The Skinny on Willpower: A Weight Loss Book for Gen. Y

By Kelly Turner on September 4th, 2009

• Share
• Link to StumbleUpon
• 5 Comments

Jim Randel has co-written a new book to add to his The Skinny On series, The Skinny On Willpower.

The Skinny On series is formatted specifically for Generation “Y” learners. The format stems from Japanese Manga literature, which is similar to comic book blocks, and provides quick, snap shots of information in short little narratives between stick people. In the age of text messages, instant messages, twitter and Internet on our phones, it is clear that we are not a patient society. We want to know what we want to know when we want to know it – and that’s all there is to it.

Its sounds pedestrian, but that’s the point. The Skinny On series acts under the assumption that you are busy, short on time, and want reliable information fast. These books provide just that – short scenarios that teach just what you need to know, and nothing else. This style of writing has the potential to come off condescending and insulting to your intelligence, but is actually done in a respectful, enjoyable manner.

This book, The Skinny on Willpower: How to Develope Self Discipline, is meant to increase self-discipline, stick to commitments, block out negative thought and achieve your goals. Willpower is a word we often hear with diets and weight loss, and that is the primary focus of the situations in the book, but this book can be used in any part of your life.

I read the book, and enjoyed it. The stick figures are cute, it flows well, and is easy to follow. There is a little bit of humor, with Billy and his despair over his addiction to marshmallows, and tiny Jim Randel himself that pops up at inopportune times with helpful information for other characters, and it adds a little more fun to the format. 

Generally, I’m not a big supporter of  the “weight loss takes willpower” mantra (I think weight loss takes planning and knowledge) but this books covers all of that, whether it is speaking of dieting directly or building a business plan - like how to handle situations where people are trying to derail you, how to set up an environment for success, how to keep your eye on the prize and how to take calculated steps towards your goals.

I do, however, find it slightly amusing that a book on developing self discipline is written in a format that you don’t have to sit down and read for more than 5 minutes at a time, but I guess those are the kind of people that need it most.

If you have tried every other kind of dieting book out there to no avail, or just want a quick read to get some tips on how to reach your goals – pick up The Skinny on Willpower. What do you have to lose – besides 30 minutes of reading?