What's Wrong with Damn Near Everything!: How the Collapse of Core Values Is Destroying Us and How to Fix It

This review is my implementation of Larry's signature value: "Do what you said you would do, when you said you would do, the way you said you would do it." I offered it after my first read of the book and then life happened but it didn't. That's not acceptable to me and doesn't speak rightly of the value I place on Larry's work or person. So Larry, forgive me. Here's the review I promised coming after my second read. It comes with many solid efforts at implementation and even higher regard now.When I need a boot up my backside I turn to Larry Winget and thank him for it! Larry is not for the faint of heart nor does he claim to be. That's why I respect him. I know exactly where he stands and why. I don't always agree with him, but I can count on getting a clearer picture of where I stand and what I need to do to shift my life for the better by being in "conversation" with him. What you see is what you get with Larry, on a page or in person, and if you're willing to engage he's right there with you.Civil discourse has become nearly non-existent, traded for finger pointing and blame placing. At first glance some may mistake Larry's strong opinions for dogma, a grumpy old guy, or someone unwilling to hear the other side. Nothing could be further from the truth. Larry has his heart on the pulse of people and what makes them tick. It's not always pretty and unlike many leaders he's not afraid to address the mess. The truth is, we too often don't want to hear the truth because then we have to do something about it or feel the discomfort of being out of integrity. So we automatically push back, defend, deflect. Don't make that mistake here or you'll miss the riches.Larry's book doesn't have some earth-shattering new insight. Well, maybe for some if you've been lulled into believing life should be easy and personal responsibility is a misnomer. What it offers of great value is Larry's ability to hold a crystalline mirror up to the reality you're creating for yourself; a mirror that invites you to take responsibility for either fully embracing or getting to work changing what you see. There's no middle ground, no room for self-negotiating, no time for maybe, someday, or let somebody else. Who else tells it to you that straight?Most people can't stomach it but if you're ready to actually roll up your sleeves and put some elbow grease into addressing what's not working in your life, your relationships, your work, your parenting, your church, your community, our country, Larry has some ideas about how to do that.There are few people you can trust to tell it like it is, to your face instead of behind your back, and to stick around to help you figure out a different plan if you're willing to do the work. Yep, he's blunt. He can even feel brash. But he's also refreshingly honest, with himself and others, in a way most people don't have the courage for. That's why Larry is on my short list of trusted mentors.I've been reading Larry's books for years and have had the privilege of being personally mentored during a challenging time in my life. In practical terms, I failed at what took me to work with Larry in the first place. But what I gained in return for that failure is priceless: a deeper knowing of my core values, a hard-earned look at where I was off track in my life, and tools to rise up and try again until I got it right.If you're easily offended, aren't open to being challenged on your beliefs, behaviors and internal BS, or want a 10-step plan to the easy life, don't buy this book. Larry won't care and doesn't need your money (although he appreciates it, I'm sure!). He's the Pitbull of Personal Development for a reason. Larry has an unwavering opinion on "what's wrong with damn near everything" and he's willing to back it up. You don't have to like it but in my experience, if you're willing to swallow hard, get out of your own way, and at least consider he might be on to something, your life can change for the good.He doesn't promise it will be easy, but he makes it pretty darn simple: take an honest look at your life with all the excuses (you might call them reasons but don't be fooled) you make for not being where you want or having what you desire, assess what's not working, and then DO something other than what you've been doing to get congruent with what you say you value. Period.If you find yourself ticked off at him as you read, dig a little deeper in that particular area instead of tossing the book in the trash. That's where the gold is. What you don't like when a mirror is held up often has more to teach than what you find attractive. Give it a shot. The most you have to lose is the price of a book and a couple of hours; what you have to gain is a life with no regrets because you learned what it takes to live in integrity.

Should be required reading for ALL College Students !

There is so much brilliance in this little book.Most of us have our own core values. The things we won’t compromise on. Unfortunately, some people and some businesses and definitely some of our political leaders are lacking in core values and that is what Larry so brilliantly points out in this book, How our core values are collapsing and what can be done about it.Larry shows us what’s wrong with people, business, education and government. That’s right, there are no “safe spaces” here, and that is what I like most about this book. I knew I was going to like this book from the moment I heard the title.My favorite paragraph is, “Mamas and daddies…stop giving your lasy-ass kids stuff and stop giving them money. Government…stop giving lazy-ass people stuff and stop giving them money. Stop making it easier for people not to get a job by creating one more government program that the rest of us who do have jobs have to pay for. Everyone: Stop being lazy, go find a job – whether you like the job or not – and earn money to buy your own stuff.”We are all guilty of part of what Larry Winget talks about in this book. We as a society are tolerating too much dishonesty from other people, our employees….and our government. And we are offended by “damn near everything.”If you believe in #MAGA then you are going to love this book. I’m not sure who Larry voted for, and it doesn’t matter, but I know one thing for sure, he wrote the best book I have read in the last few years, he has a solution to fix our collapsing value systems, and if you don’t think you are part of the problem….think again.

I received an advance copy of this book last week. I had already read five of Larry's other books, so I knew what to expect, so I thought! This book is by far Larry's most candid and powerful book to date. His message is strong, clear and full of his point of view. Do I always agree with Larry? Of course not. However, in the case of this book, I think he is spot on in nearly every aspect.This book is more important now than ever. Our nation is seeing the negative effects of a collapse in traditional and necessary values. We have no one to blame but ourselves, and no one to fix it but ourselves.No one is safe from this book. Everyone with an open mind and a willingness to learn and grow will benefit from what Larry has to say. He may hurt your feelings, but only because he cares enough to tell you what you need to hear. He is a man of integrity, and lives the words he writes! Get this book!

I am a big fan of Larry Winget and have read all of his books and like a fine wine, he gets better with age. Love that the book is a fast read and I found myself hearing Larry's voice inside my head as I read it. Larry also practices what he preaches - identify the problem and provide a solution. After reading his book, your daily encounters will look and feel different and may, at times, test your core values. He helps you identify what are YOUR core values, happily shares his core values with you and and how it is up to US to change -- not the government, the boss, our school system or our families. My favorite paragraph is the one where he describes the Cherokee legend - The Parable of the Two Wolves. I won't give away the ending but it is worth every word you read to find out the answer. Thanks for another great book Larry Winget.

It's an insightful book,written with the particular style of one of my favorite authors. It's a great work that shows that even though things don't seem likely to change, there's still a way, a simple yet a not easy one that requieres commitment and "growing a pair". Congratulations Larry and keep up with the excellent work of inspiring those who believe there's a change for a better world and a better life.

Like in his other books, Larry is straight to the point and doesn't pull any punches. His honesty is refreshing for this day and age and reading this book just reinforces my own beliefs and core values. Thanks Larry!

I agree with everything in this book. I am an old redneck though