What becomes most challenging about writing a memoir or a biography is the fact that, unlike a work of fiction, our lives don’t follow neat narrative structures. They go on for far too long and contain far too many characters and plot points for story-telling simplicity, and it’s rare in life that you can satisfactorily say A is because of B plain and simple. Sifting through the complexity that is a human life and summing it up in a book is daunting, but the urge to look back on our lives is practically innate.

Attila Juhasz certainly has had a remarkable life and a remarkable career (or careers if you want to put it that way). Growing up in Yonkers on a diet of classic T.V. and film with steady helpings of rock and heavy metal, Juhasz has worked as a webmaster, editor, and graphic designer for not only several impressive companies, but for many of his musical idols, crossing paths with the likes of Nektar and Judas Priest. He was an early adopter of the internet and web-based promotion, and has a successful series of Roku channels where fans can stream all kinds of film and T.V. classics of different genres. Clearly, he has stories to tell and advice to offer. Thus, his memoir, Gotta Win It, was born.

In Gotta Win It, Juhasz details his early inspiration and the milestones and low points in his professional journey. By talking about his setbacks and how he found new opportunities to push forward in the face of difficulties, he emphasizes the importance of not only resilience and perseverance, but of adaptability and the willingness to try new things and seize opportunities when they present themselves.

Covering roughly 50 years of personal and professional memories starting with childhood inspirations and detailing several business ventures, Gotta Win It sometimes feels more like a string of anecdotes. The stories are interesting, but going from one to the other often loses a thematic connection between them. Juhasz’s efficient prose goes briskly from one period to the next. It’s rarely emotional or particularly descriptive, staying in the world of simple recounting, so at times it feels like there’s a surface level skimming across the years, or painting in broad strokes. This is not only often useful but necessary in memoirs, but occasionally I missed chances to connect on a deeper or more emotional level with Juhasz and his story.

With that being said, many of the stories are impressive and interesting, and the whiplash of going job to job and project to project is something all too familiar with anyone who has ever done any freelance work. Anyone with any interest in metal bands will be amazed and the who’s who of incredible musicians Juhasz has collaborated with, and anyone who’s ever struggled with trying to start a business or get an idea for a new product or company off the ground is well served by one of his central themes – Keep going because success takes a lot of different forms. And it can come at any time.

Juhasz’ aim to share his experiences and to put things out in the world that are uplifting or inspiring is commendable, and he really is a good example of dedication. The book’s no self help type book, there’s no advice about how to succeed, and a string of anecdotes remains the best way to describe how it reads. But we’re really conditioned to see success only a certain way. It’s something lasting and something big and if it goes away for any reason then it’s suddenly a failure. The best quality about Gotta Win It is that Juhasz is reminding us that is not the only definition of success. What feels like minor accomplishments are important to celebrate a job that lasts only for a short time can be a huge experience, and there’s always something next to get excited about. Life, and success, is a journey. We don’t stay in one place forever. Enjoy what you have and keep moving forward.