5 comments about Happier: Learn the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment.

1. I read "Happier" over the Christmas holidays. It is an easy read, maybe even a bit simplistic in its day glo presentation. It is rooted in the "positive psychology" movement, based on a popular course at Harvard. The findings are hardly groundbreaking: happiness, the author contends, is a mixture of small pleasures in the moment and a sense of meaning in life overall. There are practical exercises ("time ins") in each chapter that should help you center your life around things you enjoy.
   
   A few months after reading this book (I did most of the exercises), I am more focused on small pleasures and am feeling happier than I was. I have also maintained a 25 lb weight loss since the holidays, a first for me. I'm not giving all the credit to this book, but I think it's fair to say it might be one of the things that has helped me this year. This isn't the be all, end all pop psych book, but it's worth a read.



2. I bought this book hoping for a primer on positive psychology. Instead, I got a self-help book which told me pretty much nothing new. A couple of the meditations in the last section were interesting, but overall this book was fairly disappointing.
   
   Also, that whole bit about referring to happiness as the "ultimate currency?" The first time the author mentioned it, it was so stupid and corny I wanted to cry. The fact that it was mentioned again on practically every page from that point on really didn't help.
   
   One good thing though - the author does spend a decent amount of time talking about Czikzhentmihalyi's concept of "flow," which everyone really should get familiar with at some point. It's nice to see it there, but it still doesn't justify buying this book.



3. I bought this set of 4 cds to listen to on a long road trip, thinking to catch up on the latest popular course at Harvard. We really couldn't listen to them all--it was just too platitudinous and uninteresting. Sometimes people work hard for a goal and then discover that when they attain it they aren't joyous. Pure hedonism can't make you happy, though there are times when a little hedonism is a good thing. Think about the times when you were happy. What were they like? How about meditating a little every day? We were too bored to go on. Probably the point of the book could have been made in one lecture-length cd, but stretching it out to 4 didn't help, so if there is a 'secret' revealed in #4 we missed it.



4. This book certainly introduces some central concepts which I found illuminating and useful. There are quite a few exercises ("time-ins") which everyone should do at some point in their life, if not regularily. I found some of these to be better than others whilst a few appeared to be there just for the sake of filling up space.
   
   The writing itself is a little self-helpy which is something I couldn't quite get over. I would've liked to have more hard data and information to challenge me in my thinking around the topic. Much of the book is also repetative and I felt it was at times patronising.
   
   It took a bit of concentration to get over the writing but once I focused on the topic at hand, I found the information quite illuminating.
   
   All in all however, if you can get over the writing and into the crux of the topic, I think it's a very useful book and definitely worthy of a good read. Some of the exercises and meditations are useful and are things I would encourage any person to at least try.



5. This book is a wonderful confirmation of my 77 years on earth. I have given three copies to my psychology compatriates. The basis for happiness is located inside and as with humor, wonder and curiosity fed by our contained energy part. So watch the drains (also in others). Thanks to the author I have freed myself even more from the jealousy of others.
   Pieter G. Kuipers,
   Sneek, The Netherlands

5 comments about Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ.

1. The left hemisphere of the brain is used for logical, analytical, rational, and objective reasoning. The right hemisphere is used for intuitive, subjective and holistic thinking. Using only one side of the brain is denying oneself of the full power of the decision making process.
   
   Most people are fully capable of using both parts of their brains to make sound, rational and logical decisions that they feel good about. The left brain, right brain crossover is worth developing.
   
   People who use only use their left brain and work with facts, data and logic without feelings to make decisions are missing the richness of using their emotions. These individuals deny their feelings because they believe that facts, data, and logic always produce better decisions than feelings and emotions.
   
   Feelings are an integral part of the human condition. Accepting and embracing them during decision making ensures that you will feel good about your decision--now, and later.
   
   On the flip side, those who only "feel" their answers miss the importance of backing up those feelings with information and common sense. Learning the facts and data frequently saves a great deal of money, time, and heartache.
   
   It can be scary to learn the facts and data for someone accustomed to basing decisions on feelings. However, moving out of one's comfort zone and using the left side of the brain ensures balanced and sound decisions.
   
   Daniel Goleman's book does an excellent job of teaching Emotional Intelligence and how to tap into self-awareness, self-discipline and empathy. This leads to happier, healthier and are more successful personally and professionally. This is one of the most important keys to unlocking our potential as humans!
   The Re-Discovery of Common Sense: A Guide to: The Lost Art of Critical Thinking



2. I have read many of Goleman's books on EQ. Each holds some gems inside lots of fluff. Goleman's premise is emotional competencies (listening, empathy, etc.) form a separate category of intelligence. I can agree with that. Unfortunately, this has become a business franchise for him, so I think he takes it too far. He asserts it is THE defining intelligence of star performers. The thesis is easy to swallow at first, as the book is written in the standard business best-seller sensational journalist format.
   
   I would counter with the work of Marcus Buckingham which maintains that each of us has our individual strengths and weakness. When we work to our strengths, we excel. Goleman is trying to fit all the characteristics of star performers into an emotional intelligence frame work. I know plenty of respected star performers whom lack high EQ. The business bookshelfs are full of other counter examples as well.
   
   I would recommend reading Primal Leadership by Goleman over this book. In it Goleman discusses the types of leadership problems I have seen at work over, and over again. In some cases, I have committed them myself. With Primal Leadership you get some EQ self-help.



3. This book gets 4-5 stars for content, but 1-2 stars for readability, so an average of a 3.
   
   Books written by academics who are more interested in impressing their peers than communicating clearly really annoy me. So what would otherwise be a fascinating, engaging topic becomes unnecessarily boring. (But not the worst I've ever read).
   
   So, if you have a low tolerance for complex, unreadable, boring, run-on sentences, a better alternative is his other book, Primal Leadership. With the benefit of two co-authors, it's much tighter and more readable. However, because Primal Leadership is focused on adults, it doesn't include many of the discussions of children and developmental learning -- which was valuable -- but only if you can get through it.
   
   Hopefully he'll come out with a second edition, with the help of a professional writer. Since I'd love to be able to give it 5 stars.



4. Goleman has achieved much deserved notoriety for this ground-breaking and thought provoking effort. Ground-breaking because he opens up your mind to thoughts and self-examination that when considered should improve understanding of self, family, work-place, and social relationships. He connects this with enough science to satisfy the skeptical. Finally, the double-edge of emotional and behavioral understanding applies to ourselves as much as to our contemporaries. Read more than once!



5. Most of the reviews of this book claim it gave them new insights. Me too. Only what I "take home" as most important from this book is quite different than what others have said in their reviews.
   
   I spent my working career as a civil servant (now retired), an employee of the Federal government. Firing someone who passes their 2 year probationary period is more difficult in the Federal civil service system than it is in private enterprise. So, greater care is needed when hiring a new person. Consequently, we spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to tell if a prospective employee would be a long term asset, or a long term liability.
   
   What was prefectly clear to us was that the technical knowledge, skills, and abilities we measured against were not always good predictors of how well an employee would do in the long run. Equally important, in the long run, are an employee's abilities to work with other people well, be productive team members, self motivate, work independently without constant supervision, and be honest with themselves and others.
   
   We did not compromise on the technical skills; but those being equal, we tried to select the person most skilled at what Daniel Goleman describes as emotional intelligence. We didn't have a name for it then, but we knew very well what we were looking for.
   
   What is so outstanding about Goleman's book is his very convincing demonstration that emotional intelligence, unlike IQ, is a learned intelligence -- indeed it must be taught, else a person will grow up emotionally in deficit.
   
   Second most outstanding is his demonstrations that the many emotional deficits in neglected children can be partially corrected (nothing is 100 percent) by simple training, in as little as 1 hr. per day for 8 weeks. More training continued to yield more results.
   
   Third most outstanding is his insistence that our public school system needs to begin teaching emotional intelligence. Actually, this may be the most revolutionary part of the book. It is a compelling paradigm shift.
   
   Our public school administrators have been claiming that parental involvement is the single most important factor in determining a child's success in school. It is very true, but it also an indirect way of them saying, "Emotional training is not our problem." Reading, writing and arithmetic, sports, and the like are their well defined domain, but they feel that emotional deficits belong to parents, as psychological/ behavioral problems instead of learning deficits. (Both claims are, of course, right. But the fact that the psychological/behavioral problems are caused by a learning deficit means one must focus on the learning deficit because it is causative.)
   
   Goleman argues that emotional intelligence is a learned skill; and is a major determinant of whether a child will succeed or fail academically. Inceed, it is predictive.
   
   He argues convincingly that public schools need a paradigm shift; they need to teach emotional skills to all students. He also convincingly addresses potential objections.
   
   I take away these potent arguments as far more important than the idea that emotional intelligence exists, or that EI is important to a person's happiness and success. We knew that, even if we didn't give it the exquisite name that Goleman has. I suspect some of the reviews that claim the book is repetitive did not fully appreciate that Goleman was carefully developed his sequence of argument that lead to his very audacious (but well supported and compelling) call for a paradigm shift in our public education system. Whether my suspicion is correct or not, I did not find this book boring in the least. Page by page it enlightened me. That is all I ask of a book like this.

5 comments about Jack Canfield's Key to Living the Law of Attraction: A Simple Guide to Creating the Life of Your Dreams.

1. This simple guide teaches you the power of goal setting. It walks you through affirmations and shows you how a vision book will help unlock the affirmation. It helps you see the miracles that are all around you daily. It enhances the power of self and opens up what you truly are grateful for. Gratitude for what you have and what you want to incorporate into your own personal evolution. Which is the true reason you are here. "Your own personal evolution."



2. There is a big difference between understanding theories and taking the action steps of applying theories. Its likely that many people read something, get excited, but then do not act. Canfield provided sections in the book where he inspires the reader to write down goals and affirmations. This provides immediate opportunities for applying the principles. About relationships to get the love that you want I highly recommend I Love You. Now What?: Falling in Love is a Mystery, Keeping It Isn't



3. Easy reading, inspirational and definitely a muust read! Another book on the same subject Living The Secret Everyday: My Secret Workbook approaches the subject through a workbook, journal and exercise format. I recommend this one also.



4. Great follow up book to the Secret. It makes you do your homework and figure out some things about yourself!



5. "Jack Canfield's Key to Living the Law of Attraction" by Jack Canfiel & D.D. Watkins provides contemporary, spiritually based , practical information revealing the latest findings for assisting you & your business to take a quantum leap!
   
   Entrepreneurial wisdom, along with brilliant formulas to enrich your business, & your personal life etc. in order to live in abundance in every aspect of your life.
   
   Absolutely a must read!
   
   Even better with:
   "NEXUS" a novel about a fascinating psychological/spiritual journey of empowerment & transformation, by Deborah Morrison & Arvind Singh
   
   Nexus: A Neo Novel

5 comments about The Professional Bachelor Dating Guide - How to Exploit Her Inner Psycho.

1. This is an ok book on this subject. In some places it just tries to be too smart in desperation. I have read much better dating books. This one is not bad but not too good either. Though I must say that the main difference between this book and others on the same topic is that this book wants its reader to know that a real man wouldnt care less if he goes through extended periods of dateless days. He should have his career and a long list of hobbies to keep him busy CREATIVELY. I couldnt agree more.
   Somehow I feel that most men who buy dating books are willing to try too hard with women. It shouldnt even be such a big priority in men's lives.



2. A highly charged topic, and sensationally titled piece. The advice works for 14-80 yr. old men. With so many nonsense PUA titles out there, this is intellectually a level higher. No games, pick up lines, or poser stuff. Manipulative Women, feminists and metrosexuals will hate it, because it tells it like it is. The author sees through women with hilarious wit, knows every rope and technique. Written for the Alpha male in a hurry.
   
   It's for the 30ish guy with money who's played the field enough to have seen the highly volatile, immature, selfish, controlling dark side of women, and wants to master speed seduction on his terms. Having complete control of his dating and sex life, while maintaining his assets during his pursuits.
   
   Many diverse sections covered; great psychoanalysis of different female personalities; knowing the angles, each girl's quirks and desires. Knowing how the end game will play out before it begins. Knowing when to bail. Like a field general.
   
   Great advise on creating a more attractive you, defining your life going forward, rejecting dating hypocrisy. Don't focus so much about getting laid, create the perfect dominant lifestyle for yourself. The sex is just one part of it. Pure alpha, being assertive, dominant, going for who you want, when you want, getting what you want while managing your time, maintaining your sanity, and dignity.
   
   The best selling point is his big picture advise; how to set up asset protection long before you take things to the next level with a woman. with divorce rate at 50%+, and the women always winning in court, there's tens of millions of men who would have benefited from the advise but didn't take the opportunity to.



3. The author's advice for the big picture, as he walks you through setting up asset protection pre-marriage in case you pick the wrong girl, is absolutely brilliant. I can easily see this creating a whole movement that could alter the marriage playing field in a hurry. I also recommend the book: I Love You. Now What?: Falling in Love is a Mystery, Keeping It Isn't



4. Funny, raw analysis. The defensive asset management section is brilliant, the dating guide all true and written tongue in cheek, which makes it so fun to read. Dennis Miller type wit.
   
   In a nutshell, a book about getting laid while protecting your money, but half the fun is reading the cynical observations and rants about wacko women we've all dated at one time. He nails it when he says "Women are entitled to the same amount of respect they give you, and not one ounce more." Gentlemanly behavior prevails with the girls who prove to be honest and trustworthy, (10% of the women), the beeotches can pay for themselves, and should be tossed immediately. Anyone who's studied psychology will recognize how accurate and useful the personality profiling section is.
   
   To let you know how good this book is; the girls in my officeI keep hearing girls at work having fire breathing conversations about it.
   Talk about being exposed. I'm surrounded by female users and scammers on their cell all day working 5 guys at a time. They go around bashing this book and men, and then try to come across as pure as snow. Frankly they revolt me, and I haven't made eye contact in years. I make sure I have my book front and center on my desk when the crew walks by.
   
   Every guy needs a copy of this one.



5. Fantastic...and oh so funny. You will be reading and the next second howling over in laughter. But this is the one. Intellectuals only please. This isn't a cologne and breath-mint book. This is the kick in the pants that u needed! I always hear how "i've read so many other books and this one is great...blah, blah." So have I and this is a must get!! I never leave a review, EVER!! But I absolutely had to. It is that good. So much information...a long read...but that is what u want, isn't it?? Twenty bucks buys a lot of info. Thanks Dr. Tate. U got my vote for Man of the Year!!

5 comments about Be a Real Estate Millionaire: Secret Strategies To Lifetime Wealth Today.

1. It helps me to learn something I have never heard of before about real estate. Although investing in real estate can make money, I wish the author had addressed the taxes and closing costs associated with real estate transactions. I would imagine a lot of the real-life stories might not look as rosy as the author claimed.



2. I have read two books recently, the first one was 'Slash' by the famed Guns N' Roses guitarist and this book by Dean Graziosi, real estate mogul, telling me that I, too, can make millions in real estate. After reading both I have come to this conclusion............I'm joining a rock band!!!



3. 
   This book is not the best book ever written about real estate. More or less it is an advertisement for his real estate course. He does offer a little incite into real estate, but not enough to start investing.



4. I saw a TV ad on this book and ordered it along with all the other items that I let them talk me into because it was a "special deal" since I was new.
   As a real estate agent, I am looking for new ideas on a regular basis with plans to start flipping homes.
   I should have done my homework on Dean Graziousis as when it was all said and done, I found the book to be mostly hype and a whole lot of bragging on Dean Graziosis and what a wonderful person he is. I really cannot tell you much more about the book other than he "walks on water" in his own mind.
   I did plan on keeping the book but I attempted to return some of the products and I have never been treated so rudely in my life!! It took 50 to 60 phone calls and the best I ever received was you have called the wrong department and when I finally reached the right one, all I received was being HUNG UP ON!
   Now I am a mature adult and run my own business and I have never hung up on a customer, ever! I just cannot imagine a person who claims to care so much about people, being so shielded by hundreds of different call answering companies, most of who have no clue what you are talking about. I was supposed to get a web page with the order, was supposed to be able to cancel the "Foreclosure Alert" program, etc. I was charged repeatedly as there was no way to get through to anyone who knew anything.
   All I can say is there are a lot of honest, experienced writers out there but if you want really good advise "stay away from Dean Graziousi's and anything he has to offer, especially his good deals!



5. Dean Graziosi seems to be the only legitimate real estate guru out there today. All the others want to sell you their book, or initial information cheaply, then all they want to do is keep up-selling you more and more junk for hundreds or even thousands of dollars, from seminars, to home study programs to weekend-long "boot-camps!" Dean is different. I bought his "Think A Little Different" course off a TV info-mercial last week BEFORE I even bought his book. The book is great to get you started. He even says right in the book that you are welcome to continue your education with his courses, etc..., but he also tells you that the book is all you need to get started! The book steps you through your first real estate transaction and lays the foundation for a successful real estate investing career. I have tried Carleton Sheets and Ron Legrand with no success at all, but Dean Graziosi is the REAL DEAL!

5 comments about Come On People: On the Path from Victims to Victors.

1. The problem with these types of books is that the people that would most benefit from the ideals therein will never pick it up and read it without any coaxing. That's not to say that this isn't a good book and that readers shouldn't spread the word because it is and they should.
   
   But let's be honest: the book is a summary of classical and common sense ideas
   
   1. The importance of a classical nuclear family structure
   2. Fathers spending more time (and dollars) on their children
   3. Abstaining from too much of the idiot box
   4. Staying involved in school via PTC's
   5. Monitoring what we feed our mind body and spirit
   
   This is all superficial fluff. We all know what the issues are and what needs to be done (or maybe we don't). Mr. Cosby's national calls to order in town hall meetings are more affective of change than reading this book because you get to hear powerful testamonials from people that are living the stories spoken in the book and how they turned it around.
   
   In all, this is "Enough Part II". If you've read that book...you've read this one.



2. I just bought this book off of the bargain table at a local book store. I am only a little ways into it but so far I am impressed. My concern, though, is that those most likely to benefit from this book will never read it or even find out about it.
   
   Based on what little I have read, I would recommend this book to those who have become tired of the race hucksters (Sharpton & Co.) and would like to read some good ideas about what needs to be done to improve the lot of minorities in the inner cities.
   
   One minor criticism: I haven't quite read a third of the book and Cosby has mentioned "institutional racism" twice. Rubbish! Institutional racism does not exist. Cosby should leave such nonsense to the Left.



3. This book was not what I expected. Cosby reaches to a sector of black people who have been made infantile in their reasoning. This book is not for the exercised mind.



4. This was an outstanding book. I am doing a paper on Bill Cosby for a Leadership program at work on leaders. This book had points of view that I had not though of. Very entertaining as well as educational.



5. Bill Cosby's latest novel makes everyone uncomfortable about the realities of what slavery and institutional racism have done to America.
   Cosby's take is that there comes a time when black people have to take some responsibility for making their lives and communities better. It is no wonder that he has been ostracized by the media minorities who make their livelihoods on blaming others for black America's problems. The book gets a little preachy and simplistic about solutions toward the end of the book. The beginning is better. It is worth a read.

5 comments about The Secret (Unabridged, 4-CD Set).

1. Audio CD is easy to listen to. Ms. Byrne has a perfect voice to carry the message across.



2. I've seen the DVD version of THE SECRET, but had never actually
   read the book (with the same title) by Rhonda Byrne.
   
   So I was delighted to be able to listen to the above when a friend
   lent me her CD tapes . . . if you're not familiar with the premise,
   it is about something called the Law of Attraction . . . in essence, it says
   like attracts like . . . you can get anything in life you want if you are open
   to receiving it in a positive fashion . . . the key is to avoid negativity.
   
   When reading or listening to the book, you may not think there's much
   to it . .. the same message seems to keep repeating itself . . . and
   though there's an impressive list of authors/consultants who are
   cited (among them Jack Canfield, John Gray, Bob Proctor, and
   Rev. Michael Beckwith), what they have to say at times comes
   across a bit choppy.
   
   However, I carp . . . let me instead share just a few of the powerful
   Insights that I gained from listening to THE SECRET:
   
   * Whatever thought is in your mind, you're attracted to it.
   
   * See yourself living in abundance, and you will attract it.
   
   * What you think about most will appear as your life.
   
   * It's impossible to be feeling bad and having good thoughts at the
   same time.
   
   * If you praise and bless your enemies, you will feel your attitudes shifting.
   
   * We'll never run out of things because life is me ant to be abundant.
   
   And this one that I've been thinking about ever since I finished
   THE SECRET:
   
   * You are not your past. Whenever I reflect on book long after I've finished it, I know that's a winner for me . . . that's the case with what Byrne had to write; I still find myself thinking about it even as I type this review!



3. This is a great product. You can give it as a gift, keep it to be past on to your children and so forth. It is a very inspiring item. I can account for many of the things in there. A must buy.



4. I was hoping this book would totally WOW me since I have read great reviews about it. Most of the things you will find here are things you already know, things you could read anywhere (an inspirational quote in a bookmark). I'm glad I didn't spend a lot on this book. I was bored and uninspired.



5. Same old stuff - just rewritten. Sorry I spent the money. Just tell yourself you CAN reach your goals - and skip this book.

5 comments about Reposition Yourself: Living Life Without Limits.

1. I have read several books by Bishop Jakes, but this one by far in my opinion is one of the best one yet. I haven't finished reading it yet, because once I read a particular section I have found myself to go back and reread it. Bishop Jakes is definately annoited by GOD. I just hope and pray that GOD keeps on using him as he sees fit to minister to the world. This book is a real blessing and eye opener.



2. I love Bishop TD jakes but I could not get past Disc 1 track 5 or so of this audiobook. I listen to him on my podcast but it seemed like the book lacked something. It seemed like the Bishop just focused on a particular individual. I could not relate...I hope to listen to all of it one day...I pray so...



3. This is a must read. It covers how to be a person that is true to themselves. This book inspired me to write a poem called falling in love with me and I can't put into words how inspiring this book was. T.D. Jakes covers all the elements on how to grow. I would recommend this book to anyone because it has something in it for everyone.



4. THIS BOOK WRITTEN BY BISHOP JAKES IS A DIVINE BLESSINGS FROM GOD FOR EVERY CHRISTAIN.I PRAY FOR GOD DIVINE WISDOM AND ANNOINTING OF HOLY SPIRIT TO BE UPON MY BELOVED BISHOP JAKES.THANK GOD FOR USING YOU,YOUR FAMILY AND MINISTRY TO REACH TO LOST SOULS ALL OVER THE GLOBE.



5. 'Reposition Yourself - Living Life Without Limits' is a content rich book that is part inspirational and part instructional centered on forging the blessings that life has to offer - that which is due and inherent. Within this book, T.D. Jakes has a stream of conscience flow that in some parts resemble Susan Orman and other times Jack Canfield. Forging even deeper he picks up the reinforcement exercises of Napoleon Hill (at times), and the practical sequence of action leads to results approach of Brian Tracy (take a minute and write this down or before you go any further). Mixed in with the candor and straight forward writing style that is all T. D. Jakes.
   
   Jakes opens this work by introducing us to fictional characters that include the dreamer, the lover, the manager, and the believer in all of us. This sets the framework (somewhat) of the discussion that will take place between Jakes and the reader; however, he does not expound upon the characters so we are disconnected from them at the outset - in other words Jakes leaves it to you to remember and associate with the aforementioned characters - most importantly their traits (our traits) except when he decides to bring them up - he doesn't take them along for the ride. Yet, Jakes doesn't take long to reconnect with us through powerful lessons with the first being the 'five stages of progression,' which include the revelation of opportunity and continues into burn out (not just professionally speaking), or as he writes ". . .when deterioration has taken its toll." This outline of the stages was both innovative and unique because it did not climax with optimal performance, but instead ended with performance taken to far.
   
   Jakes goes on to write about the difficulties that we all will face as a result of living a full life, along with the opportunity to overcome life's challenges with a "go all out" BALANCED approach to living -- where Jakes believe in not only speaking your blessings (as practiced by many men/women of faith), but through measured and deliberate deeds and actions. He has - I dare say it - a "pull yourself up by our bootstraps" philosophy to those discouraged and a "hold your hand out" to those that have prospered.
   
   Chapter 6 entitled 'Shifting Gears and Changing Lanes - Repositioning Yourself for What Around the Corner' is one of the most inspiring chapters. Here, Jakes not only advises, but challenges the reader to throw off limitations that prevented success in the past. Specifically, on page 102 (hardback - May 2007) edition, he captures the content of his message within one paragraph:
   
   "You must stop procrastinating, waiting for others to lead you to where only you can go yourself, or blaming the past. So many times it's much easier to embrace the role of victim, of loser, of the one who's not smart enough, not good enough, not educated enough, not financially sound enough. When you accepted such limitations for yourself, then you don't have to worry about being disappointed. . ."
   
   I don't care how many inspirational/self-help books you have read - that is powerful in and of itself. Within the remainder of Part II, Jakes goes over what many authors have already written about numerous times yet bears repeating (in his view): Importance of paying down debt, managing your finances, working on purpose, leveraging credit to obtain wealth, finding a mentor, etc. with a hard to identify target audience - initially thought by reviewer to be a broad audience of those that are seeking to "reposition" themselves and later thought to be a primarily AA audience; followed by young AA that have lived long enough to experience life, yet still have enough life (and belief) to reposition (25 - 45?) -- followed by women (sometimes all?). That was the weakness of the book. Because it is primarily a stream of conscience flow, Jakes is really speaking to ANYONE that needs to reposition (or desires to) and either forgets to keep the lens wide enough or really doesn't care -- it's his view and lessons that are important.
   
   Part III contains an inward focus on Jakes himself, specifically Chapter 13 'Mail Carriers - Surviving the Labels of Success'. Yet, he offers another series of steps in which one can remain connected (this chapter I think assumes you have repositioned or at least would like you to visualize). It is the balance of those that have arrived, emphasizing the importance of keeping grounded within one success; the you can go alone and be alone or you can involve family and friends while recognizing your roots. In essence, Jakes' message is that success is a team sport.
   
   In conclusion, this book is not eloquently written (the "then-than" rule may irk you from time to time and there are a couple of administrative errors). In addition, he may have lost some of his audience when two chapters were dedicated to "ladies only." That is fine and very important; however, a 'Reposition Yourself for Women' book that addresses their challenges unique to them may have been more appropriate in the opinion of the reviewer. (This prevents alienating your core reader and gives a dedicated work to this important group.)
   
   Yet Jakes does provide a powerful, practical, and sage words to live a fuller and rewarding life. It is not narrow in focus and what's refreshing is that Jakes has a practical view of spirituality - knowing that believing alone is not even half of the battle, but it sure helps!

5 comments about The Success Principles(TM): How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be.

1. Jack Canfield has gone the extra mile to provide us with an exceptional plan. His writing style and technique ensures that we all beleive we can achieve. Page after page I've highlighted text. Page after page I've read about Jack Canfield's thoughts and ideas and those pages include individuals stories which support those ideas. This book is a handbook on personal growth and self development. Take the leap. Buy it. Read it and continue to refer to it.



2. If someone really USES it and really does the exercises (which I need to now that I have finished the book), this book could be life-changing. The way the processes and excercises are peppered with amazing success stories from real life, and fantastic quotes...I highlighted like crazy. But now it's time to take action!
   
   I'd give this book ten stars if I could.



3. I pick this book up almost every day and read and re-read all this helpful information. The more I put it into action, the more wonderful things happen in my life. There is so much information to learn from Jack Canfield. I tell everyone I know about it especially other artists and creative people. So exciting to have a book that will help me be who I truly am in my life.
   Catherine www.catherinefoster.com



4. I have never written a book review EVER. But this was the best self-help motivational book ever and I have read dozens and dozens. this is the first and last inspirational book you will ever need.



5. As a corporate director of HR for a fortune 500 company, I am continually searching for material I can share with the management staff. This book was an excellent fit in our learning resources center.
   
   While achieving success is rarely accomplished with shortcuts, this guide provides what I believe are important guideposts that will keep you on the right trail. Many people fail to achieve success because they leave the trail for other pursuits.
   
   It is really surprising in the business world at the number of people who really do not know what they are trying to achieve. Indeed, I would dare to say that most people don't have a clue as to where they are going. They are simply meandering down the path hoping for few problems and a warm place to sleep at night.
   
   This book stresses the importance of people deciding what they really, really want to do in life. My only negative critique is that the book seems to define success in financial terms (which is par for the consumer American nation). As the wiser amoung us know, success takes many forms of which money is only a small part.
   
   I enjoyed the book and intend to share the wisdom therein with other managerial types within my organization. I believe the advice is solid and obviously, the author is "qualified" if for no other reason that his huge publishing success.
   
   I hope you find this review helpful. Michael L. Gooch, SPHR - Author of Wingtips with Spurs

5 comments about Go Put Your Strengths to Work: 6 Powerful Steps to Achieve Outstanding Performance.

1. Marcus Buckingham is brilliant! His research-profound! As a professional workplace trainer, I use this book and insist that my clients purchase copies for their management teams before I conduct their trainings. Yesterday's "Human Resources" is today's "Talent Management" and employment engagement! Another must-have is the previous book "Now, Discover Your Strengths" by Marcus Buckingham.



2. I like the condition of the book delivered to me, it was no hype just real good quality. Thanks for displaying integrity without grity,lol.



3. This is an excellent book by Marcus Buckingham! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and the case study he uses throughout the book really reinforces all of the key concepts. The journal pages in the back of the book (or you can download them off his site) are helpful in assisting you to identify which work activities strengthen you and which work activities weaken you. He shows, through case examples, how to minimize the activities that weaken you so that you spend most of your time on work where your strengths shine.



4. What I like about this new offering from Marcus Buckingham is that it pushes the reader to action...and not just a lofty list of "to do's" but action steps that are quickly apprehended and quickly produce results.
   
   Benjamin Franklin said the definition of insanity "is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." I find that to be more the definition of humanity-we strive to change but somehow find ourselves repeatedly in similar conundrums. (To note, I think the definition of insanity is attaching a key to a kite and flying it during a lightning storm!)
   
   The whole strengths series (this is the third book) by Buckingham gives great instruction on leveraging strengths...and when we (enevitably) get in the same situations we CAN expect different results.
   
   This would be a great series for the human resources managers and bosses of the world. Don't we all wish our boss would focus on our strengths!



5. This book can help you put a plan into place that you can follow to be successful. If you have trouble motivating or keeping on track, this book will help you do that. Marcus helps you discover what your strengths are so that you can focus on your strengths which in turn will help you be successful.