The Adversity Advantage: Turning Everyday Struggles Into Everyday Greatness

by Erik Weihenmayer and Paul G. Stoltz

Book Overview

From the world's foremost blind athlete and a Harvard Business School lecturer comes an inspiring, seven-step program for converting both mundane and dramatic struggles into the kind of fuel that spur personal and professional greatness. Adversity is one of the most potent forces in life. It shapes your character, clarifies your priorities, and defines your path. It can also fuel your greatness. Each of us faces a rich assortment of adversities every...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1439199493
• ISBN13: 9781439199497
• Release Date: August 2010
• Publisher: Touchstone Books
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.4" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Exceeded my expectations

TERRIFIC! Outstanding Book! I'm a great admirer of Erik's, and expected a lot from this book. My expectations were exceeded. Steven Covey's forward puts it into brilliant focus when he says "...the very process of studying this book led me to look carefully at myself with an awareness of how the challenges of my life can be the fuel that will enable me to swim against the stream, against cultural currents, against all forms of adversity inherrent in my most important goals." And further "....has inspired me to develop a greater appreciation for adversity, and to see the mother lode of wisdom and possibilities to be found in adversity...inspired me to be an alchemist, to turn lead into gold". "Inspired" is the operational word. Erik's life is inspiring, and his ability to translate his hard-won experiences into meaningful and positive, constructive, life-changing methods and techniques is his true brilliance and the brilliance of this book. A "must read" for anyone who is seriously committed to personal growth and development.

Everyday Greatness

This book is a powerful testimony to the human aspiration to stretch, grow and have meaning. The combination of real life stories and the body of research tells readers that they too can define their everyday greatness. It is not something that is bought, bestowed, borrowed or created...it comes from within. If you are looking for a recipe for the perfect life without having to do work read something else. If you are looking to set higher standards for yourself, your family and the world around you then this book will leave you laughing, crying and enthused to take on the next challenge!

Insightful, revealing, self-motivating...

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the Adversity Advantage because it drove me to re-examine how I react and respond to adversity in my own life. It taught me some new techniques for dealing with the obstacles I face every day. It's well written, balanced, and doesn't try to beat you over the head with theoretical jargon like many other books. Instead, it provides practical insight that everyone can understand and assimilate. Great job Mssrs. Stoltz and Weihenmayer !!

A very strong and powerful read.

I found the blend of Erik's adventures climbing the Seven Summits and Paul's strong message perfect. I liked being able to relate back to real-life situations through Erik's writing. If there is anyone that turn the impossible in to possible, it is Erik Weihenmayer. So many books of this type lack the true human aspect of dealing with adversity in our lives. I became more focused, more creative, more driven, after reading Adversity Advantage. There is a life-changing message in this book. I highly recommend it.

AWESOME BOOK TO JUMP-START YOUR LIFE

The Adversity Advantage taught me how to take life's challenges and uncertainties and use them to fuel a more purpose-driven life. Erik W. shares incredible adventures from his 7 summits climbs that leave you wanting more. I especially enjoyed the chapter about Erik's descent from 18,501 foot Mt. Elbrus on skis! Paul S. reveals events where corporations have had incredible adversity dumped on them, and by implementing Paul's methods they came out of the adversity in a much greater place than where they had been when the adversity struck. If there is one book to read that will teach you how to succeed in life... this is it.