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Book cover of Best Self by Mike Bayer — critical summary review on 12min

Best Self

Mike Bayer

11 mins

An easily digestible and interactive book, “Best Self” by Mike Bayer, known to most Americans simply as Coach Mike, distills most of his wisdom into a compact, focused guide that aims to stimulate anyone’s desire for change. Revolving around Coach Mike’s trademarked screening tool, the SPHERES, “Best Self” is a simple, all-around manual for designing a happier and more fulfilling life.

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Who it is for

Best suited for people who aren’t happy with how their lives have panned out but don’t know where they’ve made mistakes or how they should mend them.

Key Insights

The Power of Self-Awareness

In 'Best Self,' Coach Mike emphasizes the importance of self-awareness as a foundational step towards personal growth. By understanding your behaviors, motivations, and emotions, you can identify patterns that may be holding you back from achieving your full potential. The book encourages readers to engage in honest self-reflection using the SPHERES tool, which encompasses different facets of life such as social, personal, health, education, relationships, employment, and spiritual aspects. This comprehensive self-assessment helps individuals pinpoint areas that require attention and improvement, ultimately paving the way for meaningful change.

Creating an Actionable Plan for Change

Coach Mike's 'Best Self' not only inspires readers to envision a better version of themselves but also provides practical steps to translate that vision into reality. The book guides readers through creating a personalized action plan by setting specific, realistic goals tailored to their unique needs and aspirations. By breaking down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks, individuals can maintain momentum and track their progress more effectively. This structured approach ensures that the journey towards self-improvement is both achievable and sustainable, enhancing motivation and commitment along the way.

Embracing the Journey of Self-Improvement

A key insight from 'Best Self' is the recognition that self-improvement is an ongoing journey rather than a destination. Coach Mike encourages readers to view challenges and setbacks as valuable learning opportunities that contribute to personal growth. By fostering a growth mindset, individuals can remain resilient in the face of obstacles and continue to evolve over time. The book highlights the importance of celebrating small victories and maintaining a positive outlook throughout the process. This perspective not only helps individuals stay motivated but also enriches their overall experience of becoming their best selves.

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About the Author

Mike Bayer, better known as Coach Mike, is an American personal and life development coach. He is the Founder and CEO of CAST centers and the creator of the CAST Foundation. He also has his own podcast, “Always Evolving With Coach Mike Bayer,” and is a member of Dr. Phil McGraw’s advisory board.

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Lessons

  • How to discover your Best Self and your Anti-Self
  • What the five tenets of change are
  • Why Coach Mike prefers to write the word SPHERES in all caps.

Key Takeaways

  • Utilize the SPHERES tool to identify key areas of life needing improvement and create actionable plans for personal growth.
  • Embrace change by setting realistic goals and taking gradual steps towards becoming your best self.
  • Focus on holistic well-being by addressing multiple facets of life, such as emotional, physical, and social health, to achieve overall happiness and fulfillment.

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