5 comments about The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

1. Here is an excerpt from my blog post about working on Covey's 2nd Habit. I hope it will encourage others to take the time to really think about and work through the lessons in this book. I'm not sure I am a more confident or effective person as of yet, but it feels good to 'Be Proactive' (a la Habit #1) and feel like I'm working towards making progress. -- Evonne
   [...]
   
   Begin with the End in Mind (Part 1)
   
   I tried writing my obituary today. No, I haven't already decided to give up. It was an exercise suggested by the enduring classic, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. It's not a book about `confidence' per se. It is about being an effective and successful person. The philosophy Covey teaches to achieve this end is known as the Character Ethic. The Character Ethic attributes success to fundamental and underlying human characteristics such as integrity, honesty, courage, potential and growth. This is in contrast to the Personality Ethic which calls its followers to focus on personality traits, skills and maintaining a positive attitude among other things to be an effective person and according to Covey this latter approach been unduly popularized throughout the latter half of the 20th century. I don't know which ethic is more correct and I'm not sure that I believe there are only two ways to approach effectiveness. But I think we can all agree that feeling effective and successful are important to feeling in control and confident and I hope to explore both approaches (among many others) in this blog.
   
   In Habit #2: Begin With The End In Mind, Covey suggests that you take a moment to think about what you would want a member of your social network, your family and a community organization that you're involved with to say about you at your funeral.
   
   "Now think deeply," he writes, "What would you like each of these speakers to say about you and your life? What character would you like them to have seen in you? What contributions, what achievements would you want them to remember? What difference would you like to have made in their lives?"
   
   And now here's the real clencher... "Before you read further, take a few minutes to jot down your impressions. It will greatly increase your personal understanding of Habit 2." Damn't.. sigh.. and so I was stuck jotting ideas on a napkin..
   
   (By the way, if you're wondering what happened to Habit #1: Be proactive a.k.a. "work inside your circle of influence" and "if you think the problem is out there, that's the problem". Well, you're looking at it.)
   
   I had heard of this eulogy/obituary exercise before and to be honest it never really resonated with me. I understand that it should highlight what you truly value and help you work backwards to prioritize your life and work towards those goals. But in addition to being, well.. morbid, I also tend to think it gives too much weight to what you want people to think about you. While beginning to ponder the questions, it put me into a manipulative mindset, asking myself how I get my friends/family/etc to say what I want them to say about me. But perhaps this says more about me and my tendencies than it says about the merits of the exercise.
   
   Here are my napkin jottings. Please read as if there is a question mark after every statement because that was the tone of the voice dictating each line in my head. And I apologize in advance for all the cringing you are about to experience...
   
   She was happy. (Remember, read: "She was happy?") She felt lucky.She was surrounded by people she loved and who loved her. People wanted her in their lives. One of the most interesting people I've met. Never dull. You'd never know what she was going to say. She made life interesting. She was brilliant, but almost just as notably, she was curious. People wanted to be around her. She had a way of making people feel comfortable and wanted and accepted. She wanted to understand everything. She wanted to be involved in everything. She was a mathematician, a business woman, a chef and food critic, a planner, a writer, a thinker, a philanthropist, an anthropologist, a strategist, an explorer, an adventurer, a curiosity, a language prodigy, a wonderful friend and loving mother. She had no regrets.
   
   Okay, so I took some liberties here, but be proud of me for actually uploading my unedited scribbles. It's actually (even more) embarassing because I don't think I would've written something much different in 3rd grade.. how far I've come. Don't worry, my ego is not actually this big (and misdirected/delusional) but the exercise instructions didn't say to limit by my actual level of intellect, skills, behavioral tendencies, etc so I ran with it.
   
   While I feel it did point out quite a few of my insecurities and to some extent some of the things I want or think I want in life, again I didn't feel like I was getting to the core of it. I actually wanted to come up with a few things I could feel proud of and live by and work towards instead of taking a 5-minute stab in the dark with my pen and a napkin. But how do I do that? Keep in mind you're asking a 26 year old what she wants in life...
   
   So here is my plan, to be tackled this week (and diligently written about next Sunday, of course). Instead of daydreaming and musing, I am going to take a more systematic approach. Obviously from my scribbles you can tell I have no real idea what a eulogy or an obituary might sound like. And given my limited life experience I haven't had exposure to the breadth of life experiences and character qualities that can be highlighted therein. And just generally I don't know what makes for a meaningful and interesting discussion of a person's life... I've never attended a funeral and if you can believe it, the obituaries are not my `flip-to' section of the NYT. In addition, I have no idea what I could write in a mock obituary for my future self that would feel uplifting and satisfying to my current self right now.
   
   I know I've flipped past countless examples in the obituaries section of the NYT, The Economist, The Atlantic... so I've decided to go back and actually read them. While perusing the web editions of these publications, I found troves of obituaries that I can't wait to read: David Foster Wallace, Bobby Fischer, Laurence Urdang, Yves Saint Laurent, Mary Garber, Charlton Heston. Obviously these lives were selected by these journals because the people who led them were luminaries and pioneers in their time and I don't expect to hold myself to quite as high a standard. But I think this will provide some good fodder and am very interested to learn what will stand out to me, what I will and won't want people to say about me and to eventually help me realize at least a few ideas that I want to internalize and make my own.
   
   Will report back shortly...



2. To put it simply, this book is life changing. Buy this book now, and become a more productive, effective person.



3. Great book, read or listen. A must read for any driven person trying to seperate himor herself from the pack, at work, school or in general.



4. The book was in really good condition. It's a great book. Anyone who likes to read should check it out.



5. To be blunt, I struggle with this book. It is written in a convoluted style which tends to either lose or demotivate me--or both. Without question, the process is first rate--seven habits that are proven to make anyone more effective. However, even after reading the book, listening to the tapes, and attending the two-day workshop, I find myself not implementing this process--and I am generally a very disciplined person.
   
   What interests me most about this book is the company behind it. I consider the Dale Carnegie system to be superior to the Covey system (although Covey would argue the two are entirely different and thus incomparable). However, by purchasing the Franklin calendaring company, and integrating their process into Outlook software, daytimers, etc, Covey has created a empire that outflanked and outperformed the Carnegie system. So despite being superior, the Carnegie system has become so out of date it is nearly antiqued by a leaner, more nimble company with an inferior product that simply out-maneuvered the superior competition. A great study in "change or die"."

5 comments about The 4-Hour Workweek, Expanded and Updated: Expanded and Updated, With Over 100 New Pages of Cutting-Edge Content..

1. I was initially skeptical and wasn't sure exactly what I was getting. I even read all the reviews, yes the bad ones too. And you know what I LOVED IT. Globalization at its best. Obviously not everyone will understand it or benefit from it. Its how you use the information provided. Definitely interesting to say the least.



2. I didn't buy the first edition of this book since I was thinking, 'huh, another champ is trying to make a bestseller by promising lifestyle of the rich"... one of those "other gurus", you know.
   
   But the concept was interesting enough for me to check out Tim's blog. I'm glad I did. I've been reading quite a lot of his articles and experiences there, and slowly but surely became convinced that he's standing behind his promise. So, when this new edition was announced, I've been waiting patiently for Christmas - and bought it.
   
   Again, I'm glad I did. The book is an easy-to-read new lifestyle manual. It gives a lot of advice, and although Tim seems to be leaning towards "freedom to travel" mostly, I grabbed quite a lot of practical workarounds and one great money-producing system. The success stories in this edition are entertaining and inspiring.
   
   This one worths a good investment of your time. It's just that good.



3. some things I like:
   
   Passionate account of Mr. Ferriss' journey.
   Good advice on working 'your way'.
   
   
   some things I don't like:
   Constant commercials for web services ([...])
   Deceptive practice of not letting on to your superiors that you are actually working from home, not the office.
   Dated hyperlinks.
   
   Poorly written.



4. This is the real deal. This book is amazing. I'm just launching my Muse this week. I bought the audio book and the hardback. I have used the principals in this book to gain confidence, increase my effectiveness, and help others to be more effective with their lives.



5. I'm reading this book now and it's hard to put it down. In addition to the great subject matter, Tim Ferriss has got a great writing style. This book puts into words how I think life should be lived. I've been waiting for a book like this. But I know Tim would say I should've written one myself!

5 comments about The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts.

1. I borrowed this book from a friend, and then bought two copies to pass on, one for a wedding gift, and one for a struggling couple.
   This book is for those who have had failed relationships in the past, are struggling in a current relationship, or just looking to get closer to your spouse. The book is very helpful in recognizing what is important to each spouse and how to give each spouse what they need to feel loved. There is a quiz at the end that prioritizes the five love languages for each spouse. It is helpful to recognize which expressions of love will be most valuable to each spouse. One may prefer actual gifts, expressions of affection, or a simple act like making up the bed. It is really simple, but an eye opener to understand which forms of affection are most valued. My husband and I get along in general, and when we took the quiz we realized we are aligned on most of the 5 languages. Probably the "secret" to our success. I think it would be even more valuable for those struggling with love, because the book also contains exercises to try for a week, and then re-evaluate your relationship. Helpful book for growing closer. Each love language is fully described in a chapter in the book. It seems like common sense, but sometimes you just don't understand what the other person needs, and this book will help you "get it."



2. This book was recommended to me by a counselor. I/we ( my husband and I) found it to be enlightening. We passed it on to others who also enjoyed the book. Glad I purchased it!



3. It came in good shape and on time and it was priced nicely. No complaints from this customer.



4. I enjoyed Gary Chapman's reading of his book, his voice brought the words alive. I had no problem staying interested or understanding the message of the book. I spend a lot of time in my car and as I listened to "The Five Love Languages" I easily started to recognize where I had not been speaking love to my husband nor was I realizing his efforts to speak love to me. I also learned how this applies to all our relationships children, family, friends, etc. I have listened to Gary Chapman's "The Five Love Languages" several times not being bored at all. I would diffidently and have recommended this audio book to others along with telling them it is all so available in print which ever they prefer just get it, I assure you you will start looking at life from a different perspective. Cyndi A., Snohomish WA



5. After hearing rave personal reviews about this book, my fiancee and I decided to read this in efforts to better prepare ourselves for marriage. After reading this book, I admit that this book is based on a good premise (people respond to different kinds of expressions of love in different ways) but that is about where things stopped.
   
   For one, the author seems to "toot his own horn" from the very start, with the audacious claim that there are exactly five love languages (with different dialects, he admits) and that he has discovered them. I, not turned off by the hubris of the author, felt nothing short of the full honor and privilege that this modern day Prometheus was going to bring down the fire of marriage happiness to me in book form.
   
   Reading on through the book however, I found the same (anecdotal) information being presented to me over and over again. I noticed that throughout the book, there seemed to be no footnotes or references to actual research of human behavior and/or other counselors, but then again this is probably because our author made this pivotal discovery all by himself.
   
   Being a Christian, I did appreciate the references to the Bible. What I did not appreciate, however, are how some of his use of scripture seems to be used, like in the last chapter, where we learn that Jesus told us (in his sermon on the mount) that he wants women to reform their verbally abusive husbands using sex as a tool. (I guess I was sick that day of Sunday school).
   
   I would recommend that anyone who wants the author's best treatment of the subject to read the The Five Love Languages for Singles [5 LOVE LANGUAGES FOR SINGLES].

5 comments about If You Have to Cry, Go Outside: And Other Things Your Mother Never Told You.

1. This is an amazing book that not only includes excerpts from Kelly's colorful life experiences but also unique, one of a kind, invaluable pieces of advice. I feel like a better person after reading this book



2. I couldn't put this book down. I've never read (or been interested in reading) a biography. I am a mini-Kelly and I learned a lot from this book. I can't wait to buy one for all of my female friends!!



3. I really enjoyed reading this book. Kelly is a tough talking, self made women; and in the book she outlines how she moved to New York with $2000 and no clear path to being the PR power girl that she is today. No this book is not for people who want pretty princess story. She does talk about being addicted to drugs, and makes no apologies for it. It was a part of her life that she had to go through to get her to where she is today. The book gives you great tips on the struggles of life and finding your true self. It's funny straight forward, sort of like getting tip from your cool aunt. I liked it so much that I'm going to read it again. I whole heartedly recommend this book!



4. You know that feeling you get when you do something you know is really good for you? That is what I got when I ordered this book. I had seen Kelly's show on Bravo and MTV and one thing that I noticed right away....while tough, she never lost the sense of compassion so many do as they reach the top. I found her intriguing.
   
   Kelly offers a candid (which is refreshing from a celebrity) view of her struggles, and how she found herself. She is tapped into the sort of universal knowledge that is beneficial to people of all ages. Not sure if she meant this book for young girls trying to initially find their way, but this 40 year old mom found this book INVALUABLE. No matter where you are in life, you can easily lose your way...the main lesson of this book is one I wish I'd of learned in my early 20s and that's to believe in yourself.
   
   I can't recommend this book enough....it's great for those who feel they have their feet firmly on the ground and need a refresher every now and then, those just starting to find where they are in life, and those who lose their way.
   
   Thank you for sharing this Kelly.



5. If you love a dark sense of humor and want a quick read- this is the book for you. I love Kelly and have been following her work for years, this book gives me a much bigger appreciation for her and the business. She is a tell it like it is person and that reflects in the book. Great read!

5 comments about The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun.

1. I don't read self-help books because I don't believe you can just will yourself to change. I found Gretchen's approach sometimes to be elementary but there was this honesty about her. She did not sugar coat her struggle with her imperfections. She stated them and worked to make small changes. Yea, so ok she never thought of putting her kids stuff into a file box. Well, I will admit that I had not thought of this simple solution either and I am a nut about being organized! Gretchen is a flawed human, just like all of us and it was nice to have an author be that real.



2. I bought this book for my mother, who grew up during the Depression and has not had an easy life. I'm glad I read it first, because it would have been an insult to give this to a genuine person who's experienced some hard knocks.
   
   According to Ms Rubin, the origin of this book is an epiphany she had watching a woman yakking on a cell phone, crossing a Manhattan street with a toddler and a stroller. She identified with this person, because for Ms. Rubin, that is the very picture of a sad, harried person who's life is just passing her by. Yeah, life's pretty tough when you've got to walk your kids home to the nanny between your pedicure and yoga class.
   
   I found Ms Rubin's solution system humorous. Evidently, her problems were all of the sort that can be fixed by things like an orange scented candle, reading random magazines, a laminator, tossing out frayed underpants, shopping for bluebird collectibles and so on. That is, after she walked away from her high pay attorney job, thanks to her hedge fund manager husband's income. (It is sad to think some other applicant was refused a seat at Yale, so that this woman could squander her degree to make herself happy at an unrelated fantasy career.)
   
   I also enjoyed the occasional insights on her neurotic personality and private life. M&Ms make her cranky, she prefers to wear yoga pants and her idea of fun in bed is reading Tolstoy, she considers herself fortunate because she has naturally red hair. She's quick to scold her husband, and while she buys her T shirts at Bloomingdales, she thinks a $3 pen is an extravagance. She wore coke bottle glasses as a kid. I got the picture of a self-centered, controlling nerd with a quick temper, little appreciation for how insular and privileged her life has been, and lacking the self-realization to pick a more appropriate topic to write about.
   
   I guess if any of that describes you, this trite little book might be helpful and insightful, if not, save your money. I quit half way through and give it two stars for the cheap laughs I got imagining this manhattanite's yoga pants lifestyle.



3. The Happiness Project Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun tells of the author's year-long journey to study happiness to see what lessons she could apply to her own life. Her quest to become happier didn't involve changing her entire life - it involved improving her life as it existed. Each month she tackled a new set of resolutions - and her discoveries and blog about her experiences led to others' insights and changes as well. This inspirational memoir is a top pick for any general lending library.



4. If you're looking for three easy tips to take away and make an immediate difference in your life, you won't find it in this book. The author, Gretchen Rubin, asks her readers to dig deeper and examine their own lives, coming up with their own "Happiness Resolutions" and life lessons to live by. It's a valuable guide for the journey of self-discovery -- and yes, you just might end up happier along the way. Not for the weak of heart, Rubin's book is full of philosophical and psychological questioning, which, in my mind, makes it all the more valuable.



5. A great memoir from a woman who is, as one Amazon reviewer so eloquently put it, "a rich nerdy woman of leisure." This is not a book about overcoming a serious illness or an economic hardship. She IS slightly nerdy and financially well-off. (These are issues that Rubin addresses directly in the text, as she is wracked with guilt over writing a memoir without facing any serious adversity.) THE HAPPINESS PROJECT is simply about an average, upper middle-class woman who decided to improve her own life "from good to great."
   
   Rubin clears clutter from her apartment and life and tries different month-long experiments in an attempt to wring more enjoyment out of life. Her book isn't for everyone--most criticism has been centered around its lightweight tone and content. She cherry-picks her quotes from Aristotle and other philosophers--they're good quotes, but I wouldn't trust advice on happiness from Friedrich Nietzsche, for instance. These criticisms aside, THE HAPPINESS PROJECT is the perfect book for readers who are looking to be happier and more productive.

5 comments about Change Your Brain, Change Your Life: The Breakthrough Program for Conquering Anxiety, Depression, Obsessiveness, Anger, and Impulsiveness.

1. This book is for anyone who is curious about why they behave the way they do or has an interest in overcoming some bad habits or "personality" problems. The author cautions the reader about self-diagnosing but rather suggests that certain patterns of behavior or problems may be caused by physiological abnormalities that are a part of us. I is not enough to will yourself to overcome them. He further suggests ways to work with brain functions or around them to overcome patterns that the reader may have tried and failed over a lifetime. it is quite readable and full of case histories that are helpful in identifying one's own "quirks." It is also very helpful in identifying and helping your children with their problems. It made me much more understanding of others because sometimes folks really can't help the way they do things. I found it so helpful that I bought several more copies to hand out to others.



2. I haven't read the entire book yet, but this is the kind that you don't really have to sinc it covers several distinct issues. It's more of a reference book in that you can just go to specific chapters to get the info you need. A great tool so far and I got it to help with not only ADHD but with a fear of speaking in front of a group b/c I have a lecture/presentation to make to some students at the college I graduated from. It's got some great advice and good stuff to work on!



3. Bought this as a gift for a friend. She liked it! Everything was good.



4. Change Your Brain, Change Your Life is a great book, enabling me to think about how the brain works. Of course, in the past, anytime somebody causes trouble for some reason, I've always said, "It's the chemicals in the brain." What I meant by that is maybe this person was hit in the head years before or was exposed to drugs or something toxic either during pregnancy or life. Dr. Amen's book expands the general idea and backs it up with a lot of findings how the specific parts in the brain actually work. I found his writing very easy and adaptable, making it interesting and relatable. Moreover, I learned a lot, and I wished the pictures of the SPECT images were in color instead of black-and-white. I love the pictures of the brains on certain drugs, and obviously, I already knew these drugs would be simply bad. They make for great evidence as one will see holes in the brain (not pretty) instead of a nice looking, wholesome brain. All in all, Change Your Brain, Change Your Life is very different and revolutionary because how the person is depends on how the brain is working.



5. I watched a lecture by Dr. Amen on my local public television station. He was funny and he seemed to make a lot of sense. His books were included as "pledge gifts" I enjoyed his "100 ways to lose your blubber". The fact that he was on PBS lent him credibility. I went to his website and took a "free" online test and was quickly disillusioned when I was told that I had a lot of problems, and almost every suggested solution recommended one of his products. For "focus and impulse control" it suggested I try "Focus & Energy Optimizer" ($39.95 for 30 servings). For "flexible thinking problems" it recommended "Serotonin Mood Support" ($44.95 for 15 servings). For "trouble with your mood" they suggested "SAMe Mood & Movement Support" but that product was not found. For "stress and anxiety" they recommended "GABA Calming Support" ($39.95 for 45 servings) and "Omega 3-Power" ($24.95 for 30 servings). For "Craving problems" it recommended "Craving Control" ($44.95 for 15 servings). For "Memory problems" it recommended "Memory Power Booster" ($44.95 for 15 servings) and more "Omega-3 Power". About the only thing that wasn't wrong with me was their statement that "you do not seem to be bipolar". Unfortunately, I shall have to stay in my wretched state because I estimated that if I bought all the recommended products it would cost me about $200 a month. The diagnosis also recommended that I not take medication with gingko or fish oil, which was strange, because many of the recommended products included one or the other.
   
   I'm no medical expert, but I could not find anything online not written by Dr. Amen or his supporters that recommended SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) as a diagnosis tool the way he is using it. The fact that his "free" online test concluded that I should buy a lot of expensive products not recommended by the FDA leads me to believe he is a charlatan.
   
   Not only am I disillusioned by Dr. Amen, I am disillusioned by my local PBS station.

5 comments about Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us.

1. Drive by Daniel Pink is a quality reflection on what motivates others and yourself. Some of his ideas are new and others are ones that we, as a reader, may just not have thought of recently. The book is simply set into three parts and here is my summary of the parts. Part 1: How does motivation play a role in society? Part 2: 3 keys to being a driven person, Part 3: Tool kit to become better. The best part of the entire book is in the tool kit portion which is dedicated to make you a more driven person as well as focusing hard on "driving" those who may work for you to be better. This book is both technical and practical. The ideas written about are not revolutionary but really make you think of how to do things better. Drive is a solid read that is very much set up for people who are leaders within any type of organization or those who are wanting to better themselves.



2. The three poinst Pink makes are that intrinsic motivation is based on purpose, mastery and autonomy.
   There are some great examples and he makes some great points. The book gets a bit redundant at the end. I think
   there are other books about intrinsic motivation that are excellent as well such as Flow and Full Throttle, which I would recommend.



3. Traditionalist executives who re-enforce and live only by the dated and dysfunctional methods of old-school business practices and beliefs will run scared when reading Pink's cogent work. The wiser among them will seek to evaluate and adjust their business practices, capturing a new essence of success.
   
   Timely and thought provoking, Pink presents scientific findings on motivation that are consistent with separate and distinct reserach findings on innovation and employee engagement. Further, Pink's presentation is consistent with much of the wisdom and conclusions one can draw or generate from other current business guru's like Hamel, Bossidy, Lawler and Charran.
   
   In his earlier work, Pink gave us clear insights to the implications of right/left brain research and the emergent world of work. DRiVE extends this work and takes understanding of human movitivation and resultant behaviors to a new level.
   
   Tom Wiltzius, PhD



4. In this book Daniel Pink describes some very interesting research on motivation showing that extrinsic motivators (rewards given for doing something I want you to do) definitely influence human behavior--but they often drive a different response than was intended. In particular, people tend to lose all personal interest and do only what leads to the reward, even when that means contorting the real goal. (He calls this Type X motivation.) He then goes on to show how intrinsic motivation (Type I) is the only driver that consistently produces the highest performance, adaptation, and particularly innovation. Of course, this has been known to scientists for decades (which Pink points out), but it is still almost entirely ignored when it comes to businesses setting up their internal incentive structures. The recent destructive behavior by the banking system, clearly very smart people, is a reflection of the distorting power of Type X motivation.
   
   Pink does a good job of presenting and linking a lot of different studies and examples to make a strong case. Unlike his other book "A Whole New Mind," Pink goes beyond making the case and includes a number of chapters intended to help one master intrinsic motivation or Type I motivation. I found this material also very useful, particularly to the extent it cites additional reading, consultants, etc. that provide more on the topic. This part of the book is also very well done. Frankly, I still get the feeling that Pink is the outside observer who is assembling and summarizing all this work done by others rather than one who has really experienced the trials and nuances of making it happen. Nevertheless, the book is one of the best works I have seen that brings all the research and examples together in a coherent fashion to make a strong case. In today's economy, where innovation is the only sustainable differentiator, business leaders who want to stimulate innovation within their organizations will be well advised to pay attention to this book and its message.



5. I can still remember when my dad came back from our dog's first training class. He was thrilled. We had been wondering how to get our German Shepherd, who didn't understand English, to sit. He had finally learned her language: thimble-sized chunks of hotdog. Turns out, dogs will do anything for a wiener, just like they'll stop doing most things at the sound of our raised voices. My dad could now motivate a dog. What he said next struck me as a little funny, "If only I had taken this class when you boys were younger, I would have been a much better parent." It was then that he realized the power of carrots and sticks.
   
   Now that I work with kids on a daily basis, I use an arsenal of carrots and sticks. Carlos keeps aiming balled up handouts at Jennifer's head: that's a demerit. Jared only does his homework half of the time: he can go on spring trip if he turns starts turning it in. Carrots and sticks have been schools' primary tools for motivation since the start of public education. And they've worked well enough that we never really question them. Then comes this guy, Daniel H. Pink, and his book, Drive: The Surprising Truth about What Motivates Us. It turns out that we should start questioning.
   
   Drive is not about schools. It mostly speaks to the business world, but its insights have direct implications for us in the business of educating kids. Pink explains that just because carrots and sticks have been the motivational method of choice since the stone age, doesn't mean it's the best. He explains that our tendency to seek rewards and avoid punishment is pretty primitive and that a deeper drive exists. This drive, Pink calls Motivation 3.0, is the intrinsic motivation to do a job well.
   
   Take for example my high school English teacher, Mrs. Moen. She came to school early and left late every day. She called parents, graded mountains of papers, and constantly innovated her curriculum, even after twenty-five years in the classroom. Why did she do this? There were no pay-for-performance incentives. She rarely even received a "thank-you." According to the carrots and sticks idea, Pink says, this doesn't make sense.
   
   It turns out that she was driven by an internal fire Pink calls Motivation 3.0. This means that, more than rewards and punishments, people are motivated simply by working hard at a job they love. In order to tap into Motivation 3.0, people need three things: autonomy, mastery, and purpose. Pink shows us dozens of examples where companies and leaders use these three motivators to garner amazing results. One such example is Google, where engineers get what's called 20% time. They get one day per week to work on whatever project they want. It is during this time that they've developed some of Google's most important programs, including Gmail and Google News. Pink cites that not only are people more motivated by autonomy, mastery, and purpose, but that they produce better results.
   
   This doesn't mean that carrots and sticks never work, just that we need to question whether or not there's a better way. YES Prep already embraces the idea of Motivation 3.0 on a large scale, giving faculty quite a bit of autonomy as to how they run their schools, programs, and classrooms. But is it enough? What if we gave teachers and students more autonomy as to what projects and skills they worked on? What if we gave our students a deeper sense of purpose by connecting their learning with the real world? I don't have the answers, but read this book and you'll start asking more questions.

4 comments about Women Food and God: An Unexpected Path to Almost Everything.

1. *****
   Geneen Roth hits a home run with her latest book about overeating and so much more in "Women Food and God". The theme of the book is that the way we eat, the way we think about food and handle ourselves around it is the way we do everything. The author then shows us how and why this is the case. She describes the food retreats she runs and the women who attend them, and as a reader you will surely identify in some way with every single person--and with the lesson she illustrates from their lives. This is a more complex book than her earlier books because of the spiritual dimension; she sees problems with overeating as gateways to spiritual enlightenment. She convinced me (and will convince you as well) that instead of trying to get rid of or fix our eating problems, we need to use them to see within ourselves, to learn important spiritual life lessons from our feelings, and to grow and heal so that we will end up eating as a spiritual practice. And so that we'll have a permanent end to the misery of always struggling with our weight and self-image, and always striving to improve our relationship with food.
   
   The book is so good that for me, just reading it was like a spiritual awakening in this area of my life. I found it motivational, inspirational, and scary in a good way--and the author makes the whole process doable with descriptions of practices that can be used on the food healing/awakening journey such as meditation, inquiry, and eating guidelines. These practices are all specific to the process and they are described in detail. This spiritual dimension is generic and does not require a particular religious belief, or even any religious belief. It would be compatible with any type of spirituality. The type of eating practiced is intuitive eating (listening to your body to discern what it wants), and no matter what your way of eating, you can apply an intuitive approach to it--this book is about a way of living and relating to food, not about a food plan.
   
   If you have read the author's other books (as I have) you will find much new information here. Other key themes of the book include mindfulness, presence, and feeling your feelings. The author is brutal but honest in describing how destructive the dieting industry is to women. Again, this is definitely not a diet book or eating plan, but instead a way of experiencing life which allows you to be present and aware so that you are able to listen to your body and choose food based on nourishment and self-care.
   
   Although it is a quick read (I read it in one evening), this book is so valuable that you will want to refer back to it, highlight it for future reference, take notes in the margins, and use parts for journal prompts. There is only one negative, and it is a biggy: the paper in this hardback book is similar to super cheap mass market paperback-type paper. I have never seen an actual book of any type with such paper, though! I tried to highlight sections and the highlighter not only would bleed through to the reverse side of the page, but sometimes onto the previous page! It is hard to describe how frustrating this was---a book that is a true keeper on throw-away paper. I highlighted anyway and my book is a mess, but I decided to rebuy it on Kindle when it comes out. I've never done this before, but it's that good of a book--worth months (or maybe years) of therapy. I also would buy it again if it is reprinted (and I'll bet it will be) with a paper that matches the quality of the book.
   
   That flaw aside, I'm so glad I bought this book. I have read many, many books on overeating, diet and nutrition, self-help, styles of eating, and more, and this book stands apart from the crowd. The message is an important one for any woman who wants to handle her relationship with food, her weight, and her spirituality in a healthy way, and to become whole. If that is you, you will not be disappointed, I promise.
   
   Highest recommendation.
   *****



2. "Women, Food,and God" is the most unusual, humorous, and insightful book on weight control I have ever read. And I'm not a new-comer to this subject.I began leading weight control workshops almost 40 years ago, and have authored and sold hundreds of thousands of audio programs on how to achieve your ideal weight and shape.
   
   I have long contended that at the core of most eating disorders is an "empty heart/empty stomach model. Simply put, this means that every infant is born with a need to be loved. If they are deprived of this heart-filling love, they will walk around with at least partially empty hearts, which they attempt to fill by filling their stomachs.
   
   But with this book Geneen Roth has taken a step beyond what I and others have done, particularly in her skillful revelations of the connection between our relationship with God, or Spirit, and our eating habits. And she does it in such a way that it isn't uncomfortable for the readers regardless of how religious or non-religious they may be.
   
   The author's style of writing is fresh, funny, and holds your attention, while conveying her interesting, and sometimes profound, points. In addition, she does an excellent job of helping us to listen to our body, alter our eating habits, and at the same time experience greater inner-peace and fulfillment.
   
   Nicely done, Geneen. Five Stars.



3. Geneen Roth has written a brilliant book. It's brilliant because it cuts right to the core of our sabotaging behaviors and gives us a practical and sustainable roadmap for breaking through. OK, confession time - it's called Women, Food and God, and I'm man and I don't have issues with my weight or food, but it has helped me immensely with my other demons. It's funny, personal and right to the point. I love this book for it's profound wisdom and I'm recommending it to everyone - men, women, teenagers, everybody!



4. In the spirit of "transparency," I preempted this book for a company I no longer work for. I preempted (bought the book without going into an auction) the book after talking to Geneen Roth for 30 minutes. In the next year, we talked about Women Food and God alot. But I was not prepared for the manuscript she finally delivered. I read it and didn't touch a word. It was perfect. Reading it was like flying and when you landed, you felt stronger and clearer than ever before. With humor, common sense, intellectual vigor and a huge heart, Geneen wrote her masterwork on 30 years of exploring emotional eating. She realized that how you eat is how you view the world - it's all right there on the plate. And her conclusion is that women are often hungry for something that has nothing to do with food.
   
   This book is going to help so many people. Oprah loves it, as well she should. You are going to love it too.
   
   Thank you, Geneen!

5 comments about The 48 Laws of Power.

1. The 48 Laws of Power is worth the money. If you want an edge in business and in life, I recommend this book. Use this book with, the book of five rings, the art of war and the 33 strategies of war. Never mind what others think about the books or about you reading them. They laugh because they don't have the knowledge to apply the reasoning/stragies these books provide. Employers from all works of life want leaders that can lead, not talk B.S. and take two (2) hour lunches. It won't happen overnight but, applied and practiced it will happen and you will get noticed. But, don't take my word for it, get it and see for yourself.



2. I read an average of 3 to 4 books per month...every month...and of the thousands that I have read..this condensed blend of psychology, history, and order is a significant solution for depression! In the words of Yoda "Named must your fear be...before banish it you can!" This book helps you to define the game of power;to know when and how you will be,or are currently being manipulated, in the struggle for power. Many say that depression is a lack of empowerment...you might find it here. Some of the chapters are distubing...unsettling even, as the meaning remains like a pebble in your shoe, to motivate reflection and change. Well done. I received a new Kindle recently...this was the first book I purchased for it...and undoubtedly the best. I know that it's available on CD now...I'd like to see Amazon offer a combo price for download (Audio and Kindle book).



3. Seconding the other positive reviews of this book, I would add that any person in the sales, marketing, negotiation, management, or legal fields should make this a must read. If you're not a natural Type A / High D personality this will help you understand the nuances of interacting with those who are. Plus, the book offers great history lessons that may be read in less than 10 minutes each.



4. So many people misunderstand this book. Some view it as an antiethical abomination, others as some bag of tricks to cheat with.
   
   In reality it's simply an explanation of the tools of power. What they are, how to use them (using historical examples and modern applications), and what the consequences are. Greene also explains the exceptions to, and consequences of violating the Laws of Power.
   
   Most bad reviews of this book seem to fall into one of three categories.
   
   1. "I (or a friend) tried to do everything in this book and now everyone hates me and won't talk to me"
   
   A. Probably because you didn't follow the Laws very well, and B. No one said you had to go out and act like Atilla the Hun or Napoleon just to get a promotion at your company.
   
   2. "This book is evil or immoral, I'm a good person and can suceed without such vile tactics"
   
   Either A. You are more or less a failure in life or B. You use the laws without realizing it. This argument is akin to saying "I'm a good person, therefore I don't need air to breathe". The Laws simply are whether you use them or not.
   
   3. "This book is too simplistic,dangerous, and poorly written, a much better explanation of power is [whatever] by [whoever] which scientifically studies the issue and delivers better advice."
   
   Interesting how many of these people are professors pitching their own publication or someone who defends reason #2 by supporting some other book, which in actuality also teaches the laws of power, albeit in some watered down form.
   
   
   Anyway get this book or not, and either use the Laws of Power or be used by them. Your choice.



5. Though the book is well written and I do enjoy the history examples, but at the end of the day, it is JUST a book. Take (the book) with a grain of salt.
   
   You have the right to use said "Power"
   You have the right to NOT use said "Power"
   
   Free Will, people.
   Free Will.

5 comments about The Survivors Club: The Secrets and Science that Could Save Your Life.

1. Very good book. Ordered one for myself and another as a gift for our son. I would recommend the book. A good read



2. This book is good reading for those who are curious about survival rates in various situations. Answers a variety of questions that pertain to survival.



3. I will admit I was a little skeptical about this book. I thought it might be boring and filled with dumb little inconsequential facts that would put me to sleep. And in a sense it kind of was. But trust me, these little facts WON'T put you to sleep. This is a very interesting and enlightening book. It's a very fun read and definitely worth your time. 4 stars from me :)



4. I thank Ben for taking the time to research this topic, write the book, and collaborate with experts to develop the survivor profile test.
   
   I listened to the audio version of this book, a full 10 CDs long. it was fascinating, and very informative as one survival story after another unfolded. Of particular interest to me were the the factors that aided survival and those that worked to an opposite effect.
   
   After listening to the audio book, I went online to the Survivor's Club website and took these Survivors Profiler Test. I got a report summarizing my personal survivor profile. This report identifies my survivor type and strengths. The idea is to know your strengths and nurture them.
   
   I am recommending this book to my friends and family as not only an interesting read or listen, but also as an important tool for improving their chances of survival should circumstances require it.



5. This book really touched my soul. The stories that illustrated each type of survivor really brought joy to my heart; they were just awe-inspiring. I found it amazing that I could go on-line and take the survivor's test to see what kind of survivor I am. In addition, this book provided examples of how to survive in certain situations. This book is well worth reading!