When an author advises readers to take risks, people often confuse risk-taking with permission to be stupid.
But Warrell’s purpose is for you to take r...moreWhen an author advises readers to take risks, people often confuse risk-taking with permission to be stupid.
But Warrell’s purpose is for you to take risks that move you in the direction of sharing your unique gift with the world.
The first part of the book presents the elements of courage: why do you live, how do you overcome your brain’s predisposition to cowardice, and what character do you need to take right actions.
The second part deals with courage in the everyday living of your work and personal lives. She challenges you to lead yourself to thrive in an ever-changing reality.
Courage is a critical skill for entrepreneurs. If you want to change the world, or even just your personal wealth, you need to learn to learn to take the risks that will get you to where you want to be.
This book won’t make you courageous, but combine virtuous character and the skills it teaches, and you will take the risks that matter. (less)
The five-author team who wrote Influencer believe that any problems – any at all – caused by human behaviour can be changed.
The first part of the book...moreThe five-author team who wrote Influencer believe that any problems – any at all – caused by human behaviour can be changed.
The first part of the book puts forth the idea that leadership is influence, and that those who influence are those who create rapid, profound and sustainable behaviour change.
To make changes in behaviour you need to have a clear target you’re working toward and you need to identify the vital behaviours that will create the needed change.
The second part of the book covers the six sources leaders must engage to achieve their goal. For lasting changing, leaders need to address all six areas. The ideas the authors put forth work. You know they will for three reasons. First, their findings are grounded in science. Second, the illustrate their lessons with plenty of case studies – real world examples of people facing impossible problems. Third, their ideas are based in the universal principles (or laws) that govern human behaviour.
Because it is principles that are under discussion, they can be taken and applied to any situation, whereas practices are only useful in certain situations. If you’re responsible for leading change, this book is invaluable – clear, well-researched and practical.(less)
Apart from making the 7 Habits fun for kids, this book increased my understanding of the Habits. I love the playfulness and the simplicity of the book...moreApart from making the 7 Habits fun for kids, this book increased my understanding of the Habits. I love the playfulness and the simplicity of the book. It brings out my inner Peter Pan.(less)
Fortunatey, this book shows you how to alter your self-image to truly reflect who you are, thereby lett...moreThe ceiling on your success is your self-image.
Fortunatey, this book shows you how to alter your self-image to truly reflect who you are, thereby letting your brilliance shine.
Alongside Stephen Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, it ranks as the best self-help book ever. Almost everything written in the field since is derivative to a greater or lesser extent. It's the kind of book destined to become a classic because it's ideas are easy-to-understand and simple to practice, and yet take a lifetime to master.
Even small successes using Psycho-Cybernetics will make Olympic differences to your enjoyment of life.(less)
Years before The Secret by Rhonda Byrne made The Law of Attraction popular, I came across this book while I in a psychiatric ward being treated for a...moreYears before The Secret by Rhonda Byrne made The Law of Attraction popular, I came across this book while I in a psychiatric ward being treated for a manic episode of bipolar. Although this is a book about financial prosperity, it taught me to shift my focus from not getting sick to staying well. Before I learned this I had four hospital admissions for mania in five years. Now I've stayed well for twelve years. This book is gold and an absolute must-read.(less)
Given the crappy appearance of the cover of the Amway edition, I thought this book would be filled with advice that has been deservedly long-forgotten...moreGiven the crappy appearance of the cover of the Amway edition, I thought this book would be filled with advice that has been deservedly long-forgotten. I was wrong.
An associate of Dale Carnegie, of "How to Win Friends and Influence People" fame, Bettger's book is of that standard, but for salespeople. He gives you some ideas to change how you think about selling, provides a formula for sales success, shows how to gain a prospect's confidence, offers five things you can do so the prospect sells themselves on you, and closes with the steps of the sales process.
Bearing in mind that Ari Galper has recently game-changed my ideas around selling (his ideas are in No BS Sales Success in the New Economy by Dan S Kennedy), I've changed Bettger's ideas to conform to Galper's, but even so, it's still filled with dozens of ideas I want to test out. More than anything else though, this book has reignited my passion for selling, inspiring me to once again get out there and make a success of it.
This book is pure gold wrapped up in a used fish and chips wrapper.(less)
What if you could get an overview of classic self-help literature that in itself is a roadmap to success?
Such a thing would look s lot like Og Mandino...moreWhat if you could get an overview of classic self-help literature that in itself is a roadmap to success?
Such a thing would look s lot like Og Mandino's University of Success. The book is arranged into ten semesters, each one focused on the foundations for a success theme: taking stock of where you are now, developing s vision for your life, aligning your thoughts with your desires, becoming your own cheerleader, mastering time, attracting money, enlisting the aid of other people, dealing with the challenges of success, maintaing your success, and enjoying your success.
The book's principles are sound. The authors who have contributed are the people who wrote the books that are the foundations of modern self-help. Pick one idea from the book, master it, and then come back and dip in to pick your next idea to master.
Self-help junkies will want to read this to discover some now-forgotten forefathers in the field. But anyone who wants to fully be themselves will want to read this.(less)
Successful people, writes Tom Butler-Bowden, persevere, but they combine perseverance with experimentation until they find what works for them.
Butler-...moreSuccessful people, writes Tom Butler-Bowden, persevere, but they combine perseverance with experimentation until they find what works for them.
Butler-Bowden makes two key points: 1) Things often take longer to achieve than you expect; and 2) You're living longer than your ancestors (indeed, if you can get through the next 20-25 years, your lifespan will increase another 50 years – perhaps indefinitely). These two things take the pressure off the need to succeed in your youth. Instead you take whatever time you need to master the craft in your niche - then wow the world.
This book brings a fresh, much-needed perspective to self-help literature. Butler-Bowden is up there with Stephen R. Covey and John F. Demartini with the extensive reading he's done of self-help literature. Because of this, he can see what's missing and with this book he fills this gap.
If you're older than 30 and feel like you've wasted your time on the planet, then read this book to regain hope that you can still make your unique contribution to the world.(less)
What do you do when you get a great idea: do you act on it immediately or do you find all the reason why your idea is doomed?
This book builds on Napol...moreWhat do you do when you get a great idea: do you act on it immediately or do you find all the reason why your idea is doomed?
This book builds on Napoleon Hill's two earlier works, "Think & Grow Rich" and its predecessor "The 17 Laws of Success", and focuses on how developing a positive mental attitude combined with the other principles will bring you closer to success. The coauthor of this book, W Clement Stone, was one of Jack Canfield's mentors (of "Chicken Soup For the Soul" fame).
The thing I like most about this book is that it emphasizes character as the foundation for success. Dishonesty and lack of integrity will lead to unsatisfying success. Too many people seem to think that you can have the flashy cars, the medals and the awards, without have a solid core of character.
My practical takeaway is the self-starter and self-motivator "Do It Now!" One way I used to do this when I was at my most successful in my teen years was jotting down notes with ideas for my articles and stories, as they occurred. These days I've fallen into the habit of screening my ideas before I write them down. From now, I'll write them down and review them down.
I've pegged this as a foundational self-help book but I do recommend that you read "Think & Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill first, to get the full benefit of this book.(less)
If you've read Joe Vitale's books since he appeared in The Secret, you'll appreciate this book for showing how they all fit together into a framework...moreIf you've read Joe Vitale's books since he appeared in The Secret, you'll appreciate this book for showing how they all fit together into a framework that lets you live life at a higher level.
This framework has four stages, from victimhood to awakening and teaches you how to move forward no matter where you are now.
It's a master work and if you want more information on any of the stages, you can read his other books that go deeper into those specific areas.(less)
The first book clears up myths around leadership and teaches what a leader really does and how to do i...moreThis 2-in1 is the basic guidebook to leadership.
The first book clears up myths around leadership and teaches what a leader really does and how to do it. It finishes with talking about how the best leaders help other people lead.
The second book is all about enabling your leaders to lead other people.
Strongly recommended for anyone interested in leadership whether in a relationship, family or workplace.(less)
This follow-up to Stephen Covey's "The Speed of Trust" drills down into his idea of "Smart Trust", his alternative to distrust or blind faith.
He gives...moreThis follow-up to Stephen Covey's "The Speed of Trust" drills down into his idea of "Smart Trust", his alternative to distrust or blind faith.
He gives example after example of how Smart Trust increases prosperity, energy and joy in your personal life and in your business. He points out that you don't need to get others to change, become trustworthy yourself and you will be a change agent. The book outlines five principles for building Smart Trust.
Whether you're in business or not, read and apply the lessons in this book to build trust in your life.(less)
This book is mind-blowing. Usually when someone says a book is life-changing, they mean the book has helped them make incremental improvements. This b...moreThis book is mind-blowing. Usually when someone says a book is life-changing, they mean the book has helped them make incremental improvements. This book changes the rules altogether.(less)
The best thing that came out of my stint in Amway is that I got introduced to this book. It shows you how to think big, suggests practical ways of liv...moreThe best thing that came out of my stint in Amway is that I got introduced to this book. It shows you how to think big, suggests practical ways of living the think big lifestyle and is readable and entertaining. Anyone seeking to improve themselves should read this book.(less)
Maxwell Maltz's magnum opus guides you in applying rational thinking to achieve your goals and develop an accurate and healthy self-image.
Maltz believ...moreMaxwell Maltz's magnum opus guides you in applying rational thinking to achieve your goals and develop an accurate and healthy self-image.
Maltz believes that success will be automatic, if you use your brain properly. Inside your head is an automatic success mechanism that seeks to achieve goals. Your role in the process is to use the conscious mind to choose what goals you set and then you get out of the way and let your automatic success mechanism do its thing.
For anyone interested in success and feeling better about yourself, this is a foundational must-read. I can't recommend it more strongly than this.(less)
I still remember the day I found a copy of this at Word Bookstore across the road from Flinder St Station in Melbourne. At the time, I had no deep fri...moreI still remember the day I found a copy of this at Word Bookstore across the road from Flinder St Station in Melbourne. At the time, I had no deep friendships and I craved for that to change or I knew I'd kill myself. This book literally changed my life as it gave me practical, rather than theoretical, tips and tools on how to build deep relationships.
Since then, many friendships in my life have come and gone, but I'm also proud to say that I now have a small number of close friends whom I have been friends with for a decade or more (I'm 35, just so you get that this is more impressive than it sounds).
I've never found another book that equals this one for its simplicity and readability – and most of all, the fact that it works. If you want better friendships read it and pass it on to anyone who needs better friends.(less)
With 11,605 ratings and 844 reviews, including 15 from my friends, I'm going to offer something more useful in this review than simply saying it's a g...moreWith 11,605 ratings and 844 reviews, including 15 from my friends, I'm going to offer something more useful in this review than simply saying it's a great book or rehashing the content.
It is, by the way, a great book and reminded me of my own journey to enlightenment.
Here's a list of books to check out if you enjoyed "Way of the Peaceful Warrior" and want to study further in the area.
To read something that will deepen your understanding of "The Gas Station at Rainbow's End," check out the classic Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach.
After journey down the enlightenment path myself, finding out through direct experience what lies on the other side, I see myself more as Socrates in this book than Dan Millman.(less)
Something about the beautiful simplicity of this book — stories from Reader's Digest illustrating principles taught in "The 7 Habits" — makes this my...moreSomething about the beautiful simplicity of this book — stories from Reader's Digest illustrating principles taught in "The 7 Habits" — makes this my favorite Stephen R Covey book. Rather than Dr Covey lecturing us from the pages, he provides a brief introduction and lets the stories do the heartwarming teaching. Kind of "Chicken Soup" meets "The 7 Habits".(less)
For readers familiar with the 7 Habits, this book delves deeply into Habit 6: Synergize. I won't post a review now because it won't be published until...moreFor readers familiar with the 7 Habits, this book delves deeply into Habit 6: Synergize. I won't post a review now because it won't be published until 4 October, 2011.(less)
Read this on the recommendation of my life coach. The agreements are simple to understand but challenging to practice. Even the attempt, however, is l...moreRead this on the recommendation of my life coach. The agreements are simple to understand but challenging to practice. Even the attempt, however, is life transforming.(less)
When I got into self-help books, I had two problems I wanted to solve: how to become likable and how to solve an addiction I'd had since I was 13-year...moreWhen I got into self-help books, I had two problems I wanted to solve: how to become likable and how to solve an addiction I'd had since I was 13-years-old. The books were able to help with the first, but nothing I tried worked with the addiction. That was until I started seeing a psychologist trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
After our first session, I got instant results. Over the weekend that followed I had many changes to indulge my addiction and I had the desire, but I was able to use ACT to make values-based choices. At that point, my knowledge of the principles of ACT was rudimentary.
My psychologist loaned me his copy of this book and I read it swiftly picking up a number of tools that strengthened my practice of ACT. With a gift voucher for Christmas, I bought my own copy.
What is ACT? The acronym also stands for the process Accept your internal experience; Choose a values-based direction; Take action! It has proven effective with depression and addiction.
The book explores a number of tools you can use to accept your experience of those things and make choices that will make you feel good long-term.
It's a groundbreaking book that's simple to understand and easy to apply. If you're having problems in life because of negative feelings or self-talk, this book would be my first recommendation.(less)
Some prosperity books deal with practicals, others deal with mindset. Secrets of the Millionaire Mind is one of the rare ones that links the two toget...moreSome prosperity books deal with practicals, others deal with mindset. Secrets of the Millionaire Mind is one of the rare ones that links the two together.
The basis of the books is this formula: Beliefs --> Thoughts --> Feelings --> Actions = Results.
Where many people go wrong in wealth attraction is that they work on the actions. They believe that if they do the right things, they'll get the money.
But you will always act in a way that's consistent with what you believe. Unless you get your beliefs right, you'll sabotage your efforts.
Do your beliefs need work? Look at the results that you're getting now. Money is an effect, the first four parts of the formula are the connected causes.
What makes this book stand out, is that in addition to showing you how to change pre-existing money beliefs, it walks you through 17 beliefs that the rich have and shows you how to implant them as beliefs and actions in your own life.
I recommend it for anyone who's yet to get the prosperity results that they're after.(less)
Are you action-oriented or do you let life happen to you?
Over and over again, this book drills into you a simple lesson: take action, take action, tak...moreAre you action-oriented or do you let life happen to you?
Over and over again, this book drills into you a simple lesson: take action, take action, take action. Its pages are filled with examples and stories to spark you're thinking, but more importantly, to turn you into an action hero.
One area of my life where I've taken massive action has been in the area of staying well with my bipolar disorder. To learn what worked, I tested dozens of ideas from people who had stayed well for a long time – simultaneously – and my reward has been that for eleven years I've prevented major manic or depressive relapses and have an insight into when my mood is elevating or plummeting that most people with bipolar lack.
This is the self-help book that makes all other self-help books worth their weight in gold. Taking action – any action – is better than having a head full of the best ideas in the world.(less)
It's a collection of short essays, covering the topics that interested Covey all his life: how to master yourself, how to master your relationships, how to build strong families, how to develop personal and public leadership, and general principles for an effective life. As Covey is a Mormon, this book is aimed at fellow members of the Church of Latter-Day Saints, and this may put some people off this book as it may seem too "preachy."
If you've read The 7 Habits, you'll recognise some of the stories and some of the principles that Covey talks about in this book. In some cases, these essays are like the raw, unfiltered form of ideas that were refined before they made it into his seminal work. You'll also find oodles of practical steps that will challenge you to align yourself with timeless principles and succeed with people.
I'd recommend this to you if you're already read The 7 Habits and are looking to deepen your knowledge and practice of principles. But unless you belong to the Church of Latter-Day Saints, I wouldn't suggest you start your study of Covey's material with this book.(less)
The first time I read this book was when it was originally released. Applying its principles and practices to my life in 2001 helped me achieve what I...moreThe first time I read this book was when it was originally released. Applying its principles and practices to my life in 2001 helped me achieve what I look back on as one of the times when I was at my peak in life. Relearning these lessons now will help me scale even higher mountains of inner peace. The book is useful in identifying roles, governing values, personal mission and using these to achieve your targets in life.(less)
If you'd like to learn the 7 Habits but are put off by the academic/managerial language of Stephen Covey, then this book is for you. Because it's writ...moreIf you'd like to learn the 7 Habits but are put off by the academic/managerial language of Stephen Covey, then this book is for you. Because it's written for teens, it's fun and engaging. But don't think that just because you're not a teen you can't read it, I've recommended it to many adults over the years and they've come to love the 7 Habits as a result.(less)
Mortimer Adler devoted his life to making sure people got the liberal education that is lacking from the schooling system in Western cultures. His foc...moreMortimer Adler devoted his life to making sure people got the liberal education that is lacking from the schooling system in Western cultures. His focus was on teaching people to read, write and think.
While plenty of books will teach you how to speed read - such as Tony Buzan's invaluable "Speed Reading" - this book takes you beyond the level of comprehending the text and instead shows you how to engage with it, to have a conversation with the author.
It's useful for any reader, but especially those who are reading the series Mortimer Adler edited, "The Great Books of the Western World".(less)
Goals cannot be set and forget, to achieve them you need to get the right things done. Goals are the "what", but what stops many from being achieved i...moreGoals cannot be set and forget, to achieve them you need to get the right things done. Goals are the "what", but what stops many from being achieved is the "how." Sean Covey's latest book teaches the "how."
The 4 Disciplines, when described seem simple. And to understand them is simple, but they are not simplistic. Discipline 1 is Focus on the Wildly Important. Discipline 2 is Act on the Lead Measures. Discipline 3 is Keep a Compelling Scoreboard. Discipline 4 is Create a Cadence of Accountability.
Of these, my favourite is Discipline 2. Too often we have the focus on the end result when we can't influence that directly. Lead measures are things you can do that, if done consistently, will change the end result.
As a connoisseur of the Covey family's work, I'm willing to declare this as the best work from Covey since "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" and I recommend for use in your business and personal lives.(less)
What makes Dan Kennedy's advice on time management so compelling is his personal output. Each month he churns out several niche newsletters, and he us...moreWhat makes Dan Kennedy's advice on time management so compelling is his personal output. Each month he churns out several niche newsletters, and he usually has at least one book a year. Most interesting, he does these things on his terms.
As this book is time management for entrepreneurs, the first thing he does is gets you to work out your true worth per hour. This figure is different than what you find in other books because Kennedy knows that no one works eight productive hours in a day. From there, he teaches you how to eliminate distractions and propel yourself toward peak productivity, where fifty percent or more of your time is spent working toward your goals.
I've already implemented some of Kennedy's ideas and over the coming weeks and months, I will embrace more of them. I can see how and why they work. I now have a way of working that gives me a clear number to use to measure my success.
Perhaps, one day, people will come to me and ask how I achieve as much as I do.(less)