Book Review: Win or Learn by Harlan Cohen

Win or Learn: The Naked Truth about Turning Every Rejection Into Your Ultimate Success by Harlan Cohen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a quick read and a great one to get the year started on with a positive outlook. Some of my favorite pages are where the author addresses giving yourself permission to create, change or experience meaning in life, the fact that change is uncomfortable, and of course, the universal rejection truth, which, the earlier we can all wrap our minds around, will serve us well. Most importantly, asking for help isn't a sign of weakness but one of strength. Five concise chapters to take you through the process and some questions and exercises at the end of which - recommend the exercises and the book. I believe the author mostly writes with the student population/college crowd in mind but this one's great for an older audience just as well.

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(Image:Ruksana Hussain)

​You cannot fail in 2021, says New York Times bestselling author Harlan Cohen in his new book, Win or Learn: The Naked Truth About Turning Every Rejection into Your Ultimate Success. Sharing his new take on New Year, New You, he has one simple message as we look forward to a new year - You cannot fail. You can only win or learn. He lays the framework for identifying your wants, taking the risks necessary to pursue them, and finding success no matter the outcome.

Appreciated his tips on giving yourself permission to want something, getting comfortable with the uncomfortable, the Universal Rejection Truth, finding your three Ps (you’ll learn what that is when you read the book), telling your story, and when to celebrate, reflect and repeat. Cohen has authored seven books and spoken at high schools and college campuses on the topic of navigating change. Given he’s a leading expert on social and emotional learning, leadership, grit, resilience, college readiness, he’s probably a good resource to pay attention to!