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Writer's pictureTing-yi Huang

The Book of Mistakes: 9 Secrets to Creating A Successful Future

By Skip Prichard (2018). New York: Hachette Book Group, Inc.


I came across this book when I was waiting for my flight back to San Francisco from Cebu, Philippines. As we live in a culture that heavily emphasizes "positive," I wonder how many people would be interested in this book that says "mistakes" in its title.


"If you've got nothing good to say, then don't say it at all." "Just be happy, and everything will be alright." This emphasis on positive emotion overshadows the reality of life. We are meant to be making mistakes. Difficulties and challenges are an indispensable aspect of our lives. No, I am not cheering on sadism. I am saying that we owe an acknowledgement to the utilities that could come out of not-so-positive life experiences. Just like we are so quick in associating trauma with PTSD (post-trauma stress disorder), also remember that there is always possibility for post-trauma growth. Mistakes are signs that we are making progress in life. When we reflect on the list of mistakes delineated in this book, can we honestly say, "yes, that's a mistake I am making, or I made;" and can we find courage to step out of our comfort zone and turn the mistake into an opportunity for personal growth?


Now to the book:

Mistake #1: Working on someone else's dream

Mistake #2: Allowing someone else to define your value

Mistake #3: Accepting excuses

Mistake #4: Surrounding yourself with the wrong people

Mistake #5: Staying in your comfort zone

Mistake #6: Allowing temporary setbacks to become permanent failures

Mistake #7: Trying to blend in instead of standing out

Mistake #8: Thinking that there is a fixed and limited amount of success available

Mistake #9: Believing you have all the time in the world


The Nine Secrets to Creating a Successful Future

1. Live your own dream

2. Recognize you inherent value

3. Reject excuses

4. Surround yourself with the right people

5. Explore outside your comfort zone

6. Move forward through challenges with determination and purpose

7. Stand out

8. Act boldly with the knowledge that your potential for successes is unlimited

9. Pursue your goals with urgency


What's your secret to a successful future, that's not listed here?





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