Author:  Bernard Roth

The Achievement Habit: Stop Wishing, Start Doing, and Take Command of Your Life by Bernard Roth is a compelling book that blends practical advice with insightful anecdotes to help readers achieve their goals and improve their lives. Here’s a detailed summary and some reviews:

Summary

Bernard Roth, a co-founder of the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford University, uses his extensive experience in design thinking to present a framework for achieving personal and professional success. The book is structured around the idea that achievement is a habit that can be cultivated through specific actions and mindset shifts.

Key Concepts:

1. Design Thinking: Roth emphasizes the importance of applying design thinking principles to life. This involves defining problems clearly, brainstorming solutions, prototyping, and iterating based on feedback.
2. Action Over Intentions: A central theme is the distinction between trying and doing. Roth argues that taking action, even imperfectly, is more powerful than merely intending to act.
3. Reframing Problems: The book teaches readers to reframe their problems to find more effective solutions. This involves looking at challenges from different perspectives and questioning underlying assumptions.
4. Self-Compassion and Responsibility: Roth encourages readers to take responsibility for their actions and outcomes while also being compassionate towards themselves. This balance helps in maintaining motivation and resilience.
5. Practical Exercises: The book includes various exercises designed to help readers apply the concepts to their own lives. These exercises are aimed at fostering a proactive and achievement-oriented mindset.

Reviews

• Kirkus Reviews: The review highlights Roth’s effective methods for making positive changes in life. It praises the book for its clear narrative and practical advice, noting that Roth’s experience at Stanford’s d.school lends credibility to his insights².
• Blinkist: This review emphasizes the book’s practical strategies and exercises that empower readers to take action and develop a mindset of achievement. It describes the book as thought-provoking and valuable for overcoming obstacles³.
• Soundview Executive Book Summary: This summary focuses on the key ideas of the book, noting that it provides a condensed yet comprehensive overview of Roth’s approach to achieving success4.

Source:
(1) THE ACHIEVEMENT HABIT – Kirkus Reviews. https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/bernard-roth/the-achievement-habit/.
(2) The Achievement Habit Summary of Key Ideas and Review – Blinkist. https://www.blinkist.com/en/books/the-achievement-habit-en.
(3) The Achievement Habit Summary | Bernard Roth | Soundview. https://www.summary.com/book-summary/The-Achievement-Habit/.
(4) The Achievement Habit: Summary Review – Elevate Society. https://elevatesociety.com/the-achievement-habit-summary-review/.
(5) Summary: The Achievement Habit: Stop Wishing, Start Doing, and Take …. https://paminy.com/book-summary-the-achievement-habit/.