The Success Lie: 5 Simple Truths to Overcome Overwhelm and Achieve Peace of Mind

Bruland, cofounder of the leadership development company Legacy Leader, presents her formula for attaining success in business and personal life in her approachable yet simplistic debut. Part how-to guide with activities and worksheets and part pep talk, Bruland’s work is divided into short chapters that frequently focus on practices that can become forgotten during a busy working life, such as prioritizing goals, saying “no” more often, and making the most of negative situations. She presents activities and charts that allow readers to assess their values and better understand what they are grateful for. Bruland’s most convincing sections cover the importance of self-care, evaluating regrets, and “intentional calendaring,” where one plans family and personal events before creating a business calendar. However, the quick transitions and reliance on aphorisms give the book a haphazard feel, while some of Bruland’s statements, such as “don’t fall victim to circumstances” or “you have the power to remove personal barriers,” come with little context or follow-up and will make her advice seem unrealistic to some readers. Readers looking for a structured approach to attaining goals will appreciate Bruland’s clearly plotted activities and helpful reminders for staying on the path to success. (Apr.)