everyday terms and elaborates with practical approaches on how to work on these in different aspects of your life. The book is easy to consume, with a lovely touch of light humour and personal examples.

The only thing, and that's super personal, that I find irritating with these types of books, is that I always feel like someone's preaching, and it does make me feel a bit down about my life goals and aspirations. Overall, please go and read it and pass it along, it has a good message in its core.

[Jerry Floros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple and Effective Motivational Book

Having read the first version of this book, I was inspired and motivated to apply the SUMO principles in my life. Ten years on, reading the updated version, it rekindles the fire to be proactive and seek goals with confidence and determination, the best recipe for success.

What makes this book stand out is that it’s short and to the point, it’s an easy read that can result in big outcomes provided the SUMO principles are applied effectively and successfully.

[Jonathan Phillips · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you have read any of this type of book before then I think you would find this quite shallow. It touches on some basic "betterment principles" in a conversational tone but I think there are definitely more though provoking publications out there. It was a short book though and easy to read, so you can digest it all pretty quickly and easily.
The principles are simple though so probably easy to apply to your day-to-day and the final chapter, on goal setting was one of the better ones and so it ended on a high.

[Helen French · Rating 4 out of 5]

Self-help book I read for work. I do find with this type of book it's easy to nod along as you read and then change absolutely zero, so it'll be interesting to see how I feel about it in a year.

The main messages for me were don't be a BMW (bitchy moaning whinger); you can't always choose what happens to you, but you can choose how you respond; remember other people will have different perspectives to your own; take actions to improve your life.

[Jackie Bradman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not a massive fan of a self-help book (probably cause I don’t really like being told what to do 👀) but this one is pretty good. Found myself thinking about, actually doing & telling others to do the principals, so it clearly resonated! I’ve Changed the T-shirt but Learning Latin is gonna take awhile 😉

[Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical advice

This is something that will serve you best if you participate in the exercises. I'll definitely read this book a few times while figuring out my life's plan. It's a fast read thought out and the end chapter summaries are very helpful.

[Chris Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. A quick and easy read with some useful points and reminders. It's not earth-shattering stuff but did give me pause to think on several occasions. I especially liked E + R = O and the idea of a 'relationship pension'.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even if you have read a lot of books to support overcoming anxiety and better stress responses, this book still has more to offer and useful exercises to support you. Well written and accessible for all.

[Vince · Rating 2 out of 5]

Outdated and overly simple.

The author speaks to the reader like they’re a child or, at least, a simpleton.

There are some nuggets of information but nothing that hasn’t been done far better elsewhere.

One to avoid.

[Vidka Karagenska · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely book that I was asked to read for a work book club. I learnt new things about myself and the world around me. It gave me new perspectives and made me rethink my principles and the way look on other people's ideas and ways of working.

[James Rank · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to read this for work. I didn't really like or dislike it. It was very meh.