Paul McGee - How To Have A Great Life; 35 Surprisingly Simple Ways To Success Fulfilment And Happiness

This edition first published 2018

2018 Paul McGee

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: McGee, Paul, 1964- author.

Title: How to have a great life : 35 surprisingly simple ways to success, fulfilment and happiness / by Paul McGee.

Description: First edition. | Southern Gate, Chichester, West Sussex : Wiley, 2018. |

Identifiers: LCCN 2018008700 (print) | ISBN 9780857087751 (pbk.)

Subjects: LCSH: Self-actualization (Psychology) | Success. | Self-realization. | Happiness.

Classification: LCC BF637.S4 .M239 2018 (print) | DDC 158c23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2018008700

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

ISBN 9780857087751 (pbk) ISBN 9780857087782 (ebk)

ISBN 9780857087775 (ebk)

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Cover Design: Wiley

To Matt and Ruffio

with love

The likelihood is that you and I have never met. So, as we embark on what at times will be a deeply personal journey, I wanted to share what's inspired and also shaped and influenced the words you are about to read.

I've been writing books for over 20 years. This is my eleventh and I'm incredibly excited about writing this one, even more so than my previous books. Were I ever to have grandchildren, this would be the first book of mine I'd like them to read. I think it contains some life lessons that I know will be of huge benefit for them to learn.

But I've also struggled in writing this book for one simple reason:

I feel a fraud and a sense of arrogance in doing so.

Why?

Well, I've had to ask myself the question Who am I to write a book called How to Have a Great Life? Am I assuming that your life isn't so great, and that I have all the answers? Can I honestly look back on over half a century on this planet and describe my life as great?

To be honest, I cringe at such a thought. Like many people, my life at times has been a rollercoaster. I've certainly enjoyed some highs, but I've also endured some lows.

So, cards on the table. We're embarking on a journey together, and I hope when it ends you feel it's been a worthwhile, enjoyable, and stimulating ride. But we're doing this together. You and me. I'm convinced youll discover ideas and insights that will enhance your life, and that will bring increased success, fulfilment, and happiness.

But equally, so will I.

We're all on a learning journey together, and the words I write don't come from a place of smug, superior self-satisfaction, but more from a place of surprise that, despite my occasional screw-ups, stumbles, and struggles over the years, I've learnt quite a few things along the way and had some successes too.

I'm genuinely excited by this book because I believe what you're about to read is hugely important. It's about the most crucial topic youll ever explore your life and how to make the most of it. The reality is, whatever our age, gender, culture, or background, we all have similar needs. We all want to be loved. To belong. To have a sense of purpose. And perhaps without even realizing it, we spend the whole of our lives trying to meet and fulfil those needs.

The question is, how can you increase your chances of fulfilling those needs and avoid the potential pitfalls, blind alleys, and possibly even roads to self-destruction?

That's what this book is about.

My own life experience has been wide and varied. I've worked in a job I detested, trained as a probation officer, nursed terminally ill cancer patients, and lost a high-flying graduate management role with a global brand through ill-health. I've also managed 30 women on the economy beef burger line at a frozen food company. If you've never managed 30 women you haven't lived. If you've never eaten economy beef burgers, you're lucky.

I've been running my own business for over 26 years. During that time, I've worked with teachers, entrepreneurs, salespeople, nurses, politicians, Premier League footballers, business gurus, and chief executives.

And during that time, I've learnt this: if theories are great, trust me, experience has been priceless.

And it's many of these life experiences that Ill be drawing on in order to help us discover the insights, ideas, and inspiration required to have a great life.

Youll notice I use stories a lot. Stories stick, and their appeal spans all ages and cultures. Ill be sharing my struggles as well as my successes. My brand of motivation is Mancunian in nature (I was born in South Manchester), rather than Californian. Less ra ra, more reality.

I'm also conscious that, despite many people's desire to develop and improve their lives, they increasingly seem to have less and less time to do so. I'm a huge fan of personal development books, but even I feel somewhat daunted at the prospect of wading through hundreds of pages of small typeface in search of my latest insight or nugget of inspiration.

That's why I've written this book the way I have. It's snack-sized inspiration if you like, but there's no sell-by date. Start wherever you want to start. Read in whatever order you want to. Each chapter is self-contained, but I recognize some will have more relevance to you than others. Some may even seem to contradict others. That's intentional. I want to give you a range of insights, not some black and white, step-by-step guide to success. I deliberately want to offer contrasting perspectives, as I think it's both superficial and unhelpful to take a one size fits all approach to life. So, no single chapter tells the whole story, but each will bring a perspective for you to ponder. My advice is not to race through the book. Take your time. Allow some of the ideas and insights to digest. Share what you read with others. Doing so not only helps to cement what you've read but could also stimulate further thoughts and actions.