The First Rule of Mastery

Stop Worrying About What People Think of You

De: Michael Gervais, Kevin Lake - contributor

Narrado por: Michael Gervais

High-performance psychologist Michael Gervais presents a groundbreaking guide for overcoming what may be the single greatest constrictor of human potential: our fear of people's opinions (FOPO).

FOPO shows up almost everywhere in our lives—and the consequences are great. When we let FOPO take control, we play it safe and small because we're afraid of what will happen on the other side of critique. When challenged, we surrender our viewpoint. We trade in authenticity for approval. We please rather than provoke. We chase the dreams of others rather than our own. But it doesn't have to be this way.

In The First Rule of Mastery, Michael Gervais shows us that the key to leading a high-performance life is to redirect our attention from the world outside us to the world inside us. He reveals the mental skills and practices we need to overcome FOPO—the same skills he's taught to the top performers in the world, including sports MVPs, world-renowned artists and musicians, and Fortune 100 leaders and teams. Filled with fascinating stories from the worlds of sports and business, leading-edge science, and insights from the frontier of human performance, The First Rule of Mastery is a much-needed wake-up call that when we give more value to other people's opinions than we do our own, we live life on their terms, not ours.

©2023 Michael Gervais (P)2023 Ascent Audio

Practical advice

This book really resonated with me. I loved how the concepts have been explained in a relatable manner, and advice on how to live a more meaningful life.

Thought provoking

Gervais does an excellent job of providing a perspective on how to live a more meaningful life. His references are current (as of 2024) and his tone is serious, while still being approachable Would enjoy a deeper dive into some of the topics and will likely seek out his podcast. Thanks Michael.

Truly wonderful book

Gervais addresses fear of other peoples opinions in a refreshing, authentic, and perhaps surprising way. He encourages the reader to find their authenticity, live by their purpose and values, and at the same time, become more connected, and more concerned about the well-being of others. This definitely will get another listen.

No Mo’ FOPO

I learned of Michael Gervais and his work during my time at Microsoft (Satya Nadella is a big fan which should tell you something). Other Gervais aficionados include Pete Carroll and his 2014 Super-Bowl-winning Seattle Seahawks.

Over the course of several weeks I participated in a series of online courses and exercises designed by Gervais and his team to develop a High Performance Mindset.

The First Rule of Mastery contains many of those same lessons condensed into a short, easily digestible format. You’re getting a bargain here.

I loved listening to The First Rule of Mastery in Michael’s own voice. If you’re not already, you should be following Gervais on LinkedIn and YouTube.

Recommended for fans of Carol S. Dweck, Charles Duhigg, Brendon Burchard, and Ryan Holiday.

So many revelations

What’s one thing we all have in common? The need for acceptance from others. This book is the most delightful surprise I have had in a long time. A must read/listen!

FOPO

As a coach, I could relate to what is important. Live like you are dying. Minimize regrets along the way. Use the screen to let in positive opinions. Set your table of who you can trust.

Do you

This reinforces my belief that I’m heading in the right direction at a challenging time in my life

End of life FOPO

The greatest regret at the end of people’s lives was living for the approval of others. When the party is almost over, you will question why you gave others so much power in your life. Fear of other people’s options. FOPO.

Unexpected Wisdom

I was curious how FOPO contributed to Mastery and this book delivers a powerful answer!

Cutting to the chase.

This book did a wonderful job of getting to the essence of life. Great job, teaching and giving examples of concrete exercises to help one gain clarity on what is truly most important.