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The Power of Breaking Fear, from the first word to the last, is about physical, mental, and financial growth and development. Introspective questions are injected in each chapter to help readers counter self-defeating behaviors and ultimately, as Marshall puts it, “to have an open mind.” Marshall recognizes that readers cannot simply read this book like a novel and expect to apply its principles. On the contrary, he provides strategies geared for all levels of learners.
Many books in the self-help sector are written by individuals, like Tim Marshall, who are at the top of their industry. However, Marshall has experienced the lowest of lows: Teachers decreed to a six-year-old Marshall that he would never amount to anything. His rise from the bottom to the top is the primary source of his examples. For instance, he went from recognizing his poor communication skills to thrusting himself into a salesman role. He struggled, but his constant ability to stay in self evaluation mode allowed him to recognize and rectify his shortcomings.
Concepts such as self awareness are dissected at the microscopic level. Rather than supplying the reader with a list, Marshall pinpoints tangible parts of the day where one can be the most efficient. He not only emphasizes the importance of rising early in the morning, but also breaking the day down into three parts, evidence of Marshall’s genuine appreciation and understanding of each individual’s internal struggle. Instead of looking to perfect the entire day, Marshall encourages the reader to look at the day as 6am-12pm, 12pm-6pm, and 6pm onward. By implementing this schedule, even two successful segments of the day can lead to an overall positive day.
The Power of Breaking Fear follows every discussion with what can be classified as ways for putting the principles into practice. From making a simple positive action and thankful list each night to alluding to the persistence of prominent historical figures like Thomas Edison, Marshall is action focused. Almost like a life doctor, the author studies the myriad revolving parts of human life such as one’s vulnerabilities and joys and comes up with focused assignments for the reader. If the goal is to open up the mind to new ideas, he suggests daily reading exercises. For those looking to improve a potentially toxic environment, Marshall launches into a discourse on controlling one’s own words. Words, he states, “are a result of our current inactions, actions, and our past experiences.” The complexity of being human requires micro improvements rather than aspiring for grand scale and immediate achievement.
Marshall’s skill in communication is apparent in his clear writing. He assumes a conversational tone; his central message, which can be simplified to say break fear and become persuasive, can be understood by the layman with ease. In the process, the emphasis is on ensuring that the individual lives his or her own life, not someone else’s life.
The author argues that the main difference between achieving and following the directions of our dreams is having vision. Without vision, there is no clarity. Vision alone, however, is meaningless until there is a strong belief system and body of evidence created to support this vision. Numerous obstacles, distractions, excuses, and negative evidence will be encountered, but to combat this, Marshall has provided readers with a multitude of ways to progress and break free from their negative habits.
Tim S. Marshall has gone out of his way to arm his readers with a seemingly endless number of vitality strategies that are easy to incorporate into one’s daily lives. The culmination of all of his advice can be encapsulated in one word: self-awareness. Easy and enjoyable to read, The Power of Breaking Fear belongs on every bookshelf.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review