My book reviews

I have become an avid reader of books on motivational and self improvement subjects. Here I present my notes on books that I have read and have found very useful to share with others.

Rich Dad, Poor Dad
- Robert Kiyosaki

This book changed my thinking process about owing & operating a business. This was one of the first books that got me hooked into reading other books. This book helped me understand the thought process that we need to develop in looking out for opportunities. I would recommend this book to anyone who wishes to start working on financial freedom.

Magic is in the Extra Mile:
- Larry DiAngi
One of the best books I have ever come across. The author touches on the the extra effort that we tend to ignore which can lead us to the eventual success. He also explains the power of uncommon miles. The book is full of illustrative examples that will touch you personally and drive the point home. Whether it is working hard or dealing with other people, remember the end is after the extra mile which is invisible. Every successful person we have come across recognizes the extra mile to travel and become successful.

The magic of thinking big
- David Schwartz

There are 13 basic principles that are essential for a person's success. Its just not the word big but how we think and act. Be it personal development, or thinking like a leader, everything has to be done in a better way. The book contains the material that explains what is the secret behind thinking in the bigger picture.

How I raised myself from Failure to Success in Selling.
- Frank Bettger
One of the most impressive books I have come across that is so well presented by a person who literally was kicked out of baseball but then he became a best insurance seller during the 1930's. He presents valuable tips in understanding the human nature. You may scoff at the "selling" word, but in truth replace this word with "struggle" and the same principles apply to each and every aspect of life. When we are discussing projects/solutions with our superiors or co-workers, we often face a volley of questions that just discourages and disheartens to the extent that we just give up. The author touches on these areas and tries to invigorate the inner strong person.

Filled with instructive examples and step-by-step guidelines on how to develop the style, spirit, and techniques of a first-rate salesperson, How I Raised Myself From Failure To Success In Selling serves as an inspiration to anyone in the business of selling.

Opportunity Knocks
- Pat Mesiti

A very small book by an Australian author. So well presented in such a concise format. He discusses the importance of recognizing the opportunities that come disguised in so many forms. We often see the problems that lie ahead of us instead of a brighter future. For instance we fail to recognize that the same hard work that may require hours of work may lead to worryfree life later on. How do u recognize opportunity and what should you to overcome inner fears is well presented in this book.

Whale Done! The Power of Positive Relationships
- Kenneth H. Blanchard, Jim Ballard, Chuck Thompkins, Thad Lacinak

Whale Done! continues to chart Wes's progress toward a happier, more productive mode of connecting himself to others. He learns that the secret to training the whales lies in redirecting their focus away from negative behaviors and toward desired achievements; he meets management expert Anne Marie Butler (unlike a king, a butler is a facilitator and a guide), who teaches him the ABC's of helping people achieve their goals; he improves his home life by teaching his family how to catch each other doing something right; and finally, he learns to take control by working with people instead of simply berating them. Admirers of Blanchard's earlier books will appreciate this easy-to-read but pithy fable, which offers a powerful formula for positive and effective engagement with the other folks in our lives.

Create your Destiny.
- Author (Patrick Snow)
If you don't take charge of your destiny, someone else will. SO work towards creating the vision. Work towards controlling your life and live the life of your dreams.

EAT THAT FROG!
Brian Tracy

In his book, Eat That FROG!, author Brian Tracy shows us how to find that extra time we all so desperately crave. From his research in time management, Tracy has isolated 21 logical steps that can be put to use immediately, with results you can see for yourself. One of the country's leading authorities on human potential and development, Brian Tracy lectures on personal and professional development to over 250,000 people each year. He is also the author of the best-selling books, Maximum Achievement and The 100 Absolutely Unbreakable Laws of Business Success.

Because there is never time to complete a to-do list that just keeps on growing, one must learn to focus on prioritizing tasks. These would be the things that present the biggest challenge, the things you are most likely to procrastinate about, but probably also the things that could have the biggest positive influence on your life. This would also encompass anything you might not want to do, something you might even dread doing. Do it first, and you don't have to worry about it again for the rest of the day! And, no, you do not have to eat any frogs!!

Here's a valuable tip:
Successful people have mastered the art of prioritizing, and they do not try to do everything!

Attitudes & Altitudes
Pat Mesiti

This book addresses how's of leadership. It deals with vital principles such as leader development, how to network people and how to bring out the best in those around you.

The wisdom, encouragement and practical teaching of the book will help you network and lead people into the 21st century.

- Leadership: begins with a commitment to your own personal growth - Mentoring - Is a lot more than a matter of tranferring data
- Passion - Distinguishes great leaders from Average leaders
- Attitude - Determines how you master your thoughts
- Credibility: Is a greater key to achievement than charisma

The Rainmaker
Author: Jeffrey J. Fox

Review: From Booklist
This is an afternoon read, pure and simple. And chances are good that once readers accept Fox's hard-hitting yet commonsense approaches, they'll accept his sales process, which applies, by the way, to selling widgets, promoting intangible services, or selling yourself. Every one of the author's 50 two-page to four-page chapters contains just one nugget of information more than the preceding section, enough to keep the momentum and the attention. A sad story about the hazards of drinking coffee (it spilled--and the prospect was then distracted by a second crisis) is followed by a notice not to eat a major meal during a sales lunch, which is promptly followed by "no pen in the shirt pocket" advice. Fox's seemingly disparate hints and tips, in short, comprise a very logical and memorable way of rainmaking, and a short tome that will show anyone the how-tos. Barbara Jacobs

Who Are You Really, and What Do You Want?
Published June, 2003; 203 Pages; Paperback
Shad Helmstetter

Shad explains the 3 most important concepts of life.

Self talk,
Coaching
Goal Setting

The Servant: A Simple Story About the True Essence of Leadership
by James C. Hunter

In this absorbing tale, we watch the timeless principles of servant leadership unfold through the story of John Daily, a businessman whose outwardly successful life is spiraling out of control. He is failing miserably in each of his leadership roles as boss, husband, father, and coach. To get his life back on track, he reluctantly attends a weeklong leadership retreat at a remote Benedictine monastery.

To John`s surprise, the monk leading the seminar is a former business executive and Wall Street legend. Taking John under his wing, the monk guides him to a realization that is simple yet profound: The true foundation of leadership is not power, but authority, which is built upon relationships, love, service, and sacrifice.

Along with John, you will learn that the principles in this book are neither new nor complex. They don't demand special talents; they are simply based on strengthening the bonds of respect, responsibility, and caring with the people around you. Perhaps this is why The Servant has touched readers from all walks of life -- because its message can be applied by anyone, anywhere -- at home or at work.

If you are tired of books that lecture instead of teach; if you are searching for ways to improve your leadership skills; if you want to understand the timeless virtues that lead to lasting and meaningful success, then this book is one you cannot afford to miss.

(Adapted from one review)