Are You Ready to Start Living the Life you Were Born to Live?

Sometimes, all a person needs is a glimmer of hope. Sometimes, they need to know someone understands their frustration — what they’re going through. Sometimes, a simple little book comes along and offers that hope and encouragement.

Each year, thousands of people, including teenagers, take their own lives, unable to cope with the pressure. Millions turn to alcohol, drugs, gambling, and food addictions to escape the pain and frustration of their situation.

I know what it’s like to be up against it. I know how it feels to be down and out, broke, hungry, homeless, at the bottom. I know the feelings of pain and hopelessness that come from not being able to see a way out.

I also know how it feels to succeed in ways beyond anything I could have imagined. I know what it's like to be living my dream life and I want to share with you the steps I took to change my own life.

Is this book a cure for the ills of the world? Of course not but it is a simple to use guide that can help you turn your life around. It can help a friend or loved one gain the confidence they need to change their life.

I know this deep in my heart. I know the ideas in This Is Your Life, Not A Dress Rehearsal work. I've used them in my own life to go from living, as Thoreau so aptly put it, ‘a life of quiet desperation,’ to living a life today that is beyond my wildest dreams.

This Is Your Life, Not A Dress Rehearsal has been published in over 20 countries and is being read by hundreds of thousands of people throughout the world, ordinary people, like you and me, who simply want a better and more satisfying life.

My easy to use, simple ideas and techniques have become my trademark. I write easy to use books so people will read them and use the information they contain. The ideas in This Is Your Life, Not A Dress Rehearsal are not theory. They have been used by me and countless others to change our lives.

This Is Your Life, Not A Dress Rehearsal - Introduction

My story

You may be asking yourself, “What qualifies this guy to write this book?” What qualifies me is that I’ve been there. I’ve been to the bottom and back. I sank to some of the lowest points a human being can go — mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally and financially. I was all the way down, as far down as I ever want to go again. Amazingly, though, as far down as I was, I was able to turn things around and climb back from the devastation that my life had become, all by applying the ideas discussed in this book.

Through a chain of events and circumstances, totally caused by my actions, my life had become a total disaster. I was living in a small, rented room with a shared bathroom in the South Bronx, one of the worst neighborhoods in New York City. I’ll never forget the cockroaches. They were so bold they didn’t even run when the light was turned on. Instead, they stood there as if to say, “What are you doing in my bathroom?” I was barely able to pay the $45 a week rent. What little money I was earning from day jobs was going to support my drinking habit. I had no friends left because, as a result of my excesses, I had become impossible to be around. My health was failing rapidly due to my lifestyle and poor eating habits. I was spiritually bankrupt, feeling that, for some reason, God had deserted me.

I had, as they say, reached the bottom. I had done it all. Sold my belongings, slept in cars, gone without food for days at a time, been evicted and all the other indignities that are part and parcel to that lifestyle. About the only thing I did not do was panhandle or steal.

I remember one spring evening, walking down Broadway in New York City and, instead of looking at the bright lights and majestic skyline, I was looking at the ground — trying to find a nickel so I would have enough money to buy a pack of cigarettes. There were days when I would walk 20 blocks uptown to 96th street where I could buy loose cigarettes for ten cents each. Talk about walking a mile for a Camel!

The turning point

I finally reached my bottom. I had fallen as low as I could stand. I reached that point where something inside of me said, “This has to change – now.” I was fortunate that I had parents who were willing to take me in and give me one more chance. If it were not for them, I would have wound up living in Central Park or worse.

I’m not sure exactly what the turning point was. I know I had taken all the emotional pain I could stand and even thought about taking my own life. My once promising life had become a disaster. I had squandered the talents and gifts I was born with and I made a decision that I had to either change or die. Frankly, at that point in my life, it did not really matter to me which it was.

While I was living in a room in my parents’ apartment, I prayed, actually begged, God to do something with me. Not long after that painful time, I found myself in an alcohol treatment program and I was on a path to recovery. At the time, I thought my life was over. I now know it was just beginning.

I received a lot of help and support during my darkest hours. If you are struggling with a serious problem, like addiction, get professional help. Don’t try to go it alone. Call a support program, your doctor, minister, priest, rabbi, therapist or someone who is qualified to help in these matters. This is a life and death situation and should not be taken lightly.

I’m not writing this to gain your sympathy or to impress you with my struggle. I’m sharing my story so you can realize that no matter how far down you may have fallen, there is hope.

Most of you reading this book have not, hopefully, gone as far down as I did. Most of you have jobs, houses and families, however, I know you have your challenges too. While your personal situation may not be as dramatic as my experience, it’s no less important.

Perhaps you are experiencing financial difficulties. Maybe you’re in a dead end job with no future or you’re worried about downsizing (that’s a modern word for being fired for no apparent reason). Your health may be less than ideal. Perhaps your relationship with your family could use improvement.

Maybe everything is great in your life and you merely want it to be the best it can be. We all want to grow and expand our horizons. There is always more to give and do and have and become. It’s human nature to want to experience the best life has to offer.

Here’s what people are saying about
This Is Your Life, Not A Dress Rehearsal

"A manual to help you achieve your goals, and to lead fulfilling and meaningful life. Inside, there are 74 ideas for the success of life that anyone can start immediately, such as ‘praise yourself’, ‘choose to change now’ and ‘describe your goal,’ all written in an easy-to-understand manner. And, they organized in the way that a reader can start reading from any chapter that interests him/her." Mr. Cho Fujio, CEO, Toyota Corporation

"In This Is Your Life, Not A Dress Rehearsal, Jim Donovan has put together a magnificent 'success manual' that is down to earth, fun to read, and right on target. Read and apply Jim's proven success principles and you will achieve extraordinary results in your life!" Jeff Keller, author, Attitude is Everything

"Once again, you've assembled basic truths to share with the world. Your newest contribution is so supportive, like an unconditional friend. It's here to inspire, to nurture, to encourage and to offer hope. 'This is Your Life.' is a powerful companion and must reading." Bonnie Ross–Parker, author, Walk in My Boots

"Because of the wisdom in This Is Your Life, Not A Dress Rehearsal, fewer people will die with their music still in them. Donovan's ideas work because he takes 'Grow where you're planted' to an energized new level, teaching people how to have the courage to realize their biggest dreams and truly live their version of the good life." Barbara Garro, author, Grow Yourself A Life You’ll Love

“This Is Your Life, Not a Dress Rehearsal is a guidebook to making immediate, positive
changes in your life. Fun & easy to read, it will get you started or keep you moving on the path to success. Brendan Tobin, author, Yes, You Can!

"So, here I was, 67 years old; had closed down my business, lost my identity and a lot of my reasons for living. I figured with my poor health and poorer habits, I didn't have long to go anyway. I read ‘This Is Your life, Not a Dress Rehearsal.’ My outlook on life is now totally different. I’m working part time, planning to start a new business and I have goals for the next 5, 10, 15 and 20 years! Jim Donovan’s book has set me in motion, given me more reasons to live than I can count and has challenged me to learn, grow and really live, each moment every day. It is so good to be alive! Thank you, Jim." Lillian K, Hatboro, PA

"Just a wee note to say thanks for putting together such a fantastic book, ‘This Is Your Life, Not A Dress Rehearsal.' As we say in Liverpool, ta very much." John Burke

"I’d like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you for having the faith and conviction to publish This Is Your Life Not A Dress Rehearsal. I have just finished it for the second time in a fortnight and gone through the exercises. What a powerful tool it has been." Duncan Wilson

"I just finished your book and would like to tell you how much I enjoyed it. I like the way you divide up the book into ideas. You shared your heart with a lot of thoughtful insight and wisdom. I have read quite a few motivational books but yours stands out as one of the best. I loved it." Rebekah Stavros

"I read This Is Your Life Not A Dress Rehearsal and I’m now investing time to do the exercises as you suggest. I saw an advertisement for your book and decided to purchase it for my husband. He was inspired by it. I am enclosing a check for five more copies." Diane Hunsberger

"God said, 'Build a better world,' and that's exactly what you are accomplishing with this wonderful book. Congratulations!" David Handleman, President, Inroads, Inc.

"This book is power perfect. When the student is ready . . . this book is a Master's tool. Thank you, thank you." Carol Roth, Senior Sales Director, Mary Kay

Reader comments from Amazon

"This book has turned out to be a trendsetter. If only somebody could grasp only quater as much the writer said, his life would be nothing less than complete. Each chapter turns out to be a beutifully woven lesson of practical attributes and emotional weaknesses that surround our day to day life. The author has given enough space to breathe for the newcomer and has made it fluently simple to understand the necessities and urgencies of life, be it positive or negative. All along our lives we know what is to be done but still wait for something to happen. Jim has definitely edged the readers out of this dilemma helping them take charge of their lives and the direction to which they head."
hinker "Abhi" (Hyderabad,India)

"Donovan manages to pack a plethora of self help principals in a relatively thin book of just over 100 pages. At the beginning of every year, I reread this book, and by following it's advice I have achieved more success in my life. His guidelines for goal setting are particularly powerful. I belive that if people really follow this book's advice, they will achieve success as well."

"I loved this book. It was clear and packed a powerful punch on me. Very inspirational and most imporatntly, helpful. If you ever find yourself sitting around wondering how to find happiness, not sure how to go about getting what you want or not even being sure what it is that you want, this book can help guide you there. It's a quick read and if you do the exercises it will give you a good kick in the rear and put a smile on your face at the same time." Anne Marie Leeka (Los Angeles)

"I read some of the 'This is your Life, not a Dress Rehearsal' and it is wonderful read it because I learn something new about my attitude... I encourage the people read that book. Willie Mitchell (Siloam Springs, Arkansas USA)

"This book is good and easy to read. Having read a few books on self-improvement, I recognized a lot of important subjects. The author presents these in an easy-going way and really does his best to build the reader up along the way.
So why only four stars? The answer lies in the word "touches" in the title of my review. The book doesn't contain all that much text. The author skims past about 50 subjects, each of which deserver a book in their own right."

"A Great Gift To Lift The Spirit. At a time when we all seem to be reassessing our priorities, this is the perfect gift...for yourself or someone you care about. It is an easy read filled with wise, inspiring thoughts. Packed into this slim volume are powerful tips for refining your focus, buoying your spirit, and putting your "some day" plans into motion. Reading it reminds you of your power to set things right and challenges you to live fully each day of your life."
Dr. Suzanne Zoglio (Pennsylvania)

"Wonderful! I have read many self help and motivational books. This one is at the top of my list! It is easy to read, and gets to the point. It is full of wonderful information for everyone. Some books drag on and are confusing and boring. This one is not. It is fun to read, gives great examples and exercises one can do. It has inspired me to live my best life, and follow my dreams."

"Because of the wisdom in "This is Your Life, Not a Dress Rehearsal" fewer people will die with their music still in them. In this life, God created all of us equally. He gave each one of us a basket of talents. Some of us begin early digging into our baskets. Others, like Grandma Moses, don't begin digging until they are in the sunset of their lives. Donovan invites you to dig now. His ideas work because he takes "grow where you're planted" to an energized new level, teaching people how to have the courage to realize their biggest dreams and truly live their version of the good life. Use Jim's book to help you realize every dream you've ever dared to dream and more. Give Jim's book to every brilliant underachiever you know and you'll make the world a better place with your efforts!" Barbara Garro (Barbara Garro at http://www.ElectricEnvisions.com in Saratoga Springs, NY)

"To find anything more inspiring and motivating, read the Bible. Otherwise you will not find a clearer, more concise recipe for personal growth than from Jim Donovan's writings. The challenge is to buy just one copy of his book; you will think of a dozen people who need to read this, and you'll want to buy them each a copy." David Jarret "dejarret" (Doylestown, PA USA)

'This Is Your Life, Not a Dress Rehearsal' inspires the reader to become pro-active about his life and then provides the techniques and tools to change the course of his life. For years I had allowed myself to drift down the river of life allowing the current to control my course. Jim Donovan has shown me how I can take control and change the course of my life. This book provided and provides me with many insights into discovering who I am and the means to become who I would like to be. For instance, after reading Chapter 2, I discovered how I limited myself by beliefs I had acquired as a child. Beliefs that were not true. From Donovan I learned how to challenge those beliefs, those false limits, and remove them. Is this book worth it? Absolutely. In fact, I have given away at least a half dozen to friends. Many read it the same day and called me to tell me how much it meant to them. I have used this book as a study guide for an adult Sunday School class. And I continue to use it on a daily basis." Dick Thomas (rltvideo@voicenet.com) (Doylestown, Pennsylvania)

I have read enough books on the subject of personal success through positive thinking and introspection, from other authors in the field such as Richard Tosti, Tom Peters, Dr. Denis Waitley, Dr. Robert Schuller, and Wayne Dyer to know what works. Jim Donovan's This Is Your Life, Not A Dress Rehearsal, works. It puts you at ease from the first page. Jim's direct approach and no nonsense style, takes the mystery out of realizing your full potential. If you only read one self-help motivational type book in your life, make it This Is Your Life, Not A Dress Rehearsal, you will not be disappointed. Bob Jaeckel


From teenagers to seniors, executives to single parents, people from all walks of life are resonating with the ideas in this easy to read book. What is it about This is Your Life, Not a Dress Rehearsal that has had people all over the world telling me what a powerful impact it had in their lives?

To be perfectly honest with you, I don’t know. I do know that there’s something “magical” in this simple, little book.

I've had people tell me the book changed their life in dramatic ways. One man told me he had been contemplating suicide but, after reading this book, felt he had a renewed sense of purpose. I can’t even describe how awesome that felt!

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not taking any credit for this. I‘m not claiming to have caused this effect. This is Your Life, Not a Dress Rehearsal was written by a power greater than myself. I feel as though it was written through me rather then by me. You see, when I sit down to write, I say a prayer that I will be guided what to say.

I believe this is the “magic” in This is Your Life, Not a Dress Rehearsal.

Sure the stories are mine and the chapter structures are mine but there’s something else in there that I, truthfully, do not understand. Something that connects with people from all walks of life on a deeper level. There’s magic in this book.

Don't take my word for it. Order the ebook and see for yourself. If you are not completely satisfied I will cheerfully refund the full purchase price, no questions asked.


Yes, you deserve to live the life of your dreams


Please emall me should you have any difficulty. Thank you for your order.

© 2009 Jim Donovan — PO Box 63, Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972 — (215) 794-3826