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How to Get a Grip
Do you want to get your life back on track? Are you treading water in your career? Does your relationship need a lift? Are you more fat than fit? Well, Get a Grip then! This is the self-help manual for people who hate self-help.
264 pages, Paperback
First published April 4, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 12, 2011
I'm so glad that I won this on GoodReads giveaway. This book is a no BS guide on how to live your life. His points were shocking but oh so true. Everyone should get this book because like he says, "forget namby-pamby, wishy-washy, self-help drivel. This is the book you need." So far this book has helped me be decisive, avoid anxiety, taught me to not be sensitive, eliminate stress, how to communicate better, etc. This is a good book to look at once in a while, especially when you don't like how things are going in your life. You might need to make more time in a day or man the F up. Although his words were a bit harsh, he makes his point clearly and tells you how it is. This is like the male version of "The Modern Girl's Guide to Life." I enjoyed it and suggest you do yourself a favor and pick it up.
January 3, 2012
He points out many "obvious" things that we just ignore or have forgotten how to do and there are some good wake up points in this book, especially the "brain dump" to identify what you need to get done, and not wasting energy and emotion imagining you can tell what people are thinking
Some of the more sweeping advice is not likely to be followed by 99.9% of readers. Yes, throwing out your TV would free up hours and hours of time but, really and truly who will?
How to take yourself less seriously - wear fancy dress and go buy some stamps, do a little shopping and have a coffee. Yes indeed, it would probably be great fun but really, has anyone taken him up on the idea?
How to make your time at work more enjoyable? His advice, gossip. Who with if you work alone? and do you really want to be known as the gossipy one from accounting?
I don't mean this review to sound like I'm slating the book - there is some good advice but I think a lot of it will just be read but not acted upon - which is more or less what he says is the problem with all self help books.
Some of the more sweeping advice is not likely to be followed by 99.9% of readers. Yes, throwing out your TV would free up hours and hours of time but, really and truly who will?
How to take yourself less seriously - wear fancy dress and go buy some stamps, do a little shopping and have a coffee. Yes indeed, it would probably be great fun but really, has anyone taken him up on the idea?
How to make your time at work more enjoyable? His advice, gossip. Who with if you work alone? and do you really want to be known as the gossipy one from accounting?
I don't mean this review to sound like I'm slating the book - there is some good advice but I think a lot of it will just be read but not acted upon - which is more or less what he says is the problem with all self help books.
January 9, 2012
Great book for single people who liive with their parent(s), with roommates, or on their own with 50 cats. For those of us that must already have "a grip," who are just looking for inspiration or restoration of hope in their lives, this book is NOT for you. Best suited as a blog (online and FREE).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2020
Patronising , author desperate to be funny but rarely achieves it, states the obvious and doesn’t provide any actual insight into ‘getting a grip’ A really disappointing read.
January 12, 2021
My notes from the book:
Be happy with what you got
Lower expectations
Know when enough is enough
Take responsibility
Give yourself permission
Be confident - believe that you have the authority
Be decisive
- limit your choices
- Make a decision
- Never look back
Stop making it so difficult - you are the obstacle in your way
Eliminate stress
Man the fuck up
Action = art of doing stuff
Prioritise - to do list (small medium big stuff)
Fuck perfect
Do less
Most deadlines don’t matter
Get rid of tv/internet
Get out of bed
Get help
Delegate - outsource
8min rule
Communication
- don’t be so sensitive /what other people think isn’t so important
- Say what you mean / straight talk
- Work on your relationships
- Listen
- Talk to strangers
How you treat them
Treat them like they won’t be there tomorrow
Your job is what you do not who you are.
Be happy with what you got
Lower expectations
Know when enough is enough
Take responsibility
Give yourself permission
Be confident - believe that you have the authority
Be decisive
- limit your choices
- Make a decision
- Never look back
Stop making it so difficult - you are the obstacle in your way
Eliminate stress
Man the fuck up
Action = art of doing stuff
Prioritise - to do list (small medium big stuff)
Fuck perfect
Do less
Most deadlines don’t matter
Get rid of tv/internet
Get out of bed
Get help
Delegate - outsource
8min rule
Communication
- don’t be so sensitive /what other people think isn’t so important
- Say what you mean / straight talk
- Work on your relationships
- Listen
- Talk to strangers
How you treat them
Treat them like they won’t be there tomorrow
Your job is what you do not who you are.
December 18, 2019
Well what an unexpected surprise this book was.
A self help book with a difference pointing out the obvious stuff that we already know but have just forgotten through over complicating our daily lives.
Most of this stuff is pure common sense but the real beauty of this book is the humour even if you do not gain any help from this book at least you can have a few laughs from reading.
A self help book with a difference pointing out the obvious stuff that we already know but have just forgotten through over complicating our daily lives.
Most of this stuff is pure common sense but the real beauty of this book is the humour even if you do not gain any help from this book at least you can have a few laughs from reading.
March 17, 2022
Really enjoyed this book - it was the kick up the arse I needed to take a long hard look at myself.
It was a little crude and flip and crass - but tbh - I totally bought into that.
If you have issues, that need resolving, I urge you to give it a go.
In fact read it, you have issues, if you think you haven't - you're most definitely kidding yourself!
It was a little crude and flip and crass - but tbh - I totally bought into that.
If you have issues, that need resolving, I urge you to give it a go.
In fact read it, you have issues, if you think you haven't - you're most definitely kidding yourself!
March 27, 2018
Really gives a slap on my face ... in a good way
April 21, 2020
Gives the already known concepts of well being and asks it to apply to oneself regardless of situation
January 5, 2023
Started off good, funny, motivating, then got a bit tedious
November 7, 2011
I received a copy of
How to Get a Grip
via the Goodreads First Reads programs, and I was certainly interested in the idea. Like most people I know, I spend more time thinking and talking about the things I want to be doing than actually doing them. Self-help books don't typically appeal to me, because they tend to be chock full of generic, eye-roll inducing, overly simplistic advice. When I read that Mr. Kimberley's book was supposed to be a humorous, no-nonsense take on getting your shit together, I thought it would be just what I needed.
It started out promising. Lots of swearing? Check! An introduction that gave me the impression the book would cater to my own problems? Check!
Unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to the expectations it set for itself. The author clearly stated that you would learn nothing new from this book, that the goal wasn't to give you secret tips and pointers that you'd never thought of. The goal was to tell you the things you already know, but aren't doing anything about, and to get you motivated to make some life changes. That's all well and good, and I appreciated the honesty. But some of the advice was, well...
For example, there's a section on separating the 'stupid shit' from the 'important shit.' Yes, indeed, I do tend to obsess over shit that doesn't matter, and yes, my life would likely be more productive if I could get away from that. But his examples of 'stupid shit' include worrying about wearing matching socks and figuring out how much to tip the server.
I am lucky enough to work from home, so yes, I could walk around in unmatching socks and it wouldn't be the end of the world. My brother the CFO of an accounting firm? Not so much. And while you shouldn't necessarily 'worry' over tipping your server correctly, you should certainly give it some thought. I found it strange that he would use these sort of non-compelling examples when there are so many things people worry about that simply aren't worth worrying about.
I did not much enjoy his chapter titled Man the Fuck Up, wherein he told you to "quit your bitching, bleating, moaning and whining." I'm sure he'll consider this to be a big ole meany whiny rant from a feminist, but the entire message in "man the fuck up," is that you should stop acting like some "namby-pamby, whisy-washy" woman. Gross.
At one point he also tells you that the best way to make work suck less? Gossip! Awesome! Also, everyone should throw out their TV and turn their cell phone off for the weekend. While I would love it if everyone threw out their TVs, that's just sort of indicative of much of the advice in this book: Yes, it's a good idea in theory, but it's not the kind of advice that most people are actually going to follow.
The funniest part was when he spent an entire chapter telling you to "read a book!" which, well, we are obviously already doing that.
There were a few some sections I liked, particularly the part where he told you to stop asking for permission to do things, and to act like you're six again:
The whole 'tough love' aspect of it was endearing and humorous at first, but it eventually got annoying. The constant swearing was definitely a treat for me, especially because there were quite a few curse words that were new to me.
Overall, I didn't really find any value in this book. It's certainly a different approach to this subject, but, as the author himself admits, there is nothing earth-shattering here, and much of the advice centers on changes that most people will simply be unwilling to make.
It started out promising. Lots of swearing? Check! An introduction that gave me the impression the book would cater to my own problems? Check!
"That's what this book is about: defining the important shit, letting go of the less important shit, and taking your life - and yourself - a whole lot less seriously."
Unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to the expectations it set for itself. The author clearly stated that you would learn nothing new from this book, that the goal wasn't to give you secret tips and pointers that you'd never thought of. The goal was to tell you the things you already know, but aren't doing anything about, and to get you motivated to make some life changes. That's all well and good, and I appreciated the honesty. But some of the advice was, well...
For example, there's a section on separating the 'stupid shit' from the 'important shit.' Yes, indeed, I do tend to obsess over shit that doesn't matter, and yes, my life would likely be more productive if I could get away from that. But his examples of 'stupid shit' include worrying about wearing matching socks and figuring out how much to tip the server.
I am lucky enough to work from home, so yes, I could walk around in unmatching socks and it wouldn't be the end of the world. My brother the CFO of an accounting firm? Not so much. And while you shouldn't necessarily 'worry' over tipping your server correctly, you should certainly give it some thought. I found it strange that he would use these sort of non-compelling examples when there are so many things people worry about that simply aren't worth worrying about.
I did not much enjoy his chapter titled Man the Fuck Up, wherein he told you to "quit your bitching, bleating, moaning and whining." I'm sure he'll consider this to be a big ole meany whiny rant from a feminist, but the entire message in "man the fuck up," is that you should stop acting like some "namby-pamby, whisy-washy" woman. Gross.
At one point he also tells you that the best way to make work suck less? Gossip! Awesome! Also, everyone should throw out their TV and turn their cell phone off for the weekend. While I would love it if everyone threw out their TVs, that's just sort of indicative of much of the advice in this book: Yes, it's a good idea in theory, but it's not the kind of advice that most people are actually going to follow.
The funniest part was when he spent an entire chapter telling you to "read a book!" which, well, we are obviously already doing that.
There were a few some sections I liked, particularly the part where he told you to stop asking for permission to do things, and to act like you're six again:
"Quit waiting on being told stuff is OK. What are you, six? That said, you had more balls when you were six, didn't you? You just went ahead and did shit even if you knew it wasn't allowed."
The whole 'tough love' aspect of it was endearing and humorous at first, but it eventually got annoying. The constant swearing was definitely a treat for me, especially because there were quite a few curse words that were new to me.
Overall, I didn't really find any value in this book. It's certainly a different approach to this subject, but, as the author himself admits, there is nothing earth-shattering here, and much of the advice centers on changes that most people will simply be unwilling to make.
April 26, 2024
3.5
One big advice in this book is to no take yourself too seriously.
You also shouldn't get into this book and try to take it seriously. It's funny, ironic, and casual, without feeling factitious or trying too hard.
It's all stuff you already know. But it's (mostly) good advice and things worth hearing/reading again and again. The fact that it's kinda basic is a plus in my book: I feel like therapy sessions often have a quite basic conclusion as well, but still they help you progress. Not to say this book is like therapy, but sometimes we just need someone else to open our eyes and remind us of something we already knew.
You also get advice on actually applying your knowledge. The chapters are short and not overwhelming at all. But be prepared for the author giving it to you straight, calling you loser from time to time - but also telling you you rock and you got this. It's not a mean book, but an honest one.
There were parts I didn't like or didn't agree with, like how sex focused it sometimes is, or that everyone needs to have a partner and everyone should and can start their own business.
But it was worth my time and it reminded me of some important things, like spending less time online and not caring what others think of me.
One big advice in this book is to no take yourself too seriously.
You also shouldn't get into this book and try to take it seriously. It's funny, ironic, and casual, without feeling factitious or trying too hard.
It's all stuff you already know. But it's (mostly) good advice and things worth hearing/reading again and again. The fact that it's kinda basic is a plus in my book: I feel like therapy sessions often have a quite basic conclusion as well, but still they help you progress. Not to say this book is like therapy, but sometimes we just need someone else to open our eyes and remind us of something we already knew.
You also get advice on actually applying your knowledge. The chapters are short and not overwhelming at all. But be prepared for the author giving it to you straight, calling you loser from time to time - but also telling you you rock and you got this. It's not a mean book, but an honest one.
There were parts I didn't like or didn't agree with, like how sex focused it sometimes is, or that everyone needs to have a partner and everyone should and can start their own business.
But it was worth my time and it reminded me of some important things, like spending less time online and not caring what others think of me.
May 4, 2011
Just started this--so far, it's funny, practical, and sometimes rude. I've been missing the genre of arrogant inspiration since Evbogue went off the deep end. Although this book is considerably less arrogant, it still fills that hole. Plus, fun Britishisms! Anybody know what a spanner is?
...
Quote of the day for yesterday: "Why would you want to make a tit of yourself doing daft shit like that?" (p. 30) (He's not talking directly to the reader on this one, it's a woman on TV's imaginary husband hypothetically persuading her not to try line dancing.)
...
Overall, a light read. Witty and true. I enjoyed it. I'm glad I didn't read much of the accompanying blog--it seems a lot of passages are duplicated there, but they seem funnier in the book somehow. Whether that's due to better editing or not reading at work, I can't say.
...
Quote of the day for yesterday: "Why would you want to make a tit of yourself doing daft shit like that?" (p. 30) (He's not talking directly to the reader on this one, it's a woman on TV's imaginary husband hypothetically persuading her not to try line dancing.)
...
Overall, a light read. Witty and true. I enjoyed it. I'm glad I didn't read much of the accompanying blog--it seems a lot of passages are duplicated there, but they seem funnier in the book somehow. Whether that's due to better editing or not reading at work, I can't say.
March 20, 2013
Feeling down n needing some tough love?
Live not goin well n needs a kick on e butt?
Pick this book!!
It's gonna scold you, gonna smack you, gonna bring you into reality that you! Yes you, is the root of all the problems that you have.
Life is simple, don't take things personally and go get things done! Throw away your TV and lock up your computer and you are good to go.
Sound familiar? This book doesn't offer anything you doesn't alr know.
What it does is serve it up in a silver platter to whack you on the head and makes you get a good hold of your life.
If you think you don't need this book, you are the one needing it the most ~ or that is what e writer believes
Enjoy the ride!
Note, second half of e book is a bit boring but hey, since you are halfway there might as well finish it *evil grins*
Live not goin well n needs a kick on e butt?
Pick this book!!
It's gonna scold you, gonna smack you, gonna bring you into reality that you! Yes you, is the root of all the problems that you have.
Life is simple, don't take things personally and go get things done! Throw away your TV and lock up your computer and you are good to go.
Sound familiar? This book doesn't offer anything you doesn't alr know.
What it does is serve it up in a silver platter to whack you on the head and makes you get a good hold of your life.
If you think you don't need this book, you are the one needing it the most ~ or that is what e writer believes
Enjoy the ride!
Note, second half of e book is a bit boring but hey, since you are halfway there might as well finish it *evil grins*
February 8, 2017
funny, clever and a joy to read. matthew kimberley strikes just the right balance of practical, irreverent and downright crazy. i loved this little book!
December 5, 2011
I won this book through Goodreads' First Reads. I really, really loved this book. I've always hated those self-help books that have these crappy tips on how to help yourself. Half the time they never work, and half the time anyone with a speck of common sense could have worked it out themselves. This book is so sarcastic, and so straightforward that it made me laugh. It's one of those self help books that say things like "What the hell is wrong with you? Stop sitting around and moping and go do something about it", not "Look deep inside yourself". Maybe it's because I don't actually need help, but I really enjoyed this book and I'll recommend it to anyone!
November 16, 2012
A mental kick up the arse is often a good thing. With a hilarious, slightly surreal, but endearingly bossy 'pull your socks up' pile of advice that hammers home the importance of personal responsibility, a bit of self-discipline and common sense in taking a good look at why your life currently sucks or where it could be improved.
Finished this at a fast pace, but am now going back to do some of the exercises. A bit of a mental clear out never hurts, and this is a powerful dose of reality before the arrival of the stressful, or not, Christmas season.
Also, bucketloads of swearing. Enjoy!
Finished this at a fast pace, but am now going back to do some of the exercises. A bit of a mental clear out never hurts, and this is a powerful dose of reality before the arrival of the stressful, or not, Christmas season.
Also, bucketloads of swearing. Enjoy!
May 24, 2020
What’s He Trying to Do?
OK, there are authors like Mark Manson & Co. who use F this and F that, but in Mark’s case he is believable and smart. By contrast, I found Matthew Kimberley’s writing was pretty cocky and was like receiving a constant telling-off. After half the book I just got tried of the tone.
I like mich of the content. His advice is very helpful and clear. And funny. But he just seems to try too hard.
Given his advice included not giving a stuff about what other people think, I’m guessing he won’t care about this. But if you’re looking for a no-bs guide to life, there are better options.
OK, there are authors like Mark Manson & Co. who use F this and F that, but in Mark’s case he is believable and smart. By contrast, I found Matthew Kimberley’s writing was pretty cocky and was like receiving a constant telling-off. After half the book I just got tried of the tone.
I like mich of the content. His advice is very helpful and clear. And funny. But he just seems to try too hard.
Given his advice included not giving a stuff about what other people think, I’m guessing he won’t care about this. But if you’re looking for a no-bs guide to life, there are better options.
November 24, 2011
How To Get A Grip is truly the best no-bullshit self-improvement book you will ever read. You might be wondering who it will help and the answer is EVERYONE! Matt gives a lesson on just about any life issue you can think of and more than likely you are dealing with at least one. They lessons all make sense though because of how everything ties together to make up your life. Although a great deal of the content is common sense, it’s important to get a fresh perspective when you have someone like Matt to remind you of the important stuff that you seem to let slip.
August 12, 2015
"Oh great, another blinking platitude from a book that should have been subtitled 'A Collection of Common Sense.' "
This book is just that, commom sense, pointing out the obvious, stating the stuff we already know.
I'm not one to read self help books but this was loaned to me by a friend who loved it and highly recommended it. It's hillariously written, clear and an easy read.
This book is just that, commom sense, pointing out the obvious, stating the stuff we already know.
I'm not one to read self help books but this was loaned to me by a friend who loved it and highly recommended it. It's hillariously written, clear and an easy read.
February 22, 2015
Stop reading self-help books and read this instead. If you find a need to still read self-help books - rip of their covers and sellotape them onto this book and pretend that it is another self-help book.
March 5, 2013
Concept & ideas: 5 stars
Writing: 1 star
Writing: 1 star
April 8, 2013
Knew there was a reason I stopped following this guy's blog.
January 23, 2014
I liked this book about getting stuff done. It allowed me to postpone getting stuff done for awhile.
May 1, 2014
good book straight to the point ....better than all this ask the universe bullshit ....quick funny read
February 20, 2015
A must-read for any situation life throws at you!
January 8, 2019
It does what it says on the cover, I found this book refreshing, well written that has down to earth honesty, with some humour thrown in! Would recommend over any other self-help book!
May 9, 2014
Awesome eye opener!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews