While extensive, the guide essentially consists of two main sections covering the core elements that make up personal motivation. The first half focuses on self-efficacy, featuring a four-step process for discovering the personal values individual to you and your life. He argues, “The ultimate epitaph for any person would be ‘(Your name) lived his or her values perfectly.’” The second half walks readers through the elements of self-compassion: self-kindness, mindfulness, and humanity. A summary highlighting key skills and takeaway points is at the end of every chapter, alongside a blank PQ4R (Preview, Question, Read, Reflect, Recite, and Review) page designed to help readers process and retain the information.

Sprinkled with affirmations and thought-provoking questions, New You, Who Knew? breaks down concepts of motivation, self-esteem, and goal setting in friendly, relatable language. Drawing upon over thirty years of professional experience serving underprivileged communities, Edwards maintains that true motivation is personal and “directly tied to what is important to you.” He backs his assertion with scientific research on growth mindset, thought patterns, and resilience. Unlike other self-help guides, Edwards emphasizes the importance of having a set of clear, established boundaries which helps to avoid regrets, while creating a solid foundation for goals and personal development.

Takeaway: This guide to personal motivation emphasizes core values, self-esteem, and compassion.

Great for fans of: Stephen R. Covey, Don Miguel Ruiz’s The Four Agreements .

Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: B
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A