It Takes What It Takes: How to Think Neutrally and Gain Control of Your Life

I really wanted to like this book. However it was just story after story , with no practical application or education on how to implement neutral thinking. I read his fathers books and have great respect for this kind of work - training the mind to influence and create a better life. I was surprised to find myself at the end of the book. Every new chapter I started, I was hoping would be the one that got into more detail on the how to’s, etc. Multiple anecdotes do not a book make, unless it’s an autobiography. Very disappointed!

"It takes what it takes" struck me as a self-evident and hollow platitude, yet it turns out to be an apt description for what was to come.There's nothing new here, rather an amalgamation of cliches you've already heard if you've read any of the self-improvement genre.Also, this is a "bro" book, perhaps best read in conjunction with a Tucker Max book(?). It wasn't particularly off-putting to me, but it did detract from how serious I took the author.What I definitely found lame was the amount of shameless and irrelevant name dropping. The author wants you to know he knows people -- and he and Russell Wilson are BFFs.Overall, this book isn't awful, but it's far from great. There are some good reminders about filtering out the negativity and not letting the past taint the present and it's quick enough to be a painless read, Though I don't believe there's enough return on investment that I'd recommend it.Maybe his writing/speaking style may resonate to encourage you. If it does, then I hope this book finds you.

I heard the author on a radio interview and was interested in the book. BUT I was VERY DISAPPOINTED in the book. No substance. I have read HUNDREDS of non-fiction book, and this one had WAY too much "me" and "I" in it, describing himself. I never did figure out WHAT his actual topic was. The reviews that rave are obviously written by those who are marketing this book.

You know those people who write long facebook posts, bragging about every detailed accomplishment of their kids? In addition, their common quote that they tell their kids “listen to what I say, but don’t copy what I do.” Well, thats what this book is. A long facebook post about all his kids (clients) and how well he mentally trained them. I was actually really excited for this book. I was stoked to see he had an interview with Ed Mylett, who I respect and trust for book recommendations when it’s talked about on his podcast. I had my notepad, different colored pens and highlighters ready to go, as I read! Super disappointed to see that this was not a practical/application book even though it’s labeled in the self-help genre. There were some good take aways, but you have to dig it out from the fluff that was suffocating it. Overall, this does not take away from the success and great work Trevor Moawad has done in his lifetime and will continue to do. However, in this moment, being an author is not one of them. He still got my money and it’s still going to my personal library in case any of my family might enjoy it. Sidenote: His choice of material for the cover of the hardcover book is top tier.

MS's review is spot on. I will try not to be redundant.I eagerly awaited the release of this book but was very disappointed after I read it;The main focus of the book was not to provide you with practical tools and tips to improve your performance in sports and life but to give a long narrative on who he knows. In other words, fluff. If you want books that focus on improving your sports performance and/or life, read books by James Loehr, Jason Selk, Alan Stein , Denis Waitley, etc.Fortunately, I was able to receive a refund from Amazon. Thank you Amazon!

I found it made me uncomfortable when listening to the audio book especially at Chapter 5 when the reader was saying "4 letter" words throughout the chapter. In my opinion it seemed contradictory to the message that the author is trying to get across and rather juevenile. Just my bias.

There’s a lot to say about this book by Trevor Moawad. As a mental trainer myself, I can say that his work and methods have been highly practical and effective for me.What I appreciate about “It Takes What it Takes” is that it’s proven and practical stuff. While some reviews are critical of his lack of “white paper research” or lack of quotations from psychology journals, I can say first hand that there is an abundance of fluffy pseudoscience that passes for psychology these days. In fact, I’ve read dozens of sports psychology articles that I couldn’t believe got published in a reputable journal. Also, the pop-psychology that is passing for legitimate psychology is embarrassing. In fact, many people who call themselves “sports psychologists” are not. They are people with psychology degrees that say they’ve majored in some type of sports related, tangential field, but, the most have had very little actual “mental performance” training. In fact I know many “sports psychologists” who simply have had nothing more than a psychology degree. It’s the industry’s dirty little secret. So, for all the “lack of research” bashing, I’d be cautious about that. To be fair, there are many fantastic and reputable sports psychologists and their work is outstanding.The ultimate compliment is to be invited back again to speak and work with an organization because of your effectiveness. It’s clear that Trevor is “striking the chord” with many teams, programs, coaches, and players. I’ve heard him speak and heard coaches dialogue about his work glowingly at the collegiate and pro levels.While his use of some foul language might be a turnoff to some, and that’s fair, the challenge to be consciously aware of our mindset is very helpful.I’d have to say my 2 favorite aspects of the book were:1. The practical mindset challenges and shifts that can take place in us. He does a great job of building those out (negative/neutral/positive).2. Trevor’s transparency about some major, challenging events of his life. The moments he got personal gave meaning to the concepts because he lived them out himself. I respect those leaders who walk the talk.Overall, while I hear some of the criticisms, the value of this book far outweighs the criticisms. Definitely worth the read. It would be hard to NOT get some very long-term, practical tools to live and perform by in this book.

I had high hopes for this, and it got off to a good start, however it quickly turned into a one-trick pony - basically, 'work the problem'. Padded with a lot of name-dropping examples which will mean nothing to a British audience, it needed a lot more on how to develop the mindset to be useful. His dad sounds like he was a cool guy, though.

very useful! full of knowledge

Very good ,easy to read with simple well thought out idea's that get you thinking.Would definitely recommend.

I got a lot of value out of the book, and while I appreciate any supporting data, I really enjoy the anecdotal stories along the way.The author and the people in his book are *human*. Humans are flawed and influenced by their own thinking. No one in this book is presented like some mythical master of execution who are unscathed of challenging experiences, mistakes, and negative emotions.I'm former military. Simple gets done. I appreciate the brevity of this book. Sure, there isn't a perfectly laid out step by step process like other books might offer. But if you read/listen you will be able to quite easily distill the necessary steps yourself.I read all the low scoring reviews - I think people are looking for some sort of hard strategy with all the moving parts. It's just not there. The low review are judging a fish for its inability to climb a tree.Success doesn't have to be complicated, simple gets done.Trevor, thank you for exercising the courage to put your thoughts and ideas onto paper, and for recording the audiobook - I have both. Believe me when I say your work is making a difference in the lives of people you don't know, who you'll never meet. Grateful.

Many of the concepts in this book sound like things I’ve heard before. But I haven’t seen them in one organized place like this and presented in an organized way that can connect them. Lots of people talk about one or the other of the concepts in here. This book connects the dots.