Not a Life Coach: Push Your Boundaries. Unlock Your Potential. Redefine Your Life. by James Smith

Not a Life Coach: Push Your Boundaries. Unlock Your Potential. Redefine Your Life. Reviews

• 
  Ed Cunningham

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  Chris Holmes

  I didn't find this book anywhere near as good as his first book, and I think that is probably because it is abundantly clear that he is not at an accomplished level of most of the topics of the book.
  
  The book reminds me of how I used to present my school homework, i.e. double spacing between lines, far too many blank pages and lots of repetition throughout, all of which give a misleading impression of the quantity of content contained in the book. It is also reminiscent of times I would just open a web page and copy verbatim what was in front of me in an attempt to pass it off as my own work.
  
  I feel he is very underqualified/experienced to write this book and feel that it has been solely done for financial gain while his profile is high. Every reference book he cites would be far better to read than this book (I haven't read them all but I have read a good proportion).
  
  To give a James Smith like analogy, this book is like me reading his 'not a diet' book then writing a diet book myself as though I know what I'm on about.
• 
  Briana Kelly

  Not A Life Coach
  
  📚Overview: Life advice from personal trainer, James Smith.
  
  👍 Likes: Simple language, split into interesting categories, good reminder of some topics such as Carol Dweck’s mindset concept.
  
  👎 Dislikes: Hugely disappointing! Disjointed by touching on numerous points without zoning in specifically on any, little to no scientific research or data, consistent quotations of other authors without creating any new concept himself, the book was a mixture between trying to be funny and inspirational without hitting either, I found the author really irritating, it felt like his key focus was to brag about himself and make money from the book!
  
  🤓 Recommend For: I wouldn’t recommend this book. My first one ⭐️ of 2021!
  
  Favourite Quotes:
  💬“Becoming is better than being”, Carol Dweck author of Mindset
  💬To achieve a growth mindset, be more open to learning.
  
  
  
• 
  Kirsty Callaghan

  Good for perhaps a teenager or someone in their early twenties who aren’t sure on what route to take in their lives.
  
  Someone with a mortgage and mouths to feed... there is nothing usable in this book.
  
  Shame because his first book was fantastic.
• 
  Katrina Wood

  Picked this up and put it down a few times, as I kind of had to be in the mood for it. Some great practical advice and some parts that really get you thinking about your priorities. I’m sure I will dip in and out of it in the future for a bit of inspiration, as I do love James’s “why not?” attitude to life.
• 
  Lynette

  This is ok. There’s some wisdom in here which I’ve heard elsewhere to be honest though I do like him. He doesn’t narrate it that well, bit stilted but I do like him and imagine he’s bringing some of these concepts to a new audience. I’m not really his target audience though to be honest.
• 
  Rhionna Mackay

  I’ll start by saying I’ve followed James on social media since he only had a few thousand followers. I know his ethos, banter and growth stories because of Instagram, I’ve been in the JSA, I’ve listened to his podcasts (pre the most recent lads in Aus podcast series) and I’ve seen the value James can bring to people and I’ve personally drawn a lot of value from him.
  
  Onto the book. I would describe this book as a gateway book for people who haven’t read many self help or self development books and who don’t read much non fiction. It could be life changing for some people. It’s a really easy read - it’s over 250 pages but actually there’s a huge amount of white space, the font is relatively large and you could easily read it in a day or two. It reads more conversationally than I personally like from a non fiction book but I can see how this would be helpful for people who don’t normally read non fiction.
  
  The book is part self development, part stories about James’s own development and part him adding definitions to words or phrases.
  
  Personally I’ve read a lot of self development books and I know James’s story so I don’t feel I gained as much value from this book as someone who is reading self development for the first time. I still feel it’s worth a read, especially if you catch it on sale at £7.50 or can borrow a copy from a friend.
  
  
  
  
• 
  Gemma

  Listened to this as an audiobook. Really enjoyed it and will definitely be popping it on again for a listen while out walking.
  
  In essence, what I took from it is like similar books, only you can change your situation. Bad relationship? You can leave. Hate your job? You can apply for another one. Want a new car? You can save for it or make it work on finance.
  
  It’s easy to say “oh but it’s easy for him..” “he doesn’t have the responsibilities I have”. That may be true but if you want something to change bad enough, you’ll make it happen. There are ways around everything.
  
  No you might not be able to just up and leave country at this given moment, but if you so desperately want to you can plan to make that happen. It may be more difficult if you have other responsibilities but those are a direct result from choices you made. I think we all need to take more accountability for situations we find ourselves in and stop begrudging others.
  
  Sometimes I think we just need a little reminder of things aren’t as we always perceive them and this book was good at that.
  
  After finishing this I have even signed up for my first BJJ class. Call me influenced.
• 
  Dwayne Sykes

  Fantastic book if you’re looking for a kick up the arse or reassurance that you should do that thing you’re scared to do. Both eye opening and comforting.
  
  Would recommend to anyone who wants to change their life, whether minor or majorly, but is sitting in the fence/living in fear.
  
  You’re gonna be told what you need to hear, not what you want to hear so approach it with an open mind.
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  Ciarán Murray

  Great "self-help" book without all the BS. A great distillation of some of my favourite books and people from the self help world such as Mark Manson, Tim Ferris etc.
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  Luciana Rosa (Bookmark Curiosities)

  There are some good nuggets in this book but it is not as good as “Not a diet book”.
  
  I don’t think I am the target audience. I think someone younger and with too many limiting beliefs would benefit more from this book.
  
  I am an expatriate (for the 3rd time now), childfree and used to do things differently. So I’ve learned already the tips from this book in my own life.
  
  I was bored past the first chapters. It is like a big compilation of many other self-help books. But more dumbed-down, so it is quite patronizing.
  
  That said, there are still some good stuff here, like the part about brain plasticity and growth mentality (ok, one good thing).
  
  However, James has an unique non-bullshit style that is interesting to listen to.
• 
  Janey

  Audible version. I enjoyed it.
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  Shane Jones

  A really good book and I loved the advice in it.
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  Tommy Chivers

  Took me way longer to finish this book than I wanted. There are some nuggets of wisdom in here but also some absolute waffle 🧇
• 
  Alison

  This is the first self help book that I’ve read and it will also be my last. This is not to say I didn’t enjoy this book, it’s the fact that I prefer fiction.
  
  This book does make you reflect on your own life and you need to remember how important having a work life balance is.
  
  I also learnt a lot about James in the book. I cannot say this book has changed me in anyway.
• 
  Bec

  James is back with an incredible new book pushing boundaries and redefining life and its in stores today!
  
  I was so excited when I found out James was brining out a new book. Im a huge fan of his podcast and really enjoyed his first book Not a Diet Book. It came out at the right time for me personally and Not a Life a coach has absolutely nailed it’s timing too.
  
  This book is quintessentially a how to life guide with the steps to finding happiness. It covers an array of topics from environment, values, foundations, identity and comfort zones. I devoured this in one sitting as it resonated with my life and the particular point I’m at in it.
  
  We are all so busy and for the most part unhappy with some element. It’s time to reassess and decide in the end will you look back and say working 60 hours a week was so important?
  
  Meditation and mental health were great chapters but the ones that hit home was mindset and motivation. “When you feel demotivated it’s important not to stop.” We’re our on worst enemies.
  
  My favourite parts of this book are the amazing quotes that are so perfectly put into place and the little tasks throughout the chapters. I post-it’d so many pages, make sure you’ve got a pen and paper handy when you read this. I’ve got take 10 scheduled in my phone every day reminding me to stop and recharge.
  
  If your looking for that book to help you plan your next step or looking for the push to chuck the traditional life in a follow your dreams this ones for you!
  
  “The whole future lies with uncertainty: live immediately” Seneca
• 
  Nik

  No great. Found a few interesting ideas such as James' philosophy on social media use but the majority of this book can be summarized as poor regurgitation of original personal development bestsellers such as "4-hour workweek", "Atomic Habits", "The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F*ck" etc. Little or no recognition is given to the original books. Many references come from Wikipedia and Twitter. Also, the writing style and numerous unrelated tangents makes it incredibly difficult to read. The formatting is poor too.
• 
  Debbie

  Underwhelming. Possibly a good gateway personal development book for someone who doesn't read non fiction but I felt there was nothing new or noted information or even memorable stories. Most of the positive psychology anecdotes have been written time and time again and by better authors.
  
  I like the guy but he really should just stick to Instagram.
• 
  Aurelija

  This book is useful as an accessible version of the material it references for those who can’t be bothered to read the underlying sources. James repeats and summarises a lot of “wisdom” from various sources and adds his own lens to it, but ultimately it is not original. It is as inspiring as an instagram quote/post.
• 
  The Bookworm Beast

  The first thing I really feel the need to mention is some of the reviews for this book. I had a look of some of them after reading it and I really felt that it wasn't properly read or interpreted. All I saw were people saying that he was talking about social media and just packing a bag and travelling. Whilst yes, he did talk about this, he's going by his experiences and then telling you to interpret them and he does state this a few times in the book. With the utmost respect, to even see the people who reviewed this take it literally and stop reading his book because of it made me feel like they may have missed the point. I understand that some books are not for everyone and you may have stopped reading it because it's just simply not helpful or it's not your cup of tea.
  
  In saying this, there are some things in the book that I felt would help me in life. Some of the aspects in the book were interesting and actually made me look at situations in my life differently. A lot of the things are something I do agree with, such as looking at negativity and thinking of how much energy we waste in worrying about things. Since reading that, it has made an impact on me and I've even realised what was feeding my negative thoughts. Since cutting it out, I've been a little better and also tells you how even though things may be against you now, the "future you" will have your back because it would know how to deal with it so there are some great bits of information to take from reading this. Is the writing the best? No but I like it because it reads the way he talks. Does it warrant a read? Yes but don't go in expecting it to be like his first book.
  
  The thing I love about James is how he's straight to the point but he's not rude about it. He doesn't blow smoke up your arse and tell you what you want to hear and he doesn't feed you bullshit. He's very real and open with his truth and also makes you question yours and how you can be better. I did find myself liking "Not a Diet Book" a little better but this is definitely worth a read.
• 
  Katrina

  I listened to this book, some of the messages and mindset ideologies I agree with however everyone has different values. If someone values security, stability and having a life companion. Then having a 9 - 5 job with holidays so u can spend time with ur family, having a mortgage so when ur I don’t know 50 that u have an asset, and marriage with kids because you love other humans beings!
  Can make someone very happy and content. If someone values freedom and not to be tied down then maybe those things won’t bring them happiness.
  I agree with what he said about the tall poppy syndrome and not tearing other people down.
  The way James talked about the education system I didn’t agree with because getting an education, a qualification can build confidence, give you a sense of achievement, knowledge, job prospects, meet new people and even change the way you live your life.
  Not everyone can be a social media star and nor do people want too.
  Also telling ur future wife “ur welcome” that u have slept with over 100 women, um what the F*#k.
  I really wanted to listen to this book to hear his advice on criticism and it was “don’t” hmmm not really helpful.