In an era that esteems promiscuity, machismo and a lack of sensitivity as being some of the trademarks of a “Man”, Mark Johnson (a born again chief psychologist at Central Jail complex USA) through “How to succeed where strong men fail” has sought to dispel the myth that is society’s stereotypical perspective of how a man ought to be or behave. The main focus is the murky waters of Man and emotions. Mark wants us to know that the only real identity a man has is in Jesus Christ and draws comparisons from the life of Samson the Nazarene.

With a mixture of short real life stories about men Mark had encountered in the course of counselling and indeed issues that challenged his life, this book really left me in awe, immediately prompting a conscious analysis as to how much of my life, actions and choices are in effect “role play” or knee jerk reactions in a bid to confirm to a behavioural script I have inherited growing up in this generation.

In truth, the initial analysis and comparison of Samson to the cliché alpha male isn’t completely accurate or convincing with the main argument being that Christ designed Samson for a purpose and used him as an instrument of Judgement. Having said that, chapter 3 commences the journey through understanding men and our innate carnal longings; separating Bravado from Christ-centricity.

My Verdict: A must read for every Man who wishes to discover himself as God intended him to be..

Dr Johnson states in the first chapter that confidence is a journey so cruise along with me while I tell you all about it.

The book defines confidence and implies that confidence has nothing to do with your personality but it is an inward assurance about who you are, why you are here and so you do not need to prove yourself to no one. The book is broken down into manageable chunks for you to read over thirty days, with exercises at the end of it.

Chapters include The Success Triangle, How to reset your mind set, and developing the heart of a Champion. The book has several confidence coaching keys some of them are:

• Confidence determine your altitude in life

• Overcoming rejection is one of life’s greatest feats

• What you focus on you will naturally move towards.

• Invest in your most valuable asset –YOU!

• Never give up on your dream!

The Confidence Makeover is an inspiring book, it’s one of those books you need to go through several times so you can apply the principles.

My Verdict: You need a copy of this in your library. Highly recommended.