5 comments about Whatever You Think, Think the Opposite.

1. As a pro trader who read a lot of books on creativity, self improvement and contrarian thinking/trading, I found the author's ideas familiar, but not his interesting presentation through extensive and interesting use of graphs, pictures and page designs. I dare not recommend it to any serious self help book reader or creative professional. Nevertheless, it's a good choice for a 30 minute leisure reading. On the other hand, I read this right after the author's another book "It's not how good you are. It's...". The two books are very similar and so I had written two nearly identical reviews for each. Pardon me!
   
   p.s. Below please find some of my favorite passages for your reference.
   
   Salomon Brothers met with prospective clients not once a month or once a day, but three times a day. That is unreasonable. But it works. Most people are reasonable, that's why they only do reasonably well.pg 42
   
   A young man worked as a runner in an advertising firm. One day he said to his manager, "I'm leaving. I'm going to be a drummer." The manager said, "I didnt know you played the drums." He replied, "I dont, but I'm going to." A few years later that young man played in a band with Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce...He became what he wanted to become before he knew he could do it. He had a goal. pg 62
   
   Rememberwhat Jean Luc Godard said: It's not where you take things from - it's where you take them to. pg 92
   
   An interviewer with a wooden leg said to Frank Zappa, "With your long hair, from where I am sitting you could be a woman." He replied, "From where I am sitting you could be a table." pg 126



2. "It's not how good you are, it's how good you want to be" was just mind blowing! But this one was quite a dissapointment.



3. This book consists of simple lines and pictures so you can have freedom to interpret the author's ideas. You don't need to be a very clever person to understand this book. In fact, I find this book as a reminder for myself not to afraid to have my own thoughts! I read this book randomly. I open any page i want and start reading from there and stop anytime i want. This way of reading help me digest the idea better.



4. Great book, easy to read, great information about taking risk in your life, highly reccomended...



5. I bought this book because it was required reading for a class. It's pretty common sense stuff. It's alright, but if you can borrow it from a friend, go that route.

3 comments about The Millionaire from Nazareth: His Prosperity Secrets for You! (Millionaires of the Bible Series).

1. Excellent shape. I enjoyed reading this book; it was an easy read and confirmed what I have always believed that this life is supposed to be enjoyed . A good reminder . Highly recommend this and ' The dynamic laws of prosperity'.



2. This was a very interesting book. It gave me insight on many things that I was not sure up. I really enjoyed it.



3. I had read other books with same objective, but this make change in my life, for that reason I recommend for all reader indenpendently of your preference about theme.
   
   I am a Brasilian (Brazilian)reader and I'd like that all you think profound about The Lord Prayer if you don't know how, this is the moment to read this book with your soul.
   
   That God bless every us.

5 comments about Play to Win!, Revised Edition: Choosing Growth Over Fear in Work and Life.

1. This great book by Larry Wilson is all about choosing growth over fear. It's about the miracle of personal development and no one knows more about personal development than Larry Wilson.Playing to Win is a soup to nuts approach to personal development as only Larry Wilson can do.Are you playing it a little bit too safe? What is that costing you? Read Playing to Win. It may revolutionize your whole life as it has mine. Outstanding book.



2. No matter your business - corporation, sole propietor, financial, education - or your role within that business - owner, manager, new hire - this book can help you grow within that role. Not only can it help you professionally, but also personally. As a corporate trainer, I recommend it in all my management classes as well as to those who come to me for career coaching. It's a great, quick and powerful read.



3. One of the best business books ever written. Awesome insights which should be read over & over by anyone desirous of running a successful business.



4. This is a very solid book. I took a class provided by the company the authors either work for or own (I read the book as well). This was a tremendous gift for me to read this. Much of what prevents both businesses and individuals from reaching their potential is fear. This book deals with the very issues that commonly hold us back, and gives logical solutions to those issues. I learned things from this book that I was able to implement in my life that changed my personal and professional life for the better. I don't agree with every concept in here. However, I do have to admit that I was able to look at my life from a different perspective after I read this. I used concepts in this book (as well as the bible and other books) to challenge myself to get my nursing degree (which really helped the company that originally sent me to this), buy a home, and become a better husband. I might add that my company's production went way WAY up after a group from our clinic took this class (which is just the book in lecture format). No, I'm not saying this book will take all your problems away. I am saying that some of the concepts in here can only benefit an individual/company's life if implemented with a real desire to improve.



5. I have read this book a number of times and share it with friends and associates. I have found the delivery interesting, and it moves along with stories and examples. The message is Universal. We are here to learn and grow. So "Carpe Diam."

5 comments about Focal Point: A Proven System to Simplify Your Life, Double Your Productivity, and Achieve All Your Goals.

1. When I read this book originally, I was very impressed with it. However, after reading "The Goal" by Eliyahu Goldratt, I realized my mistake. What if the idea that 20% of causes control 80% of effect is incorrect? What if only 1% of causes controls 99% of the effect? "Focal Point" seems to always assume the 20% part.
   
   Secondly, I found that the author is very unclear about how to get one to formulate what one really wants. What exactly is the problem with the way you do things now? He seems to have the same solution for all aspects of your life. However, what if you are solving the wrong problem? Instead, if you use the theory of constraints (invented by Dr. Eliyahu Goldratt) and the tools based on that, I think that you will be impressed with how well it manages to focus your mind on what you want. It allows you to discover the problem that you really need to solve in order to see the improvements you desire. I see the results myself.
   
   Also, "Focal Point" does seem to at least pay lip service to prioritization. However, by basically telling you that you should fundamentally do very similar things for all areas of your life, the book totally destroys the concept of prioritization. If you try to be good at everything, you will be good at nothing.
   
   Another thing I dislike about the book is this. The way I read it is that it tells you to come up with a plan for this or a plan for that, but says nothing about how to actually do so. It says nothing about how to prepare for the great likelihood that something will go seriously wrong with your plan. Never mind the fact that you may not even know what the actual problem is that you need to solve to see some measurable improvement. In short, I do not see at all how it addresses the question of how to convert wishful thinking into a robust solution.



2. As a longtime student of Brian Tracy's profound knowledge, I finally stumbled across this book while searching for Brian Tracy books, and have eagerly read it, page by page.
   
   Closely following the superb content found in his must-get "Double Your Productivity" DVD, this is a superb guide to staying focused on high-value activities.
   
   I am very grateful to Brian Tracy, and credit him with much of my entrepreneurial success (over 34,000 customers so far from my businesses, and growing!). A prolific, profoundly wise and imminently practical man, Brian Tracy is, as I told him in person at a recent Denver seminar, the "best business success coach ever". And he is. And then some.
   
   "Focal Point" does a sensational job of driving home those points that everyone needs to be successful. By identifying and concentrating your energy on highest-value tasks and priorities. And, powerfully, by identifying in his words the costs of wasting time on less important, less urgent tasks. Creating mental consequences for developing a successful mindset, through all his words.
   
   I had a pen out and scribbled all throughout this book, underlining key words here and there, taking notes in the cover of the book, and more.
   
   I've studied "time management" and personal productivity for decades. Been to dozens of corporate seminars.
   
   This book blows 'em all away. I eagerly devour (and have applied) Brian Tracy's knowledge and words, his values and mindset for success, to create an entrepreneurial empire, and Brian's the "go to" guy for much of that success.
   
   Highly recommended; I've bought all of Brian's books and this is by far (along with Advanced Selling) one of his top 3-4 to date.
   
   Buy this book and profit. The more I study Brian Tracy, and use what he teaches me, the more money I make, the more people's lives I touch with my companies, and the more successful I am. And so can you!
   
   Thanks, Brian - this one's very important, and valued.
   
   
   Regards,
   
   Ken Calhoun



3. Say I get married and afterwards my wife develops a debilitating disease. If I had known what I know now, I wouldn't have gotten married to her. Tracy's advice: dump her as fast as you can.
   
   Say I agree to help my friend move. When I arrive at his place I find out that he's a packrat and has tons of stuff to move. If I had known what I know now, I wouldn't have agreed to help him move. Tracy's advice: get out of your commitment to help as fast as you can.
   
   In both these cases, there is no regard for commitments you have made to other people.



4. I'm constantly reading books on small business trends and how to maximize productivity. A friend recommended I read Brian Tracy's book and I was impressed. This book is packed full of powerful techniques to grow your business and yourself. I recommend this book to anyone looking to take their work ethic or business to the next level. Byron Walker byron@UltimateResultsNow.com



5. Brian Tracy is my business mentor. I was pleased to see Focal Point go beyond his typical goal setting & business ethics focus and touch on personal, health, and spiritual goals as well. If you want to build a well rounded life, the Brian Tracy way, pick up this book. A great motivator and author indeed.

5 comments about To Be or Not to Be Intimidated?: That is the Question.

1. If you are openminded and pragmatic, then you will enjoy this book.
   
   Ringer takes you through his own experiences of learning that what people say, and what people do are typically not the same thing.
   
   You will learn of the three major types of people.
   
   1. Those out to take what you have and are direct about it.
   2. Those who say they feel bad about taking what you have and do it anyway.
   3. Those who claim they would never take what you have and then express profound regret that they are trying to take what you have.
   
   You might view Ringer's viewpoint as somewhat pessimistic, however if you believe that most people will seek their own advantage (often to your disadvantage) that his advice becomes very practical.
   
   If you want a different point of view than your typical, the world is fair so play nice perspective, then whether you agree with Rigner or not, you will have one more perspective to draw from.
   
   Cheers!



2. This book has some nice insights about being intimidated by people in your life. Intimidation especially in business context that stop you from being successful. The most helpful techniques was the leapfrog theory to me.



3. The author and others say this is an update on Winning... which I read when it came out. I agree with Susanna that this really should be early reading.
   
   I see many differences in the re-write. More of his practical techniques are revealed here. This is done without losing the lessons offered. Between this and Looking Out for #1, great stuff.



4. This is by far the best book I have ever read on how people act,think,react,on what them motivates and how best to shape your business.
   I have the original in english but I learned of Mr.Ringer by means of the dutch translation of which I have made a short version for quick reference for myself.The last 15 years of my professional life I have had my own engineering business and I think that this has been succesfull mainly because of a consequent application of the principles Mr. Ringer explained in this book,for which I am very thankfull.



5. 30 years after writing a classic, is it necessary for a rewrite?
   
   Not in my opinion. I'm not exactly opposed to rewrites of Think And Grow Rich but the 1937 version is more than excellent. Same with Psycho-Cybernetics...the rewrite with added work by Dan Kennedy is fine but 1960's original by Dr Maltz is the one I read over and over.
   
   And so it goes with Winning Through Intimidation. I'm not saying it's a first-tier classic like the previous 2 but I would definitely put it on the second-tier, along with Richest Man in Babylon, The Magic of Thinking Big and The Greatest Salesman In The World.
   
   And therein lies the difference. The first tiers were rewritten to bring them up to date....and by people other than the authors.
   
   But Winning Through Intimidation...ugh....totally not necessary. The lame Politically Correct new title is just the best example why not to buy this book. It just takes the punch out of it....Winning Through Intimidation is a superior title....no two ways about it. It grabbed you and made you want to read....To Be Or Not To Be Intimidated.......ugh. So awful. So trite...the Shakespearean rip off is as tired and useless as seeing "dictionary definitions" and "Mt Rushmore replacements" in advertising.
   
   You know...garbage like: "Websters defines quality as....." or Hey they put the local used car guy's head on Mt Rushmore....hilarious and original....right? Yea, run that in the paper!!
   
   And so it goes with the tired "to be or not to be." Utterly ineffective and unfunny.
   
   Next we go inside the book. New cartoons? Why? They don't look any better...only different. A rewriting of the original text? Why Mr Ringer....why? It's like reading a junior high kid who wrote a passage about the War of 1812 from the Encyclopedia and put "into his own words". I mean the message is still there...but not the punch. It's not being written by the same guy who "meant it" when he first wrote it. It's now 30 years on and it's being looked at through different eyes and being neutered.
   
   It's not unlike George Lucas or Steven Spielberg going back to their masterpieces and "correcting" them. Replacing guns with walkie-talkies in ET or making Han Solo "shoot second" in the cantina....ugh. It just takes the spirit out of what the original message was.
   
   Obviously, seek out the original and buy it instead.

3 comments about Change And Transition: Moving from a State of Fear into a State of Love.

1. This tape showed me that I am not alone going through change, how normal my feelings, emotions and fears are and tought me how to cope with difficult moments... not to get lost in transition. Excellent messages to keep hope and good guidelines for a successful change.



2. I found the CD very succinct and very informative. It was not long but it was very helpful and the points Louise Hay made were very useful and practical. I have listened to it 4 times and I still am getting wonderful guidance from it. If one is willing to make changes in their life and realize they need to make changes then this CD will definitely benefit them!



3. This is a good one, folks. Its a good synthesis of her beliefs. If you're doing affirmative and mind work and you're getting stuck- this is a good CD for you.

5 comments about Sun Tzu For Success: How to Use the Art of War to Master Challenges and Accomplish the Important Goals in Your Life.

1. Gerald A Michaelson is a leading authority in the first and most renowed self-help book the world has ever seen ie Sun Tzu's The Art Of War. This is a rare and outstanding book. In this book, Michaelson masterfully extrapolated Sun Tzu's teachings for personal development and success in a language everybody could understand. It is thus a must reading for everyone who seeks to emulate Sun Tzu's principal solution viz win-win solution. In another words, Sun Tzu emphasises on winning with strategy and this is a counterpoint to the more action-oriented western thinking.



2. After my initial read through of this book, I know I am going to want to not only read it again, but hang on to it so I can study and reference the book. It is nice to have the original Sun Tzu narrative in the first part of the book and the authors modern day observations separated into another section of the book.
   
   I can see how the book could be used in the contest of life, sports or business. Obvioulsy if a book that was written over two-thousand years ago is still around today, there must be something worth looking over.



3. This book is concise and well worth its cheap price. It provides some of Sun Tzu's most thought provoking text and adds the author's analysis. There has been literally hundreds of books related to Sun Tzu's writing and none of the ideas presented in this book are new. The real value of this book comes from the author's selective analysis of some of Sun Tzu's best lines.



4. The basic premise of the book follows ancient Eastern war tactics dating to 500 BC. A few of these are: "know yourself and your enemy", "plan surprise", and "win without fighting". The book describes various tactics of war that will help an army be successful.

   These tactics are then related to modern business. What is unfortunate is that these tactics are needed at all. Instead of cooperation, and mutual respect, business climates are often hostile and overly competitive - within the organization itself!

   I did find a few of these very enlightening. The section on "picking your battles" is always sage advice. I often have asked myself and others whether a particular business situation is a "hill we want to die on". The trick is to know the difference. Also of interest are the discussions on "taking the moral high ground". In today's business climate, ethics are more important than ever, as there are far too many examples these days which are evidence that the unstated ethical fabric of business relationships have deteriorated.

   What is unfortunate is that the Sun Tzu tactics are often useful. While business relationships are often conflict filled battles, one can still hope and pursue mutual respect and cooperation. Overall, an interesting read, and some useful strategic tactics.




5. The text is useful for insights. I prefer the newer editions of this classic by other authors for insight, however.

5 comments about Benjamin Franklin's the Art of Virtue: His Formula for Successful Living.

1. I saw this book one day when I was browsing Franklin Covey planners in the mall. It had been awhile since I read something not business related so I thought I'd give this a shot. I'll be honest when I tell you I enjoy a good read but this book took me about one year to read from beginning to end. The first few chapters weren't too bad but then it got into a section about a debate between two philosophers on the definition of virtue and why one should practice a virtuous life. I've never read anything that mentally straining in my life (my degree is in Mechanical Engineering BTW). I enjoy the arts but that one section took me about a month before I could fully digest what the philosophers were saying in the span of less than 2 pages. This one section proved so enlightening that my head hurt for about 2 days after I had a chance to chew on the content. If you had any doubts that the founding forefathers of this great nation were anything but geniuses, this should dispell any and all myths. I must say that I even had to break out the dictionary for some of the diction used in this book in that it was definitely not your everyday conversational english. If you enjoy mental challenges of a higher level and your mastery of the English language is proficient enough to understand the fine nuances of sentence structure and double, sometimes triple meanings, I would recommend this book. If you're looking for something a little more entertaining and easier on the mind, then definitely look somewhere else. But I will admit, when I did finally complete this book one year later, I actually felt a major sense of accomplishment. I guess that makes me just a little more virtuous?



2. A book like this should be mandatory reading for everyone. Particularly people who represent other people's interests for a living, such as World Leaders, Presidents, Kings, etc., would find it absolutely useful; a kind of constant tool, a compass that keeps them on the right track once and again. This is a book that shows not only Franklin's wit and wisdom, but also his vulnerability, that wonderful human quality, thus making it enchanting and insightful. Buy this book, learn and practice these principles, and enjoy the new breath of fresh air you'll experience in your life.



3. An inspiring book written by an amazing author. Ok, so he is my dad, but he didn't pay me to say any of this stuff:)



4. When you look at the cover and the preface, the book may appear to be written by Benjamin Franklin, but that is somewhat misleading. Sure, the essence of the book comes from the writings of B.F., but the editor of the book has also done a great job of putting a collection of writings by Franklin into an excellent structure.
   
   Twelve virtues are identified answering key questions about the source of happiness, how to attain it, and many other important aspects of life. Each virtue is supported by B.F.'s writings. I especially liked the summaries at the end of each chapter that would emphasize the essential points of the corresponding virtue.
   
   This is a very accessible book, and a great companion for anyone who thinks life should be more than pursuing selfish goals and satisfying petty pleasures.
   
   Perhaps, this work is more useful in understanding B.F.'s wisdom than his autobiography, which is another great classic.
   
   I was slightly confused as to why the book was presented to be merely a book by B.F., given that the editor has contributed quite a bit in terms of organization and explanations. Perhaps to improve the sales?
   
   In any event, this is a great work that, I bet, will improve the perspective of anyone who reads it actively.



5. Great book on Benjamin Franklin's life. This book will make you a better person. Read it and digest it.

5 comments about How to meet the Rich: For Business, Friendship, or Romance.

1. This book had a lot of good information in it. It provides information just as the title describes. Realistic ideas are in the book that would help someone meet and fit in more comfortabley with the rich and upper end clients.



2. What I like about this book is that it is not a gold-digger book - and I do not understand why it is sold with gold digger books. Maybe it is being confused with her other book How To Marry The Rich.
   
   THIS BOOK is for the whole person - to improve your business and social life - and yeah, yeah, if you fall in love with someone who is rich, it tells you how to handle yourself to stand a better chance of marrying the person.
   
   But it is NOT a gold-digger book and anyone who buys it for that purpose will feel as if all the valuable information for business people or breaking into society is just stuffing - which it is not if you are an entrepreneur who needs financial backing or just improving your lot in life.
   
   The author's appearance on PBS was just great and showed how helpful her book can be in helping people beat the social class system.



3. I originaly purchased this book to learn how to interact with the rich and how to meet rich potential clients. However it was just what I needed to learn to be the polished lady that is taught to young girls in finishing school. I wished I had this earlier in life (I am in my late 30's and married 3 years). This book is awesome and sure to be a classic. Buy it now because I will never, ever sell my copy.



4. Simple fact the rich are not that different but they do hold certain things more important. I didn't like the title too much but the contect is dead on. The class gap in America is growing and reading this book will give you a better understanding of the people who you want to work for, with or ok maybe marry.



5. I was very pleased to read Gini's book. She is a very inspiring lady who does her due diligence and covers all bases in an extremely comprehensive manual. There is nothing 'gold digger-like' about her as the title may suggest.
   Gini is a lady who commands respect from men and women alike due to her hard work, talent and ability.
   Her quality of writing is excellent and I love her suggestions on how anyone can improve themselves, paying attention to dress, speech, focus, drive, determination but mostly desire and hard work.
   
   Gini is a lady after my own heart..she is determined to make a contribution herself as a woman rather than sweep up somebody else's crumbs from the table. She is an independent lady with consummate social skills. I am interested in this topic particularly and am currently writing a book on a different aspect of this extremely topical subject.

No comments about How to Become an Expert on Anything in Two Hours.