First-time author Mark D. Estes wades into the crowded field of self-help literature with DO BETTER! BE BETTER!, a collection of pragmatic advice that promises to help readers develop a winning attitude and actualize their ambitions. Estes guides readers step-by-step along the journey of personal development, from defining one’s goals to taking actionable steps towards those goals. Each chapter is devoted to a step down that path, with its core principles interspersed with illustrative quotes and personal anecdotes.
Estes begins DO BETTER! BE BETTER! with fundamental questions designed to help the reader start with the proper mindset. Why do or be better in the first place? What do you want? How do you stop doing the wrong things and start doing the right things? A central theme of this section is overcoming the fears, insecurities, and self-doubt that often keep people from even contemplating pursuing their dreams. “Let yourself have a strong desire,” Estes counsels. “Attitude keeps you moving forward.” The author goes on to offer tips for “doing better,” such as setting daily and weekly goals, overcoming bad habits (such as procrastination or not getting enough sleep), and avoiding negativity. There’s a “troubleshooting” section, in which Estes discusses ways to deal with crises that can derail progress, including personal and professional setbacks, traumatic events, or loss of motivation. Estes closes the book with advice on using the tools he provides to continue improving and applying his lessons to benefit others.
As its hearty, no-nonsense title suggests, DO BETTER! BE BETTER! is an emphatic call to action, reminiscent of a spirited football coach rallying his team during halftime. One can almost hear the author’s booming voice and feel his determination to inspire greatness. But while Estes is commendable for his unwavering positivity and desire to encourage and inspire his readers, the book retraces well-trodden ground, offering recycled aphorisms (“You are the master of your own destiny!”) and all-too-familiar success stories, from the likes of Warren Buffet and Bill Gates, that feel more like lessons in Business 101 than profound insights. The title shines brightest when Estes shares pivotal moments from his past, notably his poignant account of being diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer in his 20s. Regrettably, the book isn’t centered around heartfelt revelations like this, which resonate more deeply than the more general advice offered elsewhere.
While author Mark D. Estes has an undeniable desire to motivate, his writing voice in DO BETTER! BE BETTER! lacks a distinctive personality and the book subsequently falls a bit flat.
~Edward Sung for IndieReader