I've Read UNSCRIPTED!

[MetalGear]

I read Unscripted and now I am going to re-read it because it is a mind funck.

My head hurts from taking the red pill MJ, you should really have a caution warning in there somewhere.

 

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[thehighlander]

A meta message is that achieving the Unscripted life gave you the freedom to say what is on your mind without having to fear the reaction from politically correct employers. There are plenty of people living the scripted life who write books in their spare time but they can never express anything too controversial while they have a day job.

 

[MTF]

Read the first 12% two days ago and the remaining 88% yesterday (yeah, I spent like 6-7 hours reading yesterday). It's funny because I was able to finish it so quickly thanks to the Unscripted approach as it gave me freedom to do what I want when I want.

I think I enjoyed most the first part where you talk about being Unscripted in your everyday life. The part about entrepreneurship was extremely valuable, but since I was familiar with many of the concepts thanks to TMF , it wasn't as absorbing to read as other parts (it was still great information and I learned something new).

I found the money system part very valuable - that's something that I feel was missing in TMF . I'm hesitant to invest in paper assets because I believe it's all just some made-up stuff and it was eye-opening for me to realize that if you stick with the biggest companies and most reputable investments, if they collapse I'd better stock up on food, water, guns and ammo than delude myself that non-paper assets will be safe lol (and in the end, RE is actually also just a piece of paper indicating you're the owner, or in many cases it's not even you but the bank).

I was wondering about two things regarding your money system:

1. You talk about liquidity and say that if you can't get out quickly, you can lose like with RE in 2008, hence it's crucial to be able to liquidate in seconds. If, however, you have a long lease in place and crises don't really affect it (like a single-tenant NNN lease with a reputable, big national company), would it fit the bill for the money system as well? Obviously, you can't sell the property overnight, but its value for the purpose of the money system isn't determined by the current real estate prices but by the cashflow it generates. Or am I wrong about it?

2. Your money system vehicles are US-centric. Most of the investments you talk about in the book aren't available in my country (seriously, only dividend stocks are here as the ETFs don't offer dividends), and I assume they aren't available in many other countries, too. I understand that you primarily aim at US readers, but I was wondering what you'd suggest for international readers. Invest in the US despite taking on additional currency risk, try to find something local that would fit your seven rules, or perhaps do a mix of something local and international?

 

[MortimerFox]

I ordered a copy of Unscripted yesterday but Amazon said it would take a week (expedited) to get to me (I'm in the UK). Is MJ posting them himself, by hand?

After saying that, I was surprised to receive my copy of Unscripted yesterday, the 24th.

I'm a hundred pages in and it's pretty good so far.

 

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[Rickchise23]

About 62.5 pages in. Damn MJ went in on the 9-5 scripted life lol.

I rather appreciate the lack of filter when discussing the scripted life and the utter disdain for its existence. I feel like many other books in the genre will gloss over this idea while MJ certainly paints the picture of why the sidewalk and slowlane are idiotic pursuits and does not mince his words.

Excited to finish this in the next few days and this is coming at a good time for me as I am trying to "Level Up" having broke free of the script I am now beginning my wealth building quest. I'm location independent and have passive income but really need to acquire assets and more diversification of income. All in all a great read and a great time to be reading such a game changing book!

 

[Kaleb]

I've finished reading my early copy of unscripted last night! So thankful for the opportunity to receive it early. Loved the book and thought it was a great tmf companion.

 

[GuestUser4aMPs1]

Got through Chapter 10 so far.

Healthy reminder why we do what we do - and the consequences of taking the common paths.

 

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[Invictus]

Well, I finally finished Unscripted . Took me a good deal longer than I intended! I had hoped to have it done within the first few days.

So, The Millionaire Fastlane was a huge quake book for me. It shattered my notions of the world and set me on an entirely new path. Before, my dream was to be a digital nomad.

F*ck money. I wanted experiences.
How? F*ck you, I'll figure it out on the way!

Never mind the fact that the way my mind works, I would probably suffer a breakdown a few days into my nomadic lifestyle.

TMF changed the way I thought and helped me solidify how I really wanted to live my life. Unscripted did not.

That said, TMF is largely a mindset book. The first two-thirds focus largely on the Sidewalk and Slowlane scenarios, with the latter third being more 'practical' content. You learn that you need to start a business, the commandments that business should follow, a couple of ways to manage your risk, and about your future money system.

Interestingly enough, despite all of that occurring in just the last third of the book, it still provides infinitely more information than any other business book I've read. It's really enough guidelines for you to start your business.

Still, you may benefit from looking up other books for extra information in addition to TMF. The Lean Startup, Zero to Launch, Ready Fire Aim, etc.

Or, you could just buy Unscripted .

When you first start reading, it's the good ol' explanation of Slowlane dogma and why it's bullshit. As always, a good read and a great reminder to have.

Then it morphs.

If you've ever asked (or thought of asking) "Well, just what are the exact steps?" this book is your answer.
If you ever think about asking that question after reading, just have a friend or family member smack you in the face with it.

Unscripted takes the idea of TMF (you have to be in The Fastlane to get rich) and tells you exact-F*cking-ly how to do so. In serious detail, MJ tells you:

• How to change your mindset. Real, non-bullshit ways to do so. This F*cking book is a better self-help book than any self-help book on the market.
• The type of business to create (an even more thorough review of the Commandments)
• How to create that business.
• How to maintain your lifestyle. Money system, spending habits, etc.

TMF explores most of this, but it does so in the last third of the book. Unscripted , in its entirety, explores these. It is a "How to be an entrepreneur" blueprint.

In my opinion, 3/4 of 'entrepreneurship' classes could be replaced by a mandatory reading of this book.


Unscripted Was Actually Too Much for My Reading System

You see, when I read, I mark my books. I underline important concepts, bracket sections that are good to know, and dog ear fantastic quotes or mindblowing revelations. A fantastic book will have about three things (brackets, underlining, notes, etc) on every other page. With about 5-15% of the pages dogeared.

I gave up for Unscripted .

On page 220, I wrote my last note (I still had about half the book to go). Because I realized that this book was too much for my reading system. I was already holding back underlining and marking, because if I tried to mark everything that was vital/important/a great point, then I'd have marked up half of the text on every page.

I put my pen away and decided that this book was going to need a -lot- more rereading to absorb even half the information. There was too much practical content to take away. When I come back to it, I'm gonna need a notebook and flashcards.


If You Ask "What Are the Exact Steps" After You Read Unscripted , You Might Not be Cut Out to be an Entrepreneur

Sure, you can ask specific questions. That's always good. But MJ creates such a thorough blueprint of what you need for a Fastlane Business or Lifestyle, you can't ask for anything more specific without getting steps that just might not work for you.

Is the book perfect? Probably not. I still have my post-coital glow of the reading still on me, so I am likely biased. That said, it sure as hell is better than every other book on the market. And that includes TMF.

After you read Unscripted , you do not need another business book.

Repeat after me.

After you read Unscripted , you do not need another business book.

You may find useful information in them, but you'll just be action-faking. Unscripted gives you everything you need. All immediate books after this one should be specific to you. Read this if you need more information on that.

Honestly, I could keep droning on. But I think I've made my point.

Read the F*cking book.

Edit/P.S.: A quick review of this and I realized that it may sound like I'm trashing The Millionaire Fastlane . I'm not. If Unscripted is the #1 business book, TMF is #2. It's also one of the best books on the market.

 

[luniac]

im about 70% done with the book.
It IS better than millionaire fastlane .

First off you jump right into the meat of it early on.
Second you focus more on what NOT to do,how NOT to think, versus telling people what to do.
You provide simply awesome examples for every argument.
You don't dwell too long on any point, in fact i can tell how much thought went into chapter ordering and pacing.
Speaking of points, you really did a great job with your selection of topics, you cover EVERYTHING, all issues, all questions, everything!
And the best part is the tone, it really feels like you're just saying god's honest truth, real talk common sense stuff, a breath of fresh air in a world of bullshit.

Thanks MJ, I never have to spend energy explaining the fastlane thought process to anyone anymore, i can just say "read unscripted ".
How does it feel have written what should be considered the Bible?

You are a true friend of the people MJ. A comrade.

 

[The-J]

Yo.

This book is THICK.

I'm 77% of the way through.

I will say this: I got asked by a fellow forum member if it was just rehashings of TMF because the preview seemed that way.

It's actually a completely new take on the CENTS (CENTS in the Lambo version) principle.

Not ready for my money system quite yet but I'm soon to read about it.

 

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[Disciple96]

Just finished the book, burned through it all day today and yesterday.

Let me just say, 10 dollars for the information provided in this book is unbelievable.

I almost feel guilty for buying it through Kindle instead of directly from VPC.

Sir, you are truly a man ahead of his time.

Although the earlier chapters may seem like mostly rhetoric to those fully on-board, they serve a critical purpose introducing those who have been decieved by the script. As with the rest of the book, very refreshing to read, entertaining, and full of great humor.

CENTS is much more in-depth this time around.

I was quickly overwhelmed with information overload in later chapters.

I remember reading TMF, it was basically a surface level version of everything in UNSCRIPTED . Comparitavely, I rarely had trouble absorbing the information.

Plainly put, Unscripted is TMF x10.

Every question answered. No stone left unturned. I barely made it through the later chapters. As my mind became increasingly tired, reading about end-game investment strategies became admittedly complex.

My point is, there is so much pure, unadulterated, no-bs, UNSCRIPTED value for anybody in any stage of the process. From beginning to end, MJ lights the way.

Of course, there are still dangers lurking in the shadows. But with a little light, it's easier to navigate the forest.

Forget singles, You took a home-run with TMF and knocked it outside city limits. You cover everything from FTE and the philosophy of happiness itself, to "retirement" and everywhere in between.

Anyways, I can't thank you enough.

 

[Nily]

This is the book:

Me after finishing it:

 

[The-J]

Ok full review from the beginning. Your book is long, therefore my review is too.

The first 5 chapters provided in the preview really take you into a world, similar to @Vigilante's story about the man at the sandwich shop. The life most people live. Poignantly written and explored.

The rest of Part 2 continues the theme, similar to FASTLANE, and really explores into greater detail WHY the Sidewalk and Slowlane are so attractive. FASTLANE doesn't do this, and it's a great slap in the face for the people who still believe the crap.

The problem is not the job, the marriage, the stock market, or the home ownership: it's the sale of the package as a life plan and a definition of success... even though the fact is you trade your TIME daily for money because you're trapped. MJ exposes this, yet again, but with a real look into the hyperrealities that make up the Script.

Part 3 is the proverbial awakening. The Script sucks, you don't have to live it, and the Unscripted life is there... if you're willing to make some radical changes. Those who have made it play from a position of F*ck You. I loved how brash MJ was about this, but that's kinda what we expect from him.

Part 4 is the REAL meat and potatoes of this book. A lot of it mirrors Fastlane, but we gotta keep in mind: Fastlane was published years ago (2011 I think) and a LOT has changed since then. Reading both really gives you an advantage because you then see that, yes, things CHANGE in the marketplace. Your job as an Unscripted Fastlane entrepreneur is to take advantage of this change.

Your biases are exposed. Bullshit scams that propogate in the marketplace are exposed. The marketing crap that pervades the Internet that people get sucked into because they just WANNA BE RICH! That's exposed too. This stuff needed to be said for years, and MJ finally said it.

What MJ said about BRO marketing is going to lose him some readership, some forum members, and some fans. He plays from a position of F*ck You. He could sell millions kowtowing to the crowd. But he doesn't. If any non-members read this: listen to him. Those people are out to take your money and are not invested in your success... no matter how much they say they are.

MJ then introduces the concept of the 'productocracy', which is a welcome addition and really shows that with a great offer, you don't have to advertise forever. With a me-too offer, you will have to advertise forever and you're slave to growing CPCs and generic competition with scale economies. I loved this because it really tells people that value is #1 and doesn't promote the kind of bullshit $150k/mo revenue with a 1% margin pushing generic crap using FB ads.

The commandments are back and, best of all, they're delved into in a different way. Questions that arose from FASTLANE are answered.

FASTLANE goes into greater detail about execution (marketing, operations, financial models), so if you want a book that shows you HOW to execute, get that. This book talks about kinetic execution, which is more about identifying which actions to take.

However, what makes the F*ck You life possible are what MJ eventually explains at the end of Part 4. If you fail at these 4 steps, you will be forever stuck in a business. You will stay a slave.

Part 5 is the cherry on top. For most, it won't be actionable. That's okay. However, if you've ever been curious as to what a money system does or how it works (and, best of all, how to choose investments for your money system no matter what the economy!) read this book the way through.

---

For those who have read FASTLANE: buy this book, too.

It provides more modern examples of businesses that fit the CENTS criteria and really explains what most people who run businesses (including myself) are doing wrong.

Also, multiple forum members are given mentions. It feels great to be a part of a community that is actually changing lives (including my own).

There's an entire section at the end about what happens when you don't follow the Unscripted formula to a T. There's another section at the end that explains things that can go wrong. (The impacts of singular bad choices can outweigh years of good ones)

Some people might buy this book first. That's fine: buy FASTLANE as well.

All in all, UNSCRIPTED sells a different life plan and a different life philosophy for those who are unable to find happiness in the Script. If you find happiness in the Script, good for you. This book won't do you much good.

But, if you're still out there struggling in a job, a 'business' masquerading as a job (cough), or if you're flat F*ckin broke with nowhere to go... start here.

 

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[Alxander]

Book just got in, it's thicc! Blazed through it, counts as a read?

 

[The-J]

Amazon wouldn't let me post my review. Oh well. I'll write a different one for that.

 

[BradD]

On backorder in Canada but can't wait to devour it!

 

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[HeresMyThing]

UNSCRIPTED is not a cozy book. It is designed to make you uncomfortable. So if you're looking for a hug box, look elsewhere. I often cringed as he went over mistakes that I have made. It's like having an older brother take you aside and show you were you are screwing up.

MJ is a deep thinker. You can tell he's been refining these ideas over a lifetime. It's not so much "new" information that no one has ever heard, it's the presentation and arrange of said information that packs the punch. He is always one step ahead of the reader as he anticipates questions and objections. This is battle tested knowledge. Every premise is supported with examples and metaphors.

UNSCRIPTED is not a rehash of TMF. He does revisit some themes (life in the slowlane sucks, CENTS, etc.) but they are in the service of the larger framework. This book is holistic: he lays out the big picture and then shows you how all the pieces fit together.

I've read hundreds of business books and none of them have explained "value" so clearly and completely. I'm left with no questions about it. This is knowledge I can apply every day for the rest of my life.

I have pages of notes. I was able to see where I've been going wrong in the process. (Lacking in value and feedback loops, mainly.) I had many of the pieces of entrepreneurship correct, but lacked the framework, sequences, and understanding to drive them. I am in not great shape financially right now, but I'm not depressed because I know the principles he teaches apply and work. I finally feel like I have a fighting chance.

PS. This book has already saved me $17. Yesterday, I was looking at a tempting bright shiny object, but now that I have a better understanding of how things work, I passed on it. thanks MJ.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Incredible!

I'm a fast reader, and this book was so in-depth and impactful, that it took me almost 4 days to read, highlight, take notes, and go for long thoughtful walks. Fortunately, I cleared my schedule after the first chapter.

Now I have to buy copies for all my kids (I have a lot, so that'll make up for people who think you're too abrupt.)

Amazon review left!

 

[MJ DeMarco]

This book is holistic: he lays out the big picture and then shows you how all the pieces fit together.

Yay! That was my intent! I've been struggling to explain the difference between UNS and TMF -- the word I came up with was UNS is a holistic life approach.

Thank you for sharing.

 

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[ExaltedLife]

I've just finished it and HOLY SHIT THE BEST BUSINESS BOOK EVER! I love it! MJ DeMarco you are the man!

 

[ExaltedLife]

Also just left a review.

 

[luniac]

The last money system part of the book really makes me feel like an inadequate idiot...
I worked 40 hours a week for 2000 bucks a month for years, when 500k in vanguard could make me the same thing for barely 1 hour a month of work...

omfg... i wanna shoot myself...

 

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[Duane]

Great book, read it and have to say it's pretty deep with a lot of gold nuggets.

 

[MortimerFox]

I'm a hundred pages in and it's pretty good so far.

Just finished it. Plenty of bookmarks, as you can see:

[GALLERY=media, 26]Unscripted by MortimerFox posted May 28, 2017 at 5:10 PM[/GALLERY]

 

[Envision]

Finished the book! Thank you MJ, it was great.

I think the best part about it is the tangible, tactical processes outlined for actually going unscripted . I dont think I've read a book that has done that before.

Should be required reading in schools.

 

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[Deleted14762]

You did it again.

I read the Fastlane when I was 14, 5 years ago. That book changed my life - it was my first 'redpill', my first radical eye-opener. Since reading the book, I went on to question many more Scripted paradigms - and boy did I grow. Unscripted helped me formally structure and analyze my observations and the fallacies many surrounding me perpetuate. Part 4 is absolutely indispensable, on its own it exponentially returns the cost of the book - value provision in action!

I would recommend this book to all wannabe entrepreneurs, to all teenagers confused about their purpose in life, to all young men and women who are struggling to create a functional business. MJ is not a 'guru', he is a F*cking genius.

Drop the script!

 

[pbellot]

Now that there's several hundred out there in the wild, guess it is time to start a thread for those of you who have read (or listened to!) UNSCRIPTED !

View attachment 14816

Hope everyone enjoyed it and found it to be a good "big picture" supplement for The Millionaire Fastlane !

To download the first (5) chapters: HERE
To learn more (website) visit: HERE
To order via Amazon: HERE
To listen via Audible: Coming Soon.

F*ck This!, Focus, "VALUE", Profit/invest, F*ck You! TFM started me on my journey and UnScripted kicked me in the a$$! I loved every word. Since I read TFM, I've read it at the beginning of the year now for 3 years. Now I have two books to read to keep me on track. Thank you for writing these books for us future problem solvers.

 

[ravenspear]

I've read the first half of it. I'll reply later with my thoughts on the rest but I wanted to write a half review while the content was fresh in my mind.

I think the most powerful thing I've read so far was the metaphor of the cat, the cat being money. This was where it was described as the people chasing money were like people chasing a cat around a lot trying to catch it, where the people offering value would put out some food and have the cat come to them. Very useful way to think about whether your actions are really part of a value proposition or if you are just fruitlessly chasing money.

Another section that really hit me was the section on the psychological evaluation of why you instantly respond to a rich young person with a super car with a negative reaction of how they must be a trust fund brat. Extremely powerful stuff there. And most of that happens on a subconscious level that most people don't even realize. The way that the brain is wired to self sabotage your efforts and give you a license to stay where you are is extremely critical to understand so that you can combat that when it happens.

I also second the very unfortunate but accurate description of bro marketing as it pertains to the informational products space. It feels like a lot of "internet entrepreneurship" has devolved into sales funnels to hawk worthless PDFs or similar items and that clouds the whole industry. That is not to say there are no real informational products that add value because of course there are but there is also a lot of bullshit.

I will take a slightly differing view with one point which was an area I also felt similar toward with TMF. This was where MJ seemed to be suggesting that it was almost impossible to become a successful entrepreneur without working a bunch of shit jobs first. I understand that was his experience, but I also think there are plenty of people who have successfully made the transition from a professional level job into entrepreneurship because that is what they wanted. This is the path I'm also trying to take and no matter how I analyze it, I just cannot see how quitting my professional high paying job to take a shit job will further my progress. This might be because my job is high paying but relatively low requirements and stress and this probably puts it in the minority of jobs. So I'm not disputing that this advice might be applicable in most cases but I don't feel it fits all.

I would agree wholeheartedly though with the section on identity. I think by far the biggest determiner of whether you succeed in making a shift to being an entrepreneur or really anything else you want in life is whether you internalize that definition as a part of your identity. If you just have "motivation" to do something or are only relying on willpower, but it is not a core part of how you define your self identity, then you will probably not continue to do that thing over the long term.

 

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[MJ DeMarco]

I've just finished it and HOLY SHIT THE BEST BUSINESS BOOK EVER! I love it! MJ DeMarco you are the man!

Now when someone says "Give me the exact steps" I can pound them over the head with my 2 lb book.

This was where MJ seemed to be suggesting that it was almost impossible to become a successful entrepreneur without working a bunch of shit jobs first.

That's not what I meant so I guess I failed here in being more clear in my writing.

It simply means that a person is willing to do whatever it takes, including jobs that are a blow to the ego. Some folks don't need the crap job and instead get a decent job. Then the threat becomes comfort.

 

[Dbbuzbee]

@MJ DeMarco not sure if I've just missed it but is the audiobook up yet? Read the print copy now looking forward to devouring it in a different way hopefully pick up some new things.