Book Nook: Head First! A Crash Course in Positivity

Steve H. Lawton experienced a life-threatening ski accident in Colorado, but managed to survive - thanks to his attitude, helmet, and Henrietta (a rubber chicken). I had a chance to review the book he wrote, Head First! A Crash Course in Positivity (I'm pretty sure the pun is intended), to share his story along with eight practical principles for positivity that can be easily implemented into anyone's life.


The book describes how leading with a positive mindset can provide better outcomes for both individuals and organizations. He has nearly three decades of business experience at NASA and Dell, so he is knowledgeable in his writing, and is easily able to apply his principles to personal and business situations.

Lawton's eight proven and practical tools include:

- Remember: Everything happens for a reason

- Focus on what you can control

- Learn to laugh in the midst of your pain

- Take smaller steps to work to a larger goal

- Know when and where to push yourself

- Invest positivity into your network

- Create a personal positivity practice

- Embrace growing pains and learn from your struggles

Steve. H. Lawton holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M University, as well as an MBA from St. Edward’s University. He has spoken at large corporations like Dell, Accenture and VMware, has been featured on KVUE news, has been a guest lecturer at the University of Texas and Texas A&M University and has been featured as a TEDx speaker. He lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife of 26 years, Deanna, and their two teenage children – who they have grown quite fond of.