The First Rule of Mastery
Stop Worrying about What People Think of You
Kevin Lake author Michael Gervais author
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Harvard Business Review Press
Published:7th Nov '23
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This insightful guide teaches readers how to overcome the fear of others' opinions, known as FOPO, and reclaim their authentic selves in The First Rule of Mastery.
In The First Rule of Mastery, high-performance psychologist Michael Gervais explores a fundamental barrier to human potential: the fear of others' opinions, commonly referred to as FOPO. This pervasive fear can significantly limit our lives, causing us to play it safe and suppress our true selves out of concern for judgment. When we allow FOPO to dominate our thoughts, we often sacrifice our authenticity for the sake of approval, leading us to follow others' dreams rather than pursuing our own aspirations.
Gervais emphasizes that overcoming FOPO is essential for achieving a high-performance life. He encourages readers to shift their focus from external validation to internal self-awareness. By cultivating mental skills and practices that he has successfully imparted to elite performers across various fields, including sports, arts, and business, Gervais provides a roadmap for reclaiming individual power and authenticity.
Filled with compelling anecdotes and scientific insights, The First Rule of Mastery serves as a crucial reminder that when we prioritize the opinions of others over our own, we inadvertently relinquish control over our lives. This book is not just a guide; it is an invitation to embrace our true selves and live life on our own terms, free from the constraints of FOPO.
Named one of the Top 23 Productivity Books of 2023 by The Next Big Idea Club
"…Gervais's ability to intertwine theory with actionable strategies make this a worthy addition to collections. Will appeal to a broad, general readership." — Library Journal
Advance Praise for The First Rule of Mastery:
"I love Mike Gervais—his insights, his straight talk, and his pitch-perfect advice! Mike draws on the latest research and his own practices and principles to explain why we care so much about what other people think of us and what to do about it." — Angela Duckworth, bestselling author, Grit; cofounder, The Character Lab
"Whether our pursuit of being our best is in business, in parenting, or in sports, Michael Gervais's The First Rule of Mastery helps us place attention on those elements within our control rather than wasting focus and energy on those that are not." — Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft
"With each page, Michael Gervais gently guides us toward a liberating realization: our worth is not defined by the judgments and opinions of others, but by our own self-awareness, passion, and commitment to our craft." — Misty Copeland, principal dancer, American Ballet Theatre
"The First Rule of Mastery eloquently and convincingly shares modern insights and timeless wisdom to free us from the fear of other people's opinions (FOPO)." — Brady Brewer, Executive Vice President, Starbucks Corporation
"This book is an indispensable road map to self-mastery for us all." — Kerri Walsh Jennings, five-time Olympian and four-time medalist
"I so wish I had read this book earlier in my life. This is absolutely a game changer for anyone looking to become their very best self. . . ." — Julie Foudy, two-time FIFA Women's World Cup champion; two-time Olympic gold medalist
"An essential read for leaders seeking to inspire a culture of learning over external validation." — Kathleen Hogan, Chief Human Resources Officer, Microsoft
"This book is a master class on looking inward to determine our own value." — Apolo Ohno, eight-time Olympic medalist
ISBN: 9781647823245
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
224 pages