1 comments about The Power of Impossible Thinking: Transform the Business of Your Life and the Life of Your Business (Wharton School Publishing Paperbacks).

1. An effective synthesis of the Steven Covey's self-help euphemisms (The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People) and Malcolm Gladwell's real-world illustrations of psychological insights (The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference), this is a smartly written, often fascinating book that delves into the power and limits of mental models in order to transform one's world. It is not so much valuable as a treatise for defining one's own personal success as it is of illustrating how key individuals recognized "strategic inflection points" to change the way the rest of us think and consequently yield a handsome profit from building unprecedented business models to support their individualism. There are many examples cited, predictable ones actually - Howard Schultz's reinvention of coffee consumerism with the creation of Starbucks, Oprah Winfrey's transformation of the talk show, Apple Computer's evolutionary push toward the iPod and away from the traditional CD. But chronicling the reasons behind their success makes for interesting reading. What becomes clear is that it's not about the product but about the way people make sense of the way they do things in their lives. The product as it exists now is almost incidental. This inversion on common thought is what makes this book particularly insightful.
   
   Co-authors Yoram (Jerry) Wind and Colin Crook of the Wharton School define their concept of "impossible thinking" as a four-step transformation initiative:
   
   (1) Becoming much more explicitly aware of why we see the world the way we do and what that implies in terms of opportunities and threats.
   (2) Testing the relevance and compatibility of our current mental models against the changing environment.
   (3) Overcoming change inhibitors by reshaping the infrastructure that supports the old models and changing the thinking of others.
   (4) Generating and acting upon new models by experimenting, using intuition and continuing to assess and strengthen our models.
   
   It all sounds easy in theory, but Wind and Crook are quick to recognize that we are living in a world of information overload and that isolating our perceptions can be daunting when competition for our attention can overwhelm us. One of the ways they feel we can deal with this is through a process of zooming in and zooming out. If one can alternate your focus between the detail and a broader view, one can see the detail and the context, the separation of the forest from the trees. By zooming in and out, there is an opportunity to benefit from the information that is out there but also put it into a broader context. It's a matter of using the information to test our own hypotheses.
   
   The book's most intriguing sections have to do with the dot-com bubble and bust. The co-authors astutely point out that many companies (Amazon and Schwab among them) transformed themselves in fundamental ways by harnessing the power of the Internet. On the other hand, the companies that got into the worst trouble during the bust were the ones that saw this as an either/or proposition. First, they were resistant to the Internet being a key part of their business model, and upon seeing the success of others and recognizing the pressures of their customer base all too late, they jumped in completely and often disastrously. The attitude of conducting small experiments and creating a portfolio of models can help to minimize the risks of switching models, especially if one tests the models before investing too much in them. It is not a great revolution but rather a series of small experiments that leads to larger investments. The co-authors emphasize the need to create a portfolio of models and selecting one that works best for a particular situation.
   
   At the end of the book, I have to admit I did not feel particularly empowered to change the world, but I do feel far more informed about the processes others have taken - perhaps unintentionally - to garner their transformative power. Truth be told, neither Wind nor Crook exhibit Gladwell's particularly shrewd observational skills, but Crook does provide the best line - "We think we see the real world, but we actually see what's already in our own minds." I wholeheartedly agree that I am the one most responsible for limiting my potential for success and that I need to reevaluate my mental models. As with most of their books, Wharton School Publishing includes an audio CD that summarizes the main points of the book and an interview with the co-authors.

5 comments about Life at the Limit: Triumph and Tragedy in Formula One.

1. A fitting testament to Professor Watkins' work in Formula One -- in which he waged a long battle to improve circuit safety and medical care facilities for drivers -- this memoir is filled with both poignant and joyful moments. It starts with the weekend of the San Marino GP in May 1994, where Watkins was told by Ayrton Senna, "Sid, there are certain things over which we have no control. I cannot quit, I have to go on." Covering the deaths of Senna, Gilles Villeneuve, Ronnie Peterson and others by the man who was first on the scene of their accidents, one might expect this to be a maudlin tale of lost glory. But Sid Watkins is not that type of person, and neither is his book.



2. I have never thought that this book could contain such historical moments. I have only followed F1 since 97 and I had a thirst for knowledge. This book has lots of it. Knowledge and feelings. We are brought inside the author's life. I thank him for this book, which I consider a remarkable achievement.

   VultureElf 1/8 Irish Proud FOSA member




3. Professor Watkins provides his insights into the personalities and events of formula one racing based on over two decades involvement with the sport. He has completed more circuit laps in medical vehicles than some drivers are able to accomplish in their F1 career. His humor, dedication to the sport, and commitment to improving safety standards are reflected in this well written book that should appeal to everyone interested in the human aspect of the F1 circus.



4. Viewing Grand Prix motor racing through the wonderfully perceptive eyes of Professor Watkins means that anyone interested in the sport should read this excellent account. Obviously respected, often revered by those with whom he works, he gives vivid and sometimes moving recollections spanning the many years of his involvement. Humour and pathos make regular appearances; his dry wit, an essential tool of his trade perhaps, serves to punctuate what is essentially a serious book. His incisive précis of drivers from the last three decades make for compulsive reading, the character analyses are intriguing and revealing. Undoubtedly a pivotal character in the world of Formula One, the professor has been instrumental in saving many lives. However, he's also witnessed intimately the consequences of appalling accidents in which lives were lost. He is perhaps uniquely qualified to commentate on the sport; his dedication and professionalism making him a hero in this modern amphitheatre which now embraces the globe. Superbly readable. Once is not enough.



5. Safety and medical rescue in Formula One have come such a long way, and Sid Watkins has been instrumental in not only initiating and implementing the necessary changes, but also in transforming the way the whole issue of safety was viewed by almost everyone within, as well as outside F1.
   Aside from all the serious stuff though and, without a doubt, the outstanding job done by the man, I have to say that the most fun part of the book were the anecdotes from Watkins's personal encounters with countless F1 personalities, his short and witty portraits of the sport's top drivers, his lists of favorite and less favorite circuits, his first hand accounts of all major racing accidents since 1978 when he became actively involved.
   Disregarding the fact it's a bit outdated, "Life at the Limit" is also a very sweet and nostalgic book as it takes one back to when Formula One was actually fun, back to when "James Hunt, ever the gentleman, saluted each time he drove into the pits!"...

5 comments about The Seven Minute Difference: Small Steps to Big Changes.

1. I really liked this book. It was like getting a library of great success literature and life lessons summarized into one book. The author did a great job of organizing the material into an easily accessible format. I will definitely apply the lessons learned in the book to my personal and professional life.



2. In just seven minutes, the course of Allyson Lewis' life changed. In just the few hours it took me to read Allyson's book, The Seven Minute Difference, my life changed. Allyson's book does not just provide advice, but actionable steps that can be taken to take charge of your life -- professionally and personally -- to achieve the goals you want to achieve. She is a hands-on writer and the book is chock full of tangible ideas for ways you can implement the Seven Minute Difference in your life. It is an easy-to-read book and one that you will want to own, not borrow, so you can underline and highlight the points you want to remember and come back to again and again. Allyson makes her points with both enthusiasm and poignancy and I personally have purchased 6 additional copies to give to friends. As Allyson says, "change happens in an instant," and the changes you want to make in your professional and/or personal life will happen when you read this book.



3. Allyson Lewis offers an effective and non-threatening template for improving your life. Let's hear it for baby steps! We have all heard that, "A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step." Lewis exhorts us to take single, small - 7-minute - steps to transform our lives. In this way, you break down resistance to procrastination and barriers that keep you from attaining your goals and stall your progress. Good stuff, motivational and practical!



4. Allyson Lewis's new book is invaluable for busy people who want to keep growing their success. Packed with hundreds of tips, ideas, and insights, it is fun and easy to read. The format of micro-actions is especially effective and makes it easy for the reader to immediately implement new ideas. Another great contribution by Allyson Lewis.



5. I enjoyed reading this book but wasn't impressed. The seven minute theory is nothing new just a different of saying what other top authors have put out there. This author gave some really good advice and strategies on ways of improving your business as well as personal life. The micro actions where great because they actually gave you things you can do now to make changes in areas but if you have been around long enough to experience life and have other top books under your belt this one want really do a whole lot for you.

3 comments about 100 Simple Secrets of Successful People, The: What Scientists Have Learned and How You Can Use It (100 Simple Secrets).

1. For a quick look into some traits of successful people, pick up Nivens' "100 Simple Secrets." None of what you read is earth shattering, but books like this provide excellent examples of what helps define success. In daily life we often forget some of the lessons in this book, so as a refresher, it an enjoyable read.
   
   Don't expect to come away with some sort of revelation into how people become successful. It is not here. Instead, be prepared to be reminded that the keys to succcess ultimately lie in those time honored traditions like hard work, integrity, and passion for what you do.



2. This paperback is a very quick refresher. Perfect for subway rides or long commutes. It reflects on very easy steps we can all take to live happier less stressful lives. Honestly I think most of these items we all know about, but we get distracted by everyday life to put them in practice. This is almost a cheat sheet reminder to remember. Like this author and his other books too. Very similar to Carlson's Don't Sweat The series...



3. A great tool for those who do Executive and Life Coaching as well as directive counseling. I have enjoyed every title by this author, and this one is no less. Buy a stack and give them to your friends and colleagues! Start a reading / support group!

2 comments about The Journey from Success to Significance (Maxwell, John C.) (Maxwell, John C.).

1. An interesting little book that will help you learn to focus on others. Like The Choice is Yours, this book is full of quotes and tidbits to help your life have more meaning and purpose. If you read it you will be challenged, and if you're willing to work you will experience growth in character and attitudes.



2. What a wonderful book. I've read through it at least a dozen times. Give this to everyone in your success lines (down lines). Each of us strives to leave this world better than we got it.
   When you have reached financial success you realize that there is so much more out there that can be accomplished for others. Take this book and savor it. Read a page a night to your spouse, your child, your pet. I am a huge John Maxwell fan anyway, but wow, this is over the top. I will be eternally grateful for this reminder of how to serve others.

5 comments about Charisma: Seven Keys to Developing the Magnetism that Leads to Success.

1. Over the years, I have read countless books and articles, listened to tapes, and watched videos to learn the secrets to success. I've sat through seminars, workshops, speeches, and classes hoping to pick up one more little gem of an idea to improve my effectiveness.

   In Charisma, Tony Alessandra has pulled all of that knowledge together in one place. After many years in business, and a whole lot of learning about how to be successful in sales, management, and life, I recognized quite a bit of the contents of this volume. I really enjoyed the refresher and reinforcement . . . and I picked up some new advice that I'd missed along the way.

   The book starts, appropriately with an introduction to Charisma: "the ability to positively influence others by connecting with them physically, emotionally, and intellectually." From the introductory chapters, Alessandra takes us on a journey through seven fully-loaded chapters spilling over with the secrets of how to fashion and hone that influencing ability.

   To enable you to see the framework of this tool kit, I'll list the chapters. Sending Out Your Best Silent Message, Speaking with Authority, Listening Attentively, Becoming More Persuasive, Using Space and Time to Your Advantage, Maximizing Your Adaptability, and Expanding Your Vision and Ideas. As a reader, you'll find yourself asking your author-mentor how he learned all this stuff! Wow! Your respect and admiration will grow, followed by appreciation as you put the many principles to work and start seeing results.

   This book should be required reading for every salesperson, every high school senior, every young person starting out on a career. People who have been around for a while, but who have not yet achieved the success they desire, will also benefit greatly from this guidebook. The continual flow of advice and wisdom is interrupted by a self-test in every chapter. You'll be able to see yourself grow page by page.

   Hint to make this a better world: Parents, buy this book for your kids.

   PS: Alessandra is also author of The Platinum Rule. Read that one next!




2. There is a lot of information packed within these pages. More in fact than I could get from one reading. I found this book to be better than any I've read yet on the subject... yet, it still seems that there is an elusive, magical aspect of charisma that each author seems to miss. This may just be my personal viewpoint. Who knows, maybe I need to find the magical gem, insert it into the puzzle, and write the book myself. I have listened to tapes; watched videos; and read books by Tony Alessandra, and this guy rocks. Read this book by all means and add to your own charisma.



3. You don't need to born with charisma. You can learn it, but you must read this book.



4. This book has nothing to do with charisma and everything to do with selling and management. If you want to learn how to sell cars or inspire your secretary, go ahead and get this book. If you want to sway crowds with your powerful words, look elsewhere. And no, I haven't found the book that teaches that yet.



5. This book halps put things in perspective when you wonder what wonderful things people see in you that you can't see for yourself. I have ben enlightened and can see the charisma that resides in myself and the opthers that I am surrounded by. This is a great book for those of youwho want to improve you and be the best you , you can possibly be!!

5 comments about In Tune with the Infinite: The Worldwide Bestseller.

1. I agree with Peter's review but I have one minor correction. I have in my possession a copy of this book dating from 1897. It is great!



2. This is not the book it purports to be. The rights to the book were bought by another company and the book was rewritten so much that the book is unrecognizable. I bought this as a reading copy to the older original version of the book(A 3rd edition from 1908). Man, was that a mistake. DON'T BY THIS BOOK! it's not the original, it's a travesty.
   
   
   
   
3. This is the only inspirational 'self-help' book you will ever need. Note: It was written in the 1800s !!



4. I did not like the book I received because it was not written as the original book. Passages of importants was not set in italic print as the original. I also found a typo error which made me think that this print was not edited properly. I have not gone through the whole book as of yet but was rather dissapointed in what I had received.



5. This book was in such terrible condition. When I open the book pages fell out of the book. Selling an item in this condition is dishonest.

5 comments about The Key: The Missing Secret for Attracting Anything You Want.

1. People have given this book mixed reviews. I read the book and from where I am in my progress with the law of attraction, I found it to be very helpful. I actually enjoyed getting the links and information he is giving out so I can add to my resources. The spirit of the book is clear, and that is to assist those of us studying the law of attraction find sucess. I am baffled by the negative reviews and wonder why so many of the reviewers sound so angry. Resistance? Makes you wonder.



2. The Key: The Missing Secret for Attracting Anything You WantThe Key was easy to read it had a light heartedness about it yet gave exercises that were highly beneficial and fun to do I loved it thank you



3. This book added nothing extra to the message that was in 'The Secret'.
   
   Joe Vitale seems to contradict himself when he tells the reader not to focus on money. But watch 'The Secret' and listen to some of Joe Vitale's interviews and then listen to 'Bob Proctor' and 'Jack Canfield' And you will see a pattern; money money money.
   Joe tells us in part three of 'The key' that we shouldn't focus on money, that money is worthless. Money is just paper with wonderful art on it. Yet Joe, Bob and Jack seem to worship this worthless material:
   
   *Joe Vitale was broke and homeless a few years ago, he had no particular talents or dream career. Today Joe is rich because he found a way of making money by writing books about making money. Joe tells us in 'The key' not to focus on money, instead focus on passion and having fun.
   Joe uses 'Richard Branson' and 'Donald Trump' as examples of two billionaires who are having fun doing what they love and not focusing on money.
   Come on Joe is not writing and producing books and cds and seminars about making money to have fun, he is doing it to make money.
   
   *Bob Proctor was in debt and miserable and had few qualifications and owed more money than he earned. Today Bob Proctor is a rich man telling people how to become rich themselves, with the help of Wallace D Wattles book 'The science of getting rich'. Listen to Bob Proctors interviews and all you'll here him talk about is money and becoming a millionaire.
   
   *Jack Canfield defaced a $10 bill and added some zeros ($100,000) and stuck it on his ceiling and stared at it everymorning imagining that he had that money in his life. He claims he received over $80,000 within months. Now he is a very rich man travelling around the world.
   The Chicken soup for the soul books are inspirational but Jack had a desire to make money first and foremost.
   
   
   Joe's clearing methods were interesting at times and pure Psycho babble in places. I find it hard to take advise on how to clear mental and emotional problems from someone who has no visible qualifications and comes across as a used car salesman.
   
   Joe used this book to promote his websites and other books. The book could have been shorter, Joe fills it with segments from his teleseminars and quotes from other authors or self help gurus. There is little substance.
   I closed the book unfortunately missing the missing secret.
   
   
   I got little from 'The Secret' and less from 'The Key'.



4. I found this book very helpful in understanding how our beliefs are such an obstacles? I thought the clearing methods were easy to follow and at the same time effective enough to practice them daily. If you have a background of The Secret, then this will speed up all good things that await you.



5. I love this book , its great it's does types of book that once you start reading you can't seem to stop. I do recommended to everyone and keep it as your tresury ...

5 comments about Profiling Your Date: A Smart Woman's Guide to Evaluating a Man.

1. Im the kind of girl who allows her heart and her head to both have a say in her dating decisions. This book helped me do it in a thoughtful, evidence-based way. Most people have certain personality traits which causes them to behave in predictable fashions. The book descibes these traits and explains the behaviour it causes. It really helps you get into someone's mind. And being in someone's shoes (or mind) helps you understand them and communicate better. On the flip side - if some guy is trying to pull a fast one on you or has serious psychopathic tendencies- this book clues you into the tell tale signs to watch for!
   The best part of the book is way the author has integrated the science with humor and wit. Easy read with tons of good advice!



2. I bought this book and have read it all the way through. It has great tips that even I can use. Just because I'm a guy doesn't mean I can't use these tips on how to profile someone and then use them to profile women.



3. Who said that thinking like a therapist was a pre-requisite to dating? No one did, and no one should take this book seriously. Why?
   
   "Profiling Your Date" is one of those types of books written to help you solve a problem where a problem does not exist, chiefly, how to determine using a pre-set guide what red-flags to look for as you, the woman, begin your "analysis" of your date.
   
   What the "doctor" fails to understand, or perhaps simply does not understand is that, whether you are a man or whether you are a woman isn't the heart of the matter. Both men and women have preferences in their desires for members of the opposite sex, and in the dating arena it simply is ludicrous for any one (again, man or woman) to base their prefernces on psychological criteria developed by someone else, aka, the "doctor".
   
   Quite simply, the "doctor" has forgotten that dating was and is as natural and as much a part of normal life as waking up in the morning, shaving, showering, getting dressed and going about your business. It is second nature: there isn't second guessing or guess work. You don't need to buy a book, take a course or read a seminar. The doctor forgets that there are no "dating" experts: they don't exist, because there is no need. I mean, come on: who learns how to drive, gets their license and still drives around with an instructor in the car? No body.
   
   If you want to date, just do it. Be yourself, and take as little personal baggage into the adventure as you possibly can. Both men and women (mature men and women) prefer others who, yes, are attractive, appealing and possess physcial traits that they admire and adore. But equally as important, men and women intrinsically know, from their unique perspective, if you, the member of the opposite sex, know yourself, like yourself and offer to yourself and to others the harmony, passion and romance which are key ingredients in making dating or a long term relationship work.
   
   Believe me...please believe me! This book will screw you up into thinking your date has problems, when in fact, if you discover anything wrong with him or her, it will actually be a reflection of the short comings you have failed to come to grips as being your own.
   
   Doctor - do us a favor...don't become an M.D. Thanks.



4. Had the pleasure of meeting author YEARS ago when a friend of mine, C. Guajardo was her friend and lived in Ohio. Mrs C G recommended this book after my divorce and making my way back into singlehood. Boy did this book give me some clarity on my former marriage.. Hope it helps for the next one too... A MUST READ For SINGLE GIRLS!!!!



5. Sometime's even smart women need a little guidance! I really liked the approach that Caroline took with this book, not following the trend of other dating books by trying to be quirky with catchy lingo or too hip. She came across like one smart woman to another...even a little therapist thrown in but not in an obvious way. I felt like I was listening to a friend tell me like it is, someone who actually cared about my well-being so I was willing to sit and listen. She hits on all the basic topics but still allows the reader to make up her own mind. Certainly every situation out there can't be black and white so it was refreshing to read that I had options for once. I was most interested in the commitment phobic men chapters and how to see the warning signs rather than someone who just isn't interested in me. I felt that I learned something by reading this, all without feeling juvenile. This book works for all ages and I hope other smart women will pick it up!

5 comments about The Seven Secrets.

1. Pastor Hagee presents a total of 7 principles with 7 subcategories under each for a total of 49 ideas to be applied in a daily context leading symbolically to a "year of jubilee." The significance of such a year is that debts are eliminated and there is a level field so that the rich do not continue to get richer at the expense of those in debt.
   
   Written in a conversational style similar to his delivery from the pulpit, this is an easy read. He uses humor to make a serious point throughout the book. For any Christian who has read motivational books from the perspective of the Bible, these "secrets" are already known, but a gifted communicator like Pastor Hagee keeps it interesting.



2. Good and bad, but mostly good. Overall, I enjoyed his book, but I didn't like the fact that there were some political opinions expressed, that I believe most people didn't need to hear. It is a Christian book, not a book on politics, right? Aside from that, there was much wisdom in this book. I like when he talks about God putting his hand to hear, as he listens to your prayer request etc. Nice cover too. When it's all said and done, this is a book worth reading.



3. If you are searching for success in your life, but can't seem to define exactly what success is - this book is for you. Is it money? Achievement? Image? It's hard to say, but Hagee does a great job of exploring this ongoing question in his book.
   
   For me, success is longevity and wellness. Why? Health is at the base of the pyramid - when it's solid, you can build off it and add to your potential. What will you do with monetary success if you're not healthy enough to enjoy it? The first step towards longevity and wellness is maintaining your mental fitness. Besides eating a healthy diet, I discovered a great online fitness club that focuses on mental stimulation. Agogus.com has helped me reach my notion of success - I have the best mental clarity and have never felt better.



4. I always enjoy John Hagee works and this is no exception. Insightful and well written. I would add this up on my number one list. Pastor Hagee teaches you to dream big and you can achieve more fulfillment.



5. This is a great book of many that John Hagee has written and it has a lot of useful information and scripture references as well as personal stories from his life concerning our responsibilities as a Christian and how we are to be good stewards of our finances. Great reading material for sure.