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4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
1,459 global ratings
5 star
88%
4 star
7%
3 star
3%
2 star
1%
1 star
1%
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james smith great book listen approach moments perspective
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Sean
5.0 out of 5 stars Worth everyone’s time
Reviewed in Australia on 5 December 2020
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The anticipation of this book being delivered to my door is worth 5 stars. After reading “Not a Diet Book” I cannot wait to dive in for round two.
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Aaron
5.0 out of 5 stars Worth the effort.
Reviewed in Australia on 20 December 2020
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A great read. Shows a lot more maturity than James's online persona would suggest. James has an effortless writing style. Great and useful tips and insights.
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George Johns
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome read 👌
Reviewed in Australia on 7 January 2021
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Absolutely what I needed for the start of 2021. Realigned my focus on the important things in my life.
Cheers James, love your work.
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Ellie
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing
Reviewed in Australia on 7 January 2021
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Great book once again from James.
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Jess
5.0 out of 5 stars Best book I’ve read
Reviewed in Australia on 23 December 2020
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10/10
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Polly
5.0 out of 5 stars My book of the year
Reviewed in Australia on 23 November 2020
Packed with advice, analogies and humour to make it relatable. Advice from a perspective that made it feel achievable. Really impressed with the move from his previous book, especially liked the ‘tasks’ at the end of each chapter. I think it’s too easy to fly through a self development book without actually stopping to do the work and these really helped me take SO much more away from the book!!!!
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Em
5.0 out of 5 stars The Book for everyone!
Reviewed in Australia on 24 November 2020
Great book, def worth the read or listen in this case.

Makes you think about what’s important in life and why you’re doing what you’re doing.

Can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t benefit from reading/listening to this book.
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Clarissa Duncan
5.0 out of 5 stars Another phenomenal listen.
Reviewed in Australia on 24 November 2020
Another outstanding book from James! Throughout the text James offers valuable perspective, evidence and experience to encourage individuals to seek their true potential. Narrated with a tone you won't be able to stop listening to and full of moments that will stop you in your tracks this is another great listen, thanks James!
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Top reviews from other countries

Andrew Miller
1.0 out of 5 stars Definitely NOT a life coach - James is a 'Charlatan' in disguise
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 December 2020
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I've been a fan of James for the past couple of years but this book has completely changed my opinion. To echo other reviews, James provides no original ideas (only those of other Authors), it's full of common sense life advice from someone who has came from a privileged position. Just because it all worked out for him isn't a fair reflection of how it will go for many others and to paraphrase James; you can always go back to your day job (of earning £££ as a PT living comfortably with your parents...). Obviously he has a target audience. The dictionary definitions were patronizing* and I felt a general condescending tone throughout the book which jumped from point to point without a coherent flow.

I didn't read his first book and I am quite frankly furious I spent money on this, from my point of view this has damaged his brand, he seems to be on his high horse I presume due to his success. As he says on social media frequently, he doesn't care about people who aren't going to buy his books/sign up to JSA, a category I now fall into.

I'm a 26 yo male so felt this might have been relevant for me but he shouldn't have bothered writing this. It seems to help some people so I'll provide a TL:DR at the end of this review so you can decide if this book will provide any value to you.

The only reason I finished this book was because he blew so much smoke up the final chapter and how good it was, his best work apparently which he is proud of.

I can now conclude that he is just as much of a snake oil salesman, or charlatan as he calls them, as the rest of the fitness industry but he must be much more intelligent than you would assume from reading his book. He has successfully demonised many other fitness figures and portrayed himself as a shining light in the fitness world and cashing in in the process. I wouldn't have agreed with this view point before but this book just feels like a cash grab to capitalise on his popularity at the moment - however long it lasts. Do I blame him? Absolutely not. I'm just salty it was my cash that was grabbed.

Of course I am not anywhere near as successful so take my opinion with a pinch of salt but he should NOT follow his own advice this time and just stick to his day job.

NOT A Life Coach TL:DR: yolo and don't worry about it

*patronizing: showing that you think you are better or more intelligent than somebody else
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D. Butler
3.0 out of 5 stars I really wanted to like this but.....
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 November 2020
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I love James and I loved 'Not a Diet Book' but i"m afraid I"m completely the wrong demographic for this book being 50 years old. This is aimed at a much younger audience who are still figuring out who they are and what they want to do with their lives. If this had been written 25 years ago it would have been a great help but I'm not unhappy with my job etc and only wanted a few pointers on how to stop procrastinating and build healthier habits, I'll reread his first book instead.
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Mal De-Morgan
2.0 out of 5 stars NOT a life coach. Stick to fitness.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 December 2020
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Not a diet book was good because it was based on his background and learning, life lessons of being a PT.
But this is a stretch out his 'lane' with an odd tone running throughout, stolen lines and ideas from a collection of books and a general 'don't worry' message.
It was just a bit basic without any real substance or ideas.
I've read quite a few psychology/mind books so of course in comparison this is poor HOWEVER I could see a part of the population who this type of talk would be 'game changing' for them.
But for me it was a repetition of old news and I couldn't wait to finish it to start a new book.

Should have done Not A Diet Book 2.0
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Hayley Bee
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing, must buy!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 November 2020
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The best book I've EVER bought! Both James' books are fantastic and so powerful.... I'd listened to the audiobook but I've also read the hardback. I leave this book out so I have a constant reminder of the messages I've taken from this book. James doesn't try to be anything or anyone else, he talks about what HE thinks and HIS experiences - I love and admire his confidence! The book is life changing and I think it's going to make a lot of people happy!! Well done James, amazing book!
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5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing, must buy!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 November 2020
The best book I've EVER bought! Both James' books are fantastic and so powerful.... I'd listened to the audiobook but I've also read the hardback. I leave this book out so I have a constant reminder of the messages I've taken from this book. James doesn't try to be anything or anyone else, he talks about what HE thinks and HIS experiences - I love and admire his confidence! The book is life changing and I think it's going to make a lot of people happy!! Well done James, amazing book!
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Haffy
3.0 out of 5 stars Really wanted to love this...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 December 2020
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I loved James’ first book and world recommend that 100% if you haven’t read it already. I had high expectations of this but it wasn’t really for me. It repeated much of what he talks about in his podcasts (also recommend these!) but if you follow James on his other platforms, I don’t think you’ll find much new here. I think this could be quite thought provoking if you’re younger or at a crossroads in life, but I am neither and pretty happy with life. I don’t think I’m really the target demographic as I’m in the minority - lots of others clearly love it!
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