Book Notes #07: Head First, A Crash Course in Positivity by Steve H. Lawton

The most complete summary, review, highlights, and key takeaways from Head First. Chapter by chapter notes with main ideas.

Title: Head First: A Crash Course in Positivity
Author: Steve H. Lawton
Year: 2016
Pages: 140

On a beautiful morning in Breckenridge, CO, Steve came out of his skis and slid into a tree at 70 km/h… head first.

His massive head and chest trauma, a broken neck, and a broken back should have killed him. 

The surgeon said, “He’s as sick as he can be and still be alive…and he’s going to get worse before he gets better.” 

To simply survive the injuries was remarkable, but the complete recovery is a miracle according to Head First.

In addition to God, his helmet, the doctors, his wife, and his attitude, the real credit might just belong to a giant rubber chicken named Henrietta. Really. A three-foot-tall rubber chicken in a purple polka-dot bikini.

As a result, I gave this book a rating of 8.0/10.

For me, a book with a note 10 is one I consider reading again every year. Among the books I rank with 10, for example, is Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People.

3 Reasons to read Head First

Down to Earth
Insights

Lawton provides real-world examples that make the abstract concept of positivity highly relatable and applicable. The techniques he shares are simple, yet impactful, making it easy for readers to integrate positivity into their daily lives.

A Balanced Approach
to Positivity

Unlike many self-help books that focus on blind optimism, Head First takes a balanced approach. Lawton acknowledges the difficulties and negative emotions we all face but provides actionable ways to respond to these challenges with a positive mindset.

Suitable for All
Areas of Life

Whether you are a leader in a corporate setting, a student, or someone navigating personal challenges, this book offers universal lessons that can improve various aspects of your life—from career growth to personal relationships.

In Head First, Steve Lawton makes an excellent case for the value of cultivating a positive mindset before you encounter a challenge—like an athlete building muscles and stamina that will serve her well when she has to run a race or enter a competition.

The book starts with Lawton’s own story of survival following a life-threatening accident, a pivotal moment that shaped his understanding of how a positive mindset could influence recovery, success, and personal well-being.

Lawton uses this experience as a starting point to explain how positivity isn’t just a feel-good concept, but a crucial tool for overcoming challenges, making better decisions, and maintaining resilience through adversity.

It was a great and easy reading, about a great history! Steve brings 8 proven ways to stay positive in life.

8 proven ways to stay positive:

  1. Everything happens for a reason
  2. Focus on what you can control
  3. Learn to laugh in the midst of your pain
  4. Take smaller steps to work toward a larger goal
  5. Know when and where to push yourself
  6. Invest positivity into your network
  7. Create a personal positivity practice
  8. Embrace growing pains and learn from your struggles

What are the Key Ideas

The Power of Perspective

One of the main ideas of the book is that how we choose to view a situation determines its impact on us. Lawton emphasizes that while we can’t always control what happens to us, we can control how we react. Shifting our perspective from negative to positive enables us to find opportunities in obstacles.

Positivity as a Learned Skill

Lawton stresses that positivity is not an inherent trait, but a skill that can be developed. Through mindfulness practices, gratitude exercises, and self-reflection, individuals can train their brains to respond more positively to challenges and stressors.

Connection Between
Positivity and Success

Lawton draws on research in positive psychology to demonstrate how a positive mindset contributes to better decision-making, enhanced problem-solving skills, and greater success in both personal and professional endeavors. Positivity helps us build resilience, which is key to long-term success.

Emotional
Regulation

The book delves into how positivity helps with emotional regulation. By fostering a positive outlook, we can manage our emotional responses more effectively, preventing negative emotions from clouding judgment and leading to poor decisions.

What are the Main Lessons

Reframe Challenges as Opportunities

One of the main lessons from the book is to look at challenges as opportunities for growth. When faced with a difficult situation, ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” By reframing problems, you build resilience and prevent yourself from becoming overwhelmed by negativity.

Cultivate
Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a key technique that Lawton recommends for cultivating a positive mindset. Mindfulness helps you stay present, manage stress, and avoid reactive, negative thinking. Simple practices like deep breathing, meditation, or even mindful walking can significantly enhance your positivity.

Take Ownership of Your Reactions

Lawton emphasizes personal responsibility in maintaining a positive outlook. He argues that while we can’t control every situation, we can control our reactions. Instead of blaming external circumstances, focus on how you can respond in a constructive, positive way.

My Book Highlights

Allowing negative experiences to teach us something will actually set us up for the successes, victory, and laughter that will come in the future. Experiencing a setback is painful when it happens, but when we overcome it, we become better versions of ourselves.

Invest positivity in your network: Prayers, well wishes, and positive energy; Smile; Compliment someone; Express your gratitude; Recognize someone; Volunteer.

Embrace growing pains and learn from your struggles: Investing in close personal relationships; Learning something new; Solving challenges or problems; Accomplishing goals; Enjoying nature; Helping or giving to others

Steve’s story on Head First will make you laugh and cry, and the 8 practical positivity principles will help you improve your attitude and overcome struggles in your life

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