Not A Life Coach Book Review

Overview:

James goes through some life lessons and uses his own as a template for a story. He openly and honestly talks about the life he was living and how it ultimately didn't align with his values. So made a choice to change it. In an amazingly short period he manages to transform his life into a life he had hoped. He works hard, there is no doubt about that, but has a good balance to what is important to him. He aims to question the status quo to the norm that society expects of us, and gets you to do the same, sometimes with some uncomfortable truths - but ultimately uplifting. 

 

Initial Impression:

As I mentioned in the opening I was hesitant to buy this book for a couple of reason. Firstly I wondered how much extra I was going to get that I hadn't heard or read on his Instagram profile. I have a few books in my to-do pile so if I wasn't going to get much more from it I would rather read something else. Second reason is a lot more shameful to admit. James is younger than me (not by much though) and so I wondered how much 'life lessons' he could teach me, and to the same extent his overall philosophy of 'go out and live the life you want' mantra I had heard and read before. I was more at the time where I wanted practical advice now. But I obviously decided to buy the book, and the main reason was because I had deliberated on it for so long, I thought surely there must be some reason so I just needed to read it and know once and for all. 

Straight away a few things were clear. My first and second assumptions were completely way off. Couldn't be further from the truth. Thirdly, it was really well written. I expected a similar style to 'I will teach you to be rich' where the writing and language was more aimed at the early 20's market, but it wasn't at all. 

He captured me early as well when he talked about wealth - and how it had nothing to do with money! His metric of wealth was very similar to my own. He was very honest at the start with how long it would take to read which I liked, but then made it clear it's what you do after which matters. This was a great call to action which I sometimes neglect with some other books. So I was hooked, and I'll be honest I flew threw the book, it had me hooked. 

 

What I loved:

1/ The call to action at the end of each chapter. This gave actual practical time for you to apply his words/advice to your life. It made me reflect and see if and when I could use it to mine. 

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2/ The honesty where he dissects his own life, and reflects where things weren't great, and where he still needs to work on. I hate the idea that anyone giving advice on a problem or subject has to be 100% golden. I expect them to do what they preach of course, but some realistic shortcomings makes him feel human and relatable. 

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3/ How he breaks down an idea into manageable tasks. Being a personal trainer it's not surprising he is good at breaking down a goal, but applying this to outside his field of expertise is a skill, and he has done this well. He also manages to explain in a new way the old advice of 'if you try and fail, at least you know' philosophy.  

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4/ His rationale for starting a blog really struck with me. From a few FIRE people I follow I wondered whether to start a blog but talked my way out of it. How he explained it the reason for starting one just sounded right. I remember finishing the chapter and thinking 'I have no good reason not to start one'. I was just silent staying off trying to argue against it and I had nothing. Well done James, well done. This was the catalyst for this blog. 

 

Who is this book for?

People who are stuck in a rut and not happy. Anyone who thinks they are on the wrong path. Anyone who wants an honest reflective book to question some life choices.

 

Conclusion:

I was massively surprised with how much I liked this book. I didn't expect to like it as much as I did, and I also didn't expect to learn as much from it as I did - which I know sounds arrogant. I was wrong - happy to admit that. James has shown it is possible to move from a safe unhappy life, into a fulfilling happy life slowly and relatively safely. He asks some really simple questions that should be asked more often, giving you an opportunity to reflect on the big question of life. What am I doing and why am I doing it? But like all instructors he gives you some homework. He can't do it for you, you need to do it. And he empowers you that you can. Get this book, it's cheap and can only have a positive impact. ​​