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Best Self: Be You, Only Better
The first book from Coach Mike, well-known life coach, personal development coach, addiction specialist, and soon-to-be Dr. Phil Show regular; an inspiring, invigorating program to help you examine where your life is now. Determine once and for all who you want to be and where you want to go, and live authentically and happily forever.
“There is a pervasive belief in society that people can’t change, not really. That is absolutely 100% untrue. If people couldn’t change, I’d still be penniless and addicted to drugs. If people couldn’t change, everyone would basically be doomed. I’ve seen people overcome all odds. People change. They did. You can.”
Life coach Mike Bayer, a gentle giant with an easy but focused manner, has helped all kinds of clients, from pop artists to athletes to top level business executives to families in refugee camps, to ordinary people like you and me. With care, subtlety, and a series of important, but tough questions, he inspires and directs people to transform their lives by empowering them to break free of destructive patterns. As a mental health specialist, a personal development coach, and an all-around crisis agent, Coach Mike has seen the damage we can do to ourselves. He understands our struggles intimately, because he’s faced—and overcome—his own.
Now, as a member of Dr. Phil McGraw’s core team and a show regular, Coach Mike will be bringing his knowledge and experience to millions across America. As a teaching tool for the 2019 season, this book will empower Dr. Phil’s guests, and in turn viewers, to confront their fears, acknowledge what is holding them back, and break through to live a passionate and authentic life to the fullest.
Coach Mike has quietly become one of the biggest names in mental health in the country—a behind-the-scenes superstar quietly making our lives and world better. His unparalleled passion for helping people, and a desire to make mental health care as mainstream as going to the gym is what brought him to the attention of Dr. Phil. With this book, Coach Mike’s simple yet powerful tools are ready for the mainstream, so that everyone can live the authentic life they truly desire and deserve. His brand of coaching teaches you manage your life from the inside out. His belief is once given the tools you can definitely learn to “Star In Your Own Life.” This book is a “how to” action oriented guide to becoming your own Life Coach!
“There is a pervasive belief in society that people can’t change, not really. That is absolutely 100% untrue. If people couldn’t change, I’d still be penniless and addicted to drugs. If people couldn’t change, everyone would basically be doomed. I’ve seen people overcome all odds. People change. They did. You can.”
Life coach Mike Bayer, a gentle giant with an easy but focused manner, has helped all kinds of clients, from pop artists to athletes to top level business executives to families in refugee camps, to ordinary people like you and me. With care, subtlety, and a series of important, but tough questions, he inspires and directs people to transform their lives by empowering them to break free of destructive patterns. As a mental health specialist, a personal development coach, and an all-around crisis agent, Coach Mike has seen the damage we can do to ourselves. He understands our struggles intimately, because he’s faced—and overcome—his own.
Now, as a member of Dr. Phil McGraw’s core team and a show regular, Coach Mike will be bringing his knowledge and experience to millions across America. As a teaching tool for the 2019 season, this book will empower Dr. Phil’s guests, and in turn viewers, to confront their fears, acknowledge what is holding them back, and break through to live a passionate and authentic life to the fullest.
Coach Mike has quietly become one of the biggest names in mental health in the country—a behind-the-scenes superstar quietly making our lives and world better. His unparalleled passion for helping people, and a desire to make mental health care as mainstream as going to the gym is what brought him to the attention of Dr. Phil. With this book, Coach Mike’s simple yet powerful tools are ready for the mainstream, so that everyone can live the authentic life they truly desire and deserve. His brand of coaching teaches you manage your life from the inside out. His belief is once given the tools you can definitely learn to “Star In Your Own Life.” This book is a “how to” action oriented guide to becoming your own Life Coach!
352 pages, Hardcover
Published January 8, 2019
1847 people are currently reading
3830 people want to read
About the author
Mike Bayer
14 books44 followersMike Bayer, known as Coach Mike, is Founder and CEO of CAST Centers. Mike Bayer is a personal development coach who has changed the lives of numerous families, executives, and artists by empowering them to break free of destructive patterns and cycles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
December 29, 2018
I loved the anecdotes Coach Mike provides to help frame the various lessons. It’s easier to understand the impact of something when it is applicable or has been applicable to real life. I feel I can go back and do many of the excercises in this book again, as a check-in to see if I am being my best self.
September 16, 2019
This book wasn't earth shatteringly great but it did influence my life.
I felt like the book was well structured in a way that it was practical and actually influences you to make good changes in your life. It's not just motivational jargon and hype hype hype.
How do you want to improve your life? Whether it be relationships, travelling, work, self awareness, etc?
I felt like the book was well structured in a way that it was practical and actually influences you to make good changes in your life. It's not just motivational jargon and hype hype hype.
How do you want to improve your life? Whether it be relationships, travelling, work, self awareness, etc?
August 21, 2019
*4.5 stars*
I attended a forum last year that promised to help me achieve positive breakthroughs in my life. And while it wasn’t as effective for me as it was for the others, I remember feeling a different, lighter person after the sessions. I felt like I could take on the world.
This book read like that forum. It refreshed some of the ideas I had already learned, as well as offering me several lessons to aid me in different parts of my everyday life.
What I really enjoyed about this book, is that it’s very interactive and hands-on. It doesn’t give you this whole list of things you should or shouldn’t do, it takes everything in your life in perspective, then focuses on each section with detail, respectively. Mike Bayer also acknowledges the fact that a lifetime path of change is not always something you can do at the moment, or even do it without difficulty. However, he constantly encourages you to try doing it, and you will make a difference if it’s in your will to do so. Which is something that I’ve been taught my whole life.
I really like how the audiobook is read by the author himself. He gives quite a few examples paired with each lesson, as well as talking through his own struggles and breakthroughs in the past. So it really reads like a personal account too. I even took some notes while listening. I can totally see myself coming back to this book in the future when I really need to, and trying out some of the exercises mentioned.
Highly recommend this if you are looking to improve your persona, or just generally wanting to become a better person. I think this book might truly help you out.
I attended a forum last year that promised to help me achieve positive breakthroughs in my life. And while it wasn’t as effective for me as it was for the others, I remember feeling a different, lighter person after the sessions. I felt like I could take on the world.
This book read like that forum. It refreshed some of the ideas I had already learned, as well as offering me several lessons to aid me in different parts of my everyday life.
What I really enjoyed about this book, is that it’s very interactive and hands-on. It doesn’t give you this whole list of things you should or shouldn’t do, it takes everything in your life in perspective, then focuses on each section with detail, respectively. Mike Bayer also acknowledges the fact that a lifetime path of change is not always something you can do at the moment, or even do it without difficulty. However, he constantly encourages you to try doing it, and you will make a difference if it’s in your will to do so. Which is something that I’ve been taught my whole life.
I really like how the audiobook is read by the author himself. He gives quite a few examples paired with each lesson, as well as talking through his own struggles and breakthroughs in the past. So it really reads like a personal account too. I even took some notes while listening. I can totally see myself coming back to this book in the future when I really need to, and trying out some of the exercises mentioned.
Highly recommend this if you are looking to improve your persona, or just generally wanting to become a better person. I think this book might truly help you out.
May 16, 2020
Što bi rekli "menja život". Self help knjiga koja obradjuje sve aspekte života. Ono što najviše cenim jesu vežbe koje su zaista korisne za unapredjivanje života. Mike je baš inspirativan. Ne znam da li bi se svakome dopala knjiga jer svi drugačije gledamo na ovakve stvari ali ja znam da moram da nabavim jednu fizičku kopiju da bih mogla da joj se vraćam.❤️
March 15, 2019
It started well and had some good ideas related to social interactions, but then came the health chapter with sometimes questionable statements lacking scientific evidence, then spiritual which delicately embraces every religion while telling atheists that life without faith in unprovable is doomed, and then the ending which was not bad per se but just too obvious and boring.
PS and advice "look for signs", seriously?
PS and advice "look for signs", seriously?
December 28, 2018
Awesome read! So many actionable tips and tricks to become better everyday. Mike is so down to earth and seems so relatable. Highly recommend this to anyone and everyone!
July 30, 2019
3.5⭐️
October 23, 2024
This is the first self help book I've ever read. It did help me. It forced me to look at my own flaws and how the vibes that I give off may affect the people around me and how the people I am around may affect my vibe without me even realizing it. I felt like my life was running me rather than me running my life. I would highly recommend this book even if you currently think your life is great and you have it all together. The first chapter he talks about his former drug addiction and how he finally turned his life around. Don't think the whole book is about this and be deterred. This book gets up in every area of your life. I listened on Audible and the author is the one who is reading/talking to you.
April 12, 2019
Not a bad book at all. It starts off with Mike Bayer admitting to being a drug addict, earlier in his youth, and then changing his love, complete 180.
This books is different from other motivational books, in that here you have many "To-Dos" that will allow you to sit down and write answers to the questions provided. I have not sat down and wrote answers to all of them, but I can see how they would change your mode of thinking, when answering realistically about yourself.
Here, you will learn how to make a difference from your personas that hinder you from accomplishing your goals. I think of it like different personalities, or different characters living within yourself. Like that lazy, video game playing persona can be named "Screener" and he can be to large eyeballs sitting on a couch wasting away, day after day. Once you learn when "Screener" is taking over, you can put a stop to it and begin another task. A task made by your Best Self.
Highly recommend.
This books is different from other motivational books, in that here you have many "To-Dos" that will allow you to sit down and write answers to the questions provided. I have not sat down and wrote answers to all of them, but I can see how they would change your mode of thinking, when answering realistically about yourself.
Here, you will learn how to make a difference from your personas that hinder you from accomplishing your goals. I think of it like different personalities, or different characters living within yourself. Like that lazy, video game playing persona can be named "Screener" and he can be to large eyeballs sitting on a couch wasting away, day after day. Once you learn when "Screener" is taking over, you can put a stop to it and begin another task. A task made by your Best Self.
Highly recommend.
February 19, 2019
Not for me. If you love narrative & anecdote combined with workbook exercises and have not done this type of thing before, you'll probably love it and feel an awareness and improvement in yourself.
I hate narrative & alot of long winded anecdote. I like just the facts and information. I only looked at this book because everyone was raving about it.
I hate narrative & alot of long winded anecdote. I like just the facts and information. I only looked at this book because everyone was raving about it.
April 15, 2022
The rating given this book may depend on in what stage of life the reader currently exists. As a septuagenarian, only a few things in the book applied to me or helped me. Younger people might benefit much from this book.
August 28, 2019
I truly hope this book helps people. I thought it was horrible. Also, his agent should have never aloud him to be the one to read the book for the audio. Ever!! DNF
January 1, 2019
Wow!
I thought carefully about what book would be my first read in 2019. I am SO PLEASED that I made it "Best Self: Be You, Only Better" by Mike Bayer. Definitely an auspicious way to begin the New Year! I started reading shortly after midnight, stopped for a nap at page 259, then read the rest of the book by 6:30 am!
Now, I'm looking forward to go back and work through the exercises, because, dang, it's 2019 and it's high time! My life has expanded and contracted in waves over the years, and has been just ... stagnant ... for some time. I finally have a map to navigate my way out of the clouds towards the life I was meant to live. And that's a GREAT feeling!
So, why am I waxing lyrical about what could be thought of as a list of directions? Because Best Self is so much more than that. Coach Mike knows and cares about his audience. You can tell it by the language he uses. It's clear, direct and finds each person where they are. He is humble, not in competition with others over who's best, just working on becoming his own Best Self, too. He knows that every person's path looks different.
It reminds me of an old dresser I refinished years ago. It had been painted a creamy white and speckled all over with black and brown paint. Someone had covered up some gorgeous wood and a marble top! No matter where you are in the 'restoration project' of your life, if you just need some polishing here and there, or you need to undo past mistakes and 'start over', I believe Best Self: Be You, Only Better by Mike Bayer can point you in the right direction.
Like many people, I love to travel and see new places. This trip I take at the start of 2019 may be my best trip e.v.e.r.!
I thought carefully about what book would be my first read in 2019. I am SO PLEASED that I made it "Best Self: Be You, Only Better" by Mike Bayer. Definitely an auspicious way to begin the New Year! I started reading shortly after midnight, stopped for a nap at page 259, then read the rest of the book by 6:30 am!
Now, I'm looking forward to go back and work through the exercises, because, dang, it's 2019 and it's high time! My life has expanded and contracted in waves over the years, and has been just ... stagnant ... for some time. I finally have a map to navigate my way out of the clouds towards the life I was meant to live. And that's a GREAT feeling!
So, why am I waxing lyrical about what could be thought of as a list of directions? Because Best Self is so much more than that. Coach Mike knows and cares about his audience. You can tell it by the language he uses. It's clear, direct and finds each person where they are. He is humble, not in competition with others over who's best, just working on becoming his own Best Self, too. He knows that every person's path looks different.
It reminds me of an old dresser I refinished years ago. It had been painted a creamy white and speckled all over with black and brown paint. Someone had covered up some gorgeous wood and a marble top! No matter where you are in the 'restoration project' of your life, if you just need some polishing here and there, or you need to undo past mistakes and 'start over', I believe Best Self: Be You, Only Better by Mike Bayer can point you in the right direction.
Like many people, I love to travel and see new places. This trip I take at the start of 2019 may be my best trip e.v.e.r.!
February 23, 2024
‘Best Self’ is a self-help book designed to encourage the reader to think about what their conception of their own best self would be, and then evaluate their own lives in different categories or “spheres” of life. These different SPHERES are: Social life, Personal life, Health, Education, Relationships, Employment, and Spiritual development life. Each chapter includes discussion to get you thinking about that area, along with survey questions and exercises to focus on your own life.
I thought this book was decent as far as self-help books go. The tone is conversational and realistic, with a focus on improvement, not perfection or idealistic goals. At first glance I didn’t understand the difference between some of the categories (for example, to me, social life, personal life, and relationships could all mean the same thing), but those chapters explain how they can be different. One interesting exercise was to come up with your best self as if it’s a character, even giving it a name. Could be a good read if you’re looking for something like this.
I thought this book was decent as far as self-help books go. The tone is conversational and realistic, with a focus on improvement, not perfection or idealistic goals. At first glance I didn’t understand the difference between some of the categories (for example, to me, social life, personal life, and relationships could all mean the same thing), but those chapters explain how they can be different. One interesting exercise was to come up with your best self as if it’s a character, even giving it a name. Could be a good read if you’re looking for something like this.
January 8, 2019
BEST SELF:BE YOU,ONLY BETTER is an exciting, rewarding, and authentic read that will lead you on a journey to self-discovery.Mike Bayer is brilliant in his innovative approach to life coaching-delivering a fresh perspective on personal growth and well being. Through a series of interactive lessons woven throughout, Bayer's road map to the 'Best You' is a thought-provoking and inspirational experience for all readers.
January 31, 2020
Great info and exercises. Need to re-read this one and go through the exercises more thoroughly. I especially like the way he defines the "anti-self" and how to become aware of that self and when it is in control instead of your best self.
December 31, 2018
Great book filled with lots of practical advice. Highly recommend it.
Want to read
December 31, 2018THIS BOOK IS AMAZING IM READING THE DIGITAL COPY AND SO FAR IM INLOVE WITH THIS BOOK
CANT WAIT TO READ THE HARD COPY :) BUT TILL THEN I BEEN Reading the Digital and notice a big Difference
happy New years everyone :p
CANT WAIT TO READ THE HARD COPY :) BUT TILL THEN I BEEN Reading the Digital and notice a big Difference
happy New years everyone :p
January 30, 2020
It started off good but then got boring and nothing that I haven’t heard or read before.
February 5, 2021
When I started reading it, I was about to return it. But decided to give it a chance and I’m glad I did. As soon as the author started talking about Spheres and got into the detail, I couldn’t put the book down. Worth the read!!!!!!
December 31, 2018
This is a great book for anyone looking to become a better version of themselves. Very practical and filled with exercises to help you identify and take action towards moving forward.
October 23, 2022
Yet another one in a series of self-help books, where the author does not get tired of shouting at the top of his voice, asking you to be 'your best self'. Either you already get it, and do not need this book, or you don't and mind finding the message in the book too pushy to tolerate after some point. Take your pick.
April 19, 2024
5/5 stars!
“The real problem is that people are living lives that are incongruent with their authentic selves either because they’re following in their family’s footsteps instead of carving their own path, or they’re doing what worked for them ten years ago but simply doesn’t anymore, they’ve closed themselves off to what life has to offer because of fear or any number of other reasons. Every situation is unique.”
This book contains: great advice, practical tips, examples, plenty of exercises, and the best and worst versions of ourselves.
Hands down, one of the best non-fiction/self-development books I have ever read! I loved plenty of things about this book, but what I liked the most was how practical it was and the intention behind it.
Did you know Coach Mike turned his life around from being a drug addict to being extremely successful? From everything I’ve heard from him, he seems like a very down-to-earth person, and he has a very well-defined intention of helping others change their lives. And this book shows exactly that! It helps you by showing you how you can turn your life around, with kindness and compassion.
The concept of this book is fairly simple to understand. We all have a best self (our best version) and anti-selfs (our worst versions, there can be more than one). These versions guide our everyday thoughts and actions, so we need to understand who is in charge in critical times! If one of our anti-selves is operating, we should shift to what our best self would be doing instead. That way, we can navigate life being our best version! Ok, I know it sounds a little complicated, but Coach Mike explains everything in the book in an easier way, I promise!
What distinguishes this book from other self-help books is how it is a very practical book. There are a lot of exercises that you need to complete as you read each chapter - so you have no option but to reflect on all areas of your life. The exercises are “easy”, but my advice to you is that you really commit to doing them. You need to be intentional and honest with yourself if you’re looking for real change. Don’t worry if it seems complicated to keep up with, Coach Mike kept the humor and lightness throughout the book, so it was very easy to read and keep up with his train of thought.
It is an amazing book and, unfortunately, it is very underrated. It's a great way of looking at all areas of your life and getting some inspiration to start making changes.
I highly recommend this one, it's the perfect book to read if you want to make changes in your life.
Blog | Bookstagram | BookTok | BookTube
“The real problem is that people are living lives that are incongruent with their authentic selves either because they’re following in their family’s footsteps instead of carving their own path, or they’re doing what worked for them ten years ago but simply doesn’t anymore, they’ve closed themselves off to what life has to offer because of fear or any number of other reasons. Every situation is unique.”
This book contains: great advice, practical tips, examples, plenty of exercises, and the best and worst versions of ourselves.
Hands down, one of the best non-fiction/self-development books I have ever read! I loved plenty of things about this book, but what I liked the most was how practical it was and the intention behind it.
Did you know Coach Mike turned his life around from being a drug addict to being extremely successful? From everything I’ve heard from him, he seems like a very down-to-earth person, and he has a very well-defined intention of helping others change their lives. And this book shows exactly that! It helps you by showing you how you can turn your life around, with kindness and compassion.
The concept of this book is fairly simple to understand. We all have a best self (our best version) and anti-selfs (our worst versions, there can be more than one). These versions guide our everyday thoughts and actions, so we need to understand who is in charge in critical times! If one of our anti-selves is operating, we should shift to what our best self would be doing instead. That way, we can navigate life being our best version! Ok, I know it sounds a little complicated, but Coach Mike explains everything in the book in an easier way, I promise!
What distinguishes this book from other self-help books is how it is a very practical book. There are a lot of exercises that you need to complete as you read each chapter - so you have no option but to reflect on all areas of your life. The exercises are “easy”, but my advice to you is that you really commit to doing them. You need to be intentional and honest with yourself if you’re looking for real change. Don’t worry if it seems complicated to keep up with, Coach Mike kept the humor and lightness throughout the book, so it was very easy to read and keep up with his train of thought.
It is an amazing book and, unfortunately, it is very underrated. It's a great way of looking at all areas of your life and getting some inspiration to start making changes.
I highly recommend this one, it's the perfect book to read if you want to make changes in your life.
Blog | Bookstagram | BookTok | BookTube
May 27, 2020
Loathed this book from beginning to end. Self-referential with very little substance. This was gifted to me and I reluctantly read it. Save yourself time and money and skip. If you want celebrity examples of Best Self from Los Angeles this may be the book for you. If you want to craft your own mantra, this book may be for you. This book was not for me. I'll just have to look for my Best Self elsewhere.
December 4, 2019
Best Self... a fill-in-the-blank, check which boxes apply for you, lecturing approach to coaching readers to learn more about their inner person. Skimmed through the book. Too much homework filling in information every few pages.
January 25, 2019
Best Self: Be You Only Better is a self-help book intended to help the reader change some of the aspects of their life and their own behaviors that could contribute to not being happy, not achieving goals, not changing unwanted behaviors and in short, not becoming their Best Self.
Initially I picked up this book because my husband expressed interest in reading it for himself. He had seen Mike Bayer on the Dr. Phil show where he is often brought on as a Life Coach and liked what he saw of him in that environment.
Since you don’t know my husband I’ll let you in on something...he NEVER expresses interest in reading books so I told him “sure, I’ll get you a copy”. What he doesn’t know is this...in my excitement; I nearly broke a land-speed record in order to obtain a copy of it for him and also got a copy for myself that I could read. Naturally, I told myself I got a copy of my own so I could know where he was at in the book and be able to support him in this endeavor. But really I also wanted to see what Mr. Bayer had to say and perhaps even learn how to become my Best Self...stranger things have happened! But I digress.
Right up front Mr. Bayer lets the reader know he is not a degreed Psychologist/Psychiatrist. He is simply sharing knowledge and techniques he has gained over his 17 years as a Life Coach. How does he know they work? He has used them himself in his own personal life and he has helped many other individuals as well. Does he claim to have developed these concepts and techniques himself...no, he does not.
Are these new and revolutionary ideas/techniques? No, they are not. I have read other self-help books that have very similar concepts and have sometimes even used much of the same language...but that’s not really the point here is it? Anyone can read other books that discuss the same ideas/concepts but if those ideas/concepts are not delivered in an effective manner they won’t get through to the person reading the book and therefore that book is essentially... a paperweight. That’s what is different about Mr. Bayer’s book, his delivery method. I actually enjoyed reading this book.
Mr. Bayer is approachable in his method, not clinical. I didn’t have to slog through paragraph after paragraph of dry clinical psycho-babble. Instead Mr. Bayer’s voice comes through clearly as someone who has been there done that himself and has come out on the other side.
I don’t know about you but before I make purchases these days I read reviews. In particular, I read the bad reviews. One review that jumped out at me claimed Mr. Bayer was saying “you are not good enough as you are”. Let me be very clear....he never says that at all. He doesn’t even come close to saying that. The message he clearly conveys is that he wants to help you be your Best Self, help you change things in your life you already want to change or maybe...someone else has told you needs to change. That is not saying “you aren’t good enough as you are”, that is saying “let me show you how to get where you want to go.” If you find yourself saying what that other reviewer said then you are speaking from a place of ego and need to re-read the book and refer back to the exercises.
Speaking of exercises...this book comes with plenty of those and you should know that if you download this book through Audible there is a pdf file that accompanies the audiobook. In order to get the pdf you will have to go to your library in Audible from a laptop or desktop computer, you won’t be able to see or download it from the Audible apps.
So, would I recommend this book? Yes, I would. I give it 4 out of 5, mainly because via Audible I think they should automatically e-mail you the pdf supplement and not make you have to figure out how to obtain it. But, the subject matter was easy to read. Mr. Bayer has an easy writing voice that is approachable and non-clinical which I appreciated. And, I liked many of the exercises. They weren’t easy to do, but it’s rarely easy to take a really close look at yourself now is it? I don’t think I could ask for more from a self-help book unless of course it could somehow magically remind me to be mindful of my reactions...but I think I have to do that work myself.
Initially I picked up this book because my husband expressed interest in reading it for himself. He had seen Mike Bayer on the Dr. Phil show where he is often brought on as a Life Coach and liked what he saw of him in that environment.
Since you don’t know my husband I’ll let you in on something...he NEVER expresses interest in reading books so I told him “sure, I’ll get you a copy”. What he doesn’t know is this...in my excitement; I nearly broke a land-speed record in order to obtain a copy of it for him and also got a copy for myself that I could read. Naturally, I told myself I got a copy of my own so I could know where he was at in the book and be able to support him in this endeavor. But really I also wanted to see what Mr. Bayer had to say and perhaps even learn how to become my Best Self...stranger things have happened! But I digress.
Right up front Mr. Bayer lets the reader know he is not a degreed Psychologist/Psychiatrist. He is simply sharing knowledge and techniques he has gained over his 17 years as a Life Coach. How does he know they work? He has used them himself in his own personal life and he has helped many other individuals as well. Does he claim to have developed these concepts and techniques himself...no, he does not.
Are these new and revolutionary ideas/techniques? No, they are not. I have read other self-help books that have very similar concepts and have sometimes even used much of the same language...but that’s not really the point here is it? Anyone can read other books that discuss the same ideas/concepts but if those ideas/concepts are not delivered in an effective manner they won’t get through to the person reading the book and therefore that book is essentially... a paperweight. That’s what is different about Mr. Bayer’s book, his delivery method. I actually enjoyed reading this book.
Mr. Bayer is approachable in his method, not clinical. I didn’t have to slog through paragraph after paragraph of dry clinical psycho-babble. Instead Mr. Bayer’s voice comes through clearly as someone who has been there done that himself and has come out on the other side.
I don’t know about you but before I make purchases these days I read reviews. In particular, I read the bad reviews. One review that jumped out at me claimed Mr. Bayer was saying “you are not good enough as you are”. Let me be very clear....he never says that at all. He doesn’t even come close to saying that. The message he clearly conveys is that he wants to help you be your Best Self, help you change things in your life you already want to change or maybe...someone else has told you needs to change. That is not saying “you aren’t good enough as you are”, that is saying “let me show you how to get where you want to go.” If you find yourself saying what that other reviewer said then you are speaking from a place of ego and need to re-read the book and refer back to the exercises.
Speaking of exercises...this book comes with plenty of those and you should know that if you download this book through Audible there is a pdf file that accompanies the audiobook. In order to get the pdf you will have to go to your library in Audible from a laptop or desktop computer, you won’t be able to see or download it from the Audible apps.
So, would I recommend this book? Yes, I would. I give it 4 out of 5, mainly because via Audible I think they should automatically e-mail you the pdf supplement and not make you have to figure out how to obtain it. But, the subject matter was easy to read. Mr. Bayer has an easy writing voice that is approachable and non-clinical which I appreciated. And, I liked many of the exercises. They weren’t easy to do, but it’s rarely easy to take a really close look at yourself now is it? I don’t think I could ask for more from a self-help book unless of course it could somehow magically remind me to be mindful of my reactions...but I think I have to do that work myself.
August 1, 2021
6 of the 7 spheres made a lot of sense to me. The author makes it clear that it's not selfish to put yourself first, and that we are not responsible for others' emotions. The best we can do is be our best selves, and have no control on whether others in our social, familial, romantic or other relationships are their best selves. Those who are their best selves and happy in life do not abuse drugs or alcohol. This book helps guide you to understand what your core values are, and what can be compromised and what are deal breakers in a relationship. One of my deal breaker core values is honesty. If others in my life aren't honest, I know now that is a deal breaker because it's a value I cannot compromise on. Without it, there is no trust. Without trust, there is no genuine love. It just becomes a one-sided toxic quagmire that holds us back. Dissolve bad relationships, but only after making efforts to resolve conflicts. Because those conflicts test our core values, discussion can lead to beautiful things, or amiable endings. One thing I value from this book is the authors discussion on forming a life team, because "no one thrives in isolation" as he writes. After finishing this book I truly feel that I can accomplish far more than I have already, which says a lot because one of my core values is to follow through on every goal I set for myself. Just now, I know to set these goals even higher and use a life team to help me achieve them! I wish I read this book 2 years ago. It would have saved me a lot of heartache.
January 30, 2020
I thought this was very uneven - there were some things that were useful, others that seemed to be out of left field. The suggestion to develop an internal Best Self - a personification of the kind, compassionate, caring coach/friend/mentor that we all want to be in our corner. Then develop an Anti-Self (or several if need be) to express that side(s) of yourself that undermines your efforts. Then it gets a little woo-woo with picking mantras and developing rituals (ok, that's not all that woo-woo) but still okay. The next section deals with SPHERES - an acronym for the major areas of your life that need to be address / in balance. SPHERES stands for Social - Personal - Health - Education - Relationships - Employment - Spiritual Life. Each section asks you to assess where you are, then gives (mostly common sense) tips for how to improve that area. Not much new there. Finally after all this analysis, he suggests that you put together 'your team' and start focusing on your weaker areas. Gee, I'm not sure if I want to manage my entire life like a corporate project. I do set goals - usually at the beginning of each year - but this is ridiculous.
Quotes/ideas to remember:
...the journey is the destination.
daily gratitude lists...think of 10 things for which you are grateful & write them down
...show up for yourself first.
You either evolve in life or you check out of life.
Quotes/ideas to remember:
...the journey is the destination.
daily gratitude lists...think of 10 things for which you are grateful & write them down
...show up for yourself first.
You either evolve in life or you check out of life.
December 30, 2018
I’m honestly not a reader, and could literally count how many full books I’ve read Front to back if you gave me a pen and paper and 10 minutes I could tell you the few that I have (99% being for mandatory schoolwork). I could not put this down and not in the cliche way. Based on what I know about Coach Mike from his book and attending 2 Cast on Tours this year, I honestly have never heard of this ‘method’ being used to help overcome trials and tribulations but when you read the book and sit back and think about what you’ve read it’s honestly like an epiphany. I don’t know if this existed before he came along and started Cast Centers, but if it did why the hell was no one screaming it from rooftops? You could literally have the world rooting for you and believing in you, but none of it
matters until you believe in yourself and find that best self. Read this book, read it more than once and then buy a copy and give it away to a stranger and help this message reach as many people as possible.
“There is a pervasive belief in society that people can’t change, not really. That is absolutely 100% untrue. If people couldn’t change, I’d still be penniless and addicted to drugs. If people couldn’t change, everyone would basically be doomed. I’ve seen people overcome all odds. People change. They did. You can.”
If this doesn’t resonate with you, read it over and over again until it does.
matters until you believe in yourself and find that best self. Read this book, read it more than once and then buy a copy and give it away to a stranger and help this message reach as many people as possible.
“There is a pervasive belief in society that people can’t change, not really. That is absolutely 100% untrue. If people couldn’t change, I’d still be penniless and addicted to drugs. If people couldn’t change, everyone would basically be doomed. I’ve seen people overcome all odds. People change. They did. You can.”
If this doesn’t resonate with you, read it over and over again until it does.
May 14, 2019
My Honest Opinion "Best Self" is a must read for anyone looking for make any type of lasting change in his/her life. I found it to be extremely helpful. It’s a simple step by step process to Improve your life in every spectrum. I recommend this book to anyone & everyone longing for a peaceful & meaningful life
I felt like Coach Mike was taking me on a personal journey of self discovery...This book is life changing!!! The author does a great job of getting me to dig deep into myself but also shows me how easy it is to become the best version of myself. I Highly recommend this to everyone! I was able to gain personal insight and make the much needed adjustments in my life.I like the idea of the Best Self and the Anti-Self. It's not that we are bad people, we just have a part of us that isn't quite so helpful.
Real world examples always help me to understand things better.
This book reminds me of The Art of Thinking Clearly by Rolf Dobelli . We make a lot of decisions in our life but How many of those decisions are rational? This book is an excellent collection of 99 thinking errors from cognitive biases to social distortions. This is the most practical book I’ve read on decision making.
I give this book a 5 stars .Coach Mike says If you want your best life you must do the work. Great book.It’s a must read for everyone to fine tune your life and be your best self!
I felt like Coach Mike was taking me on a personal journey of self discovery...This book is life changing!!! The author does a great job of getting me to dig deep into myself but also shows me how easy it is to become the best version of myself. I Highly recommend this to everyone! I was able to gain personal insight and make the much needed adjustments in my life.I like the idea of the Best Self and the Anti-Self. It's not that we are bad people, we just have a part of us that isn't quite so helpful.
Real world examples always help me to understand things better.
This book reminds me of The Art of Thinking Clearly by Rolf Dobelli . We make a lot of decisions in our life but How many of those decisions are rational? This book is an excellent collection of 99 thinking errors from cognitive biases to social distortions. This is the most practical book I’ve read on decision making.
I give this book a 5 stars .Coach Mike says If you want your best life you must do the work. Great book.It’s a must read for everyone to fine tune your life and be your best self!
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