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Action!: Nothing Happens Until Something Moves
Robert Ringer's books have created a revolution in the self-development genre and shown millions the way to personal and professional achievement. Filled with humorous and enriching anecdotes Action!, exhorts the reader when you close the book, get up out of your chair and take action now. Action is life, and life is meant to be lived.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2004
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207 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 8, 2015
I have enjoyed Robert Ringer since shortly after his first book, Winning Through Intimidation, was published in 1973. I regretted his decision to change the title to To Be or Not to Be Intimidated?: That is the Question. I only recently read that he revised and updated it before changing the title. That attenuates my disappointment a bit. This more recent work has a lot to offer. Rather than summarize, I will share a few quotes that I found (literally) noteworthy.
p. 158. "DON’T TRY TO CHANGE PEOPLE. Feeling compelled to change others is the height of arrogance. At least one of the reasons why there is so much hate and war in the world is that so many people feel morally obliged to remake people in their own image. Even if such a lofty objective were moral (which it isn’t), it would be impossible, which is why force is always used in the pursuit of such an objective. This ugly reality has been a fact of life since the beginning of recorded history, and, if anything, is worse today than ever before… people rarely change their basic personalities or moral structures… In those rare instances where significant change does occur, it almost always comes from personal revelation rather than through the efforts of someone else."
p. 244. "…there are few obstacles in life that can prevent you from transforming your dreams into reality through the genius, magic, and power of action… You don’t succeed by focusing on your handicaps; you succeed by focusing on your strengths. Concentrate on the abundance in your life rather than the problems, and take action to exploit that abundance. Discover your best assets, nurture them, and use them as they were meant to be used."
p. 261. "Theory is good for the intellect, but action is good for the soul. It’s also good for your mental health, your physical health, and your pocketbook."
p. 262. “Procrastination is death, sedentariness is death, homeostasis is death… Action is life – and life is meant to be lived.”
Wow! I’m especially delighted with this last as I have been re-listening to George J. Kappas on the newer online streaming (as opposed to the old audiotape) version of The Mental Bank Seminar, where he describes homeostasis as the most powerful force in human behavior, the one we must overcome if we wish to change and improve our lives. Thank you guys!
p. 158. "DON’T TRY TO CHANGE PEOPLE. Feeling compelled to change others is the height of arrogance. At least one of the reasons why there is so much hate and war in the world is that so many people feel morally obliged to remake people in their own image. Even if such a lofty objective were moral (which it isn’t), it would be impossible, which is why force is always used in the pursuit of such an objective. This ugly reality has been a fact of life since the beginning of recorded history, and, if anything, is worse today than ever before… people rarely change their basic personalities or moral structures… In those rare instances where significant change does occur, it almost always comes from personal revelation rather than through the efforts of someone else."
p. 244. "…there are few obstacles in life that can prevent you from transforming your dreams into reality through the genius, magic, and power of action… You don’t succeed by focusing on your handicaps; you succeed by focusing on your strengths. Concentrate on the abundance in your life rather than the problems, and take action to exploit that abundance. Discover your best assets, nurture them, and use them as they were meant to be used."
p. 261. "Theory is good for the intellect, but action is good for the soul. It’s also good for your mental health, your physical health, and your pocketbook."
p. 262. “Procrastination is death, sedentariness is death, homeostasis is death… Action is life – and life is meant to be lived.”
Wow! I’m especially delighted with this last as I have been re-listening to George J. Kappas on the newer online streaming (as opposed to the old audiotape) version of The Mental Bank Seminar, where he describes homeostasis as the most powerful force in human behavior, the one we must overcome if we wish to change and improve our lives. Thank you guys!
January 16, 2008
This book was referred to me by a John Mauldin. You’re going to find out that John has influenced a lot of selection of my reading lately. There are three major people who I credit for me finally decided to get my own place: my sister, my yoga teacher, and him.
More about John another time; for now, we got a book to review.
Robert Ringer is the self-proclaimed turtle who through virtuous discipline comes out ahead. With this foundation, action … doing something and then later you can wait for the perfect time to do something. Ready, fire, aim!
The first pages were bit of a struggle. I don’t fully agree with the ready, fire, aim mentality. There’s too much noise (firing) now with people not sure what they’re doing. Though I understand the failures of “waiting for the perfect moment” … I think waiting for a pretty good moment is the way to go.
Many of the things later are obvious but he has a fun spin. Like we have financial taxes, but emotional and people taxes as well. Our egos get in the way a lot just because we have to fix an injustice or have invested so much into something, we can’t think clearly even when things are falling apart (think stocks and relationships). We blame others or the world for our failures and shortcomings and use these as excuses to take no action.
Though I don’t agree with all of Robert’s philosophies, I do like the book and if you’re open to some criticism, we could all learn a little from this book.
More about John another time; for now, we got a book to review.
Robert Ringer is the self-proclaimed turtle who through virtuous discipline comes out ahead. With this foundation, action … doing something and then later you can wait for the perfect time to do something. Ready, fire, aim!
The first pages were bit of a struggle. I don’t fully agree with the ready, fire, aim mentality. There’s too much noise (firing) now with people not sure what they’re doing. Though I understand the failures of “waiting for the perfect moment” … I think waiting for a pretty good moment is the way to go.
Many of the things later are obvious but he has a fun spin. Like we have financial taxes, but emotional and people taxes as well. Our egos get in the way a lot just because we have to fix an injustice or have invested so much into something, we can’t think clearly even when things are falling apart (think stocks and relationships). We blame others or the world for our failures and shortcomings and use these as excuses to take no action.
Though I don’t agree with all of Robert’s philosophies, I do like the book and if you’re open to some criticism, we could all learn a little from this book.
January 21, 2018
Wow, what a ride! This book was written by a true trooper, someone who has been through a lot and has learned a lot along the way. The book is packed full of wisdom that Robert Ringer has picked up in the form of cautionary tales, sayings, historical teachings etc. from all over the place - it’s a treasure trove.
The author’s personality really comes across at times and I get the impression that the book was written with notes taken over a long period. Some of the author’s behaviour described in the stories comes across as going against some of the ideas in the book like the idea of giving people the benefit of the doubt, accepting that people are flawed etc. I guess lessons can be learned too from reading about how flawed everyone is, including the author, when rubbed the wrong way.
The premise of the book is simple but extremely powerful. In order for anything to happen, action must be taken. But not just any kind of action - rational/thoughtful actions that have the best chance of producing the greatest amount of happiness over the long term.
I love how there are sections that describe how to identify and navigate circumstances and situations that we can find ourselves in in great detail. For instance, there’s a collection of dirty tricks people use in debates, steps to overcome being overwhelmed, types of dishonest actions etc. - so many patterns and things I’ve experienced but never pinned down. The book is thoughtfully written and very inspirational, fantastic read to get anyone up and acting.
One of my favourite nuggets of wisdom from the book: Make a conscious decision to expand the boundaries of your mental paradigms, take inventory of the assets you have, then move forward with bold action to exploit those assets to your advantage.
The author’s personality really comes across at times and I get the impression that the book was written with notes taken over a long period. Some of the author’s behaviour described in the stories comes across as going against some of the ideas in the book like the idea of giving people the benefit of the doubt, accepting that people are flawed etc. I guess lessons can be learned too from reading about how flawed everyone is, including the author, when rubbed the wrong way.
The premise of the book is simple but extremely powerful. In order for anything to happen, action must be taken. But not just any kind of action - rational/thoughtful actions that have the best chance of producing the greatest amount of happiness over the long term.
I love how there are sections that describe how to identify and navigate circumstances and situations that we can find ourselves in in great detail. For instance, there’s a collection of dirty tricks people use in debates, steps to overcome being overwhelmed, types of dishonest actions etc. - so many patterns and things I’ve experienced but never pinned down. The book is thoughtfully written and very inspirational, fantastic read to get anyone up and acting.
One of my favourite nuggets of wisdom from the book: Make a conscious decision to expand the boundaries of your mental paradigms, take inventory of the assets you have, then move forward with bold action to exploit those assets to your advantage.
September 23, 2017
I like Ringer's writing style. I've read a lot of motivational books and his message of personal responsibility resonates with me. As with any such book, the wheel is not reinvented. But you will see it differently.
February 1, 2018
Powerful
Just like when you make a fresh gourmet bowl of soup, you DON'T want to add too many spices because then you'll Spoil the soup.
There is no fluff. Powerful & Illustrates its purpose Very well. ACTION is the fore front of what drives our greatness.
Just like when you make a fresh gourmet bowl of soup, you DON'T want to add too many spices because then you'll Spoil the soup.
There is no fluff. Powerful & Illustrates its purpose Very well. ACTION is the fore front of what drives our greatness.
March 21, 2022
A great guide to push you becoming an action taker on your best state.
July 18, 2025
Bra bok som jag önska fanns som ljudbok. Egentligen så kan den beskrivas i att hela tiden ta steg k rätt riktning och fortsätt alltid att fråga och ge inte up
December 21, 2023
ready many productivity/action books,..this was interesting covering aspects of it beyond just action, .... author raises some interesting points and scenarios
To Our Continued Success!
Seemy
https://Waseem.tv/Blog
👆🏼 P.S -
If you found this review helpful - I’d like to invite you to discover more on our blog. Where the community share some of our most important insights to level up each others knowledge 💡- from experience in studying books like this, training programs, podcasts and much more - visit the blog link above to find out more.
P.P.S 😅 - You probably noticed from my profile that I’ve reviewed a LOT of books over many years now - if you love seeking knowledge like me I’d love to connect with you further as a like minded person (send me a friend invite! 😀) - Also if you are curious - here is my preferred and recommended resource for seeking timeless wisdom - Check it out via the website invite link below 👇🏼 (You’ll be able to claim some awesome books for free 📚)
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To Our Continued Success!
Seemy
https://Waseem.tv/Blog
👆🏼 P.S -
If you found this review helpful - I’d like to invite you to discover more on our blog. Where the community share some of our most important insights to level up each others knowledge 💡- from experience in studying books like this, training programs, podcasts and much more - visit the blog link above to find out more.
P.P.S 😅 - You probably noticed from my profile that I’ve reviewed a LOT of books over many years now - if you love seeking knowledge like me I’d love to connect with you further as a like minded person (send me a friend invite! 😀) - Also if you are curious - here is my preferred and recommended resource for seeking timeless wisdom - Check it out via the website invite link below 👇🏼 (You’ll be able to claim some awesome books for free 📚)
https://Waseem.tv/GoodReadsBookInvite
July 10, 2017
The book starts strong but then ventures off-topic with many negative personal stories that don't articulate the points made. There are much better books on this topic.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews