How to Make Sh*t Happen: Make More Money, Get in Better Shape, Create Epic Relationships, and Control Your Life by Sean Whalen is a straightforward and motivating guide that offers practical strategies for transforming various aspects of life. The book focuses on a framework called the Core 4, which helps readers take consistent action to improve key areas: Body, Being, Balance, and Business. Here’s breakdown of the lessons from the book:
Read: The One Thing
1. The Core 4 Framework
Whalen’s approach is based on a concept he calls the Core 4, which revolves around improving four main areas of life:
- Body: Physical health is fundamental to success. By prioritizing fitness, nutrition, and overall well-being, you can create more energy to tackle other life challenges.
- Being: This is about personal growth and mindfulness. Regular meditation, reading, or spiritual activities help strengthen your mental and emotional resilience.
- Balance: Focus on improving your relationships with family, friends, and loved ones. By giving time and energy to important relationships, you can maintain harmony in your life.
- Business: Whalen argues that financial success and career growth come from setting clear goals, taking action daily, and constantly refining your skills.
2. Daily Action and Consistency
One of the core messages of the book is the importance of taking action every day. Whalen emphasizes that success isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment or plan, but about making decisions and taking intentional steps, even if they’re small. He encourages planning each day the night before to ensure that you wake up ready to execute your goals without hesitation.
3. Focus on Physical Health
Whalen stresses that your physical health is a cornerstone of overall success. By exercising regularly and eating healthily, you can enhance both your energy and mental clarity. A strong body supports a strong mind, enabling you to handle the pressures of work, relationships, and life challenges more effectively.
4. Emotional and Mental Well-Being
In the Being part of the Core 4, Whalen highlights the importance of nurturing your emotional and mental health. Daily practices like meditation, journaling, or personal reflection help you stay grounded and aware of your feelings. This strengthens your resilience and keeps you mentally tough when dealing with setbacks.
5. Improving Relationships
Whalen discusses how maintaining strong relationships with loved ones is crucial for a fulfilling life. He believes that balancing your time between work and personal relationships prevents burnout and gives you a solid support system to rely on.
6. Financial and Professional Growth
In the Business aspect of the Core 4, Whalen advises setting clear, actionable goals for career and financial success. This includes eliminating excuses, finding a mentor, and continuously improving your skill set. He also advocates for reviewing your progress regularly to stay accountable.
7. Eradicating Excuses
Whalen is blunt in his approach to excuses. He believes they are the main reason people fail to make progress. The book urges readers to stop blaming external factors and start taking responsibility for their outcomes, whether in fitness, relationships, or work. This mindset shift is key to creating lasting success.
8. The Power of Morning Routines
Whalen, like many successful individuals, champions the importance of a solid morning routine. He advises that beginning your day with exercise, meditation, or productive habits sets the tone for success. A well-planned morning leads to a more productive day.
9. Embracing Chaos and Challenges
Lastly, Whalen encourages embracing the inevitable chaos that life throws at you. Rather than waiting for life to be easy, he advises building resilience by handling challenges head-on. Every challenge is an opportunity for growth, and the more you face adversity, the stronger you become.
Conclusion
Sean Whalen’s How to Make Sh*t Happen is a no-nonsense guide to taking control of your life by focusing on daily actions in the areas of health, relationships, personal growth, and business. The Core 4 framework provides a simple but effective blueprint for success, emphasizing daily action, personal accountability, and the eradication of excuses. Through consistent practice and a disciplined approach to these key areas, readers can achieve lasting success and fulfillment (Amazon).
