I’ve heard a lot about the author of this book, Marcus Buckingham, but have never actually picked up any of his work. I recently joined Thomas Nelsons “Book Review Bloggers” initiative where you receive free books if you commit to writing a 200+ word review on them. The first book I requested was “The Truth About You“. I choose the book because I have become a student of myself. I think it’s important we learn about ourselves. What are my strengths? What are my weaknesses? I was hoping this book would help me in the process.

When I got the book, I found out that it is more than a book. It is an experience! It comes with a DVD to watch, a book, and a “re-memo” pad.

The DVD takes you through 3 myths that Marcus Buckingham says people buy into in life.

Three Myths People Buy into in Life:

1. Your personality changes as you get older
2. If you want to grow – don’t rely on your strengths- work on your weaknesses.
3. The best teams have well rounded people playing all the roles well.

He takes each of these myths and breaks them down, explaining why they’re myths, then tells the truth about those areas.
The Best Advice You’ll Ever Get

In the book Marcus teaches you 5 principles that he says is the best advice you’ll ever get:

1. Performance is always the point
2. Your strengths aren’t what you’re good at, and your weaknesses aren’t what you’re bad at
3. When it comes to your job, the “What” always trumps the “Why” and “Who”
4. You’ll never find the perfect job
5. You’ll never turn your weaknesses into strengths

The biggest take away from the book for me was that strengths are anything activities that make you feel stronger. Of course this would mean that your weaknesses are any activities that make you feel weaker. We often think just because we’re good at something means it is a strength – but there are a ton of people who are good at things they hate – you can’t consider that a strength could you?

Homework

Marcus then challenges you to take the rememo pad and anytime you’re doing something you feel strengthens you – write it down and to do the same thing with things that weaken you for an entire week. At the end of the week take both the strengths and weaknesses and try to come up with 3 strength and weakness statements – be specific! This is a great approach of learning your strengths and weaknesses.

Overall, I would definitely recommend reading this book. It can be read in one sitting, the DVD is only 24 minutes long, and the application of the principles will add a ton of value to your life.

Final Grade: A+

Buy it Here!

Thomas Nelson is offering a program that gives free books to bloggers. All you have to do is sign-up, request a book, and write a 200+ word review on the book you read. Then you can pick another one… I think it’s an awesome idea!

Check it out here!

So it’s 3:50 in the morning and I just got home from a great night of playing games, spoons, and having some great conversations about God.

I have to get up at 6:30 a.m. for the Turkey Bowl and I won’t feel like typing this then… actually I’m still wired right now from all the coffee I drank…

Anyway… for those of you who aren’t shopping today – let’s get some conversation going…

You know what to do – questions in the comments!

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving day!