5 out of 5 stars
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Several centuries ago, Plato spoke of a goal that we all strive for, leading a happy, virtuous, and good life, where we accomplish our goals and leave the world better than we found it. In helping us gain a better understanding and be inspired to pursue our virtuous lives, Pete presents his case using the case of seven ordinary subjects, people like you and me. What led them to live extraordinary lives? What can we learn from them?
Authored by Pete Hall, Always Strive to Be a Better You: How Ordinary People Can Live Extraordinary Lives is a nonfiction book containing four fundamental and life-transforming tenets. The tenets are divided into 13 key learnings. There are questions to guide the reader into the journey of introspection, as it could prove to be a whole messy jungle, making the process straightforward.
Do you have an inner circle? These are some of the questions that we need to ask and examine ourselves to see where we are doing well and where we need to improve. The book inspires the reader to move into action, to stop self-pitying and blaming others for their situation, and to do what needs to be done to continue questing after their ambition; the goal should be big and ambitious, always motivating the dreamer to chase after it.
I enjoyed every aspect of the book, but one of the most refreshing moments was when I came across quotations or poems that spoke a lot about one’s purpose in life. I loved reading the poem titled The Bridge Builder the most. Like the bridge builder who, fully cognizant that he would never cross that path again, decided to build a bridge across the chasm despite discouragement, leaving the world better than we found it is a goal I always strive for. I did not encounter any aspect that I disliked, and the editing was exceptionally well done. Therefore, I rate Always Strive to Be a Better You five out of five stars.
The hardest part of any journey is the next step, which is what is required of you and me after reading the book. I liked the time audit tool provided at the end of the book. For everyone desiring to live a better life and pursue their ambitious goals, one which should always be ahead of you, this is a must-read. Hope as a noun is good, but as a verb, it will accomplish nothing if all we do is wait for circumstances to improve. Consequently, be prepared to do two things: read the book and actualize what you will read. The greatest lesson I have learned is that without taking action, nothing will change.
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Always Strive to Be a Better You
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