Choose Yourself! by James Altucher

Written and Narrated by Leigh Martinuzzi – originally published Aug 15, 2014

JJJ

James Altucher is a quirky dude. Operating under many tittles, Hedge Fund Manager, Entrepreneur, Venture Capitalist, Author and Podcaster, I appreciate him for his unique perspectives, ability to think outside the box and his way of vulnerable self-expression. With over 20 books under his belt, this is perhaps one of his more popular ones with a title that has a nice hook – who doesn’t want to choose themselves, be happy, make millions and live the dream?

The book starts with a deal from James and that’s an offer that if you can prove you’ve read the book, he will refund your money. He states that all the ideas in the book have already given him his success and made him his pennies and rather than giving it away he is simply asking you to invest in yourself with some certain level of confidence. Essentially asking you to ‘Choose Yourself’. A clever marketing ploy, nonetheless.

If you haven’t heard of James, read or listened to his material, I urge you to have a taste. James never holds back in sharing his life’s journey and experiences never holding back on sharing insights of all his personal ups and downs with lessons of what to do and possibly what not to do.

Humility, honesty, humour and bluntness, this book has it all. Some of his views and opinions on society and what the world has come may come across very confronting, discomforting and distressing to some. I believe this is a good reason why it makes for such an interesting read.

As James argues the world is changing rapidly and how we’ve done things in the past is no longer viable. The education system is less relevant, and don’t get him started on University education. To simple secure, a great job with a lifetime safe income to assist you in raising a family, enjoying a good standard of living before you retire happily at sixty, sixty-five or seventy, is no longer the path. The walls are falling away, and society can no longer rely on what we use to know. Sounds bloody terrible but there is some truth to what he describes, and it certainly holds for a strong argument as to why choosing yourself is the best alternative.

The advent of the digital age and the world becoming more global is certainly having an impact on how we live our lives. Companies and corporations are more competitive and ruthless and the landscape on how people behave and do business has switched. Systems become more automated. Companies are intensely cost-driven. Employment is never a guarantee. In this day and age, you need courage, guts, drive and confidence and the ability to ‘choose yourself’ to make it happen. The shifting nature of employment is hugely underway and those who can choose themselves will have more certainty in the shifting world than those who don’t.

The good news is that as we do become more global combined with tech being more advanced and available to everyone opportunities are sitting at our fingertips to help us along that path of choosing ourselves. We can now with all our creative endeavour build a life, one in which we can be successful and happy. The old rules of life’s game have changed.

James clearly illustrates his perspectives on the changing world and then guides us, using his experiences, sharing skills and techniques we can use to assist us in ‘choosing ourselves’. The book is such an enjoyable and entertaining read that investment is an absolute pleasure. James has written this book as if having a conversation with the reader, he’s transparent and opinionated which helps create a good connection with his ideas.

Having followed James for some time now I am not sure if he has always chosen himself but later in life after losing future and sucking at relationships, I think he found why it’s important to be and choose himself in life. I’ve become a huge fan of his work. I love his inspiration, thoughts and innovative ideas on creating success and living a happy life.

If this book sounds of interest you can purchase Choose Yourself! here.

Please leave your thoughts, comments & questions below.

Peace, passion and purpose…

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Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.