You Can Be the Best

About the Author

John Ply is a renowned author and motivational speaker known for his insightful and practical advice on achieving success and personal growth. Drawing from his diverse experiences in business and life, Ply provides readers with valuable lessons on how to navigate challenges and reach their full potential. His book, You Can Be the Best: Life Lessons From the Butcher and the Businessman, delves into the essence of success and how to achieve it through dedication, passion, and integrity. Ply’s wisdom is not only theoretical but also grounded in real-life experiences, making his teachings accessible and relatable to a wide audience.

Main Idea

The central theme of You Can Be the Best is the journey to becoming the best version of oneself. Ply argues that success is not merely about achieving financial wealth or external accolades but about internal satisfaction, personal growth, and fulfillment. The book emphasizes the importance of pursuing one’s passion, using all available tools to their fullest potential, maintaining a positive attitude, and never giving up. Ply also highlights the significance of honesty, kindness, gratitude, generosity, and doing good in one's life journey. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, the book serves as a guide to help readers unlock their true potential and lead a successful and meaningful life.

Table of Contents

• Introduction: Defining Success
• Chapter 1: Become the Best
• Chapter 2: Pursue Your Passion
• Chapter 3: Use All Your Tools
• Chapter 4: Never Give Up, No Matter What
• Chapter 5: Find A Way
• Chapter 6: Be Honest and Trusting
• Chapter 7: Be Kind
• Chapter 8: Be Grateful
• Chapter 9: Be Generous
• Chapter 10: Do Good
• Conclusion: You Can Be the Best

Introduction: Defining Success

Success is often misunderstood and misrepresented in society. Many people equate success with wealth, status, or power. However, Ply challenges this notion by asserting that true success is about achieving happiness, fulfillment, and the realization of one’s dreams and goals. He emphasizes that success is a personal and subjective concept, varying from person to person. The key is to strive to become the best version of oneself, rather than comparing oneself to others. Ply sets the stage for the rest of the book by outlining this fundamental perspective on success.

Chapter 1: Become the Best

In the first chapter, Ply shares a lesson he learned from his father: always strive to be the best in whatever you do. This mindset is crucial because it drives individuals to push beyond their limits and unlock their full potential. Ply acknowledges that the journey to becoming the best is not guaranteed to be easy or straightforward. However, the process of striving and the effort put in are what truly matter. He emphasizes that everyone starts from different points in life, but the goal should always be to maximize one’s own capabilities and potential.

"It doesn’t matter where you start. We’re all dealt different cards in life. You might wish you had been dealt a better hand, but life doesn’t come with re-deals." - John Ply

To illustrate this point, Ply provides several examples: