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The Biggest Loser’s Michaels (Master Your Metabolism, 2009, etc.)  crafts a guide to self-improvement and fulfillment.

Imagine. Believe. Achieve. It has been said many times before, yet many people never realize their full potential. Michaels gives advice and motivation for attaining life dreams. The book is general and can be applied to many situations—e.g., losing weight or building a better career. The tone is conversational and familiar, like a friend patting the reader on the back before kicking them in the rear, and questions are often pointed: “Do you keep dating assholes who abandon you or mistreat you?” Michaels’ advice is not new. Anyone who had high-school career day might recall the exercise to “Identify Your Passion” in the first chapter. There are sections at the end of each chapter for readers to offer their own reflections, and a “goal pyramid” is included for organization. The heart of the book lies in Michaels’ enthusiasm. She draws from real-life examples, her own and those of others, to demonstrate her methods and motivate her readers. She acknowledges pain but does not allow it as an excuse. There are tips for breaking free from limitations, especially in chapters like “Get an Attitude Adjustment” and “Stop Selling Yourself Short.”

Though not unique in its revelations, the book offers inspiration for people who are taking those first rocky steps on the road to self-improvement.