Denis E. Waitley was an American motivational speaker, consultant, and best-selling author known for shaping the personal development movement. He rose to prominence with the audio program The Psychology of Winning, which sold widely and influenced audiences worldwide, along with books such as Seeds of Greatness and The Winner’s Edge. A former naval aviator and graduate of the United States Naval Academy, he later became involved in public relations and nonprofit fundraising before developing his success training programs. He served on advisory groups including the U.S. Olympic Committee’s Sports Medicine Council. He was inducted into the International Speakers Hall of Fame.
This was the first self development book that I ever read and this was when I was about 15-16, maybe even 17.. I loved it! It was when/after I read this book that I discovered my love for self help and development. This book is a must read and re-read. It's a must get, and a book that I proudly own. Furthermore, it's a book that should be read once a year and be kept through life for reference, support and reminder. I really love and have a special connection and appreciation to this book. Idk if it is because it was the first self help book that I read that really opened my eyes or because it was the first self help book that I read. In ieder geval, I love it!
I read Seeds of Greatness by Denis Waitley many years ago. He reviews ten simple "secrets" for living a happy and successful life. His chapter titles are: The Seed of Self-Esteem The Seed of Creativity The Seed of Responsibility The Seed of Wisdom The Seed of Purpose The Seed of Communication The Seed of Faith The Seed of Adaptability The Seed of Perseverance The Seed of Perspective
First read this in 1983. Have read it at least 15 times over. It is filled with powerful words, stories and scriptures that anchor our lives to Biblical principals. Religious? Not really. Meaningful? To me, absolutely. Plus, it has withstood the test of time. I recommend this book because the 'secrets' of success Denis Waitley shares are actually secrets of lifelong preservation and balance.
This book is a 5 star in terms of helpful , creative, and entertaining (especially for business owners/entrepreneurs).Everyone benefits from this book. There are a few perspectives that feel outdated/ill informed that nowadays would be more widely accepted. 3-4 stars in that case. But generally a very good book once you get past the parts that don't jive with our world as it is today.
December 2018 Read A compelling little read with a clever, albeit hackneyed title. Author Denis Waitley, PhD. (the PhD. is now disputed as he never actually attended University, nonetheless...), shows one how to nurture the greatness within them and offers a system that apparently will allow you to do in months, what takes psychologists years to accomplish.
The 10 Seeds are: -
1 - Seed of Self-Esteem 2 - Seed of Creativity 3 - Seed of Responsibility 4 - Seed of Wisdom 5 - Seed of Purpose 6 - Seed of Communication 7 - Seed of Faith 8 - Seed of Adaptability 9 - Seed of Perseverance 10 - Seed of Perspective
Abit dated (circa 1980's), however, still replete with some solid examples of how to overcome feelings of unworthiness and setting higher goals.
"Isn't it time we switched from washing our minds with "soaps" to programming our minds with goals? The mind is goal-seeking by design. Successful individuals have game plans and purposes that are clearly defined and to which they constantly refer. They know where they are going every day, every month, and every year. Things don't just happen in their lives. They make life happen for themselves and their loved ones. They know the difference between goal-achieving actions, and activities that are just tension-relieving."Denis Waitley, Seeds of Greatness, Page 124.
This book shares 10 Seeds of Greatness by the super achievers that Denis Waitley has studied. They are:
1. The Seed of Self-Esteem; 2. The Seed of Creativity; 3. The Seed of Responsibility; 4. The Seed of Wisdom; 5. The Seed of Purpose; 6. The Seed of Communication; 7. The Seed of Faith; 8. The Seed of Adaptability; 9. The Seed of Perseverance; and 10. The Seed of Perspective.
I particularly liked the survey and exercise at the back of this book called the wheel of life (p. 213). It shows you how balanced you are in your life. The areas that Denis mentions that are in our life (in no particular order) are: Mental, Social, Spiritual, Physical, Family, Financial, Professional and Community Support.
I found that my wheel did not look like a wheel at all, but possibly could lead to a bumpy ride. This exercise helped me identify areas that require more of my focus and improvement.
This book opened my eyes at 22 years old to the "possibilities" my parents, school and others never mentioned to me growing up. Let me tell you how I found this book:
After a bad day working for a mean old man who told me my days were numbered, I was heading towards the bus stop feeling really dejected and worthless. My life sucked and I was fresh out of the Military.
I dropped inside a book store as I wait for the bus, and meandered around the store. On a back row, back of the store, at the lowest shelf, backwards and behind another book - I grasped at a mystery book. I pulled out the Seeds of Greatness.
As I read the book, I discovered information I never knew existed. It opened new doors. It changed my perspective and I found my real life not working for a wretched soul for a wage, but as a motivated entrepreneurial sales guy and unlimited income potential.
Almost 30 years later I thank God I found the truth.
This is a great book to read from time-to-time. It offers some wonderful suggestions in how to reach your goals or keep working until you reach your goals! From the principles and secrets of total success you will not only reach your goals but be a happier person by reaching the goals you have set up in your life. It is a work in progress, which like navigating the vastness of an ocean you will learn how to make adjustments as you work toward your goals. I am glad I took the time to again review the principles of successful people. Oh strongly recommend this book to everybody
"Seeds of Greatness" lists ten secrets of success, simply presented in an upbeat format. Tips include thinking positive, believing in yourself, perseverance, being kind and learning from life. The book shares inspiring anadotes of people who have overcome incredible odds, such Wilma the Olympic gold medalist who wore leg braces as a child. Easy, enhancing read
An excellent book to get a yourself a better view of the world and of your way of thinking. If you lack self-esteem, you should definitely read it. If you don't lack it, it is still a very helpful read so you can check your daily thoughts, and refresh yourself with quite a few of its funny stories.
I couldn't find this in ordinary bookstores; however, managed to grab from a used book store. If someone interested in personal development reads,this will be a treat. Much better read than modern day colourful personal development books.
I would rate this 3 stars for myself...but I read this with an eye to having my son read this a few years down the road and with that in mind, I would rate it 4 to 4.5 stars.
When I finally gave this ragged book to my adult son, it had been highlighted in pink, green and blue from my having read it at three difficult periods in my life and finding different "nuggets" at each of those times. I have given the book as gifts quite a few times and consider it my "Book That Mattered Most."
Dennis Waitley will be known as one of the most profound motivational speakers and authors in the the past 50 years. This was one of his greatest books...He wrote many!