Customer Reviews

Dare to Succeed: How to Survive and Thrive in the Game of Life

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It's easy to slam Mark Burnett. He's freaking rich, he's changed the way television does business, and he doesn't seem to make a wrong move careerwise. But unlike other self-help authors who use adventure anecdotes without having any experience of their own, Burnett has put himself out there. I was surprised to see that he was on the front lines in the Falklands War, finished ninth in the Raid Gauloises, and personally scouts each Survivor location and pre-runs each Eco-Challenge course. The guy's not a wanna-be, he's the real deal. His words on success are worth reading.

I'm wondering if "Mooresville, NC" even read this book. It sounds to me like he has a personal issue with Mr. Burnett. I might have taken heed in his/her review if it actually said something about the content of the book. I'm on chapter four, and I personally see Burnett's life-view refreshing. Unlike other self-help/success stories I've witnessed, so far I see no signs of self-pity or "martyrism". Burnett seems to sincerely appreciate whatever opportunities he's had in life. Obviously, he's doing something right to have created/produced Eco-Challenge and produced "Survivor". So far, I find his success strategies enlightening. They may not be profound, but at least we know for sure that they worked for him!

This book is a quick read and very entertaining. Mark Burnett is the Producer of "Survivor" and "Eco-Challenge" and he draws from these shows in his example of how to succeed (at least how he succeeded). The book is structured like a self-help book, and it is (from the standpoint that Burnett's stories motivate you to put your dreams into action). However, I appreciated it as a story of someone struggling to establish oneself in life - not so different from you or I, but with results that most of us will only dream about. I was rooting for Burnett to succeed as soon as I read the first chapter where he moves to the United States from Great Britain and lands a job as a nanny. I will wholeheartedly recommend this book to friends and family.

"Dare to Succeed" tells the story behind someone who is one of the successful people in the United States. I found Mark Burnett's story of his path to his success very accessible and inspiring. Mark Burnett shows by example how one can go from having very little in America to finding one's own unique niche. Burnett offers tips, or "guideposts" on how to work a
vision into reality. I was uncharacteristically inspired after reading this success story. From being ones boss to learning from ones failures, I found tidbits of wisdom that I will definitely carry with me to any job interview or just the office.

Below is Mark's philosophy, and this book is the story of how he lived his success:

1.) Only results count
2.) Have the courage to fail
3.) Choose teammates wisely
4.) Perseverance produces character
5.) Be right or be wrong, but make a decision
6.) Set achievable goals
7.) Try to go above, beyond, and then even further.

Mark writes how his life didn't go as planned, and while he received some big breaks, they were more about positioning himself to receive them and make them happen than simply luck. If he wasn't willing to try anything, he'd have let opportunities pass.

It's a good read. The man was a soldier, a nanny, a t-shirt seller, an insurance agent, a credit card banker, a three times competitor in the Raid Gauloises, the producer and scouter for the Eco-Challenge race, and finally the mastermind behind Survivor. He's accomplished a great deal, and if you don't care about the philosophy, the stories are still interesting.

I happened to pick up the audio cassette of this book from the library and although its an abridged version I really loved listening to it. The story of Burnett's trials and tribulations and also his rise from rags to riches is told in a very interesting manner. The Survivor/eco Challenge story is really thrilling and Burnett's talent and perseverance in creating these shows is inspiring. The book has some great anecdotes and is replete with memorizable pearls of wisdom for the ambitious soul. The things which stick out most is his courage and determination to succeed. However I feel that the words eco challenge and survivor has been over used in this book and becomes too banal after a point although overall this book should be a good buy.

This books is a great book. I don't like the fact that on EVERY page of the book it either says Eco-challenge or Survivor. This is also a biography of him as much as it is a self-help book. Very interesting reading. Hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

Wow! Even if I weren't a fan of Eco-Challenge and Survivor going in I would have become one after coming to realize the story behind the stories. This book isn't intended to promote his television programs but after seeing all that Mark Burnett has gone through I have a much greater appreciation for what he has accomplished.
I'm a 39 year-old pastor after having been a financial planner for over a decade. I have a comprehensive library of self-help and success books from Covey to Robbins and from Dyer to Ziglar. "Dare To Succeed" lines up with the best of the best because of the way Mark Burnett shares his real-life struggles as he grabs the reader's hand to help him climb that same hill step by step. Regardless of your type of employment or station in life, you will find these steps well placed.
This award winning producer and mega-media mogul doesn't talk Pollyanna and doesn't come across as a primadonna. He shares his failures and fears as well as the practical steps to success. As great as your life is now it will be better after reading "Dare To Succeed" and if you are just embarking on your self-help journey you will find this book indespensible. Read it with a highlighter, a pen and a notebook.

If you enjoy the story behind Survivor and Eco-Challenge, which I do, this is a great book. Mark Burnett was and still is a visionary and his story is motivational for all walks of life. I am a "superfan" of Survivor and reading this book made me a "superfan" of Mark Burnett.

A book about Mark Burnett - how he started from zero to a super successful reality TV show producer. A inspiration Book for business starters. If you want to start a business, if you want to realize your American dream, you should read this book. I feel vry lucky to live in America as the possibilities in one's life are endless. Read this book. It will give you inspiration to start your own business venture and to be successful!!