Play a Bigger Game

How to Achieve More, Be More, Do More, Have More

Wiley, 2017

15 min read

10 take-aways

Audio & text

What's inside?

Quit making excuses. Take smaller, actionable steps toward your goals.

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Editorial Rating

Qualities

Applicable
Well Structured
For Beginners

Recommendation

If you’re tired of following the rules and getting nowhere, Australian entrepreneur and speaker Rowdy McLean shows you how to “play a bigger game.” He wants you to ignore the boxes others put you in, get real about changing your life, stretch yourself and avoid common excuses for inaction. He says that fewer than 60% of those who buy self-help books don’t finish reading them – let alone follow the advice – so just reading the book is already a good step forward. Then, to be successful, list the reasons behind each of your goals; break them into smaller, more actionable time frames such as 90 days; find support from others; learn how to recover from failure; and invest in yourself. McLean also explains how to break through boundaries and stop making excuses. getAbstract recommends his straightforward, practical manual to people who want an organized way to conquer their goals.

Summary

What Does Success Mean to You?

Each person defines success differently. Some people tie success to how much money they make. For others, success may mean being employee of the month, running a marathon or getting promoted. People fill different roles in life – employee, supervisor, co-worker, parent, spouse, neighbor or friend. Perhaps you want to “be more” in whatever your role or roles may be.

Begin by writing about what success means to you, and describe the roles in which you know you want to become more. However, just wanting to be more isn’t enough; you must do more. Write down what you want to accomplish within the next year and what you will do to get there. Take ownership of your lists.

“The Cotton Wool Society”

Living in today’s society is like being wrapped in cotton wool, surrounded by limits and rules, do’s and don’ts. For example, when you go to the beach, you often see signs telling you not to run, bike, rollerblade, fish or drink alcohol. Basically, you can’t have any fun. With all these rules, people can lose their sense of adventure, even though some restrictions “border on the ridiculous,” like banning cartwheels at school. Measures...

About the Author

Rowdy McLean is an entrepreneur, international speaker and consultant. He is a fellow of the Australian Institute of Management and of the Customer Service Institute of Australia

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M. S. 6 years ago

Avoid common pitfalls that cause great unhappiness: having misaligned expectations, making comparisons, and making judgments about yourself or others. Having expectations that don’t match reality can cause frustration, anger, jealousy, and other negative emotions. Don’t compare yourself with others. You’re in competition only with yourself. Work to the best of your ability.

Rowdy McLean