Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

In the realm of self-help and personal development, Michael Gervais’ “The First Rule of Mastery” emerges as a beacon of empowerment. Gervais, a high-performance psychologist, delves into the pervasive fear that shackles potential: the fear of other people’s opinions (FOPO). With a compelling blend of storytelling, scientific research, and practical exercises, Gervais not only identifies FOPO as a common adversary but also equips the reader with the tools to overcome it.

The book is structured around the central premise that true mastery in any field is not just about skill acquisition but also about the liberation from external validation. Gervais’ narrative is enriched with anecdotes from his extensive experience coaching top performers across various domains, including sports, arts, and business. These stories resonate with authenticity and serve as a testament to the book’s principles in action.

One of the most striking aspects of “The First Rule of Mastery” is its focus on internal validation. Gervais encourages a shift from seeking approval to cultivating self-awareness and aligning actions with personal values. This internal compass, he argues, is the key to not only achieving mastery but also to leading a fulfilling life.

The book is not just theoretical; it is immensely practical. Gervais provides a series of mental skills and practices designed to fortify the reader against FOPO. These include mindfulness techniques, journaling prompts, and reflection exercises that are both introspective and actionable.

“The First Rule of Mastery” is a call to arms against the invisible chains of societal expectation. It’s a guide for those who find themselves constantly looking over their shoulder, wondering what the world thinks of them. Gervais’ message is clear: the first rule of mastery is to stop worrying about what people think of you and start living on your own terms.

Michael Gervais’ “The First Rule of Mastery” is a transformative work that challenges readers to redefine success on their own terms. It’s a book that provides the pathway to it. For anyone looking to break free from the confines of FOPO and step into their own power, this book is a must-read. It’s a journey from external validation to internal triumph, and Gervais is an excellent guide.

I really enjoyed this book! It does nice job of balancing between evidence based studies and psychology. Special thanks to Harvard Business Review Press and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

There is some decent advice and approaches here. Having read a ton of self-care titles, this didn't have anything new for me, but will be useful to others, nonetheless.

Thanks very much for the copy for review!!

I've read numerous books on 'not caring what others think' and all are useful in their own way. Many have extreme points of view (which can be useful for stretching one's own thinking) but few have anything original to say.

The first rule of mastery is - at heart - a book of psychological and social studies on the topic and what their application might be - I have felt guided along as if I were at an intelligent lecture. I feel - treated like an adult!
The solution to FOMO is simple (but not necessarily easy). You must learn to value yourself independently of the things you have hooked yourself to - you are not valuable because of your skills (although they have value); you are not valuable because of your looks (try telling that to today's youth) but you are valuable simply because you are human.
However, the book is much more than this. I will be recommending it to friends, and I hope it gets the exposure it deserves. The cover doesn't do it much justice, unfortunately.

I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

In this book, Michael Gervais and Kevin Lake argue that we care too much about other people’s opinions, and if we stopped doing that, we would live happier and more fulfilling lives. They use interesting examples from Michael’s work with top athletes and conclude each chapter with practical application tools. Although much of the basic information in this book isn’t new to me, the application to other people’s opinions was an interesting take. I found myself inspired to look at life from a more grounded, connected perspective. The final chapter especially struck a chord with me, as I’m sure the authors knew it would. Overall, it was an enjoyable and helpful read.

I’d like to thank Harvard Business Review Press and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The book is ok. Mostly a rehash of what we know from this field. I had high hopes for this book as I have listen to the Michael Gervais podcast for many years. It's worth a read but will not go down as a classic.

Interesting read about FOPO. I really expected a lot of since and self help, but this was really interested and kept my captivated. I loved the activities at the end of each chapter to really put what was mentioned in place.

I'm sorry, but I really did not enjoy this book. Which I realize is no doubt a reflection on my own personal biases and not a result of the author's writing ability. Therefore, I will not be leaving a review on any of my usual sites. I wish the author the best of luck and success. It just was not the book for me.

This book is a must read. Absolutely phenomenal. Michael Gervais has struck the perfect balance between sharing psychological fact and evidence backed by studies and its readability and holding on to the readers interest. Even better, it doesn’t drag on forever. Gervais says what he needs to say and moves on. This is a quick read that packs a whole lot of punch.

I chose this book because I was aware that I really do struggle with the tendency to care too much about what people think, and to be honest, I expected a dry read full of science that I’d have to plow through bit by bit. I’ve never been so happy to report that I was mistaken. This is one of the most readable and engaging and helpful books on the topic. Additionally, for the overachievers among us, each chapter ends with simple and approachable activities designed to help bring awareness to the areas where you might have some tendencies to care too much and then what to do about it.

This is an excellent read. Once I started reading, I really couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend!!

I’d like to thank Harvard Business Review Press and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley and Harvard Business Review Press for the ARC!

At early chapter, this book will discuss about FOPO (Fear Of People Opinion), the author dig everything about FOPO, such us: how it started, how it trigger us, how it affect us etc. And this explanation help me to reflect about myself: why I worry so much, why I have insecurity for particular field and so on.

This book is not preachy, but really fun and easy to understand, since the author also include the "action" of every tips that suggested.

I can't wait to make summary about this book!