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

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

When life hits hard—really hard—most of us scramble to survive. But what if you could come out of it stronger, more grateful, and more focused than ever? That’s exactly what Head First by Steve H. Lawton explores.

After a horrific skiing accident that nearly killed him, Steve didn’t just heal physically—he rebuilt his entire mindset around positivity.

But this book isn’t just about trauma or recovery. It’s a story of everyday resilience, the quiet power of attitude, and how small mental shifts can completely change your outcomes, no matter what you’re facing. It’s part memoir, part guide, and all heart.

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, are How to Win Friends and Influence People and Factfulness.

3 Reasons to Read Head First

Book Overview

Most of us don’t think about mindset when everything is going fine. It’s easy to be upbeat when life is on track, your job is stable, and your biggest worry is which Netflix series to start next. But what happens when things fall apart? Like, literally—when your body shatters on impact, your lungs collapse, and doctors aren’t sure you’ll survive the night?

That’s where Head First by Steve H. Lawton begins. And it doesn’t just tell the story of a near-death experience. It’s about what comes after—how choosing a positive mindset, again and again, can shape your recovery, your relationships, and even your purpose.

Steve’s journey starts with a violent skiing accident. One moment he’s flying down a slope, the next he’s unconscious, wrapped around a tree. The injuries are catastrophic. But what sets this story apart isn’t the medical miracle—it’s the mindset miracle. Steve argues that his survival and rapid recovery had less to do with luck and more to do with attitude.

Not the kind of naive optimism that pretends everything is fine, but a practiced, purposeful decision to focus on what went right, to laugh in the middle of pain, and to take recovery one frustrating, wobbly step at a time.

As you follow his story, it becomes clear that this book is more than a memoir—it’s a manual. Each chapter introduces a “Positivity Principle,” pulled straight from the hardest moments of his healing.

There’s the time he had to re-learn how to walk, celebrating every step like a victory parade. Or the moment he realized his reckless push to be “back to normal” was actually setting him back. His wife had to remind him: your recovery isn’t just about you. Your attitude affects everyone around you.

The book takes a turn from personal reflection to practical advice when Steve starts talking about building a “positivity practice.” Not fluffy affirmations or toxic positivity, but daily habits—like meditation, movement, intentional goal-setting, and gratitude—that train your brain to be more resilient.

He leans into neuroscience too, introducing the concept of neuroplasticity to explain how the brain literally rewires itself with practice. That’s what allows people to bounce back—not superhuman strength, but small daily reps of positive thinking.

What’s most powerful is how Steve reframes trauma through the lens of growth.

He introduces the idea of Post-Traumatic Growth—the lesser-known cousin of PTSD—and makes a compelling case that setbacks can actually be the trigger for deep, meaningful change. He went from barely surviving to inspiring thousands through his talks and writing. But he doesn’t pretend it was easy or fast.

There were tears, hallucinations, setbacks, and surgeries. The message isn’t that positive people avoid pain. It’s that they move through it with a different lens.

And that’s where this book quietly shifts your thinking. It’s not about being cheerful. It’s about building an internal foundation strong enough to hold you up when life knocks you down.

Steve’s metaphor of the “bobber” explains it perfectly—your positivity potential is what helps you float back to the surface when you’re pulled under by stress, grief, or disappointment. The more you build it, the faster you rebound.

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

By the end of Head First, it’s hard not to reflect on your own life and think: what am I doing with my bonus year? Or bonus day, even?

Steve didn’t plan to crash into that tree. But when he did, he discovered something that most of us ignore until it’s almost too late—the strength of our attitude might be the most powerful tool we have.

This book reminds you, in the most human way possible, that it’s never too late to start building it.

Chapter by Chapter

Introduction

Steve Lawton opens the book by sharing that his near-death skiing accident in 2014 changed everything—but not in the way you’d expect. After smashing into a tree at 45 mph, doctors weren’t sure he’d survive.

But he did, and remarkably well. Looking back, he credits one thing above all else: his positive attitude. The introduction makes it clear that this book isn’t just about surviving trauma—it’s about how positivity helped him recover and how anyone can use that same mindset to face challenges in life.

He introduces the idea of a “positivity offset”—a kind of mental fitness you build over time that prepares you to handle setbacks when they come. Just like physical training helps your body recover from injury, a consistent positivity practice builds resilience.

Through eight practical principles, Lawton aims to show how your attitude can shape your outcomes, not just in crisis, but in everyday life. This book is his way of sharing that message with the world.

Chapter 1 – Amen Run

Positivity Principle #1: It Happened That Way for a Reason

Steve Lawton’s first chapter takes us back to the exact moment everything changed—a ski accident that sent him crashing into a tree at 45 mph. It was a brutal impact that left him unconscious, bleeding, and wrapped around the trunk, yet somehow, he survived. As terrifying as it was, the heart of this chapter is about what went right. Lawton walks us through a series of tiny miracles that stacked in his favor: he had recently lost 25 pounds, which lessened the trauma; his son and nephew weren’t there to witness the crash; his friend Peter was with him and handled the situation with calm and speed; the ski patrol arrived quickly; and even the way his head and body hit the tree ended up distributing the trauma in a way that likely saved his life.

The principle behind all this is simple but powerful: things happen for a reason. Lawton didn’t arrive at that mindset immediately—it took time and reflection—but eventually he began to see that even the painful parts of the experience had a role in his survival. He shares a practical mental exercise of five questions (like “What went right?” and “What’s your objective?”) to help shift from a “Why me?” mindset to “What now?” This shift in focus, from dwelling on the past to taking action toward recovery, was his first real lesson in positivity. He closes the chapter by reminding us that setbacks don’t define us—our response does. And finding meaning in the mess is often the first step toward healing.

Chapter 2 – Skier vs. Tree

Positivity Principle #2: Focus on What You Can Control

In this chapter, Steve Lawton reflects on the critical moment after his ski accident when his life hung in the balance. After being rushed to the hospital, doctors gave him a Glasgow Coma Score of 3—indicating severe brain trauma. The situation seemed grim, but Lawton’s wife, Deanna, and his friend, Peter, stayed strong. Deanna, especially, had to fight her fears, not knowing whether Steve would survive. Despite the overwhelming and terrifying news, she focused on what she could control—her attitude and the energy she gave Steve, even from afar. This chapter underscores how shifting focus from what’s out of our control to what we can control is vital for staying positive in challenging times.

Lawton shares a powerful mental framework for dealing with life’s overwhelming situations: categorize the elements of a situation into three groups—what you can control, what you can influence, and what’s out of your control. By focusing on the things you can control and taking small actions, you start to regain a sense of mastery over your circumstances. Lawton used this mindset in the hospital, focusing on his recovery goals, his attitude, and his actions. Deanna used the same framework to keep herself and others positive, ultimately influencing those around her to foster an environment of hope. The key lesson here is that, while we can’t control everything, focusing on the controllable things helps us move forward with confidence and purpose.

Chapter 3 – Henrietta

Positivity Principle #3: Learn to Laugh in the Midst of Your Pain

This chapter is all about the healing power of laughter, especially in moments of deep pain and uncertainty. Steve Lawton shares how, even when he was in a critical state in the ICU, he and his loved ones found moments of levity that helped them through the toughest days. The chapter highlights a key moment when Deanna, his wife, noticed the “Fall Risk” wristband on Steve, which was both ironic and humorous given his condition. Laughing at such absurdities became an important coping mechanism. Another significant moment of humor came when Steve regained consciousness and wrote notes asking, “When can I go home?” despite the overwhelming state he was in. This light-hearted questioning of his situation helped lighten the atmosphere, signaling a shift from fear to hope.

Lawton also introduces Henrietta, a rubber chicken given to him by a friend, which became a symbol of humor and joy in the hospital room. Henrietta, although silly and out of place, brought smiles to everyone she encountered, including hospital staff and visitors. Laughter, even in the midst of pain, became an essential part of Steve’s recovery. He reflects on how laughter can reduce stress, ease pain, and create positive energy that supports both physical and emotional healing. Whether it’s a joke, funny videos, or just finding humor in a difficult moment, Lawton emphasizes that laughter is one of the most powerful tools for maintaining a positive mindset, especially during crises.

Chapter 4 – One Foot in Front of the Other

Positivity Principle #4: Small Steps to a Larger Goal

In Chapter 4, Steve Lawton highlights the power of taking small, manageable steps toward big goals, especially in times of hardship. After his severe skiing accident, Lawton focused on the long-term goal of full recovery, but he understood that this would only happen through a series of smaller, more achievable daily milestones. He began by setting short-term goals that would eventually lead him to bigger ones, like moving out of the ICU or getting stronger enough to leave the hospital. Each day, he worked with his medical team to set a new target, such as sitting up, standing, or walking a few steps. The visible progress in his recovery, even if slow, kept him motivated and determined to keep going.

Lawton emphasizes that breaking down larger goals into smaller steps is not just a strategy for recovery but for life in general. Whether you are facing a physical setback, financial challenge, or career obstacle, taking it one step at a time helps you stay focused and makes the process less overwhelming. Even when setbacks occurred—like a pulmonary embolism that sent him back to the ICU—Lawton focused on what was within his control: his attitude. He accepted the setbacks, adjusted his goals, and kept taking small steps forward. This principle shows that achieving big goals is possible if you commit to consistent progress, one small step at a time.

Chapter 5 – Ziplines and Light Bulbs

Positivity Principle #5: Know When and Where to Push Yourself

In Chapter 5, Steve Lawton dives into the challenge of knowing when to push yourself and when to hold back, an issue he struggled with during his recovery. After being released from the rehab hospital and returning home, Lawton was eager to regain his normal life and pushed himself to the limit. He walked, exercised, and even did memory puzzles, but as his progress slowed, he found it difficult to accept the gradual pace of recovery. He describes his tendency to go too far, as seen in instances like climbing a ladder to change a light bulb despite being warned against it. This desire to act before being fully ready became a recurring challenge for him.

Lawton reflects on the importance of respecting boundaries while also pushing yourself to grow. He recounts how Deanna, his wife, often reminded him of his limits, especially when he was impatient with his healing. His story highlights the fine line between pushing yourself to improve and risking setbacks by ignoring those limits. He also shares an example of how he tried ziplining in Costa Rica months earlier than recommended, showcasing his natural inclination to test boundaries. The lesson here is clear: personal growth requires balance. It’s about knowing when to push forward and when to step back and rest. Lawton emphasizes that listening to your body, consulting trusted advisors, and making incremental progress are key to safely achieving your goals.

Chapter 6 – It’s Not Just About Me

Positivity Principle #6: Invest Positivity into Your Network

In this chapter, Steve Lawton discusses the importance of investing positivity into your network, a key principle he discovered during his recovery. After his accident, Lawton realized that his actions, words, and mindset didn’t just affect him—they had a ripple effect on everyone around him. He shares how his wife Deanna reminded him that his decisions, like climbing a ladder while still injured, didn’t only impact his health but also those who cared about him. This wake-up call led him to shift from a self-centered focus to considering how his actions and mindset influenced others. Lawton emphasizes the power we all have to create positivity or negativity in our network through everyday interactions.

Lawton reflects on how, unknowingly, he had built a strong network by living by the motto: “Everyone who comes in contact with me will be better off as a result.” By genuinely helping others and contributing to their lives, he had cultivated goodwill and a supportive network. This principle is about giving without expectation—helping others not to gain favors, but simply because it’s the right thing to do. Lawton found that, during his crisis, the people he had invested in returned that positivity in abundance, offering not just physical help but emotional and spiritual support. He encourages readers to actively invest positivity by smiling, giving genuine compliments, expressing gratitude, volunteering, and recognizing others for their contributions. The more positivity you invest in your network, the more it boomerangs back, benefiting both you and the people around you.

Chapter 7 – Get Your Head Right First

Positivity Principle #7: Creating a Positivity Practice

In Chapter 7, Steve Lawton addresses how to maintain a positive mindset even in the face of setbacks, and how creating a daily positivity practice can help. He shares his own struggles during his recovery, particularly when faced with the pulmonary embolism that set him back just as his recovery seemed to be progressing. Despite the disappointment and frustration, Lawton emphasizes that the key to overcoming these moments is not to get stuck in a “Why me?” mentality. Instead, the goal is to quickly shift to “What now?” He explains how this mental shift allows you to accept the situation, work through the emotions, and focus on the steps forward.

Lawton advocates for a structured morning ritual to “get your head right” at the start of each day. This practice involves a combination of meditation, setting intentions, exercise, and journaling. He shares his own routine, which he calls his “positivity practice,” as a way to boost mental clarity, physical strength, and emotional resilience. By starting each day with a calm mind, intentional goals, and gratitude, he found that he was better equipped to face challenges and stay on track with his recovery. The chapter underscores the importance of consistency and effort in building a mindset that helps you stay positive, even when life throws unexpected challenges your way.

Chapter 8 – Post-Traumatic Growth

Positivity Principle #8: Embrace Growing Pains and Learn from Your Struggles

In the final chapter, Steve Lawton shares the most profound lesson of all—how pain and struggle can lead to growth. He opens up about a terrifying period of ICU psychosis, where hallucinations blurred the line between reality and fear. These episodes—some amusing, others deeply disturbing—became one of the toughest parts of his recovery. But even through that darkness, he emerged stronger, eventually recognizing that his experience was an example of what psychologists call “Post-Traumatic Growth” (PTG): the idea that people can come out of trauma with greater clarity, purpose, and strength. Lawton found this concept in a TED talk and realized he had unknowingly lived through it.

He explains that his recovery was helped by a foundation of mental, emotional, social, and physical resilience he had built throughout life. Drawing from neuroscience and real examples, he shows how practices like journaling, expressing gratitude, investing in relationships, and challenging yourself mentally all build what he calls your “positivity potential.” He uses the metaphor of a fishing bobber—when life pulls you down, your positivity potential determines how quickly you bounce back. The bigger your “bobber,” the more buoyant you are. Lawton closes by reminding us that you can build this mindset over time, and that setbacks, though painful, often hold the key to a deeper version of yourself.

4 Key Ideas from Head First

6 Main Lessons from Head First

My Book Highlights & Quotes

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

Conclusion

In a world that often glorifies hustle and perfection, Head First offers something more real—and more useful. It reminds you that life’s hardest moments don’t just break you; they reveal what you’re made of.

Whether you’re bouncing back from a personal challenge or simply trying to show up better each day, this book gives you the tools and inspiration to build a mindset that works for you, not against you.

And the best part? You don’t need a near-death experience to start—you just need to take the first step.

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