Elevate: An Essential Guide to Life

by Joseph Deitch

Award-Winning Finalist in the Self-Help category of the 2018 Best Book Awards sponsored by American Book Fest  2018 Living Now Awards - Gold in Personal Growth and Self-Help 2018 Readers' Favorite Awards - Gold in Non-Fiction Motivational Amazon Best Seller in Happiness, Personal Transformation, and Motivational
A modern world that is bursting with data can often make us feel even more lost as we struggle to find meaning and look for the answers to life's mysteries. Joseph Deitch shares his lifelong pursuit of wisdom and growth in an accessible, practical, down-to-earth gift to his readers. Elevate is a celebration of life and the potential that exists for all of us. It provides both answers and insights as it links awareness and action, East and West, ancient and modern, spiritual and scientific. It offers a formula for turning frustration into fascination and provides a universal framework for what works and why, what to do . . . and why we don't.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Psychology, Personal Development, Leadership

300 pages, Paperback

First published March 27, 2018

About the author

Joseph Deitch has built billion-dollar businesses. He’s a Tony-award winning Broadway producer, a consummate entrepreneur, an enthusiastic philanthropist, and a man Financial Advisor magazine once selected (alongside Warren Buffett) as one of the 35 most influential leaders of the financial planning profession over the previous three-plus decades.

The first words Joe might use to describe himself, though?

Endlessly curious.

Joseph is the author of #1 Amazon bestseller Elevate: An Essential Guide to Life and the founder of the Elevate Prize Foundation, which celebrates and empowers individuals and organizations whose ideas and endeavors elevate the human experience. The organization will $5 million annually amongst its winners starting (as well as marketing and management resources) in 2020.

Deitch is the founder and chairman of Commonwealth Financial Network, the largest privately owned, independent investment broker/dealer in the United States with assets under management of $161 billion. Commonwealth has been recognized as ”Best Place to Work” 41 times by regional publications in Boston and San Diego, as well as nationally by Computerworld Magazine. J.D. Power and Associates has ranked Commonwealth “Highest in Independent Advisor Satisfaction Among Financial Investment Firms” every year it has been bestowed. Mr. Deitch is also chairman of Southworth Development, a golf and resort real estate company with award-winning properties in the United States, Scotland, and The Bahamas.

From 2009 – 2012, Deitch co-produced nine Broadway productions, most of which were produced through Full House Productions, where he served as principal. In 2012, Deitch won a Tony award as co-producer for The Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, Joseph also founded the Deitch Leadership Institute at the Boston Latin School. The institute provides leadership training and focuses on individual growth and community improvement.

He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in International Relations and an alumnus of Harvard Business School’s Owner/President Management Program.

After college, he followed his muse and moved to the US Virgin Islands and eventually returned to Boston to pursue a career in financial services, always trying to merge the ethos of the islands and the entrepreneur. Today, he divides his time primarily between Miami, Boston, and Cape Cod – depending on the weather.

Reviews

[Holly Weiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Want to improve your health and well-being? Our complex culture weighs heavy on all of us. Deitch assists us in finding and choosing techniques for successfully navigating our increasingly-convoluted lives. Rather than being victims of our world, we can care for ourselves effectively. The author’s relaxed, encouraging voice offers practical tips on surfing the changing waves of the world. We are at the center of our lives and have the ability to tend to our minds, spirits, and bodies in a dynamic way. I received a signed author’s copy from Bookish First. I thank the publisher for the advance readers copy.

[JP · Rating 4 out of 5]

With so many topic-specific self-help books already on the market, Deitch’s aspiration of a comprehensive “Essential Guide to Life” is lofty. He succeeds. The 330 pages of Elevate come quickly because the concepts are compact and broken up with plenty of engaging stories. I’m well read in this genre and still noted plenty of gems of new wisdom to leverage, plus lots of reinforcement of ideas I’ve encountered before. Deitch draws on common life stories, including some hard experiences, to make his points relevant. Since he succeeded first in business before turning to this motivational work, he background comes with some extra credibility. The practical wisdom ranges from broad topics, like our overall mindset, to specific areas like gratitude and exercise. Among my favorite take-aways was the reminder that we perform best when our level of excitement is balanced against the challenge required for the next goal we’ve set, which should be one of many in a sequence toward bigger aspirations.

[Leigh Hatcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so happy that I recieved Joseph’s book Elevate. I knew this book would be coming to me the moment I read the first look. I have been on an awakening, spiritual, finding my true self journey since I was around 18 now I’m 42. Which has changed my life just like Joseph talks about in the book. I will be continuing following my true path for the rest of my life. This book would help everyone who reads it, if they are willing to let go of the conditioning we all go through and are open to change and learning. Unlearning what I was taught and learning my own truth was the best thing I’ve done for myself and my family. I just want to thank you for such an inspiring self help book. Hope everyone reads it.

[Ali Alhasan · Rating 3 out of 5]

So very good bits in the book. Many of things I’ve read before but every few pages I’m surprised with new insight.

[Vanessa Princessa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book thanks to Blinkist.

I rate it 2 stars, because I read a lot of non-fiction & this provided nothing new for me.

The key message in these blinks:

Life isn’t simply about going through the motions – it’s about elevating yourself to ever higher levels of proficiency and, ultimately, achieving satisfaction and success. But here’s the catch: oftentimes, we just don’t know where to start this process. Fortunately, it’s not as hard as you might think. The place to start? Ask yourself what you want to change in your life, and refuse to give up until you have a firm answer. Once you’ve clarified that question, it’s all about saving time, structuring your days for maximum efficiency and taking care of your physical and mental health. 

Actionable advice:

Find out what the people around you want. 

Do you ever feel frustrated because the folks around you just don’t seem to get what you’re driving at? Or maybe you’ve noticed that your partner seems grumpy but you can’t figure out what’s wrong? Well, whatever it is that’s vexing you, it’s time to put an end to the suspense. Here’s how: stop pretending you’re psychic, and start communicating! If you want to solve an issue, you need to ask what other people want. Once you know that, it’s much easier to give it to them or, if that’s not possible, rationally explain why you can’t. 

What to read next:

Live It! by Jairek Robbins 

Right, by now you should have a good idea how to start elevating yourself and getting the most out of life. But knowing something in theory and actually doing it in reality are two different things. Still scared to let go and start following your dreams? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! 

Enter Jairek Robbins, a decorated coach and lifestyle entrepreneur who has helped readers around the world to realize their ambitions with his proven, step-by-step process guide to filling the gap between where you are today and where you want to be tomorrow. So, if you’re in the market for authentic happiness, check out our blinks to Live It!

[Johanna Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Im fascinated.






Mar 12 2018 – 17:02
By jsawyer
Who hasn't picked up a self help book because they have felt frustration. Self help books lately have fascinated me. I'm in the category get busy learning or get busy dying. I correlate the learning process with staying healthy. An idle mind is the devil's playground.
When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.... All right, I'm ready. This isn't a one sitting type book but a book to read stretched out over weeks while you do your own inner diagnosis. I'm completely fascinated with myself but I constantly am being frustrated. The author has his own ten steps to help you come full circle and begin to explore how to truly elevate your life. I'm constantly frustrated by things I can not control and he puts a positive spin on this. Instead of being frustrated try being fascinated. Well its worth trying. I loved the amazing quotes throughout the book and a few of them I have directed at coworkers and even my kids. My curiosity level has always been high so its not a big leap for me to pester people with questions. I think the author has an amazing perspective on life and like I said it would take awhile to fully immerse yourself in all the steps of this book but it certainly adds a certain clarity between where you are and where you want to be. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Thanks Bookish First and the author for allowing me a copy to read and self help myself.

[Tate · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, thank you to BookishFirst for letting me read this book in advance. and thank you to the author for the awesome swag!

I have to admit I was a bit skeptical. Most self-help books provide good information, but seem to have their fair share of "crazy." Elevate is the first one that I have read cover to cover and never had a "here we go" moment. The only critic I have for this book is that I feel like the author could have went into more detail about actions and exercises that he suggest. A couple of chapters had me wanting more. It's probably due to the dificulty of explaining it through text and also because it would have made the book much longer.
Many many times while reading I had those "aha" moments and things finally seemed to click. My favorite part if this book is that it can be applied to any and all aspects of life. Many things I thought, "this is perfect for work" then as I pondered it more thought, "this applies to my marriage and home life." It all translates and if you apply the principles it will transfer any aspect of your life. I have been trying to apply the techniques taught in this book and pay better attention to myself and my reactions. I have seen huge improvements and my outlook on life in general has changed so much. I can't wait to reread this book many times taking notes and applying the lessons taught. Best Self-Help book I have ever read!

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book from Bookish in exchange for my honest opinion.
Ok, so I'm one of those people. I listen to motivational videos, hype songs, and speeches. My bookshelves are full of books to help me grow as a person. I'm always looking for a new way to look at an old concept. Elevate is a perfect addition to my collection. The writing is clear and precise, the author is easy to understand and relate to, and he reminds you of those things you already wanted to change in the first place.
This book is meant to Elevate your thinking, which will, in turn, elevate your life. If you're looking for a new idea to slap you in the head, this isn't the book for you. But if you're looking for a book that will remind you of all those ideas and changes and things you meant to do and already knew you needed to do, this is it. Is it worth buying? Yes, it is. Would I have bought it if I had not won it in the raffle? Yes, yes I would have. Now does that mean everyone will love this book? No, because we are all different and we all have different perspectives on the world. But from my perspective, this was a good read.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book on Goodreads. This book is a fascinating look into one's mindset. At times I felt vulnerable looking at my biases and concepts towards things in my life. The concepts that I want to utilize and takeaway for myself is to "ask" and to "listen." These are just two points to consider from everyday life to starting a new business and everything in between, these can be used for basically all that life has to offer. Listening is valuable, I find most businesses fail to listen to themselves and especially to their employees when problems arise and failure results. I also find that people often times say they are open minded and tolerant but I find those people are the most closed minded and intolerant, especially if your views differ from their views. This book provides the groundwork for inner thought and self introspection. This book covers a broad range of topics, such as love, appreciation and looking at oneself through a different lens by changing the attitude that surrounds it.

[A. D. Paventi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elevate is definitely not one of those books that can be stopped and started often; you have to devote time to reading it through at least once, then go back and reread each section with the purpose of taking notes! 

Author Joseph Deitch catches the reader's attention with honest truths without being too wordy. For example, in Part One (Awareness) Deitch writes, "true attention entails looking, listening, and learning without prejudice." Without prejudice. Sounds simple, but try paying attention to something or someone without your preconceived notions getting in the way. It's tough at first, just like learning to actively listen when someone is talking, instead of just waiting for your turn to speak. 

This book is one of the few in the "self-help" genre that will actually help you! The sections are divided sensibly, and peppered throughout are wonderful quotes crom various famous people.

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the publisher via BookishFirst in exchange for my honest review. -- I am a sucker for a good self-help or motivational book. My collection started when I was doing my undergrad and my college had a slight obsession with adding them to the curriculum of all the business classes. That being said, I need a book that is easy to understand, relatable and has the capacity to bring me some real-life applications. This book does that and then some. The format of the book is easy to understand and I found it easy to flip back to areas that I wanted to revisit. I did not need to re-read the text n order to understand exactly what the author was trying to convey and while we aren't supposed to judge books by their covers - this one is modern and simplistic and I really liked it.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joseph Deitch's _Elevate: An Essential Guide to Life_ is not so much a self-help book as it is a guide to reframing the way you look at life. Make the book your own, and take the time to read through it. Perhaps you could read it straight through, and that would be perfectly fine. I myself chose to read it bit by bit, alternating with my own personal journal-style reflections. I greatly appreciate this book from the Goodreads giveaway pages, and I will keep eyes open for other similar gems. Because my sister is going through some life transitions right now, I'll be passing this on to her. (As I usually hold on to books and reread them for my own self-satisfaction, I realize this is that good.)

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Elevate is a wonderful summary of the best, scientifically backed, actions individuals can take to improve their own overall health and well-being. The first part of the book discusses valuable concepts that one should consider weaving into the fabric of their lives and the second part gives practical advice in how to do that. While most of the content was not new to me, or probably to you, it was presented in such a way as to give you manageable steps and to remind you to revisit areas where you may have slipped off track. The only reason I did not give it five stars was that I was looking for that next step.

[Angela Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elevate is a book worth a second read. It’s written in an engaging narrative, author’s personal examples are provided, and the structure makes it easy to follow advice and progress.

This book provides concepts and follows those concepts with steps and advice.

There are some self help books which are wordy but without meaning or practicality. Elevate is not one of those books. The realizations provided by Deitch are relateble and worthy of assisting the reader in not changing, but elevating.

Thank you to the publisher for letting me win Elevate in a Goodreads giveaway.

[Bianca A. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good principles, but nothing new that you can't get as facts from a YouTube video.

[Marco · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book for anyone with lots of how-to on creating a life that's free from stress and negativity and a focus on self-work.

From lifestyle to boardrooms, from everyday to long term, Deitch covers everything with 5 insights for awarenesses of our lives and 10 skills that prove anything is possible.

The main themes of a successful life are here which are empathy and gratitude. These two things always make you motivated and ready for the world. With management tools mixed with spiritual practices, this book is a solid guide to living the best life possible.

I used Deitch's methods of meditation and relaxation and found myself rivaling the sunshine. For everyone who reads this book, it might just do the same.

There's a lot of details here that might make some readers reluctant, but the further the book goes along the better it gets at discussing practical ways to be a better workforce contributor and a person in the world who can spread positivity.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“...when our awareness expands, so does our world ... and it becomes increasingly wondrous.”
~ Joseph Deitch

Years ago, I devoured many of the self help books on the market, after going through a particularly rough period in my life. I learned a lot that over the years has been very beneficial. When I saw this, I wanted to read about what a man who wrote a book about lifelong quest for wisdom and self-improvement would have to say. I feel I was very fortunate that I received this book in giveaway.

Some of this came across to me as reminders, and other parts of the book definitely opened my eyes to new ways of thinking. For years, I’ve been so bogged down by all the things I had to do, I’ve been running on autopilot much of the time. Within the past few months, I came to an awareness that I didn’t want to continue living this way. I wanted more moments to stop and smell the roses, and actually take time to appreciate the experience of living. This book covers just about every area of life I could think of and then some. Joseph has suggestions for your workplace that are applicable whether you are the boss or an employee. There is lots of helpful information on how to get along with others and yourself. He covers topics such as diet and meditation, as well as other things that add to our experiences.

I really like how the book is set up. You can skip around to any area you wish to read about. I also like that he wrote the book so that each chapter is broken down into insights or skills, which made it possible to read a few pages whenever I had a few free moments in my day.

This massive undertaking is easy to read and I think everyone would find some helpful information in it.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look past the bland cover and nondescript title, and you’ll see that this is not a run-of-the-mill self-help book. In an engagingly casual, encouraging voice, Deitch, a leading financial planner with a well-informed interest in personal growth (he also won a Tony Award for co-producing “The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess” on Broadway), provides a “roadmap” of shortcuts to leading a fulfilling life. Like any good teacher, the author draws from years of his own experience and others’ wisdom to speed up our learning curve so that we can avoid “the pain and frustration of mistakes and missed opportunities.” Scattered throughout are relevant, pithy, and uplifting quotes, as well as anecdotes, that underscore his points.

Deitch divides the book into two parts, the first half focusing on awareness, and the second, on action. Because each concept informs the other, says the author, we need both in order to grow and change. In other words, first we have to become aware of what does and does not work for us (Deitch illustrates how), and then we have to put that awareness into action by implementing the ten skills the author details in individual chapters in Part Two.

The book’s title reflects Deitch’s goal of helping readers “elevate” their “awareness, understanding, and growth.” The author avoids using the pat jargon and truisms similar works employ. And most of his ideas are very practical, as he can attest to given his own success in several professional spheres. This work represents a sincere, down-to-earth effort to help others see themselves and the world in new ways and is well worth reading.

This review is based on a free hardcover copy of the book provided by the publisher.

[Energy Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me, Elevate started off similarly to The Celestine Prophecy, in that it had insights, and its goal is that of CBT, to change the way we think and process our environment. He also talks about the energy that is exchanged when we are dealing with others, another predominant aspect of Redfield's book. But that is where the similarities ended, as Elevate is not a work of fiction, rather a guide for personal growth.
He presents the reader with various insights for awareness in ourselves and our relationships in the first part of the book. In the second part of the book, we are presented with Action, reflecting on the insights with ways to go out and apply our new-found knowledge to what we are striving to change and achieve. Deitch pulls in dozens of quotes from authors, philosophers, and the like, tying them into the material he is presenting. He also weaves in examples from her personal life to give the reader context and application.
Deep down, we want for more out of our lives. By understanding ourselves and how we react to word, situations, and exchanges, we are better able to process what is happening, and get more out of life. The reader may stumble upon concepts that they may have heard of, but Deitch gives the reader more, by explaining how to deal with these concepts and how to apply them to your life. With topics ranging from introspection, love, work, and interpersonal relationships, Elevate is a great read with a very practical application for our lives.

[Hal · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first impression I got of this book was how it was delivered. Impressive, with the personal touch from the author Joseph Deitch. And you will find in reading the book he is an impressive man, successful at many things and worth paying attention to. And I found myself wanting more of a biography on him.

But back to the content. In reading what he had to say I had mixed reactions. No doubt there is much wisdom and nuggets of wealth to be gotten here. Yet a large portion of it read as a sort of text book with a decided business orientation. Much certainly can be applied to the personal but I just got more of a business application to much of it, which I found a little dry. Also there is so much laid out here it can become rather mind boggling.

Having said this, however, there is also much value in the topics and lessons Mr. Deitch puts forth. It is hard to argue with success. Some of the topics he took on were also intriguing, like love. It is the type of book that one really needs to study and go back to over and over again to get something life changing. And that really is what is all about, change.

He sums a lot of what he has to say in the book right at the end, stating ultimately, life is what you make of it. Simple, yet powerfully stated and something we have all heard before. I plan to go back and review many of these concepts starting with incremental change which he talks about. And I plan to make something out of that as a first step.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like many of the other reviewers, I am a self professed self help junkie. It is a genre I am drawn to and have read and re-read the master works, as well as some of the books by people just repeating a few short concepts, while trying to make a few bucks simply.
Joseph Deitsch's lengthy and complete work goes among the former, masterful, works. His ideas are well researched and well presented. He addresses not only actions to undertake but mindset and the WHY behind the process.
Most people will not read this book in one sitting. It is also not a one and done type of book.
You also will not see results just by reading this book once. You must also absorb the information, think about it, and take action on what you learn.
Deitsch divides the book into smaller concepts in an easy to follow and build upon sequence.
The book has techniques that can be applied to an individual's success and growth as well as the a manager or supervisor dealing with employees and even to the healthy and growth of a company or corporation.
I also enjoyed the relevant quotes which headed each section.

This book has the potential to change the way the reader sees himself and the world.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elevate is a self-help book unlike any you may have read before, with a genuine push towards personal growth and development. You can tell from the first paragraph that Joseph Deitch has put a lot of time and thought into every sentence, really crafting a voice that sounds confident in the knowledge he shares but also like a friend who is excited about what they've learned and longs to share it with you. I'm often put off by the air of superiority that comes from many self-help authors and the constant barrage of "if you just do this, your life will be better." It's annoying and, frankly, unhelpful. I don't make it through a lot of self-help books because of that, and so I was weary of Deitch's book as well, but I kept an open mind going in. I found it to be exponentially better than I had hoped. Upon finishing it, I knew I would return to it again and again throughout life and all its twists and turns. I think this book is great for a wide range of people and could be applicable to just about anyone in any point of their life. I'd highly recommend getting a copy of this book into your hands. I think you're really going to enjoy it.

[Elizabeth Wanda C · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book. I enjoyed every page. For example, "Programming 101: What is Your Language" is about the power of words. In a busy world with a lot of noise coming at us, this book simplifies what we should already know, but may not be able to comprehend because of the noise and requirements coming at us in our everyday life. Sometimes all we need is someone to point out how we can best pick our next path in life; this book helps in that way. What a great way to learn how to improve your mind and your life.

Based on a five-star rating, I give it five stars!
1) Buy from the author in the future? Yes
2) Did it keep me intrigued? Yes
3) Storyline adventurous, mysterious, and believable? Yes
4) Would I recommend to a family member/friend? Yes
5) Did my idea of the book based on the cover remain the same after I read the book? Yes. The imagery and the playful implementation of the font make it clear that this book is all about elevating one's self.

[Judgie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

*Disclaimer* This is the first self help book I have read and therefore I am not by any means an expert on them. That being said, I found Elevate to be very well written and the concepts easy to understand and follow.

Three things that make Elevate stand out: 1. Foreword by Lisa Genova endorsing this book (This is very minor in the grand scheme of Elevate, however Lisa is one of my favorite authors and knowing that she gave it a thumbs up made me even more excited to read it) 2. The "How to Use This Book" intro with helpful tips (I found this to be very helpful although I wish I listened to the advice and read the book in small chunks, jumping around as needed. Instead I read front to back) 3. Interesting quotes and anecdotes at the beginning of each section.

[Jordan (Forever Lost in Literature) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an interesting book! I must admit, boasting that this is "an essential guide to life" does make me a bit skeptical of such a strong claim, but I think this book lived up to that title pretty well. I don't often listen to a lot of motivational books and speakers, but I must say that I related to a lot of what Deitch was saying in this book. Deitch writes in a very accessible, simple, and precise writing style that really made this book a pleasant breeze to read through. Deitch doesn't necessarily say anything in this book that is exceptionally groundbreaking or offer many new ideas, but he does emphasize a lot of ideas and areas where we can look in our lives to improve and learn from. Overall, I really would recommend this to fans of motivational/self-help books and those who don't normally read them alike.

[Audrey Stars in Her Eye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elevate is an inspirational self-help book that is a little too broad to truly help me on a personal level.
Elevate contains a lot of theory. While the theory is strong (and has been shown across multiple disciplines), there are few tasks to actually help the reader [ut these into practice. Ther are a few structured exercised that will help me elevate parts of my life. But too much of the book is just information and I don't really know what to do with it.
I would like to see is seminar because he talks about tasks he does with them and I think those would help. (I just hope this book isn't designed to sell his speaking engagements. That would de-elevated everything for me).

The book contains great theory and information but not enough structure to actually apply most of it.

I received an ARC from the publisher; all opinions are my own.

[Kristie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so happy I won a raffle for this one. I probably wouldn't have known what this book was about or that even existed without the help of BookishFirst. As a studying Clinical Mental Health Counselor I found so much valuable information in the pages of this book. I really enjoyed the flow and how everything, even if I wasn't a student of psychology, could be read and understood by anyone. It was an uplifting, educational book and I would definitely recommend to fellow learners, friends, family and possibly even patients in the future. The author even threw in a Starbucks gift card to enjoy while reading the book and I must tell you - I actually took him up on that offer. I read a few chapters in our local Starbucks and enjoyed every second of it! If you get the chance, read this one!

[Srikanth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book on Bookish in return for my honest review.

This book is full of ideas and actions that we can take to improve our life and personality. One concept is to have break down the challenge into simple and easy to reach goals so we can have a sense of accomplishment before moving on to the next level. The author very well follows this technique in the book by introducing us to the concepts in a way that is easy to understand and assimilate before moving on to the next level.

Every new concept is introduced with a nice little quotation from various sources ranging from the Bhagavad Gita to Confucius to Edison.

I would definitely recommend this book.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book from Bookish in exchange for an honest review, thanks Bookish and thanks to the author! I really enjoyed reading this self help book and found it to be very useful, enlightening, and full of a lot of great information as well as personal stories from the author. This book is meant to Elevate your thinking, which will, in turn, elevate your life. Elevate provides a lot of good advice and practical ways to elevate your life and implement them into your life. It took me a little longer to get through the book than I thought it would but it was definitely worth the read. I also enjoyed all of the quotes and little nuggets of wisdom offered throughout. All in all I would say that I really liked this book and would definitely recommend it!

[PeaceLily · Rating 5 out of 5]

By omshanti

I really appreciated the way the author has organized the accumulated wisdom in this book. As he says, "It's not my wisdom, it's our wisdom." He's collected and organized wisdom from both Eastern and Western philosophies into a very readable and logical format, with two parts. The first part is "Awareness" and is about cultivating awareness for improving your life. The second part, equally important, is "Action". The author compares it to the Eastern concept of yin and yang, both are equally necessary.

I enjoyed how the author presents first an inspirational quote for each section and then elaborates on the quote, often drawing on examples from his personal life to illustrate points.