06/24/2024
This ineffectual guide from former sports agent Fletcher (The Energy Clock) expounds on how readers can become “the best version of yourself” by gaining confidence, reevaluating their mindset, and improving their time management skills, among other strategies. Athlete anecdotes complement the advice, as when Fletcher encourages readers to replace “I can’t” with “I can” statements in their self-talk, and describes how severe self-criticism almost led pro soccer player Carli Lloyd to quit the sport in her late teens. Asserting that strengthening professional relationships requires acting in ways that advance the other person’s values and goals, Fletcher recounts how after signing Detroit Tigers pitcher Mike Maroth, she discovered he was a devout Christian who cared more about serving others than wealth, leading her to focus on securing partnerships with like-minded nonprofits rather than lucrative sponsorships. Curiosity motivates learning that in turn opens new opportunities, Fletcher contends, but her suggestions to foster inquisitiveness by seeking new perspectives and asking open-ended questions are too obvious to be helpful. Elsewhere, Fletcher emphasizes the importance of taking back one’s time, but her discussion of building relaxation breaks into her own speaking engagement schedule has limited applicability to readers who aren’t self-employed. Filled with guidance that’s by turns impractical and unsurprising, this falls flat. (Sept.)