7 Rules of Power: Advice on How to Get Things Done and Advance Your Career

Honestly, this was the exact right book at the exact right time for my business. I’ve always been a grinder, thinking that if I just worked more hours, I’d see the results double. Sullivan and Hardy completely flipped that script for me. They argue that 10x isn't about more effort; it’s about stripping away the 80% of your life that doesn't actually matter. I felt a huge weight lift off my shoulders when I realized I was the bottleneck in my own company. By focusing only on my 'Unique Ability' and delegating the rest, everything became simpler. Is it a bit repetitive? Sure. But the mindset shift is so profound that I needed those points hammered home. It’s a must-read if you feel stuck on a plateau.

This is life-changing stuff. Most business books tell you how to do things 10% better, but this teaches you how to think non-linearly. The idea that 10x is actually easier than 2x sounds like a marketing gimmick, but it’s logically sound once you realize it forces you to stop doing low-value tasks. I personally found the sections on 'Unique Ability' to be the most empowering parts of the book. It’s not just for CEOs either; it’s for anyone who wants to reclaim their time. You might not agree with every single anecdote—some are definitely a bit 'niche'—but the overarching framework is brilliant. I’ve already started restructuring my whole week around preparation, performance, and recovery modes.

10x is simpler! That’s the big takeaway for me. When you aim for 2x, you have a thousand options. When you aim for 10x, you only have one or two. That clarity is worth the price of the book alone. I’ve read a lot of Sullivan’s stuff before, and while some people might find it a bit 'old school,' the logic of removing the bottleneck is undeniable. I’ve already hired a virtual assistant to handle my operations after reading this. It’s about moving from a rugged individualist mindset to a 'Who Not How' approach. If you’re tired of the constant hustle and want to actually enjoy your life, read this book. It’s a total reframing of what success looks like.

Wow. Just wow. This book challenged everything I thought I knew about growth. I’ve been living in 'the gap' for years, always feeling like I wasn’t doing enough. Learning to measure from the 'gain' has completely shifted my mindset. I feel more confident and less stressed. The authors explain that wanting is the opposite of selfishness, which was a huge 'aha' moment for me. It’s about creating abundance. The 10x goal forces you to be honest about what you actually want. It’s not just a business book; it’s a manual for a better life. Honestly, I think everyone should read this at least once to see what’s possible.

Best $25 I've spent all year. This book is a must-read for anyone who feels like they are working harder but getting nowhere. It’s not about working more hours; it’s about working on the right things. The authors show you how to identify your 20%—the things only you can do—and how to build a team to handle the rest. It’s empowering to realize that you don’t have to be a 'bottleneck manager.' You can be a leader. The writing is clear, the steps are actionable, and the results are real. I’m already seeing a shift in my productivity and my happiness. Buckle up, because this will change your life if you let it.

The concepts in here are powerful, specifically the idea of 'The Gap and The Gain.' Measuring yourself against your past self instead of an unreachable ideal is a game-changer for mental health. However, the writing quality is a bit hit-or-miss. It feels like Benjamin Hardy wrote the whole thing and just slapped Dan Sullivan’s name on it for credibility. There are a lot of bullet points at the end of chapters that feel like they’re just trying to add page count. Still, I can't deny that the 'Free Days' concept has already improved my productivity. I’m actually taking time off and seeing better results. It’s a solid 4 stars because the advice works, even if the delivery is a bit sloppy.

A very strong addition to the Hardy/Sullivan series. The book is packed with practical steps for anyone looking to make a quantum leap. I especially appreciated the focus on rest and recovery. Most 'hustle culture' books ignore that. My only gripe is that it feels a bit cherry-picked. They use examples of success that could easily be attributed to luck or market timing, and they don't really address the power of compounding over time. But as a motivational tool and a way to reframe your habits, it’s excellent. The writing is easy to digest, though a bit repetitive in the middle chapters. I'd recommend it to any entrepreneur who feels like they're redlining their engine.

I'm a fan of the concepts, but the presentation is a bit clunky. It quotes a lot of other great business books, which is helpful, but sometimes it feels like a highlight reel of someone else’s ideas. However, the specific application of the 80/20 rule to one's own identity is fresh. I felt like the book gave me permission to stop doing the things I hate. That’s a powerful thing. It’s a bit 'American Dream 101' and there's definitely some Mormon phrasing that slips in, but if you can look past that, the core strategy is sound. It’s about becoming a master of your craft by shedding the average.

Mixed feelings on this one. On one hand, the central premise of focusing on quality over quantity is great. On the other hand, the book is incredibly repetitive. It feels like they took one decent blog post and stretched it into a full-length book with endless stories that don't always land. I also struggled with the tone; it leans quite heavily into a specific worldview that might not resonate with everyone. The authors mention 'cleaning the house' as something that should be outsourced to reach your 10x potential, which feels a bit tone-deaf to the average person's reality. There are useful nuggets here, for sure, but you have to dig through a lot of fluff to find them.

I really wanted to like this, but it just felt gross. The core idea is essentially business essentialism, which is fine, but it’s buried under 300 pages of filler and anecdotes that feel incredibly out of touch. There’s a distinct 'male privilege' vibe throughout the whole thing. The authors talk about achieving 10x growth because they have wives and an army of assistants handling every 'non-essential' task like cleaning or childcare. It subtly tells you that to be successful, you just need to find people to exploit for your own freedom. Also, the weird religious undertones and the example of 10x-ing baptisms at a church felt totally out of place in a business book. Skip this and just read a summary of the 80/20 rule.