Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Stop Doing That Sh*t: End Self-Sabotage and Demand Your Life Back

Rate this book
From the author of the New York Times and international bestseller Unfu*k Yourself, Gary John Bishop presents a no-holds-barred guide to breaking through our cycles of self-sabotage to get what we want out of life.

In Unfu*k Yourself, Gary John Bishop told us it was time to stop making excuses—to recognize and take responsibility for the negative self-talk holding us back.

In Stop Doing That Sh*t, he builds on that message, teaching us how to stop self-sabotaging behavior. Bishop explains how our destructive cycles come down to the way that we’re wired. He then identifies different types of people and the ways we fu*k ourselves over: We can’t save money. We land in the same type of toxic relationship. We’re stuck in a rut at work. Analyzing why we act the way we do, including what our common grenades are that blow up our lives, Bishop then shows how we can interrupt the cycle and stop self-sabotaging our lives.

Written in the same in your face style as Unfu*k Yourself, Stop Doing that Sh*t will help us get in touch with our psychological machinery so we learn to interrupt negative thoughts and behavior before they start, allowing us to give our attention to something else, and start to find success in the areas we thought we never could.

We can take back our lives. We may have fu*ked up in the past, but Stop Doing That Sh*t will show us how to break the patterns in order to live the lives we yearn to have.

240 pages, Hardcover

First published May 7, 2019

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Gary John Bishop

69 books1,070 followers
Gary John Bishop began his life journey in Glasgow, Scotland. The grit and wit of his early life have contributed to his tough-love, in-your-face approach to coaching. Coupled with world-class training and development, Gary has created a potent brew of effectiveness and the ability to reach through the crust of people's lives and root out the deeper issues that consume them and tie them to their hurdles. His ability to elevate and expand people's greatness makes the kind of life-altering impact that is so rare in the industry. Gary's hyper-awareness and years of elite training allow him to assess each client and guide them to the path that best expresses their lives; with micro precision, he cuts straight to the heart of what is going to make a difference.

Gary's experience and quick ascent to becoming a senior program director for one of the world's leading personal development organizations is proof that he is dedicated and committed to what is possible for every client and person he encounters. He doesn't claim perfection. He's been through life and doesn't sugar coat his folly. He uses his experience as both a human and a world class coach to mentor and coach people to raise the bar higher for what they once thought would be their greatest self.

Gary John Bishop is one of the leading Personal Development experts in the industry with a global reputation that has impacted tens of thousands of people worldwide. His "urban philosophy" approach represents a new wave of personal empowerment and life mastery that has caused miraculous results for people in the quality and performance of their lives.
 He calls it like it is while being influenced by ontology, phenomenology and the philosophy of some of the world's greatest thinkers. You be inspired, unburdened and grounded. Working with Gary creates the space to be an altered version of you. The greatness you once imagined becomes a reality, only its bigger, better and more incredibly freeing than you dreamed it could be. His work life changing.

Gary is willing to say what needs to be said. His writing is a higher level experience and the benefits of his philosophies have touched lives worldwide.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,860 (31%)
4 stars
1,936 (33%)
3 stars
1,450 (24%)
2 stars
454 (7%)
1 star
157 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 591 reviews
Profile Image for Jenny Garone.
284 reviews7 followers
July 3, 2019
Dang. I was hoping for Jen Sincero-esque storytelling, wisdom & humor. This did not deliver. I felt like he didn't say anything! 227 pages could have been condensed to about 27.
Profile Image for Kirsty ❤️.
923 reviews51 followers
October 12, 2019
I had mixed views on the previous book, Unfu*k Yourself, and about a third of the way through the latest one I was still unsure if this was a series I'd get much out of. Mostly so far I'd just felt that I'd been shouted at. Then we get to the 3 Saboteurs. I know I'm guilty of self sabotage but have to work out exactly what I'm doing and why. 
I found this part the most useful as it looks at how you view yourself, other people and life in general. Then I managed to make loads of notes and come to a few resolutions. There's no magic answers in the book but a few good pointers as to how to start taking control and move forward without the sabotage. 
The author is described as having a no nonsense point of view but I still ended the book feeling like I'd had the telling off my mother never gave me however I got a really good starting point for how to fix something that has been troubling me. 
Profile Image for Latasha.
721 reviews
June 24, 2019
As far as the genre goes, this book was incredibly refreshing. Not only does he say “the universe does not have your back,” but he also tells you all the shit you do or don’t do in your life is your own fault. I mean, them’s fightin’ words in the world of self help. How dare he tell people they’re their own problem?

Genuinely enjoyed that part of it. But aside from the shock and awe of how Bishop breaks rank, I can’t say it was a revelation to me. But I devoured it in a few days which is hard for me to do with a printed book lately, so there’s that. Highly recommend for people who keep “falling off the wagon” and are sick of their own bullshit.
Profile Image for Moha Dem.
165 reviews55 followers
November 19, 2021
Too complicated for me ?! No, I think not.
This is the second book of the series, well, the first was honest, simple but this went like too far ahead.
Self development doesn't mean you gotta be Jeff Bezos, right ?
I feel disappointed cause the last book had me for real.
Profile Image for Jonathan H. MONTES.
275 reviews16 followers
November 4, 2019
This review was inspired by my annotations. To view all my detailed annotations you are welcome to join my Patreon page (John Lawchamp). For $0.99 you can read my favorite lines and excerpts from the book with additional personal thoughts. The annotations are released once the review of that book has been posted on Goodreads. Why spend $15.00 on a book you are not invested in when you can explore the main topics for a fraction of the price? Visit Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Lawchamp

John Lawchamp’s Review:
I like this book, but it just wasn't something that I haven't heard before. Just the regular recycled stuff in other motivational books. If you know me, I have a lot of experience with this type of writing style and I have a large group of book dedicated to this genre of self improvement and development. So I tell nothing but the truth.

However, if you are looking for a short motivational read, this might do you some good. Here you'll learn that your predictions about yourself, other people and life in general are, indeed, holding you back from living the life that you want.

Gary speak about the three saboteurs that are affecting all people today.
1. Conclusions of Yourself
2. Conclusions about other people
3. Conclusions about Life

What I did like about this book was that he was straightforward and wasn't giving you the helping hand and quick fix that would make your life ultimately better in a week or month. He clearly let you know that this is a life journey and that you are here to learn from your mistakes, but that your mistakes and past are not your final ruling. You can still become what you want through hard work and looking forward to the future.
Profile Image for Amanda NEVER MANDY.
488 reviews91 followers
January 3, 2023
2022 goes down as one of the worst years of my life (so far). I have spent many months buried in the written word, trying to better educate myself on the experience so I can heal and move past it (what us readers do). I am not going to get into the nitty-gritty of it all, and I do not write this seeking acknowledgement or pity. I am only giving background to why this book ended up in my hands.

Part of my path out was to confront myself. To take a mirror out and really give myself a once over. This book is about that. Seeing yourself for who you are, picking out the bits of bad, and working to be better minus those bits. The author does an excellent job of speaking to the reader like a close friend a few drinks deep, hitting you with the truth. The only negative of his tone is some aspects of it was clownish. Like if that friend was one drink over the line and should have taken a piss to clear his head before opening his mouth again.

The three things I will carry with me are the following:

You
Them
Life

If you want to know more, read the book. I do recommend it to those that are open to the concept of checking in on your own shit now and then. To make sure you are the best version of yourself for yourself, and for those loving souls that are close to you.
36 reviews
June 2, 2019
85% of book was focused on defining the saboteurs and only 15% to finding the way forward. Disappointing. I like the authors “tell it like it is” format; it just seemed rushed at the end and half baked. Not a lot of depth here.
Profile Image for Ana Maria.
174 reviews47 followers
October 10, 2020
Hay algunas cosas en este libro que simplemente no me convencen, en general creo que di es un libro que te hace reflexionar pero yo no estoy de acuerdo con algunos argumentos que se relatan aquí.
Profile Image for Laura  Wonderchick.
1,390 reviews157 followers
May 17, 2019
Nothing absolutely mind blowing here that you may not have already heard or read in other books. But a delightful straightforward and bluntly honest new way to look at your life and maybe why you’re not happy with every aspect of it. I think everyone could take away something from reading this.
August 25, 2019
Full disclosure here... I have read A LOT of self-help books over the years. Here's what makes this one stand out from the rest - The fact that you can't change the past and in constantly trying to model your present/future in a change from your past isn't realistic. If you are operating from a place of "I want a future that doesn't include [insert whatever thing from the past that you are trying to overcome]", then you are inevitably setting yourself up for failure.

Instead, this book wants you to identify the things you have come to believe about yourself, people, and life. Once you understand those things then it's time to ACCEPT them. At that point, you can look to your future for what you will do in your present to get you there.

Gary John Bishop pulls in a lot of references to philosophers and psychologists that are insightful. Through his writing, he guides the reader to dig deep and identify the "truths" they carry around in life.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading again as I unpack the things I have convinced myself are truth rather than simply my perspective.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cecelia Beyer.
45 reviews2 followers
September 19, 2019
I think I’ve read just too many of this sort of motivational-with-added-snark sorts of books. Too long, irritating tone that isn’t as funny as it thinks it is, and took too long to unpack the “what is wrong with you” part before getting to, and spending too little time on, the “how to fix it” part.
Profile Image for Scott.
52 reviews
January 28, 2023
This book is certainly not for everyone, but it smacked me in the face. Worth it if you’re looking for some “tough love” with how to make changes in your life.
Profile Image for Kris.
3,386 reviews70 followers
June 8, 2020
Not super revelatory, and it's going to piss a whole lot of people off who will have to start taking responsibility for their choices, or lack-thereof, but it's a quick and decent reminder. to get off your ass and do something. Also, I highly recommend you listen to this one on audio because the author reads it to you in his Scottish brogue. Ain't nothin' wrong with that.
10 reviews
June 10, 2019
This book is just plain bullshit! After spending a lot of time thinking about the things the author says we need to know there is no point at the end. Now that we know the issues he says are so important what do we do about or with them? What a waste of time and money.
Profile Image for Nada Majdy.
240 reviews361 followers
September 24, 2020
As always Gary continues to swears like a trooper in all of his books, but his passion and efforts to change and help people's mentality is showing especially since I listened to the audio book narrated by none other than Gary himself with his Scottish accent which I highly recommend. Again such a short, cut to the chase kind of book so it'll definitely be helpful for people willing to change.
Profile Image for J. Sharp.
Author 9 books43 followers
May 19, 2019
Nothing new however, this book takes you through self-revelation that is at times painful to think about, but helpful in the revelation.
Profile Image for Sareh Ghasemi.
73 reviews28 followers
July 24, 2019
The most thought-provoking thing in our thought-provoking time is that we are still not thinking.

"Heidegger"
66 reviews
August 7, 2019
Definitely good for anyone that needs a kick in the arse to get motivated and has issues with self-sabotage. If you're easily offended, perhaps this book isn't for you.
Profile Image for Ehsan.
30 reviews
January 13, 2020
یە کتاب تبلیغاتی....جالب نبود اصلا
Profile Image for Somood.
145 reviews109 followers
April 19, 2020

“That’s what we call a life. Wanting new; addicted to the familiar.” -
First of all, I read this book with his Scottish accent on mind. And that was fun! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Secondly, Let me share with you a bit of my thoughts on this book. It was great. One of my favorite conversations this year. Glad to have gotten to know #GaryJohnBishop and looking for more of conversations soon. ⠀⠀��⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This book basically speaks to you in a very straightforward way no sugarcoating about how you are stuck at life in a self destructive cycle by blaming you, your past, others and your life. A lot of the information that I have read weren’t new necessarily to me. But the author’s way of talking to you was good and his sarcasm made me laugh many times. The book explains to you what you are actually doing and what you shouldn’t do, and what you should do but you are not doing… Some parts of the book made me feel embarrassed because how true they are. Truth has to be told… A lot of people want to change their lives but aren’t willing to do a thing about it. What is the quality of your life if you lived it complaining, blaming and making excuses for being stuck where you are.. mentally, emotionally and physically? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This book is not a magical pill. If you are not willing to change your life by doing the work and what is necessary then there is no one can help you. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Profile Image for Sean Lynn.
82 reviews2 followers
July 26, 2019
In Stop Doing That Sh*t Gary John Bishop tries to get to the heart of self-sabotaging behavior, by attempting to consciously access destructive sub-conscious beliefs.

I'm generally not a fan of self motivation/help books. I read Bishop's previous book Unfu*k Yourself, and while I found it entertaining, it didn't really do anything for me. When I heard the premise of Stop Doing That Sh*t, I was even more skeptical.

It was not long after I started, however, that things began to click. What he said, although still sounding vaguely silly, made a lot of sense to me. It made me look back and consider some of the driving forces in my life, and how I was cycling through the same unproductive behaviors.

If you are looking for a new perspective that might help you break out of your rut, this may not be the book for you. Bishop's style is loud and somewhat abrasive. Not everyone enjoys being yelled at by an angry Scotsman. If, however, that doesn't bother you, Stop Doing That Sh*t might be a helpful read.
Profile Image for Dorie.
737 reviews2 followers
June 18, 2019
Stop Doing That Sh*t:End Self-Sabotage and Demand Your Life Back.
by Gary John Bishop
2019
Harper One
4.0 / 5.0

This book is an excellent resource to begin enriching your life by being honest, and humble about your own self. It is not for the sensitive or weak -of-heart. It is straight forward, in your face and unashamedly brash. I thought it was really harsh at first, until I realized he is trying to reach those that need a dose of reality that's severe enough to get those stubborn to see a severe example of reality to change. By forcing you to face full-on your own defeating behaviors and negative self-talk, you are forced to confront your own bullshit and illusion. Chapters 12 and 13 were the best, in my opinion.
Recommended for those brave enough to be 100% in the moment.....This will make you think.
Profile Image for Doug.
24 reviews4 followers
July 6, 2020
Shouldn’t be done, by the likes of me, as an audiobook. Much as I like / need the audio format to chip away at my tbr pile, the inventory and introspection required pencil and noodle time, that a-format doesn’t dovetail nicely with.
Material was useful. A bit like Daniel’s writings over the years. Useful. Familiar. Good.
I liked the sponge word picture.
Profile Image for M.J. Blehart.
Author 18 books10 followers
Read
March 18, 2022
Wow. Just wow.

I have a whole lot of things to work on. The takeaway from this book is no simple solution - it's that damn is there a lot of work to do! But only I can do it. Yeah, read this book with an open mind, people - but definitely read it if you're done with self-sabotage.
82 reviews1 follower
May 14, 2019
An extremely blunt, in your face look at how your past influences your present. Using the future you envision to focus on rather than the negatives from your past is an important aspect to creating the life you want to live.

Profile Image for Chris.
42 reviews1 follower
May 25, 2020
Have you tried just being better?

Good if you need a good pep talk but otherwise an oversimplified CBT. There’s probably some merit to sessions with this Counselor but it doesn’t translate well to the page.
Profile Image for Dora.
619 reviews
May 12, 2019
Interesting perspective on how to re-frame your mindset by accepting your emotional baggage, but focus instead on an any thing is still possible future.

Fast read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 591 reviews

Join the discussion

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.