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Choose Yourself

summary ofChoose YourselfBook by James Altucher

12 min
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You’ll learn

  • Why failure is your secret to success
  • How to find joy without external validation
  • The transformative power of daily self-care rituals
  • Why honesty in life equals long-term success

first KEY POINT

Choose yourself or risk being commoditized

The world has undergone quite a number of changes in the way humans work and feed themselves. There is a change ongoing now, but not so many people can see it. A lot of us will be taken by surprise.Back in the 19th (and early 20th) century, all we had was science fiction on how technology will come and take over the corporate world. But what we had as pieces of our imagination are playing out now. Technology has taken over. Many people have lost their jobs to robots and computer programs, and sadly, the numbers will multiply in the coming years.

You can do either of two things with this information: believe it is a complete lie and remain where you are while your job is being slowly commoditized, or be proactive and choose the life you want by taking the artist–entrepreneur path to becoming creative and innovative with the skills and talents you have.

If you don't want your job to be handed over to a machine while you're sent home, then you have to choose your path; and if you don't, life will choose a path for you.

If you're interested in creating the life you want, then welcome on board! This summary is packed with actionable tips and advice to help you. This is not some random self help tidbit on the shelf that tells you believing in yourself is the only key to success. "Choose Yourself" was born out of James Altucher's experience in the entrepreneurial world. Altucher started 20 businesses, 18 of them failed; he went bankrupt countless times, but rebounded and built a thriving career using the principles you're about to learn.

It doesn't matter how many times you fail, success will be yours if you decide to choose yourself and keep pushing. Remember failure is part of the success equation.

second KEY POINT

Overcome rejection and live the life you truly want

Many motivational speakers and self help books will tell you rejection is good because it shapes your life and prepares you for success. This may be true, but it doesn't dismiss the fact that rejection is painful. It hurts badly to be rejected when you expect to be accepted.In many cases, rejection leaves in us the "rejection pill", a seed that makes us strive for the approval of others. The rejection pill is something you need to overcome. You can't continue basing your happiness on what another person thinks of you. Run a quick check on your life. Do you dress because of what someone out there might say? Why did you take the job you currently have? Who chose your career path for you? You have to be certain your actions aren't because you need some sort of approval, but because you love what you're doing. That's it, that's the key to choosing yourself. Do only what you love doing. This isn't some motivational talk about choosing career paths; doing what you love goes way beyond that. It cuts across your thoughts, the books you read, the places you go, everything.

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first KEY POINT

Practice keeping your entire being healthy

second KEY POINT

What to do when it feels like the whole world is crashing down on you

third KEY POINT

Forget about purpose and just live!

fourth KEY POINT

Honesty has financial value

fifth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

James Altucher is an entrepreneur, author, and podcaster known for his unique approach to business, life, and failure. With 20 startups under his belt, his insights come from real-world experience and genuine reflection.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Choose Yourself: Be Happy, Make Millions, Live the Dream about?

Choose Yourself: Be Happy, Make Millions, Live the Dream is a motivational book by James Altucher that encourages readers to take control of their own lives and happiness. It advocates for self-empowerment, creativity, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment over traditional career paths.

What are the key takeaways from Choose Yourself: Be Happy, Make Millions, Live the Dream?

Key takeaways include the importance of self-acceptance, the value of honing your skills, and the necessity of creating your own path to success. Altucher emphasizes that true happiness and wealth come from choosing oneself and taking calculated risks.

Is Choose Yourself: Be Happy, Make Millions, Live the Dream worth reading?

Yes, Choose Yourself: Be Happy, Make Millions, Live the Dream is considered worth reading for anyone looking to redefine success and find personal happiness. Its practical advice and engaging anecdotes resonate with those interested in self-improvement and entrepreneurship.

How many pages is Choose Yourself: Be Happy, Make Millions, Live the Dream and when was it published?

Choose Yourself: Be Happy, Make Millions, Live the Dream has approximately 240 pages and was published in 2013. It has since gained popularity as a guide for personal empowerment and entrepreneurship.

How can Choose Yourself: Be Happy, Make Millions, Live the Dream help in personal development?

The book helps in personal development by providing actionable insights and a fresh perspective on taking control of your life. Altucher encourages readers to embrace vulnerability and creativity, making it a practical resource for growth and self-discovery.