Patrick Bet-David’s book Your Next Five Moves is like sitting down with a sharp, no-nonsense mentor who’s been around the block and wants to help you stop playing checkers when life’s playing chess. Bet-David, who built a successful company from scratch and now runs the Valuetainment platform on YouTube, lays out five big “moves” to help folks make smarter decisions—not just in business, but in everyday life. Rest assured, this isn’t one of those fluffy, feel-good reads either. It’s packed with hard-earned wisdom and clear steps that make you stop, think, and plan your next play like a pro.
So, what is your first move? That’s coming soon. In the meantime, know that the author starts it all by saying the biggest mistake people make is not knowing themselves, and he doesn’t sugarcoat it. If you don’t know what truly makes you tick—your strengths, your blind spots, your real goals—how can you ever make truly the right moves? Whether you’re starting a business, raising a family, or trying to get your life back on track, that kind of self-awareness is your foundation. It’s like trying to drive across the country without knowing your starting point.
So, the first move? Know you.
Get clear on what you really want, so you know where you’re headed. Bet-David calls this having vision, but in plain simple English, it just means deciding what success looks like to you. A lot of folks wander through life hoping something good will happen. He says, “Nope.” Spell it out. Get specific. Whether you’re trying to grow a business, get out of debt, or live a more balanced life, clarity cuts through all of the noise. If you don’t know what you’re chasing, how do you know when you’ve caught it, right?
Start to think five moves ahead. Here’s the heart of the book—and probably the title for a reason after all. He wants you to stop reacting and start thinking ahead. Just like a chess player doesn’t make a move without thinking about the next few that’ll follow, you’ve got to plan for what’s around the corner — or may be around the corner. This applies to business decisions, career changes, even big life stuff like buying a house or getting married. If you can think a few steps ahead, you’ll stay out of trouble and be ready when opportunities knock.
Start to surround yourself with the right people because nobody gets far all alone. Bet-David spends a good chunk of time talking about how to build a solid team. In business, that means hiring the right folks. In life, it means surrounding yourself with people who lift you up, hold you accountable, and bring out your best. Whether it’s a business partner, spouse, mentor, or friend—having the right people in your corner is a game-changer. And the wrong ones? Well, they can completely derail your plans — and fast.
The last move is all about mindset. The author says too many people are just trying to “get by.” But if you want to do something big—grow a business, change your life, make an impact—you’ve got to learn the rules and then outwork, outsmart, and outlast the rest. He’s not talking about being ruthless—he’s talking about being intentional. Knowing what you want, why you want it, and going after it with everything you’ve got a little each and every day.
Contrary to what may be believed, Your Next Five Moves isn’t just for business folks—it’s for anyone who wants to stop drifting and start deciding. Bet-David speaks in plain language, with stories and examples that really hit home, whether you’re running a startup or trying to level up your life. If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure about your next step, this book is a wake-up call. It doesn’t promise quick fixes—but it gives you a roadmap and the confidence to take control of your future little by little.
Here are a few of my favorite quotes:
“No decision is black and white.”
“Put-downs, insults, and abuse can either be your excuse or you fuel. And it’s damn powerful fuel.”
“Your mindset is everything. When you start viewing a crisis as an opportunity, you are winning the game.”
“There’s a saying that speed kills. That’s right, it kills the competition.”
“Be honest about what’s holding you back, and cut that fat from your life.”