Be Amazing: Discover Your Purpose, Conquer Your Fears, and Fulfill Your Potential

In this cheery guide, Boynton (Begin with Yes) combines real-life stories of unnamed individuals he deems “remarkable” with a step-by-step plan to help readers actualize their own unique version of “amazing.” He asks readers to reconnect with their “spirit blueprint,” or core passions, and then to hone these passions into practical actions. He suggests strategies for reframing negative thinking (such as noticing unproductive language and recasting it in a more positive way) and for taking small steps toward reaching goals (such as charting out a course of action and concentrating on developing “tenacity”). Though Boynton’s message and method are not novel, his question and answer format effectively channels the helpfulness of a personal life coach, even if it can sometimes feel contrived, such as when he begins an answer with “Great question, as usual.” Boynton’s core principles all revolve around “generosity and kindness,” which he believes has a recursive power to uplift, and he offers six character qualities (among them “be as accommodating as possible”) and four steps (including “discover what amazing will look like”) to help move readers toward their goals. Boynton’s focus on practicing kindness and building community make this a welcome addition to self-help works on achieving personal success. (Jan.)