Wow! I consider myself to be a Nerd, Egg Head, Geek or whatever you call a smart guy who likes dorky stuff to be these days. I like a combination of weird things, I keep thinking about the ultimate poster that would be Chewbacca holding a sonic screwdriver sitting on Captain Kirk’s chair saying “Up, up and away!” while wearing a 49er’s football helmet. If someone wants to Photoshop that together it would awesome, plus you can give yourself +10xp because it’s probably something you’ve been meaning to do anyway. After that, ready this book for unique take on self help and will power.
52 Weeks of Book Reviews. Week #23 – The Nerdist Way: How to Reach the Next Level (In Real Life) by Chris Hardwick
This book is entertaining. Chris is witty but for my sense of humor I could only take him in short bursts. He’s snarky and tends to have conversations with himself which can indeed be endearing, it also lends itself to the playful nature of Chris’ delivery. The book attempts to make success a game and to trick yourself into feeling those same endorphins as when you play a video game and just want to keep going. I can remember telling my dad that I just needed one more minute to defeat whatever level I was on in Super Mario Bros 3. I’d spend every minute I could trying to beat that game and every level felt like a major accomplishment.
I see the allure of giving yourself that feeling when you master a real life event or hit a real life milestone. That feeling encourages you to push further, to do more, to try one more time. Chris has a unique blend of tactile and tech solutions to the issue of translating video game success to life success. He recommends a regular old science notebook and a hand scoring method in order to make this work. I’d assume that there would be an @Nerdist app he’d be pushing. There very well may be that app available, but if not someone should make it. Just input your goals and track them on your phone. Brand it as Nerdist, partner up and you’ll have some loyal followers who will automatically download.
Chris also talks about calendars and email maintenance and there is a lengthy section on personal training and health care. I get it. Whenever New Year’s resolutions roll around there are always a multitude of exercise and personal weight goals. Your body is important so make it a priority, it just doesn’t resonate with me right now. I like the book, but it wasn’t my favorite. I’m a geek but I haven’t gotten the bug to micro track my progress and make mini goals. I do see the value of habits though and if these small habits create long term change for the better in people, then this book has achieved a victory.
Leave a Reply