This book defiantly has some great points and advice.
I found the way it was written sometimes a bit too one sided, for example I am with the author whenever he talks about how complaining isn't good. But I also think that not everyone is always capable to give their all or best every time. Everyone is a little different everyday and even if you are healthy it's not possible it always give something 100% except if you have absolutely nothing else going on in your life. Or maybe I took it too directly...

Anyways... the book has some great ideas and tips, and i think it's a fantastic read to pick and choose which advice to take and which to leave, but it's defiantly worth a read!

I read another book from the same author- 17 cents and a Dream- and enjoyed reading his story. This book (Rule #1, Don't Be #2) was quite similar, rehashing many of the same stories. Motivating, yes, but if you've read one book, no need to read the other. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review!

Quite the direct book full of lessons and practical ways of succeeding and leading in life, and taking responsibility for yourself and the life you live.

Like many others of its kind, this motivational book puts you in the mindset to achieve more than you thought you could. Nothing new if you have already been exposed to others such as Mel Robbins, Tim Robbins, or Steven Pressfield. Good book if you want the same story in a new way to reinforce the right mindset.

each chapter is a new "life lesson". Of the 231 pages over 100 are filled with maxims Like "A goal without a plan is just a wish." it was a great read for me I loved it.

Filled with quotes from prominent people, the author moves readers to realize the value of time and failures in achieving success. Everyone should read this regardless of one's religion, nationality or gender!

This is a refreshing and brutally honest book with valuable lessons but I can't help but feel it's impact could be limited somewhat. I found myself nodding at the straight talking principles laid out on almost every page - and even asking myself - how am I going to apply this? which is a big thumbs up reaction to get from a book. However, it is very short on application which leads me to think it's like a turbo boost for those already surging ahead rather than those starting out.
I personally would recommend reading books by Larry Winget first, then Brendon Burchard and Grant Cardone (Burchard because he makes the case for pursuing success very eloquently, Cardone because his view of success as utterly essential is very inspiring and will change your life). Milstein's book is very welcome and a powerful top up of 'what it takes'. It's just too high concept for beginners.

Go and grab this book and start reading. This book is for everyone.

The book is filled with catchy lines, inspiring stories and habits to adopt in our life. I have read many motivational books and It would surely be on the top of that. Most of the ideas have been already there or said in many of the motivational books. But I find stories to back up certain points more useful.

My favorite quote from the book is :
"It is not about being best. It is about being better than yesterday."

I will recommend this book to everyone. It changes the way you think.It gives motivation and self-confidence to achieve your goals.

RULE #1 is a book of life PRECEPTS. Although targeted at business readers, RULE #1 is really applicable to all of life. The book is not a "how to" guide; rather, it is a series of life lessons learned the hard way by Mr. Milstein.

Even though a Kindle version is available, I recommend you stick with the hardcopy. (The audio version might also be helpful.) This is one of those books you will want to have around and browse through sometimes. I think the actual format and presentation helps tell the story, and drive the points home.

The author explains that he came to the U.S. with pennies in his pocket, then after years of hard work, rocketed to the top of his profession. Each of the 25 chapters covers a life lesson that the author illustrates. For example, Chapter 20 suggests, "There's No Room For Complainers." He notes that "Nobody likes a whiner to a complainer. They are the first cousins of the critic." And,

"Feeling sorry for yourself isn't part of the game plan."

Many of the points emphasize hard work, focus, planning--and most of all, ACTION. You don't need to read the chapters in order, although I did. You can zip through this little book in about an hour, but I think most people will want to keep the book close at hand, and read over the ideas again.

Most of the ideas are not outlandish or amazingly original. I've seen similar ideas in many inspirational and success books. Nevertheless, I found the stories and ideas credible, helpful, and inspiring. Of all the points made, I like this one the best:

"You should have goals so big that you are uncomfortable telling your friends about them."

I love that idea--reach for the stars!

Wait--I think I like this one even more:

"Good luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. Bad Luck is what happens when lack of preparation meets a challenge."

The above idea is another variant on the theme of personal responsibility. Don't blame bad luck, don't blame others, get to work!

All in all, I found Rule #1 Don't be #2 to be an outstanding read. Do not be fooled by the small size. The ideas are outstanding, and worthy of serious consideration..

Get the hard copy, read through the ideas, then think about them. I did.

Advance Review copy courtesy of the publisher.