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Why People Fail: The 16 obstacles to success and how you can overcome them
If you learn the 16 principles in this book you'll be able to do more than turn your life around. You'll be able to uplift and transform it, taking it to levels that will amaze and delight.'
There are thousands of books on success - but this is a book on failure.
Mastering failure is a vital step in achieving your aims, hopes and dreams. Failure is the ambitious person's constant companion. It can dog you for months, years or even decades before you finally achieve your goal.
Siimon Reynolds, one of Australia's most successful ad men, explores the main causes of failure and reveals solutions for overcoming them and creating a successful, happy life. Why People Fail offers strategies and tips for beating failure habits such as:
* unclear purpose
* destructive thinking
* low productivity
* weak energy
* not asking the right questions
* poor presentation skills
* stress
* lack of persistence
* money obsession
Master just one of the timeless principles in this book and you can increase your wealth, success, contentment and happiness. Master all of them and your life will rocket to a totally new level.
There are thousands of books on success - but this is a book on failure.
Mastering failure is a vital step in achieving your aims, hopes and dreams. Failure is the ambitious person's constant companion. It can dog you for months, years or even decades before you finally achieve your goal.
Siimon Reynolds, one of Australia's most successful ad men, explores the main causes of failure and reveals solutions for overcoming them and creating a successful, happy life. Why People Fail offers strategies and tips for beating failure habits such as:
* unclear purpose
* destructive thinking
* low productivity
* weak energy
* not asking the right questions
* poor presentation skills
* stress
* lack of persistence
* money obsession
Master just one of the timeless principles in this book and you can increase your wealth, success, contentment and happiness. Master all of them and your life will rocket to a totally new level.
256 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2010
65 people are currently reading
455 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 3, 2020
It’s an interesting title – and it begs the question, what is failure? According to Siimon Reynolds everybody experiences it at some time in their lives, while others spend their entire lives in its shadow. Simon believes, as I do, that our lives are controlled more by the way we view what happens to us, rather than the happenings themselves. So how do we view ‘failure’ and how do we view ’success’?
My definition of success is ‘doing a job superbly well and making a big contribution to improving the health, living standards and wellbeing of society’. However, books on success usually use business building and wealth creation as their benchmark, and regard high fliers as epitomising success – e.g. Richard Branson, Rupert Murdoch, Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Jobs and Elon Musk.
Australian breakfast radio presenter Mike Carlton, once said that the people he really admired were the ones who dug and shovelled coal. I agree, and to those heroes I would add bus drivers, train drivers, farmers, nurses, teachers, police officers, heavy lorry drivers, paramedics, healthcare professionals and firemen. I don’t suppose any of these vital workers are regarded as spectacular successes, but just think of the massive contribution they make to preserving an orderly and progressive society.
In an interview in a book called ‘The English’ (by Michael Watkins, published by Elm Tree Books), a retired English coal miner said this about his life underground: ‘It’s not really fit work for human beings, but I was always happy as a lark...except that I really believe a man is meant to work in the light, not the dark’. The author went on: ‘He is retired, but not retired; he is an ex miner who cannot keep away from the colliery. Coal dust and comradeship are his very creed.’
Was this man a failure? Without his work, people would have frozen to death in the English winter and industry would have ground to a halt. So failure can be regarded in many different ways – but if you do regard it as the unsuccessful pursuit of fame and fortune, you will get a lot of help towards avoiding it in ‘Why People Fail’.
Siimon’s guidance includes focusing on goals - spending plenty of time thinking - getting plenty of rest - exercising regularly - eating sensibly - developing a positive self image – eliminating destructive thinking - achieving good presentation skills - reading books by experts in your field - fine tuning your social skills and emotional intelligence - managing stress - prioritising your tasks - maintaining effective time management - and surrounding yourself with motivated and talented friends.
It’s all very sound stuff and the author’s arguments and philosophies are easy to follow. As an ex advertising writer myself, I can recognise that Siimon has made very effective use of the principles of his former craft - succinct but emotive writing, simple and sincere words, enthusiasm, humour and plenty of shrewd human insights.
He maintains that another significant contributor to failure is a lack of persistence – and that is also open to debate. For example, people have attributed the success of ‘The Beatles’ to the fact that they played and practised for hours on end – including a punishing residency in Hamburg where they played just about all day. However, Paul McCartney observed that plenty of other groups who practised just as hard never reached the eminence of The Beatles, who enjoyed the added bonus of good luck.
That good luck included meeting and working with musical director George Martin, who not only wrote brilliant arrangements for their legendary albums, but also guided and enhanced their instrumental ability. John Lennon tells the story that ‘on one of our early recording sessions it was a patient George Martin who explained to a puzzled Ringo that it was a bit much playing a full drum kit, tambourine and maracas at the same time.’
They had another lucky break when Brian Epstein became their manager. His business acumen, administrative know-how, awareness of trends in popular music, and admirable negotiating skills were key factors in their rise to mega stardom and worldwide fame.
Similarly, when the Saatchi brothers were asked what in particular helped them to build one of the biggest and most successful advertising agencies in the world, they replied ‘we’ve been lucky’.
Siimon underplays the role of luck - in company with many others who believe you ‘make your own luck’. True, but lucky breaks and ‘being in the right place at the right time’ have also been a big influence on many highly successful careers.
Of course, in both the above cases, exceptional talent was arguably the biggest influence on success. John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote some of the most beautiful and poignant popular music of the 20th century. Charles Saatchi was one of the advertising world’s most effective and innovative copywriters.
And on the question of talent, Siimon emphasises the importance of concentrating on identifying and developing strengths rather than worrying about weaknesses. He suggests that not many people do this, and also believes that a successful and rewarding life can also be hampered by over valuing money and materialism.
Another useful ingredient in the book is the ‘Strength Evaluator’, which helps one appreciate that ‘strengths’ is not another word for ‘talent’. There is a difference.
It is possible to be over awed by the multi talented - Noel Coward wrote plays, wrote musicals, acted in his own shows, sang, played the piano, composed beautiful music and wonderful lyrics, painted exotic landscapes and wrote books. But strengths and talent are not confined to the creative arts. Former US President Bill Clinton identified one of his strengths/talents as ‘being good with people’. A good performer on the tenor sax, he also decided that he was ‘no Stan Getz’ and decided on a career in politics rather than music, in which he was able to demonstrate exemplary leadership skills – a valuable strength if ever there was one.
Winston Churchill was another prolific writer (51 books in all) as well as being a social reformer, distinguished statesman, inspirational wartime leader, and an artist of considerable merit. He very vividly demonstrates another point which Siimon Reynolds brings out in his book – every successful life also has its fair share of failures and setbacks.
As he puts it: ‘I have never ever met a person who’s had lasting success who didn’t encounter failure, hardship and disappointment frequently along the way’. He adds that ‘failure is not to be feared’. Churchill survived ongoing hostility for changing parties, the disaster of Gallipoli in 1915, the Gold Standard mess in the 20’s, and the King’s divorce in 1937. He spent 11 years in the political wilderness in the 30’s before becoming Prime Minister of Great Britain and the saviour of Western civilisation in 1940.
You don’t need to be an ex advertising man like Siimon to enjoy this book and you don’t need to have set your sights on making a million. Many of the life lessons and philosophies can be appreciated by anybody. They will help you to improve your working life, your lifestyle, your level of contentment, your future career prospects and your personal relationships. Highly recommended.
My definition of success is ‘doing a job superbly well and making a big contribution to improving the health, living standards and wellbeing of society’. However, books on success usually use business building and wealth creation as their benchmark, and regard high fliers as epitomising success – e.g. Richard Branson, Rupert Murdoch, Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Jobs and Elon Musk.
Australian breakfast radio presenter Mike Carlton, once said that the people he really admired were the ones who dug and shovelled coal. I agree, and to those heroes I would add bus drivers, train drivers, farmers, nurses, teachers, police officers, heavy lorry drivers, paramedics, healthcare professionals and firemen. I don’t suppose any of these vital workers are regarded as spectacular successes, but just think of the massive contribution they make to preserving an orderly and progressive society.
In an interview in a book called ‘The English’ (by Michael Watkins, published by Elm Tree Books), a retired English coal miner said this about his life underground: ‘It’s not really fit work for human beings, but I was always happy as a lark...except that I really believe a man is meant to work in the light, not the dark’. The author went on: ‘He is retired, but not retired; he is an ex miner who cannot keep away from the colliery. Coal dust and comradeship are his very creed.’
Was this man a failure? Without his work, people would have frozen to death in the English winter and industry would have ground to a halt. So failure can be regarded in many different ways – but if you do regard it as the unsuccessful pursuit of fame and fortune, you will get a lot of help towards avoiding it in ‘Why People Fail’.
Siimon’s guidance includes focusing on goals - spending plenty of time thinking - getting plenty of rest - exercising regularly - eating sensibly - developing a positive self image – eliminating destructive thinking - achieving good presentation skills - reading books by experts in your field - fine tuning your social skills and emotional intelligence - managing stress - prioritising your tasks - maintaining effective time management - and surrounding yourself with motivated and talented friends.
It’s all very sound stuff and the author’s arguments and philosophies are easy to follow. As an ex advertising writer myself, I can recognise that Siimon has made very effective use of the principles of his former craft - succinct but emotive writing, simple and sincere words, enthusiasm, humour and plenty of shrewd human insights.
He maintains that another significant contributor to failure is a lack of persistence – and that is also open to debate. For example, people have attributed the success of ‘The Beatles’ to the fact that they played and practised for hours on end – including a punishing residency in Hamburg where they played just about all day. However, Paul McCartney observed that plenty of other groups who practised just as hard never reached the eminence of The Beatles, who enjoyed the added bonus of good luck.
That good luck included meeting and working with musical director George Martin, who not only wrote brilliant arrangements for their legendary albums, but also guided and enhanced their instrumental ability. John Lennon tells the story that ‘on one of our early recording sessions it was a patient George Martin who explained to a puzzled Ringo that it was a bit much playing a full drum kit, tambourine and maracas at the same time.’
They had another lucky break when Brian Epstein became their manager. His business acumen, administrative know-how, awareness of trends in popular music, and admirable negotiating skills were key factors in their rise to mega stardom and worldwide fame.
Similarly, when the Saatchi brothers were asked what in particular helped them to build one of the biggest and most successful advertising agencies in the world, they replied ‘we’ve been lucky’.
Siimon underplays the role of luck - in company with many others who believe you ‘make your own luck’. True, but lucky breaks and ‘being in the right place at the right time’ have also been a big influence on many highly successful careers.
Of course, in both the above cases, exceptional talent was arguably the biggest influence on success. John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote some of the most beautiful and poignant popular music of the 20th century. Charles Saatchi was one of the advertising world’s most effective and innovative copywriters.
And on the question of talent, Siimon emphasises the importance of concentrating on identifying and developing strengths rather than worrying about weaknesses. He suggests that not many people do this, and also believes that a successful and rewarding life can also be hampered by over valuing money and materialism.
Another useful ingredient in the book is the ‘Strength Evaluator’, which helps one appreciate that ‘strengths’ is not another word for ‘talent’. There is a difference.
It is possible to be over awed by the multi talented - Noel Coward wrote plays, wrote musicals, acted in his own shows, sang, played the piano, composed beautiful music and wonderful lyrics, painted exotic landscapes and wrote books. But strengths and talent are not confined to the creative arts. Former US President Bill Clinton identified one of his strengths/talents as ‘being good with people’. A good performer on the tenor sax, he also decided that he was ‘no Stan Getz’ and decided on a career in politics rather than music, in which he was able to demonstrate exemplary leadership skills – a valuable strength if ever there was one.
Winston Churchill was another prolific writer (51 books in all) as well as being a social reformer, distinguished statesman, inspirational wartime leader, and an artist of considerable merit. He very vividly demonstrates another point which Siimon Reynolds brings out in his book – every successful life also has its fair share of failures and setbacks.
As he puts it: ‘I have never ever met a person who’s had lasting success who didn’t encounter failure, hardship and disappointment frequently along the way’. He adds that ‘failure is not to be feared’. Churchill survived ongoing hostility for changing parties, the disaster of Gallipoli in 1915, the Gold Standard mess in the 20’s, and the King’s divorce in 1937. He spent 11 years in the political wilderness in the 30’s before becoming Prime Minister of Great Britain and the saviour of Western civilisation in 1940.
You don’t need to be an ex advertising man like Siimon to enjoy this book and you don’t need to have set your sights on making a million. Many of the life lessons and philosophies can be appreciated by anybody. They will help you to improve your working life, your lifestyle, your level of contentment, your future career prospects and your personal relationships. Highly recommended.
December 12, 2014
It is an outstanding book .Usually most of books about how other people succeeded or how u can succeed ,but this is different because it is on how people fail ! some reasons are simple but this is the reality ,not having a goal for example or not focusing ! it is strongly recommended .
December 31, 2011
Siimon Reynolds puts pen to pad to discuss why people fail and what you can do Not to join the ranks of the failed. I liked the book for the simple fact that much of
what Siimon discusses has been discussed before.
The Breakdown:
Siimon defines the 16 areas that prevent individuals from achieving their very best. Each chapter covers one of these areas. He begins with a discussion of the problem
and how it hinders success seekers. Siimon then explains how the wise will be able to avoid this potential pitfall with concrete actions.
The Emotional Punch:
There were a couple of 16 obstacles that touch an emotional cord with me.
His focus on "Weak Energy" dragged up my exhausting experiences working my way through the Georgia Insitute of Technology as an undergrad and then as a graduate
student. I realized that human beings can't burn the candle on both ends forever. Siimon's discussion of the professional and personal power of building relationships
in "Few Relationships" struck another cord with me being a self-professed introvert (I'll be working on this in 2012).
The obstacle that probably struct the strongest chord with me was "Unclear Purpose." I personally feel this has been my cardinal sin for bulk of my life! Always
running to complete the next task, the next assignment, then to take a break. But, if you asked me I couldn't articulate my purpose nor could I give a definite long
and short-term goal. I'm in a much better position today and working hard to gain even more clarity. Since making this a priority in my life, I've definitely seen
myself moving closer to my goals.
One last emotional punch provided by Siimon Reynolds in the last chapter titled "Money Obsession." His discussion sounds like a similar discussion by economist John
Kay in his book Obliquity. Obliquity (as far as I can tell since I haven't read the book yet) is about how sometimes it is better to approach your goals by aiming for
another goal that is "oblique" to your first goal. In this case, aiming to make alot of money my not be the best goal. The more appropriate goal would be to aim to
create a thriving business or create a memorable product. As of consequence of achieving this goal, then you will earn lots of money. I do want lots of money but after
reading this chapter, it has become somewhat apparent that I won't be able to start the world over
What Did I Learn?:
I don't think I learned anything new reading Siimon Reynolds' book. What the book did for me was reinforce the need to avoid the 16 obstacles laid out by Siimon
Reynolds.
The Last Round Up:
Siimon's book is solid read and a great reminder of what to avoid to increase the probability of success for you. The 16 obstacles Siimon outlines are a great list to
address and help you move forward to success. Though Siimon is discussing how people fail he is in fact giving the reader the blueprint for success by avoiding the mentioned points of blunder.
Favorite Quotes:
Remember: you are what you think about most of the time.
Great success belongs to the dreamers of this world - but dreamers who work daily to make their golden dreams a reality, step by step.
As success coach Robin Sharma says, "With better awareness you make better choices and with better choices you get better results."
In the long run, you usually get what you believe you deserve. Not what you wish for, not even what you desire, but what you expect deep down. And your level of
expectation is determined largely by your self-image.
The somewhat ugly truth about success is that it consists of lots of small, often tedious steps. Expect excitement all the way to your goal and you'll surely be
disappointed. The bigger the goal, the more boring steps you'll have to take. Simple.
Pros:
- Siimon Reynolds provides concrete actions to overcome each of the 16 obstacles that prevent men and women from achieving success
- Siimon Reynolds points the reader to other valuable books for further research and exploration
Cons:
- It may be worth discussing how one could identify the problem in themselves in the first place. The biggest problem might not be the fact that the person has a
problem that is preventing them from achieving success but the ability to not be capable of identifying it in themselves. I'm afraid someone suffering from one of the these problems would not be able to see that faulty behavior play out in their own life.
what Siimon discusses has been discussed before.
The Breakdown:
Siimon defines the 16 areas that prevent individuals from achieving their very best. Each chapter covers one of these areas. He begins with a discussion of the problem
and how it hinders success seekers. Siimon then explains how the wise will be able to avoid this potential pitfall with concrete actions.
The Emotional Punch:
There were a couple of 16 obstacles that touch an emotional cord with me.
His focus on "Weak Energy" dragged up my exhausting experiences working my way through the Georgia Insitute of Technology as an undergrad and then as a graduate
student. I realized that human beings can't burn the candle on both ends forever. Siimon's discussion of the professional and personal power of building relationships
in "Few Relationships" struck another cord with me being a self-professed introvert (I'll be working on this in 2012).
The obstacle that probably struct the strongest chord with me was "Unclear Purpose." I personally feel this has been my cardinal sin for bulk of my life! Always
running to complete the next task, the next assignment, then to take a break. But, if you asked me I couldn't articulate my purpose nor could I give a definite long
and short-term goal. I'm in a much better position today and working hard to gain even more clarity. Since making this a priority in my life, I've definitely seen
myself moving closer to my goals.
One last emotional punch provided by Siimon Reynolds in the last chapter titled "Money Obsession." His discussion sounds like a similar discussion by economist John
Kay in his book Obliquity. Obliquity (as far as I can tell since I haven't read the book yet) is about how sometimes it is better to approach your goals by aiming for
another goal that is "oblique" to your first goal. In this case, aiming to make alot of money my not be the best goal. The more appropriate goal would be to aim to
create a thriving business or create a memorable product. As of consequence of achieving this goal, then you will earn lots of money. I do want lots of money but after
reading this chapter, it has become somewhat apparent that I won't be able to start the world over
What Did I Learn?:
I don't think I learned anything new reading Siimon Reynolds' book. What the book did for me was reinforce the need to avoid the 16 obstacles laid out by Siimon
Reynolds.
The Last Round Up:
Siimon's book is solid read and a great reminder of what to avoid to increase the probability of success for you. The 16 obstacles Siimon outlines are a great list to
address and help you move forward to success. Though Siimon is discussing how people fail he is in fact giving the reader the blueprint for success by avoiding the mentioned points of blunder.
Favorite Quotes:
Remember: you are what you think about most of the time.
Great success belongs to the dreamers of this world - but dreamers who work daily to make their golden dreams a reality, step by step.
As success coach Robin Sharma says, "With better awareness you make better choices and with better choices you get better results."
In the long run, you usually get what you believe you deserve. Not what you wish for, not even what you desire, but what you expect deep down. And your level of
expectation is determined largely by your self-image.
The somewhat ugly truth about success is that it consists of lots of small, often tedious steps. Expect excitement all the way to your goal and you'll surely be
disappointed. The bigger the goal, the more boring steps you'll have to take. Simple.
Pros:
- Siimon Reynolds provides concrete actions to overcome each of the 16 obstacles that prevent men and women from achieving success
- Siimon Reynolds points the reader to other valuable books for further research and exploration
Cons:
- It may be worth discussing how one could identify the problem in themselves in the first place. The biggest problem might not be the fact that the person has a
problem that is preventing them from achieving success but the ability to not be capable of identifying it in themselves. I'm afraid someone suffering from one of the these problems would not be able to see that faulty behavior play out in their own life.
January 4, 2025
Why People Fail by Siimon Reynolds is a remarkable guide that delves into the common pitfalls that hinder success and provides actionable strategies to overcome them. Despite its title, the book is a treasure trove of effective advice for achieving success.
Reynolds' writing is clear and engaging, making it easy to understand and apply the principles he discusses. The book is structured around key reasons why people fail, such as lack of focus, poor time management, and fear of failure. Each chapter not only identifies these issues but also offers practical solutions to address them.
One of the book's standout features is its emphasis on self-awareness and continuous improvement. Reynolds encourages readers to reflect on their habits and mindsets and make conscious efforts to change them. His insights are grounded in real-world examples and personal anecdotes, making the advice relatable and actionable.
Having read the book twice, it's clear that Why People Fail is not just about avoiding failure but about building a solid foundation for success. It's a valuable resource that readers will want to revisit time and again for inspiration and guidance.
Overall, Why People Fail is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the barriers to success and how to overcome them. It's a practical and insightful guide that will serve as a valuable reference for years to come.
Reynolds' writing is clear and engaging, making it easy to understand and apply the principles he discusses. The book is structured around key reasons why people fail, such as lack of focus, poor time management, and fear of failure. Each chapter not only identifies these issues but also offers practical solutions to address them.
One of the book's standout features is its emphasis on self-awareness and continuous improvement. Reynolds encourages readers to reflect on their habits and mindsets and make conscious efforts to change them. His insights are grounded in real-world examples and personal anecdotes, making the advice relatable and actionable.
Having read the book twice, it's clear that Why People Fail is not just about avoiding failure but about building a solid foundation for success. It's a valuable resource that readers will want to revisit time and again for inspiration and guidance.
Overall, Why People Fail is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the barriers to success and how to overcome them. It's a practical and insightful guide that will serve as a valuable reference for years to come.
April 15, 2013
The negative tilt of the title caught my eye and I made an impulse buy. This is the kind of book that needs to be read slowly, one chapter at a time, with a period of reflection before moving onto the next step of the reader's journey into self-discovery. Read it with a pen and notepad easy to hand as well as a fluro highlighter and those little paper tags. There is simply so much in this book that you'll want to remember and refer back to. And don't rush past all those little personal exercise in each chapter - they are an important park of your journey. In short, this simply isn't going to be a 'read in a weekend on the beach' kind of book at all.
It's a book filled with very accessible advice, written in a clear and conversational tone, well structured and useful, educational and always inspirational. I recommend it for anyone who has a personal project of any sort that they want to achieve.
It's a book filled with very accessible advice, written in a clear and conversational tone, well structured and useful, educational and always inspirational. I recommend it for anyone who has a personal project of any sort that they want to achieve.
July 8, 2012
Why People Fail had incredibly little about the actual contributing factors in failure. Instead it was full of overly confident statements from the author assuring/promising/guaranteeing that "just" a few minutes here and there would completely change/transform/re-vitalize your life. That may be, but several dozen "10 minute a day" exercises later, you'd be spending half your day doing such exercises and not much more. With no cited studies or case examples, it seemed a collection of articles I could have found in a Reader's Digest magazine in a dentist's office or the public's answers on a Yahoo forum. Best example: low productivity leads to failure. Best way to combat it? Drink green vegetable drinks and get enough sleep. Thanks for pointing out the obvious and wasting my money.
Read
January 5, 2013Excellent Book. One of my favourites.
December 5, 2017
Contains a lot of common sense and a fair few interesting things I hadn't thought about before.
July 28, 2021
After a Clubhouse session yesterday, I quickly reminded of this great book & decided to revisited once more - It was a gift back then from my designer's friend who designed the cover & this entire book.
I am a great admirer of Siimon Reynolds, this book is truly a gift for those who need a booster for life's hack and taking an action to be a better you inside out.
On his interview at Skynews in 2019 :
In order to achieve more, you must “look the mindset is of somebody likely to achieve an enormous amount”, as well as “incorporate productivity into our own lives day-to-day”.
He said it is “fascinating to look at what makes one person more successful” than another, and claims it’s not a matter of intelligence, but “how they think and what they do each day”.
I am a great admirer of Siimon Reynolds, this book is truly a gift for those who need a booster for life's hack and taking an action to be a better you inside out.
On his interview at Skynews in 2019 :
In order to achieve more, you must “look the mindset is of somebody likely to achieve an enormous amount”, as well as “incorporate productivity into our own lives day-to-day”.
He said it is “fascinating to look at what makes one person more successful” than another, and claims it’s not a matter of intelligence, but “how they think and what they do each day”.
December 5, 2016
I've always been impressed with fellow adman Siimon Reynolds work. He's curious and willing to model great leaders and entreprenuers. Why People Fail is therefore a great book for busy business people who want to learn how to be not so busy, but more successful.
There are some brilliant strategies to help you and I was so inspired by many of his ideas that I couldn't but help sharing them in a recent radio interview.
A great read.
There are some brilliant strategies to help you and I was so inspired by many of his ideas that I couldn't but help sharing them in a recent radio interview.
A great read.
January 29, 2019
A #businessbookclub read!
This is like 16 books in one. It's a quick read, but going back and actually doing the exercises is time consuming. Some sections were more relevant to me than others.
I would have like more in-depth details about the background and studies behind each of the obstacles, but the quick three paragraph overview format worked for this book.
This is like 16 books in one. It's a quick read, but going back and actually doing the exercises is time consuming. Some sections were more relevant to me than others.
I would have like more in-depth details about the background and studies behind each of the obstacles, but the quick three paragraph overview format worked for this book.
July 23, 2017
Tactical steps to move yourself from a victim to a success. I've always thought mindset was the key, and putting yourself in the best circumstances will lead to success. Simon and I agree. This isn t a sluggish read so you can make changes quickly and keep going
September 6, 2020
I DNF this book and had to restart it. I thought there were some points I could take way but I thought it was more related to a person working in an office which doesn't apply to me. In parts, I found it repetitive. An easy to read book.
February 20, 2017
Loved it! I'm implementing many of the strategies into my daily life. I plan to read this again, this time with a pencil in hand.
December 22, 2017
Very helpful. I have adopted several of the suggestions.
February 4, 2018
Not bad. Not great. Some concepts I disagree with. Decided I had had enough half way through. Life is too short to persevere with books that are not inspiring.
January 17, 2026
Best mindset book I’ve read. Goes into detail on how to be your best self.
January 4, 2015
Soon after entering in the new year’s starting days, I finished reading this book, Why People Fail by Siimon Reynolds, for bolstering my outlook toward my work and searching ways of improving my professional skills. The book unlocks one’s creativity and regulates thinking which really changes the way of positive/constructive thinking; how to think and give up habitually traditional & destructive thinking. It shows the methods and techniques to think really big thoughts even bigger than one’s mind which would usually come up with.
Supported arguably with well-documented research data, the book teaches the ways of improving presentation skills, IQ, EQ, productivity, strengths, persistency, and avoiding money obsession...
A reader would find it one of the best books on earning gains in one’s life. It is a mental wake-up call and a mind shape-up book for high performance and achievement elevation.
Anyone whether journalists, managers, leaders, teachers and sportsman etc. would find the book affective guides for achieving elevation in their professional life. In short, “this is a book on success disguised as a book on failure,” rightly noted by Seth Godin, author, Poke the Box.
A precised review by Remat Chinggisi
Supported arguably with well-documented research data, the book teaches the ways of improving presentation skills, IQ, EQ, productivity, strengths, persistency, and avoiding money obsession...
A reader would find it one of the best books on earning gains in one’s life. It is a mental wake-up call and a mind shape-up book for high performance and achievement elevation.
Anyone whether journalists, managers, leaders, teachers and sportsman etc. would find the book affective guides for achieving elevation in their professional life. In short, “this is a book on success disguised as a book on failure,” rightly noted by Seth Godin, author, Poke the Box.
A precised review by Remat Chinggisi
October 14, 2013
In "Why People Fail", Siimon Reynolds explains 16 obstacles to and dishes out antidotes for each obstacle.
Although the book title is rather "negative" in a sense, this is a wonderful book with very positive message for the readers. If you're looking to find a book to understand some of the struggles you are going through, this book may be of help. Rather than going into details reason why someone is failing, the author briefly explains the reason and then moves on to give out some advice on how to overcome it. However, if you are a keen reader of "self-improvement" genre, this book may sound superficial to you, as it draws a lot of its advice from other top-notch authors out there such as Carol Dweck, Brian Tracy, Anthony Robbins and the like.
The writing style is concise and straight to the point. There are a few stories provided to help illustrate the point better, but these stories are neither long-winded nor redundant.
All in all, would recommend this book as a quick-read.
Although the book title is rather "negative" in a sense, this is a wonderful book with very positive message for the readers. If you're looking to find a book to understand some of the struggles you are going through, this book may be of help. Rather than going into details reason why someone is failing, the author briefly explains the reason and then moves on to give out some advice on how to overcome it. However, if you are a keen reader of "self-improvement" genre, this book may sound superficial to you, as it draws a lot of its advice from other top-notch authors out there such as Carol Dweck, Brian Tracy, Anthony Robbins and the like.
The writing style is concise and straight to the point. There are a few stories provided to help illustrate the point better, but these stories are neither long-winded nor redundant.
All in all, would recommend this book as a quick-read.
June 28, 2016
I think we've all seen the cheesy books on success and they have their value and merit but this one stood out because I actually just thought the title was pretty hilarious. It's pretty interesting to see all the common pitfalls we tend to fall in with regards to our goals and things we pursue, it gives you that clarity of realizing not just what to do, but what not to do. The biggest take away from this book for me is realizing what you even want in the first place, having clarity of what you even are going for in the first place, sounds obvious I know. I have friends who are well on their way to becoming great and I noticed they all have much more clarity about what they want out of life, than other people who are nebulous and kind of just go with whatever life brings. There is other pitfalls to consider but you can just read the book :P
April 9, 2013
This self-help book had quite a few interesting tips and thought processes that I will - and have already - taken away from it.
It made me realise that having no goal or routine would lead you nowhere fast and that by scheduling time to think, breathe deeply and focus on strengthening your strong points (leaving the weak ones behind) you will strive for success.
Asking yourself what positive impacts occurred that day is another way to reflect differently on your day, helping remove any negativity.
I did find the first half of the book a little more active, practical and lingering, but I would recommend this read to those looking to get a head, those confused by their current pathway and those looking for condensed inspiration.
It made me realise that having no goal or routine would lead you nowhere fast and that by scheduling time to think, breathe deeply and focus on strengthening your strong points (leaving the weak ones behind) you will strive for success.
Asking yourself what positive impacts occurred that day is another way to reflect differently on your day, helping remove any negativity.
I did find the first half of the book a little more active, practical and lingering, but I would recommend this read to those looking to get a head, those confused by their current pathway and those looking for condensed inspiration.
October 24, 2012
Really liked it and thought it really struck some chords with me and how I feel about myself at this point in my life. However, I also felt that only the first half of the book was really useful and applicable; it was more of an exciting and revealing read, while the last half was a little more formulaic and conventional. All in all it's worth a read.
August 3, 2014
Siimon has written an excellent self-help textbook well worth a read. He has assimilated many good sources and espouses their values often. He is a quirky and modest expert; you do not achieve his sort of net-worth by not focusing your powers as he has obviously done, and he explains good methods of achieving your goal, whatever that may be. m
February 28, 2016
This book is a collection of really important things for mastering life.
Such as: the power of positive thinking, developing your emotional quotient, working on your habits, minimizing your stress levels, improving your relationships and nutrition and exercising.
Such as: the power of positive thinking, developing your emotional quotient, working on your habits, minimizing your stress levels, improving your relationships and nutrition and exercising.
Currently reading
June 9, 2011Nothing new. But good review and some useful questions.
October 12, 2012
I really enjoyed Siimon's book. I think entrepreneurs especially are faced with many of these obstacles and it's great to see them named and shamed, as well as solutions for overcoming them.
October 25, 2012
good book on time management and harvard techniques.
April 20, 2013
A good, easy to read book that is full of useful reminders on how to do better, every day.
February 23, 2013
This book did change my life. If you have no structure and feel that you are managing your life in the wrong way, that is a good start to think differently.
July 20, 2013
This is a great first book for learning and developing a strategy for your life, no matter what walks of life you are in. I highly recommend it!
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