Christian Mazukelli

This textbook has been the most impactful text that I have read at The University of Iowa thus far. It was able to teach me the important life skills needed for happiness and success, which no other textbook does. The first three chapters were great in teaching me the individual life skills needed to be successful in the business world, and it helped me a lot with facing mental obstacles that I face every given day. The most important step that made me learn the most was the visualization section because it really emphasized thorough planning out each step in order to execute successfully.

Taylor VanZuiden

When originally being introduced to this book and the lessons in it, the first thing that came to my mind was that it was bullsh*t. How could one book and one class improve my life as much as Joe and the book claimed? Even though I thought it was all a waste of time I did decide to read the introduction, and I mean really read it, not skim it for points but actually give the book a chance to do all it claims. After reading and doing the exercises it really stood out to me because it was unlike any other textbook I had read before. It provoked so many thoughts in my head and I was excited to read chapter two. Getting through the chapters and doing the exercises proved to be very easy to me because for once I was actually interested in the text I was engaging with. As I got further and further into the book, I started thinking about how I could best apply those lessons in my own life. I decided to test the concept of visualizing, strategizing, executing when I was working out....

Getting back to my apartment that morning after swimming, I was shocked. I couldn’t believe that lessons from a book physically and mentally helped me achieve a task that was once so hard for me, but now felt it was so easy. I continue to use these lessons, almost every day. If I have a big task to complete the next day, before I go to bed that night I lay in bed and visualize myself doing it and then I strategize exactly what I need to do to get it done. To me it has become almost a form of meditation. I can just sit alone in bed at night with my tv, lights, and phone off and just think in silence. Doing this made me feel more connected to myself and more confident in my ability to the tasks I take on.

Cade Moulton

Visualize Strategize Execute really connected with me and I thoroughly enjoyed it because it was not a stereotypical textbook. VSE is one of its own in a sense that I can walk away from it with lessons learned and examples to follow as I pursue an education and career. Each section really helped me to learn the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and business, and each section also never bores you; as the assignments were engaging and helpful for comprehension. I loved the stories that were featured on the slides and links to text and videos. This helped me comprehend better and see the bigger picture of what the text is really trying to portray. Overall, this textbook helped me learn and comprehend more than any textbook in the past.

Enrique Gonzalez

Visualize, Strategize, Execute: A Formula to Accomplish Your Dreams. Of the four semesters I’ve taken since attending The University of Iowa, this is one of the few books that I have actually gone out of my way to read. With readings for other classes, you can easily search a summary for it on Sparknotes, get a basic understanding of it, do well on a quiz or test over it, then never think about it again. But just looking at a summary of Visualize, Strategize, Execute is doing yourself a massive disservice, in my opinion. Because not only is the information presented in the book fascinating, but it’s incredible practical to anyone who bothers to read it.

Rachel Ferris

When I found out there were small assignments within the reading, I decided to give it a go in order to get those points. I sat down and planned on reading one chapter, yet I found myself completing the entire book whilst participating in the assignments. The read was enjoyable, fast paced, and extremely informative. I ended up referring back to it when I found myself struggling with school work because it genuinely motivated me to sit down and work hard. Visualize Strategize Execute made me feel like I had my life more put together than I did before I started reading it. It gave me the steps to solve any problem whether it was a math problem in calculus, a fight with a friend, or if I am on the fence about pitching a major idea to a board.