The Achievement Habit

I should have known better...

Any additional comments?

As old as I am, I still sometimes fail to listen to that small voice in my head that screams, "Don't Do It!!!" This was just such a case. I read the reviews for Dr. Roth's book. They were generally positive and some were even enthusiastic. But I came across one well-written review (and I am sorry that I don't have his name to give you as a reference) that really caught my eye. It was spot on. And like the stubborn person I am, I bought Dr. Roth's book anyway. And...I regret it!

I can save you a lot of time by giving you the two major themes of the book...

1. "Doing something is better than not doing something."
2. "I love my platitudes and bumper sticker folksy adages, so here are 12 chapters full of them"

The book fails to meet the lofty expectations generated by that great title. In fact, this book fails to meet any expectations at all. It is a series of random stores and anecdotes. It is Dr. Roth's "I love me...you will too" recitation of many experiences he has had and his observations on life based on his interaction with college students spanning 50 years. Wonderful! This is your life, Dr. Roth! Hardly a roadmap to developing "The Achievement Habit".

As I said, I sometimes don't remember to follow my own instincts. This book was just a series of platitudes so I'll give you one I learned a long time ago that's truly applicable here:
"Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach". I should have remembered this one...

96 of 101 people found this review helpful

Absolute garbage- do not read

I found this book to be completely useless. 11 chapters of very minimally thoughtful stories and anecdotes. Even among the often trite self-help books this one ranks at the bottom

35 of 37 people found this review helpful

Not about an "Achievement Habit"

What disappointed you about The Achievement Habit?

When I finished the book and thought back to fully digest what I had just read, none of it applied to how this book was sold - none of it was about an "achievement habit." It was just a bunch of anecdotes of his time as a higher-up university professor and leader, none of which I could really relate to. (And I imagine most people wouldn't relate, either.) There was very little in the book that he tried to connect to the reader - it read more as a quite dry memoir about his successes. Great, but don't bill this as a book for readers to learn a specific action plan "Achievement Habit" when there was so little that was actionable in it.

What could Bernard Roth have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Give more actionable steps to help your readers relate. There were a few specific exercises near the end, but one of them was meditation, which really could be found in any book.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

The narrator was fine. He sounded as if he could've been the author - a little dry and pedagogical but otherwise not grating in my opinion.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

A little frustration - there are so many self-help kind of books out there, and to "stand out" they market the book to appeal to readers, but the actual substance of the book doesn't match up.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Drivel

Boring anecdotes and a grinding narrators voice. I am an engineer and found very little of value. Stopped listening after 4 chapters.

13 of 14 people found this review helpful

I wish I'd paid attention to the reviews

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone; the ideas in "The Achievement Habit" are poorly organized and even more poorly expressed. I had a hard time listening to the material for more than fifteen minutes at a time, owing to the author's condescending and self-satisfied tone.

What could Bernard Roth have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Tone down his self-regard. I get it, you're a big deal, you make the point of mentioning Stanford and your experiences at least once-per-page. But does every story have to be you putting someone in their place (even if the person being corrected is you, it's always via self-correction. Don't you have anything to learn from anyone else?)

As the other reviewers have noted, the book could have delivered the same material without the, often loosely associated, anecdotes.This may be useful information for someone without much life or work experience, but not for someone who has been through lots of previous self-reflection and growth.

Have you listened to any of Sean Pratt’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

n/a

Do you think The Achievement Habit needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No, please

Any additional comments?

Mr Roth strikes me as one of those persons who's ideas were so influential that they've now become part of the fabric of our times. And he seems to be at that stage where he's not breaking any new ground but isn't ready to cede authority to anyone else.

7 of 8 people found this review helpful

Touchy feely mixed with a few solid suggestions.

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Basically its focus. Remove the unhelpful autobiography and sentiment. focus on practical advice.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Basically actually deliver useful information promised in the title.

What about Sean Pratt’s performance did you like?

He has a pleasant voice and excellent modulation.

Did The Achievement Habit inspire you to do anything?

Yes, avoid the writings of Mr. Roth and consider other titles read by Mr. Pratt.

Any additional comments?

I regret the time I spent listening more than the money I spent.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

An excellent handbook for life

If you have any doubts whether you should spend the full 7 hours and 23 minutes listening to this audiobook, go to the last chapter and listen to it from beginning to end for a summary of everything covered in the prior chapters. This book is worth listening to over & over again.

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Written by an engineer

I work closely with engineer's and this book is dry like talk with engineers. The life stories and lessons are good but the book is tough to listen to for long. I feel this was written for engineers instead of everyone. I hope he writes another book and makes it more exciting while sharing his success/ideas.

8 of 12 people found this review helpful

Be Ready to Shift Your Paradigm

What did you like best about this story?

This is a great book IF you are ready to shift your paradigm of priorities. Real and sustainable achievement happens when you constantly question your priorities, thoughts, and behaviors. This book will be worthless for those looking for a 'specific formula' vice a way to change the way they live their lives.

What about Sean Pratt’s performance did you like?

Sean Pratt's narrative makes it feel like you are listening to an everyday conversation.

5 of 8 people found this review helpful

Audible: First time user

The narrator was very good. A helpful resource and reminder for future reference. A definite must read for anyone who desires to make achieving an individual and group expectation