Doctor Kien Vuu recently came onto my radar screen with his new book titled Thrive State. It was the secondary title: Your Blueprint for Optimal Health, Longevity, and Peak Performance that really got my attention. Even though I have these same words in a different order, this sounds exactly what I work on with my Masterclass clients, so I figured I better check this book out.

I immediately connected with the author on a number of similarities, from our backgrounds (immigrant parents to North America, pressure to achieve, being bullied, to early health concerns).

Most of us are aware, and certainly if you have been following my work, that there are many things that go into being healthy. Dr. Vuu has boiled these down to what he calls his Seven BioEnergetic Elements: Sleep, Nutrition, Movement, Stress, Mindset, Relationships & Community and Purpose.

These are all included in my 7 Steps to Build Your Personal Bluezone Masterclass. I have organized them differently and included some other topics, but the commonalities are striking. It is no wonder I enjoyed this book and finished it very quickly. I also appreciated how it was stated that we cannot thrive if even one of these elements are missing, as I also believe that.

While close to 300 pages, it is a very easy read, with some diagrams thrown in as well. While discussing his personal story, the author has laid the book out discussing the seven elements mentioned, with a few of the topics receiving more than one chapter of attention. Every chapter has what is called Dr. V’s RX, which are essentially little tips for readers to follow. And every chapter ends with the “5 to Thrive” which is essentially a summary of action steps or ideas to consider from that particular chapter.

I have stated in many past book reviews that I appreciate good sourcing of studies, and Dr. Vuu provides them as footnotes at the bottom of the relevant page rather than summarized at the end. While I am indifferent on the format, I know many people appreciate that, so they can look up a reference immediately.

Also, many people know that I am a quote geek, and this book is full of excellent quotes in the appropriate spots. I marked many of these down, and don’t be surprised to see a few pop up on my Twitter feed.

Towards the end of the book, there are five questions called the Happiness List. I won’t re-state them here, but they are excellent discussion points for you to have with yourself, a loved one or someone you are working with professionally. While not necessarily unique in the concept, they are formulated so succinctly that I have begun to use then with my Masterclass clients, my entrepreneurship coaching clients and my undergraduate mentees.

While this book, did not dig as deep as some of the monster books I have been known to read or do reviews on, this was a very comprehensive book still suitable for the beginner learner who wants to take charge of their health and live in a Thrive State. I highly recommend it.

I will be interviewing Dr. Vuu in the next couple weeks, so keep an eye out for that video.

Again, we share so many philosophical ideas when it comes to Health, Performance and Longevity.

In the meantime, if you would like to work with me or know more about my Masterclass program, contact me.