Customer Reviews

What's Holding You Back?: 30 Days to Having the Courage and Confidence to Do What You Want, Meet Whom You Want, and Go Where You Want

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was looking for a book on self confidence in dealing with people at work. While there are some useful suggestions, some of which I have already tried successfully, the purpose of this book is too broad for my use.

Many of the business networking tips are old news, and honestly are so recognizable in my management and sales team that I see them as manipulative, learned, and rehearsed, instead of as authentic comfortable, anxiety free communication. I can reproduce them in my own life, and have, but I was hoping to acheive more lasting internal confidence.

Also, a lot of the tips are geared to producing more social activity and gaining more friends. I am not interested in this particular goal, but if you are, sucessful and inspiring examples abound, and I truly believe they will work for you.

There are two more cons in my opinion.

As Sam seems to be a very outgoing person, when she applies the golden rule, she seems to think her assertive friendliness and corny humor will be well recieved. I am sometimes turned off by people who act as she suggests, and for whom she gives examples. I wouldn't like me if I acted that way. She needs to leave wiggle room for different persoanlities and tastes.

Also there are a lot of false assumptions, both about the nature of people, namely introverts, and also about the outcomes of situations based on using her techniques. In one case she gives an example of a woman who didn't do the thing according to the book, and failed. The speculation that she might have suceeded if only she had done it the author's way, almost sounds like a passive threat....."do it my way or else." Ok ...its not that bad, but we have no way of knowing what would have happened. I prefer factual accounts to her speculation.

For myself, I used the book to prioritize my own social and business communication goals. There is one section on quiet confidence that I found truly inspiring and have made my immediate goal. I am grateful to have found that and will continue to nurture that quality within myself.

My conclusion that it is a good book if you are a shy person, who longs to be an extrovert. If you are impressed with Sam and the success stories she recounts, you can be the most popular person on the block in no time. It is also very thorough list of the psychological aspects of communication, which are an important part of any well rounded education.

Thanks for listening.

Sam Horn's intelligent books always stand in a class of their own, with relevant and realistic ideas that can be implemented immediately. This memorable and practical book is a gold mine of inspiration and ideas, and frankly... is a ton of fun to read!

As a professional career coach, I have read hundreds of books in this genre - "What's Holding You Back?" is one of my all-time favorites! For two years, I have been giving this book to my clients as a gift, and have consistently received rave reviews and heartfelt appreciation in response. I truly believe it's an invaluable resource for helping individuals increase their confidence and clarity. I just recently pulled it off my shelf and re-read it for myself, and was once again reminded of its powerful impact.

Chapter 4, "Conversing with Comfort" is simply brilliant! The tips provided on these pages will have even the most introverted individual communicating and "networking" with ease. If you're already an avid `networker' or sales guru - this book will feel like a dear friend, reconnecting you to what you may know, yet often forget. It will no doubt inspire you to "try on" some new ways of connecting to others in a more meaningful way.

I offer my sincere kudos to Horn for this magnificent work, and offer a sincere "must read!" recommendation to potential buyers.

This book validated much of what I know and teach others, but sometimes forget to do. It was exactly the boost I needed to get out of a rut and move on to succeed in more areas of my life. Sam has a way of conversing with you when she writes that absolutely draws the reader in as if she were talking right there with you. I found "What's Holding You Back?" to be the key I needed to unlock what was holidng me back. If you struggle with internal dialogue, comparisons, and a tendency to allow fear to keep you from enjoying life, pick up this book immediately! You will be glad you did!

This is a great resource for those of us who are struggling with achieving our dreams, or just the social graces we were never taught. Horn goes into great detail in sections about making conversation, with step-by-step instructions on how to work a room and make everyone certain that you are interested in them (which, of course, you are).
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is having trouble reaching your dream, especially if shyness or lack of confidence is holding you back, The 30-day step program will get you where you want to go!

Sam Horn has come up with a manual for attacking the myraid of things that keep you from progressing in life. What's Holding You Back is a collection of pearls of wisdom backed by relevant illustrations drawn from the author's years as a speaker and seminar leader. The reader is presented with suggestions for improvement in areas ranging from communication skills, attitude, making friends, the art of conversation, developing and maintaining relationships and strategies for dealing with personal demons. The book offers something for every reader. A friend in his early 30's said that reading the book changed his life. A professional associate said that the only things it won't help are serious personality disorders. Sam's suggestions range from the common sense to universal truths. I found that although I already practice many of the things suggested, there are still many others that I either forgot about or simply don't make use of. I now read the book three to four times a year, as I believe that repetition helps integrate the wisdom Sam imparts into more areas of my life. The book is easy reading, with a workable 30 day completion plan. If the book were required reading for everyone, the world would indeed be the better for it.

Possibly the BEST book I have ever read. I bring my dog to a park and am constantly approaching other people (especially those who are alone) and reaching out my hand to say hello.
A lot of people there are would like to meet someone but are afraid to approach others. I have a lot of friends there and am always meeting more.
Whenever I have extended my hand to say hello I have never been rejected.
I am just an average looking guy who applies the things taught in this book.

If you are looking for an easy way to lift your spirits, this is one book you should read. Although skeptics will maintain that the stuff is pop psychology, I would highly recommend you read it anyway. Sam has packed soo much in her book, it is hard to pass it by.

One liners, wisdom from savvy men and women, how to's, you name it. To top it all, she has included her life stories as well as some from people she has met. As an aspiring author, I found it extremely valuable during times when self doubt consumed me; thanks to Sam's encouragement I am making steady progress on my book now.

Her style is inviting too, keeps you interested and eager to read more.

I can understand why this book was endorsed by John Grey, Rabbi Harold Kushner, Dan Millman, Wally Amos, and several other best-selling authors. It's absolutely full of do-able ideas I was able to use right away to start acting and feeling more confident. Just the one suggestion of starting off conversations with the two words "Tell me . . ." was worth the price of the book. I especially enjoyed the funny and inspiring quotes that are on almost every page. I posted a couple of them on my refrigerator and on my mirror and they keep me motivated throughout the day. The author shares both work and home stories so I was able to appply her ideas on and off the job. I wish schools would use this information - my teenager loved the book. My company uses the author's book, Tongue Fu!, in our customer service training programs, and I'm going to suggest they use this one too to help us improve our people skills.

This book changed my life. I gave it to my teenage daughter, and it changed her life. A friend who read it said they wish they'd had this information as a teenager. Sam Horn writes with a humorous, easy-to-read style, and her material is practical, interesting and useful. You'll put these techniques to use immedately in all areas of your life. What a great book!

I know I read it... but it didn't really stick. She's got a lot of cute acronyms she uses for everything. They get a little tediuos when you read the whole book and try to remember them. "Feel the Fear and do it Anyway" is a MUCH better book.