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Fail Until You Don't
#1 New York Times Bestseller
The #1New York Timesbestselling author ofBare Bones, host of the marquee morning program“The Bobby Bones Show,”comedian and dedicated philanthropistdelivers an inspirational and humorous collection of stories about his biggest misses in life and how he turned them into lessons and wins.
Bobby Bones is the youngest inductee ever into the National Radio Hall of Fame alongside legends Dick Clark, Larry King, and Howard Stern. As "the most powerful man in country music" (Forbes),he has reachedthe peak of his profession and achieved his childhood dreams. Each weekday morning, more thanfivemillion fans tune in to his radio show.
But as Bobby reveals, a lot of what made him able to achieve his goals were mistakes, awkward moments, and embarrassing situations—lemons that he turned into lemonade through hard work and humility.In this eye-opening book, he’ll include ideas and motivations for finding success even when seemingly surrounded by impossible odds or tough failures. He also includes anecdotes from some of his famous friends—Andy Roddick, Chris Stapleton, Charlamagne Tha God, Charles Esten, Brooklyn Decker, Walker Hayes and Asa Hutchinson—who open up about their own missteps.
Bobby’s mantra is Fight. Grind. Repeat. A man who refuses to give up, he sees failure as something to learn from—and the recollections in this funny, smart book, full of Bobby’s brand of self-effacing humor, show how he’s become such a beloved goofball.
The #1New York Timesbestselling author ofBare Bones, host of the marquee morning program“The Bobby Bones Show,”comedian and dedicated philanthropistdelivers an inspirational and humorous collection of stories about his biggest misses in life and how he turned them into lessons and wins.
Bobby Bones is the youngest inductee ever into the National Radio Hall of Fame alongside legends Dick Clark, Larry King, and Howard Stern. As "the most powerful man in country music" (Forbes),he has reachedthe peak of his profession and achieved his childhood dreams. Each weekday morning, more thanfivemillion fans tune in to his radio show.
But as Bobby reveals, a lot of what made him able to achieve his goals were mistakes, awkward moments, and embarrassing situations—lemons that he turned into lemonade through hard work and humility.In this eye-opening book, he’ll include ideas and motivations for finding success even when seemingly surrounded by impossible odds or tough failures. He also includes anecdotes from some of his famous friends—Andy Roddick, Chris Stapleton, Charlamagne Tha God, Charles Esten, Brooklyn Decker, Walker Hayes and Asa Hutchinson—who open up about their own missteps.
Bobby’s mantra is Fight. Grind. Repeat. A man who refuses to give up, he sees failure as something to learn from—and the recollections in this funny, smart book, full of Bobby’s brand of self-effacing humor, show how he’s become such a beloved goofball.
224 pages, ebook
Published June 19, 2018
715 people are currently reading
3,208 people want to read
About the author
Bobby Bones
7books171followers Bobby Bones (born Bobby Estell) is an American radio and television personality, best known for hosting the nationally syndicated The Bobby Bones Show, originating at KISS-FM in Austin, TX, and for his role as a full-time mentor on American Idol on ABC.
He was the winner of season 27 of Dancing with the Stars with partner Sharna Burgess. He has also written two New York Times best sellers.
He was the winner of season 27 of Dancing with the Stars with partner Sharna Burgess. He has also written two New York Times best sellers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 316 reviews
July 9, 2018
First of all, a warning. If you listen to the Bobby Bones show, you know Bobby can be all over the place with random side thoughts in the middle of another topic. The book is written the same. I found that to be genuine instead of distracting or confusing. Bobby uses real people with real stories and real failures that helped lead them to their successes. The book is very encouraging for those of us reading who just needed a push. IT’S OK TO FAIL. You don’t succeed without failing. I really enjoyed the book.
June 1, 2020
Quick little read for my last day in May. I found this interesting and Informational. Along with some humor he writes good books.
July 7, 2019
I had to edit my stars because I was judging unfairly. This is a self help book. I thought it would have some fun relatable stories but I just felt lectured to. And because I went in reading thinking it was going to be fun interesting stories I wanted to give it 3 ⭐️’s but for the topic of self help it was well put together and easy to grasp. So that gets 5 ⭐️ ‘s
Still very interesting but not entertaining as I was hoping.
Still very interesting but not entertaining as I was hoping.
January 29, 2018
FIRST
I can’t wait to find out why he jumped out of a plane!
I can’t wait to find out why he jumped out of a plane!
September 22, 2018
I'm a huge bobby bones show fan- listen to the show pod cast every day. Unfortunately I didn't love this book. Disclaimer, I listened to it on audible thinking it would be better since I'm used to listening to him. I DNF 3/4 of the way through. It had some good advice but I just found myself bored, and a little annoyed. He is simultaneously self deprecating and self promoting/ patting himself on the back. Some of the advice, all based in his life, is not practical or healthy (work/life balance), which could be a huge reason for his lack of a girlfriend or intimate friendships or a social life. Like saying he doesn't miss work unless he is literally dead- going to work or doing a show when he was literally vomiting and sick with a fever. I guess meaning if you don't do this, you are considered weak? But on the show he gets mad at anyone who shows up with even a sniffle because he doesn't want to get sick. It's not really polite to go to work vomiting and sick with a fever to get everyone around you sick. So, I get the message, I just thought it was a little overboard and his lifestyle reflects that in his personal relationships- he self admittedly has a lot of emotional issues that lead him to be a workaholic which of course will bring great success- but at what cost? I didn't read his first book, and I'm sure a memoir would have been better suited. I was also probably a little annoyed already by all the self promotion on the show about the book.
July 23, 2018
This is nonfiction/self-help. I didn't know who this author was, but I found out a little about him from this book. I listened to the audio and this actually grated on me in the beginning. It felt a little exhausting because he was ALWAYS in high-performance mode. Really....it felt exhausting as I listened to the audio. But when he opened up a little, it felt a little more real. I enjoyed his message, especially the part when he talked about the daily grind. As I listened to this, I thought one of my sons would benefit from this.
June 17, 2022
I was a bit skeptical at first because the intro seemed like a lot of rambling and generalizations. Luckily, it eventually picked up (after about 25%).
I really liked the methods that he presented. It's pretty similar to other books about developing habits but his approach is much more authentic.
There's a lot of time spent on helping to identify your true goals and not just what you "think" your goals should be, or what you "think" you would find pleasing.
Many times we choose goals for the primary basis of telling others that we have that goal but we never put time into it. That isn't a goal or we'd be doing it. This is the grind that he mentions.
If you go for it, and give up or put it off, you probably don't want it enough. If you keep putting in the effort then there's enough passion present to grind for the fight.
A few good questions he brought up: What's really holding you back from this goal? When did you come up with this goal? How long have you had this goal? This is a bit of a reality check.
He gives a good structured way to approach investing time into these goals.
I may or may not have teared up about his personal experience being a waiter and receiving a large tip, but I won't spoil it here. Be prepared!
The section about grind is where I found the most value but repeat is also necessary.
I loved his insight about once you achieve a goal: anything you love can get old if you let it. You still have to keep yourself motivated to enjoy something that you once loved or it fades. You can control how hard you work and how you show up.
Coming back from failure means humility. Assess the situation and repeat the process to find what is and isn't working.
Overall, it's crammed with a lot of great information that can be used on a daily basis for those that may have trouble planning or do not know what direction to go.
I really liked the methods that he presented. It's pretty similar to other books about developing habits but his approach is much more authentic.
There's a lot of time spent on helping to identify your true goals and not just what you "think" your goals should be, or what you "think" you would find pleasing.
Many times we choose goals for the primary basis of telling others that we have that goal but we never put time into it. That isn't a goal or we'd be doing it. This is the grind that he mentions.
If you go for it, and give up or put it off, you probably don't want it enough. If you keep putting in the effort then there's enough passion present to grind for the fight.
A few good questions he brought up: What's really holding you back from this goal? When did you come up with this goal? How long have you had this goal? This is a bit of a reality check.
He gives a good structured way to approach investing time into these goals.
I may or may not have teared up about his personal experience being a waiter and receiving a large tip, but I won't spoil it here. Be prepared!
The section about grind is where I found the most value but repeat is also necessary.
I loved his insight about once you achieve a goal: anything you love can get old if you let it. You still have to keep yourself motivated to enjoy something that you once loved or it fades. You can control how hard you work and how you show up.
Coming back from failure means humility. Assess the situation and repeat the process to find what is and isn't working.
Overall, it's crammed with a lot of great information that can be used on a daily basis for those that may have trouble planning or do not know what direction to go.
September 11, 2020
I still use an old school antenna-operated plug-in alarm clock with an analog radio dial. 98.7 WMZQ is one of the only stations that comes in clearly. Therefore, I've been awakening to Bobby Bones for years. In the radio show and in this book, he's as likable as can be. He reminds me of a younger, less famous version of Ryan Seacrest. They're both talented and over-the-top dedicated to doing well at whatever they dedicate themselves to do.
This book itself is funny, entertaining, and inspiring. I think Bobby has two behaviors that I may duplicate:
1. He write's a message on his lock phone's lock screen. The message changes based on the inspiration he needs for the immediate future. (Example: before he performs, he may write in his lock screen something like "Crush it!")
2. He uses a simple app (called Streaks) to track the consecutive days he completes the things he wants to complete. For example, I want to write every day. I could just do it, or I could just do it plus touch the big button in the Streaks app to show that I wrote and then get the satisfaction to see that I wrote four straight days (or whatever). It sounds absurd, yet I'm sure it works probably by sending good-feeling endorphins to flood into you...and just by touching a button! (Humans are so weird.)
This book itself is funny, entertaining, and inspiring. I think Bobby has two behaviors that I may duplicate:
1. He write's a message on his lock phone's lock screen. The message changes based on the inspiration he needs for the immediate future. (Example: before he performs, he may write in his lock screen something like "Crush it!")
2. He uses a simple app (called Streaks) to track the consecutive days he completes the things he wants to complete. For example, I want to write every day. I could just do it, or I could just do it plus touch the big button in the Streaks app to show that I wrote and then get the satisfaction to see that I wrote four straight days (or whatever). It sounds absurd, yet I'm sure it works probably by sending good-feeling endorphins to flood into you...and just by touching a button! (Humans are so weird.)
April 10, 2018
I received this book as an advanced reader's copy and this book had inspiration to the nth degree. Our community are country music fans and are familiar with Bobby Bones and the work he has done with the Raging Idiots and on his talk show. There were moments where I was hysterically laughing because not because I found the book amusing or funny but in the moment that I totally understand everything Bones went through. Our community also loves inspiring stories so this is the icing on the cake that will sure do well at our library. A fantastically witty read that definitely deserves 5 stars!
February 3, 2019
This is supposed to be a motivational read but all the author does is brag about himself the entire time. I was actually annoyed reading it but determined to finish something I start...
February 2, 2019
Wasn't that great so I didn't finish it. I got the bad taste that he doesn't respect women v much no matter how funny he is about it.
August 2, 2019
The book Fail Until You Don't was an interesting read for me. Before reading this book I had never read a self help book, but it was recommended to me by a few friends. I really enjoyed reading this book. It was interesting to hear the mindset of Bobby Bones who came from so little as a child, to have had so much success in so many different aspects of his life. I really like his motto "Fight Grind Repeat". I believe that if more people would follow this way of looking at life that many people would be happier with their lives. The "Fight" part of the motto I feel tells you if something is worth doing, whether it's a job or anything in life, you have to be willing to fight to get it done. If it's a job you have to fight to get that job, send in a resume', go to an interview or multiple interviews to have a chance to get the job. Deciding to "Fight" for whatever you are interested in is the first step. Next comes the "Grind" step. No matter what you do there will be parts of your job that you may not like, but you always have to work to get better at everything, not just what you enjoy. If you don't "Grind" every day you will become complacent and start to decline in your work. This complacency will cause you to either lose your job, or if you are in a field where you work off of commission then you will not be able to support yourself. The last step "Repeat" means you have to be willing to do it all over again if things do not work out. More often than not you will not succeed or find the perfect job on your very first try. So you need to be willing to repeat the process to succeed and be happy in life.
October 16, 2019
I like listening to the Bobby Bones morning show every morning while I work. I discovered it after going down a rabbit hole of Nashville related things (a place I visited for 24 hours and absolutely LOVED). The guy is just that: a guy. Super normal, nothing super extravagant about him. Just a laid back DJ talking all things pop culture/current events and country music on the radio (a genre that I've been kind of enjoying the last 5 years or so)
This book gives you a lot of insight on his process and what he did in order to be as successful as he is now. I liked this book. The tone was just as if he was talking on his radio show. The things he suggested were not impossible. His perspective on how to look at things was a refreshing thing to take in as well. I love a good success story, especially about a field that I am super interested in.
Now, his lifestyle isn't that of a normal person as he's a radio host for a show that airs at 5AM every day among other things that he commits to. But, if you need a little fire to get you going on goals that you want to achieve, this book definitely motivates you. I'm not big on self help books, and I'm not sure this even qualifies as such. However, I read this very quickly, took away a few things from it, and feel more motivated about my goals that I've been feeling a little inadequate about (ie: right now I am trying to learn German. THAT IS TOUGH and I fail every day with my American accent alone!) But as Bobby Bones says: Fight, Grind and Repeat. Fail until you don't! I can dig that.
This book gives you a lot of insight on his process and what he did in order to be as successful as he is now. I liked this book. The tone was just as if he was talking on his radio show. The things he suggested were not impossible. His perspective on how to look at things was a refreshing thing to take in as well. I love a good success story, especially about a field that I am super interested in.
Now, his lifestyle isn't that of a normal person as he's a radio host for a show that airs at 5AM every day among other things that he commits to. But, if you need a little fire to get you going on goals that you want to achieve, this book definitely motivates you. I'm not big on self help books, and I'm not sure this even qualifies as such. However, I read this very quickly, took away a few things from it, and feel more motivated about my goals that I've been feeling a little inadequate about (ie: right now I am trying to learn German. THAT IS TOUGH and I fail every day with my American accent alone!) But as Bobby Bones says: Fight, Grind and Repeat. Fail until you don't! I can dig that.
January 3, 2021
I really like the mantra "Fight, grind, repeat" because it speaks to those of us who have a dearth of natural talent and have to therefore put in the extra effort consistently in order to see success. I left the book feeling not exactly motivated to do anything specific, but rather encouraged to continue with my current pursuits with doggedness because where talent lacks, perseverance might make up the difference.
You won't find any deep secrets of universal truth. It's not a complicated book and it doesn't reveal anything essentially new. Rather, it is one man's interpretation of what works in this world. It was absolutely written for the masses in that it's a guide for the majority of people who are not the exception to the rule. It was also very entertaining to hear Bobby Bones read it in the audio version because he has a fun accent and an entertaining way of speaking his own words.
You won't find any deep secrets of universal truth. It's not a complicated book and it doesn't reveal anything essentially new. Rather, it is one man's interpretation of what works in this world. It was absolutely written for the masses in that it's a guide for the majority of people who are not the exception to the rule. It was also very entertaining to hear Bobby Bones read it in the audio version because he has a fun accent and an entertaining way of speaking his own words.
July 26, 2018
Storms are never good. They are never fun. They are never wanted. But you get used to dealing with them once you’ve been through a few. The result is, you begin to see that a storm doesn’t have to ruin your entire day. And even if it does ruin a day, it doesn’t ruin a week. Sometimes we need a storm. Storms can be great. Maybe not right in the middle of the high winds and pelting rain. But when it all blows over, you really appreciate the view.
May 4, 2019
I have always had the tendency to read nonfiction books more slowly than fiction, even when I've really enjoyed them. I've blown through this book like it was a novel! I've absolutely loved it! I enjoyed the way Mr. Bones wrote it, full of humor as well as heart. This was exactly what I needed to read at this point of my journey. Fight. Grind. Repeat. Fantastic advice from someone who practices what he preaches.
August 31, 2018
So if you know anything about Bobby Bones - he is all over the place, always! The book is the same way but very entertaining. I did not find it self preachy and yet he shows his own failures along with extremely funny stories to show you things can be good even when they are bad. I enjoyed this book, but I enjoy him.
November 23, 2019
Fight. Grind. Repeat. I had no clue who Bobby Bones is, neither had I heard about his Podcast/show. Found the book from Zappos library links so mostly I expected it to be genuine and inspiring - both conditions were met to some degree. This does not feel like a real book, more like a radio podcast or stand-up comedy show (quite many funny moments). No point in reading it with the goal for new knowledge but a reasonable filler when your brain needs rest from a spread of hardcore theoretical books.
“Even though I think running is a voluntary form of torture, I ended up running ten-mile stretches by tricking myself into it. My method was to find little landmarks, such as trees or signposts, every thirty yards and run from one to another without ever stopping. That’s what I did the whole time, because as soon as I started thinking, I have another fifty-six minutes to run, I was exhausted immediately.�
“truth is we feel like everyone is always watching and judging us. Nope. People just care about themselves. You’ve likely seen someone really botch a presentation or be really nervous speaking in public and never given it a second thought once it was done. Return the favor to yourself.�
“Even though I think running is a voluntary form of torture, I ended up running ten-mile stretches by tricking myself into it. My method was to find little landmarks, such as trees or signposts, every thirty yards and run from one to another without ever stopping. That’s what I did the whole time, because as soon as I started thinking, I have another fifty-six minutes to run, I was exhausted immediately.�
“truth is we feel like everyone is always watching and judging us. Nope. People just care about themselves. You’ve likely seen someone really botch a presentation or be really nervous speaking in public and never given it a second thought once it was done. Return the favor to yourself.�
April 30, 2023
I’ve never heard of him. High energy, positive vibes, push in the right direction, self-deprecating, good stories & examples. If you need a bit of cheerleading, great listen! I didn’t learn anything new personally but he has his own interesting personal story & feels genuine. He’s a comedian and floats from topic to topic in what seems like random tangents. I’m better for listening. Short, fun book. Author narrates.
October 7, 2018
The title of this book sums it up perfectly. It's not a tale of success after success. It's not a Hollywood tale. Bobby tells it like it is. Failed venture after failed venture shouldn't cause you to give up completely.
Everybody needs to read this book. It's real. It's raw. It's inspirational. It's a no bullshit book. Give it a read. You won't regret it.
Everybody needs to read this book. It's real. It's raw. It's inspirational. It's a no bullshit book. Give it a read. You won't regret it.
March 28, 2024
I’m not a fan of self help/ motivational books, but I LOVE Bobby Bones, so I figured I’d give this one a shot. He definitely had a lot of great tips and a lot of humor sprinkled in, which I appreciated, but I realized that I’m still not into self help books�.no matter the author. But, if you love a good self help/motivational book, pick this one up! It’s short and hilarious and full of great advice!
February 27, 2020
More of a self help than a bio, but still.
Using personal stories to illustrate a point.
Pretty entertaining listen.
Using personal stories to illustrate a point.
Pretty entertaining listen.
March 15, 2025
3.5; Bobby bones is so funny and this was full of real life examples and growth sharing
September 30, 2019
I listened to this one on tape. He has a great personality so I enjoyed hearing him tell his story!!
August 7, 2021
I rounded up, but it was more 3.5 stars. It is not a bad book. It's inspiring, it's got great stories and information in it. I just didn't get into it like some of other self help books I've read.
June 8, 2018
Loved the humor in this book. Bobby gives great hints for success through failure. Is open about his own failures and weaknesses and how to overcome. I usually don't like how to books, but this one was ok. Thanks to ŷ
June 7, 2018
Entering and light-hearted for the self-help category.
March 19, 2024
*audiobook*
I love Bobby Bones so this was such an interesting look into his life!
I love Bobby Bones so this was such an interesting look into his life!
May 31, 2018
Bobby's books are so easy to read and relatable. He's a good writer, and writes like he talks- naturally, like you're having a conversation with him. Look for inspiration, laughter, and maybe some tears in this sophomore publication from America's favorite Country Music Radio Host, Bobby Bones!! #BTeam
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May 24, 2018#ŷGiveaway
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