Unfu*k Yourself

Publisher's Summary

New York Times Best Seller

Joining the ranks of The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, You Are a Badass, and F*ck Feelings is this refreshing, BS-free self-empowerment guide that offers an honest, no-nonsense, tough-love approach to help you move past self-imposed limitations. 

Are you tired of feeling f*cked up? If you are, Gary John Bishop has the answer. In this straightforward handbook, he gives you the tools and advice you need to demolish the slag weighing you down and become the truly unf*cked version of yourself. "Wake up to the miracle you are," he directs. "Here's what you've forgotten: You're a f*cking miracle of being." It isn't other people that are standing in your way; it isn't even your circumstances that are blocking your ability to thrive. It's yourself and the negative self-talk you keep telling yourself. 

In Unf*ck Yourself, Bishop leads you through a series of seven assertions: 

• I am willing 
• I am wired to win 
• I got this 
• I embrace the uncertainty 
• I am not my thoughts; I am what I do 
• I am relentless 
• I expect nothing and accept everything 

Lead the life you were meant to have - Unf*ck Yourself. 

©2016 Gary John Bishop (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers

More than just a self-help book

I know, I know...another book with a provocative title. Books with titles like this seem to be a dime a dozen today. Unfortunately, they continue to sell, and so they continue to get created. After seeing other books I have read, and posts I have made, a co-worker made this recommendation to me. When I finally picked up Audible this month, I had him send me this book to listen to. But is it any good, or just another book that has sold because of the title? Let's take a look!

First off, Gary John Bishop is the narrator of the audiobook...and is also from Scotland. After listening to this book I wish all audiobooks were read by the Scots!

Unlike the book, "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck", this book was fairly clean in regards to curse words. There were a few here and there, but after listening to the entire book I am convinced the book title was created just to entice people to buy the book. Which I do hope they actually read because there is some good content here.

Gary lays out 7 "mantras" he wants the reader to live by. They are:

I Am Willing
I Am Wired to Win
I Got This
I Embrace Uncertainty
I Am Not My Thoughts; I Am What I Do
I Am Relentless
I Expect Nothing & Accept Everything
Let's take a look at each.

I Am Willing
Gary argues that everything you do stems from a willingness to do it. If there is something you don't like in your life it is because you were willing to be in that situation. Don't like your body, your job, or your financial situation? In large part, it is because you are willing to stay there. Next time you don't like a certain part of your life, ask yourself, "Am I willing?" Are you willing to exercise and eat right if you want to lose weight? Are you willing to gain additional skills to better your work situation? It is ok to say no, but at least be honest with yourself and stop complaining about your situation if you are not willing to do what it takes to change it.

I Am Wired to Win
You are winning at something. Like the example above, even the parts of your life you don't like are still "wins". You created a pattern in your life to get that outcome. If you don't like the things you are winning at then you need to change the game you are playing.

I Got This
When life seems to unravel it is usually your perception of it which makes it worse. It is important to remember that others have gone through, and are currently going through, the difficult situations you face. And those people have found a way through the mess. If they can make it through, so can you. You got this!

I Embrace Uncertainty
Much of life is out of your control. Your company downsizes and you are laid off. A tornado hits your home. Life is full of uncertainties. You can worry about them, or wallow in them if they happen, or you can embrace them and act. Maybe you have wanted to create something but you are afraid to fail or of what others may think. The reaction to your creation is uncertain. The only certain thing you can do is not act. So act! Risk the criticism or failure and act!

I Am Not My Thoughts; I Am What I Do
Successful people did not become successful because they had great ideas. They became successful because they acted on their ideas. They "did". If you want to overcome your fear then start. Do something! Just don't think about it.

I Am Relentless
Gary paints the following picture. Imagine you are traveling through a jungle in search of civilization. You could be one mile away, or one hundred miles away. There may be times you may hit a dead end and have to backtrack to get on course. The important thing is to be relentless in your search for civilization. The jungle is full of dangers and unknowns, so why not be relentless in your search for success?

I Expect Nothing & Accept Everything
Much of life's suffering comes from unmet expectations. You dream up what life should be like and then are crushed when it falls short. Instead, you should take life as it comes. Love what you have and accept what you are given. That doesn't mean you don't work for the desired outcome...just don't expect it to happen.

Overall I really enjoyed this book! It was short but full of meaningful information. Many times in life I get in my own way. I win at the wrong things or have unmet expectations. I need to get out of the way, do as the title suggest. Life is not easy, but I have a way of making it more difficult than it needs to be. This book has some practical information on how to get out of your own way and live!

I rate this book: 4 out of 5.

331 of 340 people found this review helpful

Now I'm F'd for sure!

This book and Gary John Bishop's narration are so Fu*king phenomenal I think He may have ruined other audio books for me for life. Hey, thanks, Gary John Bishop!
His accent, his voice, his intonation was perfect for this type of book. This man needs to be reading books for us all day, EVERYDAY.
His no bullshit, I'm not here to talk about myself all fu*kin day so let's get to it-ness, is a breath of fresh air. The combination of the writing and the story telling is just the right mixture of sweet and salty that doesn't get boring.
Mr. Bishop feels a like an old friend, a long overdue, dearly missed welcome house guest who happens to be great company and just the kick in the ass that the doctor ordered. He's not falling for your namby- pamby, boo- hooing, it's not my fault, blah blah blah excuses. He's way ahead of you. Spoken with a true sincerity , not preachy, but more like he's lived it, and if he didn't experience it first hand, he's heard the same stories with the same scenario's enough times to know that it's universally human and if you just listen he'll help you un-cluster fu*k the mess in your mind, and leave you with a simplified process and a cognitive clarity that brings back memories of the days when you WERE actually who you wanted to be (or still had the energy to try and optimism to believe it was possible), When you were hungry for life and just wanted more. Before all that real life shit happened like bills, and love and failures that mommy and daddy were no longer kissing better. Before you realized that there were a million ways to get everything wrong and no way to get everything right and decided to dull your personality into the equivalent of a house plant.

Anyway, you get it.
I'll listen to it several more times.
Good work Mr. Bishop. If you were here I'd buy you beer, actually I'd buy you a freakin keg, as long as you just keep talking.

BUY THIS BOOK. THE AUDIO BOOK. I'M SERIOUS. DO IT.

Grammar Police: I know, I know... I wrote it just as I would speak it. I'm not a professional reviewer. I'm not trying to get a job with Amazon or Audible and frankly I don't care. I don't make a habit of writing reviews. When I do, make it a habit, maybe, I'll clean up my act but meanwhile, if you don't like it, you can do the opposite of this book title. Fair enough?

1,681 of 1,743 people found this review helpful

Immediately changed my mood, outlook and actions. Author’s voice and style really pulls you in.

I have purchased similar audiobooks books over the years, but never finished any of them due to a lack of interest and/or an uninspiring reader. This audiobook was different in both respects.

The author’s voice and personality is warm, optimistic, and engaging, but not without some rough edges (in a good way). He reminds me of Robin Williams’ character in Good Will Hunting, but with a rich Scottish accent.

His points are simple and clear. Most of what he says is very intuitive. It’s the way he ties everything together - combined with his excellent voice and delivery - that make this audiobook stand out. A word of caution: The ending is powerful and packs a real punch, so plan accordingly (best if you are alone).

For reference, I am a 50 year old industrial engineer and emergency physician. I have no personal or business ties to the author. I feel this audiobook would be useful to almost anyone, regardless of their age, gender or socioeconomic background.

I listened to it over the past three days and it has already had a very positive effect on my inner dialogue, mood, and most importantly, my actions.

I am now listening to it again. Partially to reinforce everything, but mainly because I just really enjoy hearing his voice and his message encouraging me on.

327 of 343 people found this review helpful

Wow. Clear steps to take action.

This is the first personal development book I've read to offer very clear steps to be taken right now. This book is not full of concepts, but full of real moves to make change your real life.

74 of 78 people found this review helpful

Get it. Now.

Really great timing for me on this book. I've been awakening to the realization that my life is NOW not in the future and it's up to me to make it what I want.

In many ways this book is not revolutionary. We've heard much of this stuff, but it's delivered in a way that is very immediate and - I found - empowering. I just finished it and I plan on immediately re-listening to it and I'll probably listen to it many times. Not because the concepts are difficult but as a reminder. I listened to it while cleaning the kitchen and cooking.

I'm glad the author read this. One listener said they had a hard time understanding the Scottish accent, but I found it to be quite clear. (Plus, I love Scottish accents!)

316 of 339 people found this review helpful

***** great book. No Bullsh*t, just lays it out.

I suggest this to anyone who is feels like they are struggling in life. -- Also I've read complaints about his Scottish accent, I disagree, I think his accent adds a nice touch. Plus any book read by the author puts weight to the words, in my opinion. If you need a pick up in life, this is a great book.

103 of 110 people found this review helpful

A reminder, not enlightenment

The information presented in this book is by no means new or revolutionary. However, it is compiled in an excellent way. You may not learn something new or may learn only a few things but since so much helpful information comes in consistent proximity it is an extremely helpful book. I will definitely re-listen. It is a very good pick me up and motivator. Your mind won’t stumble upon such encouragement by its own. This book is a good way to be fed those high level encouragements you have discovered, but this time it’s at will.

53 of 57 people found this review helpful

excellent!!!!

immediately opens your eyes...lifelong help for minimal schmeckles. somehow the author has wedged his way into my stubborn mind and I am grateful

113 of 123 people found this review helpful

Short and bitter

A very quick read and quite a good kick in the ass. Motivation and wisdom from the ages. Could easily read bits over and over, even just to remind yourself to stop reading and start doing.

77 of 84 people found this review helpful

Good job Gary!

I've read dozens of self help books and this book is one of the best. I love the honest straight forward delivery and the message is spot on. I recommend people read this book several times as there's too many great points that can be missed.

95 of 105 people found this review helpful