The 3 Star Technique for Refining Ideas
The 3 star book reviews on Amazon are a goldmine.
If you’re creating anything (a book, social media content, blog posts, art, a business, coaching programs, courses, etc), these reviews are your secret ally.
They’re even great for personal learning and curiosity.
Here’s why…
With 4-5 star reviews, it’s mostly people just saying, “Wow, this book is great.”
With 1-2 star reviews, it’s mostly people just saying, “This sucks.”
Both of those aren’t helpful.
With 3 star reviews, you get something different.
Most 3 star reviews aren’t overhyped generalizations.
They’re often thoughtful highlights of both the strengths and weaknesses of the book (from someone who bought and read it).
Here’s a good, concise example of a 3 star review. It’s about the famous book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
A weekly assignment to go along with a personal development book? That’s a great idea.
Now let’s say you’re writing a non-fiction book. This might inspire you to have homework assignments at the end of each chapter, to make the book more practical.
What 3 Star Reviews Reveal
Start by reading reviews of books related to your niche or industry.
You don’t have to stop there though. Sometimes you can find insights or ideas from completely different kinds of books that apply across domains.
Here’s what thoughtful 3 star reviews can show you:
Strengths
Weaknesses
Problems
Opportunities
Different viewpoints
Unaddressed pain points people have
Unexpected insights/ideas
These are pure gold, especially if someone took the time to write the review and make sure other people saw it.
Again, this can apply to anything you create, or even your life in general.
Occasionally, you might find some good constructive criticism among the 2 star reviews too.
Here’s an example, also about The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People:
This review points out that although the content is great, the style of writing is not. He thinks it’s boring and dry.
I highlighted a key point. “Remember, the best way for someone to learn is to give them a good time while they learn.”
This hints at a great perspective. Why not include some humor and lightheartedness in whatever you’re doing?
You don’t have to try too hard to be funny, or classify your content as “comedy.” But you can sprinkle in some humor no matter who you are or what your book is.
A little lightheartedness keeps things engaging and makes you more relatable. Another great insight from a review.
How to Use This Research
Now, the question of application.
How do you use this research?
It obviously depends on what you’re doing and where you’re at.
In general though, insights from thoughtful reviews can help you refine your creations (keyword = refine).
It’s the cherry on top, the slight pivot, the honing in, or the little twist on what you already have.
It shouldn’t necessarily change the “spirit” of your creations. Your work is most potent when the core driver is a soul-level calling, and it’s done in your own unique style.
Remember, this kind of research is a refinement tool.
The real magic comes from the depths of your being.
That’s the real power — the raw material of creation. Yet you can put some finishing touches on your masterpiece with the help of insights you glean from good 3 star reviews.
Enjoy the dance of creation.
Much Love,
Stephen Parato
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