NF

56539

Scott Hamilton: I've known for a long time how much work goes into training to be at the elite level of figure skating (and I admire those who can do it). I've always seen Scott Hamilton as a kind, positive person (so in a sense, it is good to know that he has his off days where he's not so positive--that he is just like all of us). I was saddened when I heard he had cancer (the first time)--and a bit surprised that he picked Cleveland Clinic for his treatment. (I didn't realize he'd grown up in Bowling Green, OH at the time where he'd probably heard of the Cleveland Clinic.) I admired that he went through the treatment for that and returned to competitive skating at the pro level. Having gone through my own cancer battle, I admire him even more for that. I LOVE that he is an unapologetic Christian (at least at the time of the writing of this book). Though I miss seeing him skate, I understand his need to stop in light of his brain tumor (that has to be the primary focus of your life while you're fighting it) and his age (where he needs to listen to what his body can safely do). I do hope that he at least skates recreationally because skating was part of his life for so long and as he says, skating was his fitness routine.

I'm not sure that there are any great revelations in this book as far as the steps Scott took or learned throughout his life, but they are presented in a way that may make them click with a certain population that might not be reached by other books with similar messages. I liked the stories of Scott's life and career--someone not as into skating might not appreciate them as much. Someone who's not fought cancer might not appreciate them as much.

For me, it was written in an easy to read style that flowed. Every once in a while there was a leap in the flow that didn't make sense to me but for the most part, it flowed. It was a book I wanted to pick up again to continue reading. ( )

My wife and I heard Scott Hamilton speak at a keynote address at RootsTech. I was very impressed, and wanted to remember what I had heard. So I read this book. He has another book that just came out in February 2018. ([b:Finish First: Winning Changes Everything|35540971|Finish First Winning Changes Everything|Scott Hamilton|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1498794917s/35540971.jpg|56964230])

"Assuming you've read this book chronologically, you've already learned nearly everything you need to know about how to be happy. The only thing left is to apply these principles to your daily life with the focus, discipline, and dedication of a championship figure skater."
"You are the secret to finding happiness. You hold the keys to unlocking the door to a happier life. It's time for you to step into the spotlight." (Page 163)

"Fall, get up, and land your first Jumps
Trust your almighty Coach
Make your losses your wins
Keep the ice clear
Thank positive, laugh, and smile like Kristi Yamaguchi
Win by going last
Learn a new routine" (Page 164)

Eighth, apply what you have learned, and do the work that it take to look at life like an optimist.

"There are a lot of quick schemes out there. Get rich quick. Get thin quick. Get out of debt quick. You name it, and it seems someone is trying to sell us on the idea that we can get things done quickly. But in my experience, anything truly worth having takes commitment to it over a long period of time before you can get it." (Page 173) ( )

Start the New Year with this inspirational read by Olympic champion and cancer survivor, Scott Hamilton. To his adoring fans, Hamilton has always seemed like the most positive person in the world. However, this wasn’t always so. Hamilton has struggled through countess setbacks including childhood illness, cancer, a brain tumor, and personal challenges to come out a winner. By sharing his stories, Hamilton reinforces the idea that happiness is a choice we are faced with everyday. Hamilton describes how through commitment and repetition, anyone can change. In this book, he shares the secrets to combating negativity. Each chapter reveals a step on the road to finding happiness, fulfillment, and a positive attitude.

The Bottom Line: Hamilton is a champion both on and off the ice. Written with honesty and humor, Hamilton shows everyone simple ways to lighten your mood and make a positive impact on others as well. While this book is short and a bit repetitive, I still highly recommend it. Much of what Hamilton writes about is commonsense; however, his use of ice skating analogies makes the material fresh. The ideas are easy to understand and the language is accessible. No matter what stage of life you are in or what challenges you are facing, everyone can benefit from Hamilton’s ideas.

This review also appears at the Mini Book Bytes Book Review Blog. ( )