5 comments about Dreams into Action: Getting What You Want.

1. I have listened to the tape 3 times so far; in turn I have bought this for four people. Having read numerous books on making lifestyle, career, and relationship changes -- all of which have helped me considerably -- I can tell you that the advice Milton Katselas gives us as "average Joe" citizens (instead of the actors & actresses he has coached) is what I want to follow more than any other book I've read. I am buying the book because this time, unlike with all the other authors who have said basically the same things without the hard-hitting succinctness that Milton uses, I want to write it all down. I want to follow through. I want to change my life for the better. I'm going to do it with more gusto and fervor than I've ever done it before. It's time to REALLY GO AFTER what I want in a career, not just "make my life better" as I've done to date. Many things have improved in my life, but the clock is not turning back. If ever there was a launching pad, this is the book to use.



2. Gently, but without mincing words, this author delivers a matter-of-fact message that cuts through the psychobabble of finding out "why" something is. Then he tells you how to pursue your dreams and to get unstuck from wherever it is you ARE stuck. It works for young and old, scholars and teachers, slow or warp-speed minded. His methods apply to all. I've listened to it three times and will do so again. And I've bought the book! I want to change my life!



3. This is one of my favorite audiobooks. Milton is very pragmatic and focused on real life. Everything he says can actually be applied to your life and your situation. I think my two favorite concepts are the career concept and the flinch, though I totallylove the entire thing. I really love the flinch because it's this great thing you can just bring out when you're having motivation problems. It's much better than "Come on I can do it!" It's "Don't flinch!' To my than makes it this great challenge or a game. So much better than when most motivational speakers say "See every problem as a challenge."



4. I've never said this about a book before, but this book has absolutely changed my life. It's a simple approach that helped me to get out of my head and start taking action toward achieving my dreams. The author recognizes that everyone can be an artist in whatever profession s/he chooses. He insightfully addresses the obstacles that we build for ourselves and offers practical solutions for removing them. There are exercises at the end of each chapter that help you to focus on your personal goals. The exercises start out pretty broad and then drill down to become more and more specific as the book progresses. I have read the book many times, and have figured out that it really does make all the difference if you write out your responses to the exercises for yourself. The book is also very engaging because the author has lead such an interesting life. He has had success as an actor, director, author, visual artist, gallery owner, teacher...
   
   This book motivated me to enroll in the author's acting school 3 and 1/2 years ago. I have grown so much as an actress and as a person by having made that decision. To the post of "A Reader" - I'm not a Scientologist. To everyone else - If you're interested enough to read the reviews, I suggest that you read the book for yourself and start making your dreams happen.



5. We all have dreams. And when you read this book and do the excercises in it, you will be closer to achieving those dreams. It's pretty simple, a quick read. But Milton makes you work too. The world is against the dreamer and this book helps you to see your dreams and go after them. Check it out.

5 comments about You're Already A Success.

1. I wish I'd had this book when I finished college! You'reAlready A Success is full of common sense advice and insights thatwill serve not only graduates who are starting out on the career path but also to all who are ready to move to the next step in their professional growth and anyone rejoining the job market. END



2. Ms. Ballard's book is THE perfect college graduation gift! I happened upon this jewel while perusing Amazon.com titles and ordered one to check out. I was thrilled. I immediately reordered 1/2 dozen and they have been wrapped and distributed to recent grads to much applause and appreciation. Everyone that I have shared the book with has "stolen" my idea and it is now the true rage among the recent graduate population in North Carolina. Order this book by the case. You will not be sorry!



3. Our recepients have all been very appreciative. This book is perfect to keep in quantity already gift wrapped for those many graduation annoucements we recieve.



4. This book is an wonderful gift for a new graduate or someone changing jobs. It is fun to read and filled with interesting quotes. I gave the book as graduation gifts and everyone loved them! After seeing their reaction and hearing their comments I purchased one for myself!



5. I've bought this book as a graduation gift, and I've kept one for myself. Unlike many similar books filled with mostly "feel good" platitudes, it offers some really helpful advice on topics that aren't normally adressed anywhere. It should help any graduate get off on the right foot with co-workers in the business world.

5 comments about Points: The Most Practical Program Ever to Improve Your Self-Image.

1. This book matches the claims of its title. It offers practical steps to improve your self-image. I especially found the homespun wisdom something I could start doing right away. I keep the book on my nightstand and refer to it all the time.



2. While reading this book, I was captivated by the warmth and sincerity of its author. Mr. Gustafson seems to really care about the emotional and physical well-being of his audience. He definitely is one person, at whose feet I would sit, say in a park, and listen to him for hours.



3. The challenge of maintaining a positive self image and esteem into today's competitive environment is frightening. Points gives a step by step guide on how to positively reassess your perception of reality.

   Mr. Gustafson's practical business experience offered me a real approach to life versus a viewpoint from a health professional who may not be entirely aware what the business world is like today. This is real!




4. While other self-help books offer a spiritual get-rich-quick scheme, Points is more a guide to prudent investing.

   A lot of authors make you feel good only while you are reading their book. Soon after, you're out looking for another "feel good about yourself" fix. It is becuase they help you build an inflated self image that it bursts easily, leaving you back where you started.

   Dave offers a plan to solidly build a good self image based on taking stock of your actions. When you believe in your own self worth, it lasts, because it will be true.




5. The main point of this book is that the self-image is based on a summary of every action and thought you have ever had. The positive improves your self-image, the negative detracts from it. Every event results in positive or negative messages being sent to your subconscious. The subconscious tallies these messages and adds them to the messages already stored. You either receive points or lose them. The self-image is the sum of these points: POSITIVE POINTS MINUS NEGATIVE POINTS EQUALS SELF-IMAGE.
   
   Chapter 1, "Self-image and Success", tells that WE GET WHAT WE BELIEVE WE DESERVE: Winners win and losers lose. If you have a winning self-image, you will generally find a way to win. If you lose more than you win, improve your self-image and you will reverse this curse.
   
   Chapter 2 , "Self-Image and Points", states that here are no neutral events. Your every thought and action creates an opportunity for you to acquire self-esteem points. The conscious mind edits your actions and sends messages to your subconscious consistent with your belief system. In other words, your conscious mind determines whether your subconscious receives positive or negative messages. Your subconscious does not know if a message is positive or negative. It merely stores the messages and then tallies all messages in its own scoring system. Therefore a positive message sent from the conscious will offset a negative message already in the subconscious. Of course, a negative message will also offset an existing positive message. As you earn points it will be easier to acquire even more. Your subconscious will impel you to succeed, which in turn enables the conscious to send more positive messages to the subconscious. This is a form of compound interest on compound interest.
   
   Chapter 3, "Losing Points", affirms that it is impossible to completely hide a poor self-image. The greater point deficit one has, the worse the consequences. Low self-esteem manifests in many forms, from nervousness and a lack of success to the extreme of suicide. Be true to your conscience. It is your best guide to proper behavior. Evaluate your behavior to determine what you do to cost yourself points. Correct your behavior, and your life will improve. As you gain points, it will be easier to acquire even more, Your subconscious will impel you to succeed, which in turn will enable the conscious to generate more positive messages. This is a form of compound interest on compound interest.
   
   Chapter 4, "Gaining Points", states that your attitude controls more self-image points than does any other aspect of your life. A positive attitude will generate positive points. Winners practice winning in all their affairs. You are a winner if you keep your word, do the right thing, eat properly, avoid sugar, are honest, work hard, practice temperance, are friendly, behave properly, don't procrastinate, and have an attitude of gratitude. Life is more pleasant for winners. Success comes easily; they radiate health, power, and prosperity; people are attracted to them; and they are secure within themselves. When you take a risk, you gain points. Establish the habit of winning by generating victories. Start small and gradually increase your challenges. Establish goals for yourself and work toward their achievement. Picture yourself succeeding. Keep a wish book of the goals you wish to achieve and objects you wish to acquire.
   
   Chapter 5, "More Points", advocates using visualization to aid you in achieving your goals. Practice the relaxation techniques and use your imagination. Don't be discouraged; it will take many sessions before you are proficient.
   
   Chapter 6, "Overcoming Negative Experiences", suggests writing your autobiography to determine your current score. Tell your story to another person to get a fresh perspective on your life.
   
   Chapter 7, "Support Groups", advises to end your isolation or reduce your frantic activity by joining a support group which will enhance your self-esteem.
   
   Chapter 8 "Love, Romance, and Points", affirms that WE GET WHAT WE BELIEVE WE DESERVE in relationships as well as in every other aspect of life. To attract a loving relationship, make yourself more attractive. Gain enough points and love will find you.
   
   Chapter 9 "Special Situations" is that regardless of the situation, you can gain self-esteem points by taking positive and appropriate actions. Your relationships with other people are important. Each encounter, regardless of the situation, offers the opportunity to improve your self-esteem. No matter how painful a situation may be, you can make it better if you are willing to make an effort to gain points. By the same token you can always make it worse by falling apart or doing something inappropriate.
   
   
   
   I also recommend "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey in addition to this book, as well as the books by Margaret J Wheatley: "Turning to One Another" and "A Simpler Way".

5 comments about Everyday Leadership: Getting Results in Business, Politics, and Life.

1. Daniel Granholm Mulhern's little book is a storyteller's dream. He describes how honest leadership, with integrity and passion, actually looks, how it sounds, and how it feels. This is a practical guide and a how-to manual for the true leader, who truly wants to do the best job he or she can under circumstances that often try one's patience to the limit and stretch one's abilities past their limits. Read the book, and you just know that he's "been there and done that." He also understands the concept of leading from the middle of the organization, knows what it means to examine your own motivations, and what it means to do the right thing. The book is organized to let you absorb a bit at a time, there's no need to plow right through it, you can savor each bite of this leadership feast.



2. I am in a professional book club. Of the 6 people that met today to discuss the book, only one of us actually finished the book. The common complaint was that the book was too boring. The one that did finish it said he just scanned the last couple chapters. While there a couple good points (I made it 3/5th thru the book), it wasn't anything I hadn't read in another book that was much more interesting. I don't think his editor did him any favors with his writing. He says we don't tell enough stories, but most of his stories weren't interesting enough or long enough to draw me in. He should take his own advise to make any future books better reading.



3. I bought a dozen of Dan's book before I read it, based on my belief in his warm human way of encouraging leadership as a practice of personhood. It took me a couple of months to start to read my own copy, but only a couple of days (on vacation) to finish it. His stories make it enjoyable to read, and the reader can be moved to grow from the inside, heart as well as head. Here are some pages I dogeared, and my comments when I had the time to review them:
   
   Page 31: "leaders light torches". I realized some time ago that my wife is like this. Everywhere she goes, she affirms people's goodness as she delights in them and takes interest in them. Her little wick is hardly seen, but oh, the lights she's lit! As I grow older, I realize that this kind of leadership is ageless, and leaves a greater legacy than any other.
   
   Page 139: "leading from the middle" Discovering that we are average, and being called to lead from there is really good for me. It helps me to see that when I am effective, I mistakenly think it is because I am exceptional; when I discover my frailty, it distracts me and I lose my stride. On the other hand, if I put on the hair shirt of self doubt, I'm totally useless. This middle ground is fertile! I see a second book in this!
   
   Page 160: "technologically advancing but tribally regressing century" - this is prophetic, in my opinion.
   
   Page 167: "I don't want to look stupid" - boy, oh boy, is this valid for me. While we were in Germany, I hid from using my very limited German. Meanwhile, my wife, equipped with her smile and her little German-English dictionary, was quite effective in communicating. Difference? She was not afraid to make it clear that she could not speak much. In Hartford Connecticut, I was reminded of her goodness in this regard. At the hotel breakfast, we were very capably and warmly served by a woman who spoke very little English. She would come around, for example, with a handful of bananas and HER big smile, look warmly into our eyes, and say "Banana? Or no?" Later I went to thank her, and tell her what a beautiful smile that she had. She did not look stupid, at all. She lit my torch, as I think about it now!
   
   Finally, Dan's closing story of the choir director recalled to me an experience we had on our first trip to Florence. After a week or two, I missed being with my students. We went to Mass at the cathedral, and there getting set to sing was a group of such marvelous ethnic diversity I began to blink away tears, sensing that they must be American kids. Sure enough; in the middle of the celebrant's welcoming comments in undecipherable Italian were the words "Youngstown State University" and "Dana Chorale". Their director was a man thin and intensely engaged with them, nervously moving and yet warm. He loved the notes out of them all through that Mass. At the end of the Mass, I went over to thank all of them, and to thank him, too. But as I approached, I realized that he was occupied with one particular member of the group. "Did you hear her!" "Did you hear how wonderfully she sang that?" "You DID it!; you got the best out of her; what a great job you did!" The girl was weeping, the director was weeping, and of course, I was weeping. The kids in the group were beaming proudly. I did met the director, Wayne Raridon, retired now. What a legacy he left in those kids.
   
   
   What did I get from Dan's book? Communication, communication, communication, for one. This book pushes on relationship, and away from traps of individual heroism. I had expected to find a series of great stories, but I found a solid structure and excellent techniques supported by great stories. And I found my BEST SELF being called out, encouraged, and informed.



4. I have known Dan Mulhern for many years and have appeared on his radio show in Michigan, which is a disclaimer that I'm personally biased toward his work. But, these biographical details also signs of the authority with which I tell other readers: This guy's the real deal.
   
   Dan is famous now as Michigan's First Gentleman -- but, for years before that, he worked as a leadership coach. And, for a while, he devoted himself to full-time efforts helping the staff at the University of Detroit High School rethink that urban school's image. The U-of-D-High work was a noble pursuit on his behalf, and not the kind of career move of someone only interested in making money off the leadership profession.
   
   Dan cares deeply about communities -- and the people who can motivate and lead communities. He's a grassroots listener -- and, as a journalist, I know a lot about listening. His book reflects the wealth of personal experience he has soaked up from years of listening to real people struggling with leadership issues.
   
   No, this isn't a 10-bullet-points-to-success guidebook. Rather, this is a mature, honest, helpful reflection on the deeper human qualities -- and the human failings -- that will shape our lives for good or ill as leaders in whatever corner of our communities we find ourselves working.
   
   It's well worth reading. It also can be read and discussed in group settings. And there's the supplement here of Dan's own ongoing work in this field, including his Web site and E-supplements.



5. In "Everyday Leadership: Getting Results in Business, Politics and Life," author Dan Mulhern says there are no small leaders or small acts of leadership. Each of us, he says, whether we are a parent, a teacher or a CEO can make a difference in the lives of others and move them to accomplish great things. At a time when political heroes and celebrity role models are sparse, it's both comforting and inspiring to know that we each have the ability, and responsibility, to lead.
   
   "Everyday Leadership" provides concrete strategies to obtain results and, at the same time, gives us permission to wrestle with the very human struggles of leadership like managing our egos and emotions, and doing the right thing even when it's the hard thing. Dan makes the reader realize that the decision to lead is available to us every moment, every day, and his practical tips, personal stories and real-life anecdotes make that decision easier to make.
   
   For anyone pondering how to become a leader at work, at home or just in daily living, this is a great book.

3 comments about Ten Minutes to the Speech: Your Last-Minute Guide and Checklist for Speaking in Public (10 Minutes 2 Success).

1. The great thing about "Ten Minutes to the Speech" is that you probably could read it cover to cover in the ten minutes before you have to give a speech; and it'd probably make your presentation ten times better than it would've been otherwise.
   
   This is an ideal book for anyone who has to speak publicly, and would be particularly effective for those who are intimidated by the prospect. Van Petten's style is engaging and conversational, packing a multitude of great examples into a concise package. His tips for improving your speech are pragmatic and common-sensical, and he's particularly good about reminding you of the "abstract" qualities that affect the reception of a speech, such as your posture, facial expression, delivery, etc. As anyone who's given a speech knows, it's not just about what words you pick! Even veteran public speakers will probably be able to pick up a few tips from this brief but comprehensive how-to.
   
   In short, this is an effective manual for the beginning and accomplished public speaker alike. It's quick, handy and helpful, and like a great speech itself, there's not a wasted word in it.



2. "Ten Minutes To The Speech" is a must-read for anyone facing ANY "audience" - giving clear, concise, pertinent advice and direction not only to "Speechmakers" but also applicable for actors, teachers, ministers, politicians (etc.), plus some talk-show hosts who could well heed the book's superb, fast-moving, well-designed content. The author has created a magnificent manuscript which will be of huge benefit to all who read it.
   
   Richard Mann



3. This is a terrific book, short but more than sweet. It is filled with many ways to make public speaking easier, and is written in a style that is easy to read, and easier to remember. If you have to get up in front of 5 people or 5,000, this is a book that belongs in your library.

No comments about The 8 Keys To Becoming Wildly Successful And Happy.

5 comments about The 7 Acts of Courage: Bold Leadership for a Wholehearted Life.

1. The 7 Acts of Courage will undoubtedly become one of those
   classic books that folks will turn to over and over again
   as a source of inspiration, whether to get them through
   hard times or to help them move towards new goals or to help
   them remember what is really important. It's succinct,
   accessible and right on the money.



2. This book is an easy read and very inspirational. Applying each Act of Courage into my daily living positively impacts how I view life and those around me.



3. Excellent Book! Brings to the forefront areas that must be addressed in order to be a successful leader. These same principles can and should be applied to family relationships as well. This book was right on the mark.



4. This book takes the reader on a journey through the often disconcerting phases of life and creatively illustrates how displaying courage is the key to addressing the challenges that life brings. It is a wonderful resource for those who wish to hone their existing leadership skills and develop new strategies fo success. A fun and informative read.



5. This book is a wonderful guide on how to discover and bring to the surface the inner strength each person has to become a more effective leader by setting an example of courage for others to follow. A must read on your path to achieving personal and professional success.

3 comments about Mentoring Heroes : 52 Fabulous Women's Paths to Success and the Mentors Who Empowered Them.

1. In Mentoring Heroes, Mary Doyle shows how fifty-two women attained high levels of professional and personal success both with the counseling, guidance, advice, and support of mentors, someone who helped them in a one-to-one relation acquire the knowledge, expertise, and experience to succeed. Mentoring Heroes also shows how these women passed on to others the gift of mentoring they themselves had received. Covering a wide diversity of occupations and careers, these true-life, illustrative stories are as engaging as they are informative, as inspiring as they are motivational. Mentoring Heroes is enthusiastically recommended reading and a welcome addition to women's studies reading lists and reference collections.



2. To be a mentor we learn in Mary Doyle's great new book, is to be a teacher, guide, example, encourager, facilitator and enabler. Mentoring Heroes offers the stories of 52 successful women and the mentors who empowered them. Thus, this book is a revelation of leaders inspiring others to become leaders to make their lives and their world better.

   Here are the stories of but a few very successful women and how they rose to the top with the assistance and selflessness of their mentors. Ms. Doyle is very quick to point out that often the mentor was male, and often the mentoring was facilitated to no small degree by Divine Guidance.

   Several of the success stories involve women this reviewer (and perhaps you, too) are aware of---for instance, actress, singer and motivational speaker Ann Jillian; Senior Marketing Vice resident of Sales Operations for BP Amoco Petroleum Products Anna
   Cheng Catalano; archeologist with New York Metropolitan Museum of Art Diana Craig Patch, Ph.D. and Barbara Junceau, professional astrologer for personal and spiritual counseling.

   On the other hand, most of these fabulous women are quietly leading their successful lives, each in their own venues and each very real. How did they do it? How did they make the time? How did they put their mentor's advice to work? And how have they become mentors in their own right? This reviewer exhorts you to read the book!

   To be a mentor is to give of oneself to assist in the development of others. The reader will quickly ascertain that a prime example of such nobility is author Mary K. Doyle, herself. By writing and publishing Mentoring Heroes, Mary has opened a door for all of us. It is no wonder that this book won the Certificate of Excellence, National Publisher's Freedom Award, 2000. Mentoring Heroes is an inspiration!




3. I am looking at this book due to a recommendation in "mean girls grown up" by Dellasega. I am disappointed as it seems to marginalize women who really sacrifice to prioritize their family or other non-fame, non-money related fields. Is the home educator who works part time and mentors her own great kids, and neighbourhood not in need of a mentor? Is she less intelligent because she makes less money or because she's less famous? I would like to see feminist writing that is more inclusive of real women's experiences and more varied need for mentoring.

No comments about Lines of a Layman: The Golden Rule in Everyday Living.

3 comments about Positive Charges: 544 Ways To Stay Upbeat During Downbeat Times.

1. I found this book helped me be more positive. It contains 544 statements of positive thoughts on making the most out of life. I leave this book out and reread it often.



2. A charming inspiring addition to one's nightstand. I read two or three pages each night. Powerful reminders and bits of wisdom to get you on your way through life's daily challenges.WONDERFUL!!



3. The simplicity and power of this little book has prompted me to buy numerous copies for friends and family. It sits on my nightstand and I read it daily as a reminder of the beautiful life I already have and how I can make it better, as well as the lives of people around me, by maintaining that gratitude through positive living. One of the lovely things about Positive Charges is that you can open it to any page and be uplifted and inspired. This book is a 'touchstone' for me and my family; a stroll through any of its pages brings us back to understanding how blessed we truly are. Buy this book!