Best Self Book Summary - Best Self Book explained in key points
Listen to the Intro
00:00

Best Self summary

Be You, Only Better

4.3 (179 ratings)
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.

Table of Contents

    Best Self
    Summary of 6 key ideas

    Audio & text in the Blinkist app
    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.

    Want to see all full key ideas from Best Self?

    Key ideas in Best Self

    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    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
    example alt text

    Who should read Best Self?

    • Self-helpers
    • Innovators
    • Those struggling to find deeper meaning in their lives

    About the Author

    Mike Bayer, better known as Coach Mike, is the founder and CEO of CAST Centers, a clinic specializing in helping people to live happier, more authentic lives. The mind behind the CAST Foundation, an initiative to destigmatize mental health issues, Bayer is also a member of Dr. Phil McGraw’s advisory board and a regular guest on the Dr. Phil show.

    Categories with Best Self

    Book summaries like Best Self

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    People also liked these summaries

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    34 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Start your free trial

    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
    • The Power of Bad by John Tierney and Roy Baumeister
    • Toxic Positivity by Whitney Goodman
    • Four Seconds by Peter Bregman
    • Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
    • The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz
    • The 12 Traits of the Greats by Dave Martin
    • Lessons in Stoicism by John Sellars
    • Resilient by Rick Hanson with Forrest Hanson