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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Best Self summary
Be You, Only Better
18 mins
Brief summary
Best Self by Mike Bayer is a self-help book that guides readers on a journey of self-discovery, providing a toolkit for achieving their goals and living a fulfilling life. It offers practical exercises and insightful advice for overcoming obstacles and unlocking one's full potential.
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Best Self
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Key idea 1 of 6
Few people are taught how to be their best selves, but you can start by defining your authentic self.
“You’re unique.” It’s a line you’ve probably heard a million times, but have you ever let it sink in? Nobody on Earth will know what it’s like to walk in your shoes. Every thought, experience and feeling you have is yours alone; there’s never been, and will never be, another you!
Chances are, however, that you were never taught how to be your best self. You entered the world as a blank slate which your parents filled with their own failings and hang-ups. Then came school. Sure, you learned all sorts of things, but what about connecting with who you really are? It’s pretty much the most important skill in the world, but you won’t find it on any curriculum.
The result is that we often end up leading lives which feel a little off. There’s a vague sense we’re not being our true selves, but we’re not sure what to do about it. So how do you become yourself?
Here’s how the author breaks it down. We all have two types of self: a positive best self – the person you’d like to be more often – and a negative anti-self which stops you being that person. The key is to learn to tell which self is in control. The best way to do that is to flesh out these characters and give them recognizable attributes.
Let’s start with the best self.
On a piece of paper, write down all of your positive traits: the things you admire most about yourself but don’t always act upon. Think of adjectives like “friendly,” “logical” or “brave.” That might be hard – after all, it’s much easier to criticize than praise yourself – but stick with it.
Next, put a face to that bundle of attributes. Does your best self have a specific gender? Is it an animal or mythical creature? What’s its superpower? The author’s, for example, is a wise wizard called Merlin while one of his clients has an upbeat squirrel called Ralph!
Once you’ve settled on your best self’s appearance and character, you’ll want to sketch it. Don’t worry, this doesn’t have to be a masterpiece. The important thing is to have a representation to hang somewhere in your home to remind yourself of who you want to be.
Next, we’ll take a closer look at your best self’s nemesis: the anti-self.
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What is Best Self about?
Best Self (2019) is a self-help manual for everyone who’s sick of simply surviving and is ready to start thriving. Life coach Mike Bayer argues that it’s essential to dump your toxic anti-self and put your best self in the driver’s seat. It’s not easy, but it’s possible – just ask the thousands of clients whose lives have been changed by Bayer’s insistence that they start being honest with themselves and learn to face down their deepest fears. Packed full of actionable tips and insights, these blinks will help you do just that.
Best Self Review
Best Self (2019) by Mike Bayer is a self-help book that offers a comprehensive guide to help readers become the best version of themselves. Here's why this book is worth a read:
- Full of practical exercises and strategies, it provides readers with the tools they need to make positive changes in their lives.
- By focusing on self-awareness and personal growth, the book helps readers identify their strengths and weaknesses, enabling them to improve and reach their full potential.
- With its engaging anecdotes and relatable stories, the book keeps readers hooked, making personal development an enjoyable journey.
Best quote from Best Self
You will start to subconsciously summon your best self.
—Mike Bayer
Who should read Best Self?
- Self-helpers
- Innovators
- Those struggling to find deeper meaning in their lives
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Best Self FAQs
What is the main message of Best Self?
Discover your true potential and live your best life with Best Self.
How long does it take to read Best Self?
The reading time for Best Self varies, but the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Best Self a good book? Is it worth reading?
Best Self is worth reading for its actionable steps towards self-improvement and personal growth.
Who is the author of Best Self?
The author of Best Self is Mike Bayer.
What to read after Best Self?
If you're wondering what to read next after Best Self, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The No Asshole Rule by Robert I. Sutton
- Living In Your Top 1% by Alissa Finerman
- Toxic Positivity by Whitney Goodman
- Shift by Ethan Kross
- The Power of Bad by John Tierney and Roy Baumeister
- The Hidden Power of the Five Hearts by Kimberly Snyder
- The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
- The First Minute by Chris Fenning
- Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson
- You Can Do It! by Rob Schneider