Concert Pianist Pens Memoir and Guide for Living

 Title: Whenever You're Ready; How to Compose the Life of Your Dreams

Author: Jeeyoon Kim

Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group Press

Publication Date: August 24, 2021

Length: 264 Pages

About the Author
Jeeyoon Kim is a professional concert pianist who has performed in venues like Carnegie Hall, the Chamber Music Society in San Francisco, and the Stradivari Society in Chicago. As an accomplished performing artist and award-winning music educator, she credits her success to key disciplines, practices, and mindsets that she lives out every day.

Composing the Life of Your Dreams
Jeeyoon Kim has written a memoir that details her life as a concert pianist. She shares her techniques for preparing yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically for your own performances.

The book is organized like a piano concert:

• Prelude
• Movement #1; Practice until Practicing Is a Part of Your Normal Life
• Intermission #1
• Movement #2; Guard Your Mind and Keep Negativity at Bay
• Intermission #2
• Movement #3; Create, Dream, and Play
• Intermission #3
• Movement #4; Connect with Yourself, Others, and the Universe
• Intermission #4
• Movement #5; Take Care of Your Body and Your Environment
• Encore

At the end of each chapter, there are activities for you to apply in your own life.

My Thoughts
This book is magnificent. I found it to be informative, inspiring, and motivational.  I am a pianist (beginner/intermediate) and could relate to many of the experiences the author had in her childhood years of piano lessons, practicing and perfecting her skills. I was interested in how she deals with the "jitters" that many musicians deal with before performing in public. Jeyoon Kim learned at a young age that she would need to dedicate her entire life to music if she was going to achieve her goals and make her dreams come true.

This book is much more than a biography of the author's life. She shares her secrets for living a successful life and dealing with the challenges that we all ultimately face. There are workbook-like activities at the end of each chapter to help readers apply key concepts to their own situations. 

I found the first section of this book, "Practice until Practicing Is a Part of Your Normal Life", especially helpful. The techniques in this section of the book can be applied to any skill that you want to excel in. The author reminds us that the turtle wins the race over the rabbit. Perseverance and persistence are important traits to use when working toward a goal. The concept of natural talent is downplayed and a strong work ethic is emphasized.

I have been listening to Jeeyoon Kim's cd album "Over, Above, Beyond" while writing this review. The music is stunning. My favorite selection on the cd is her rendition of the classic children's song "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."

You can listen to the author play the piano on her YouTube Channel. 

I highly recommend this book!

5 STARS OUT OF 5

FYI ~ I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

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Get Things Done By Setting Destiny Goals

Volcanic Momentum: Get Things Done by Setting Destiny Goals, Mastering the Energy Code, and Never Losing Steam

Author: Jordan Ring

Publisher: Archangel Ink

Publication Date: October 9, 2018

Length: 178 Pages








About the Author
Jordan Ring's primary goal is to help people live a life of less talk and more action. When he isn’t busy writing, blogging, or podcasting, Jordan is also the book marketing and launch guru for clients over at his second home, Archangel Ink. 

Never Lose Steam
Jordan Ring has written a high-impact guide for setting goals and getting things done. The first step is to dive enthusiastically into the problem. Don't hesitate. Take the leap and then take that next step.

Mr. Ring shares the following three kinds of goals that we should all set to achieve volcanic momentum and dynamic results;

• SAGS - Small attainable goals. These goals will help you achieve quick success and keep up the momentum.
• BHAGS - Big hairy audacious goals. Large goals that will have a huge impact on your life.
• Destiny Goals - These are the goals you want to achieve to leave a legacy. These goals go beyond you.

Jordan shares his own life experiences and provides inspiration, motivation and MOMENTUM to help you build the life you desire.

MY THOUTHTS

I have read quite a few self-help books that focus on goal setting for success. I believe this book is right up there with the best of them. 

This book provides well-organized information that is easy to implement and adapt to your life. The author writes in a style that is energetic, motivating and encouraging. Mr. Ring does not hesitate to share his Christian faith with his readers in an honest and straightforward manner.

I think the one thing that impressed me the most about this book was the idea of setting destiny goals. 

Destiny goals can change the world by tapping into the potential of each of us as individuals to bring about bigger change. How you choose to change the world is entirely based on your own experiences and life circumstance. We are all on different life paths, but harnessing your uniqueness into the power of a Destiny Goal will give you firm and clear direction.

It has never been easy for me to come up with a set of goals and put them IN WRITING. This book has finally convinced me to start a journal and create and track goals for my life. 

This is an excellent book to read at the end of the year to help you set goals for a happy and successful new year.

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

FYI ~ I borrowed a digital copy of this book with my Kindle Unlimited subscription.

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Setting Goals for Success - A Book Review

Your Best Year Ever: A 5-Step Plan for Achieving Your Most Important Goals

Author: Michael Hyatt

Publisher: Baker Books

Publication Date: January 2, 2018

Length: 272 Pages



About the Author
Michael Hyatt is the former CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers, now part of HarperCollins. He began his career at Word Publishing while a senior at Baylor University. In the 30 years since then, he has worked in nearly every facet of book publishing.

A 5-Step Plan 
This book was released on January 2nd, but it is not just another book about New Year's resolutions. This book is a comprehensive guide on how to write, monitor and achieve goals for all areas of your life.

The author presents the following plan for achieving your most important goals;
1. Believe the possibility - Your beliefs shape your reality.
2. Complete the past - Gratitude makes the difference.
3. Design your future - Achievements and habits work together.
4. Find your why - Your what needs a why.
5. Make it happen - One journey is many steps.

"Based on decades of practical experience and the best current research on goal attainment and human achievement, this program is designed to help you find the clarity, develop the courage, and leverage the commitment you need to accomplish your most important personal and professional goals."

The Act of WRITING Goals Boosts Achievement by 42 Percent
I have a problem with writing down goals. I think about all the goals I want to accomplish this year, but they are soon forgotten. "Goals poorly formulated are goals easily forgotten." The author states that goals MUST be written down and suggests the following SMARTER model:

Specific
Measurable
Actionable
Risky
Time-Keyed
Exciting  
Relevant

This book is loaded with case studies and action steps that help you develop goals in all life domains; financial, spiritual, intellectual, emotional, physical, marital, parental, social, vocational and avocational.

The author provides examples of goals written in his Full Focus Planner at the end of the book. I found this format very helpful and it can be implemented in any planner or notebook.

This is the kind of book you read and then you go back and really study it in depth. I know there are many resources available on the subject of goal setting, but I believe this book provides exactly what you need for planning your best year ever. Highly recommended!

RATING: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I purchased a digital copy of this book with my own funds.

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Book Review: A Simple Act of Gratitude by John Kralik

One Word Book Review: ADMIRABLE

Title: A Simple Act of Gratitude

Author: John Kralik

Publisher: Hyperion

Publication Date: December 27, 2011

Length: 243 Pages


About The Author
John Kralik practiced law for thirty years before he was appointed a judge of the Los Angeles Superior Court. He lives in the Los Angeles area.

365 Thank-You Notes
John Kralik, at the age of 53, found his life in a mess. 

At the end of 2007:

• his small law firm was failing;
• he was struggling through a painful second divorce;
• he had grown distant from his two older children and was afraid he might lose contact with his young daughter;
• he was living in a tiny apartment where he froze in the winter and baked in the summer;
• he was 40 pounds overweight;
• his girlfriend had just broken up with him;
• and his dream of becoming a judge seemed to have slipped beyond his reach.

Inspired by a handwritten thank-you note that he received from his former girlfriend for a Christmas gift, John decided to write 365 thank-you notes in 2008.

This memoir describes how the act of expressing gratitude can change a person's thinking and his circumstances.

My Thoughts
This book is not a new release, but it has been on my "wish list" for quite some time. It is a good book to read while you are thinking about goals for a new year.

I believe a focus on gratitude can be a life-changing experience. Mr. Kralik found his circumstances changing when he focused on the blessings in his life instead of the problems.

I chose the word "admirable" to describe this book because I admire a person who takes time to write and send a thank-you note. It displays a certain kind of class that is sorely lacking in our modern society.

The wonderful thing about this is that it benefits the sender of the thank-you note just as much (or perhaps more) as it benefits the recipient. This turned out to be a win-win journey for Mr. Kralik and all who have followed his path of expressing gratitude.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out of 5

FYI ~ I purchased this ebook from Amazon.Com with my own funds. The price is $1.99 at this time (prices are subject to change at any time.)

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Book Review: Spectacular Comeback by Harry Munns

Spectacular Comeback; The revolutionary, 24 day program that will rebuild your life one step at a time

Author: Harry Munns
Published: Paramax Productions, Inc.
Date: July, 2012




About the Author
Harry Munns has spent his adult life traveling, observing and recording the world around him. The richness and depth of those experiences make up the substance of Spectacular Comeback. He's known around the world as a best-selling author, lecturer and coach. He lives in southern California with his son Micky.

The Program
This book is actually a program that gives readers 24 daily exercises that include recording personal information, setting goals and developing a strategy to acomplish the goals. Readers learn how to de-clutter their lives and adopt habits that will increase productivity and improve their overall situations. Each exercise builds on the one that came before it. Readers who work through the program will experience a feeling of accomplishment as they begin to take positive, decisive action to help themselves.

This book tells about portions of Mr. Munns' journey from a life of contentment through a period of loss and despair then back to a state of hope and promise.
He has taken the material that he learned from these experiences and organized them into a self-guided course. Mr. Munns shares several case studies about people who have been down on their luck but achieve a spectacular comeback through hard work, determination and perseverance.

The program has a companion workbook to use with the course. It follows the text and provides space for each daily exercise.

My Thoughts
Do you feel like you need a fresh start?
Do you feel like you are spinning your wheels and never accomplishing your goals?
Perhaps you need a Spectacular Comeback!

This program is designed to rebuild your life one step at a time. The author explains how to clear your mind and environment of clutter and things that might delay or disrupt your plans for a spectacular comeback.

When you are ready to make your spectacular comeback your top priority, the author guides you through the steps of setting goals, recruiting help and creating a strategy.

The bottom line is that you get out of a program like this exactly what you put into it. If you are willing to work at this program as if it were your job, then it will be a tremendous help in putting you on the road to success.

The author states that his program is not based on psychology but lessons that he has learned in the school of life. Highly recommended to all who are seeking a spectacular comeback and are willing to do some serious work.

This program is available from the Spectacular Comeback site for the price of $19.95. 

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ Mr. Munns sent me a complimentary book and workbook to read and review.

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Book Review: 7 Ways To Live, Not Merely Exist

7 Ways to Live, Not Merely Exist (Live a Life that Matters)

Author: Mac Miller

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services, June 4, 2012



About The Author

In 2008, Mac Miller was called to Human Resources and told that he was being laid off the next week.

For a moment Mac felt he couldn't breath. The sky fell on his shoulders. However, when he walked out of that building and called his family to tell them the news, something had changed. A deep feeling of relief was running through his veins.

Suddenly life had become interesting, challenging. There was uncertainty in his future but at least now he felt alive.

Mac didn't go back to the corporate world. He found a way to live in his own terms, doing a job he loves and helping other people to do the same thing.

Are You In A Rut?

The author states that his goal with this book is to help people who are losing passion for life. This 29-page ebook is an excellent "pep talk" for those who want to get out of their comfort zones and make some changes in their lives.

Mr. Miller shares seven steps for living a more rewarding life. The common factor of each of these steps is that they will require you to break out of your routine and find the motivation within.

My Thoughts

This ebook is well written and is a good source of inspiration. The author explains the importance of choices, self-motivation, goal setting and overcoming the fear of failure.

The author uses some case studies to illustrate the tips in this book. However, he does not really tell his own story about how he went from laid-off corporate worker to an entrepreneur. l wish Mr. Miller had shared more of his own experiences. I would like to know how he learned the lessons that he teaches in his book.

I recommend this ebook to anyone who is looking for some brief material on putting the passion back in your life. This book will get you thinking about your life and how you would like to change it. That is the first step to getting out of your rut and starting out on a new path.

My Rating:  4 Starts Out Of 5

FYI ~ I ordered this ebook from Amazon when it was offered as a free download. Please check the current price before purchasing.

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Goal Setting

Do you have a set of written goals that direct your endeavors? Can goals really make a difference in your life?  Have you ever wanted to accomplish something, but been unsure how to get started? Or maybe you started something, but couldn't figure out the right actions to take?
Goal Setting: Discover What You Want in Life and Achieve It Faster than You Think Possible, by SelfMadeEasy.Com, is a 20-page ebook that explains why you need goals, how to set them and how to review your progress. This book is currently being offered as a FREE Kindle book at Amazon.com.

What Is Goal Setting?
Goal setting is the process of writing down specific, measurable and time-targeted objectives. You figure out what you want, you write your desires down, and then you work toward achieving them.

How Do You Write Goals?
The author suggests the following five steps for the goal setting;

• Define Your Goals
• Create An Action Plan
• Affirmations
• Take Action
• Review

Evaluation
There are two types of evaluation you should do. The first involves frequent evaluation of your daily actions.

• Are you sticking to your original plans?
• Could you improve upon your actions in any way?
• Have your results met your expectations?
• What can you do to improve your results?

The other type of evaluation should focus more on your long-term progress.

• Are your plans moving you in the right direction?
• Can you think of any ways to improve your original plans?
• What are you learning about yourself through this process?
• Are you beginning to think of even larger goals you can achieve in the future?

This is an amazing little book because.....
it is a complete goal-setting primer presented in a way that will motivate you to take action. It is presented in a step-by-step format that can be used by a novice or experienced goal setter. This book will guide you in developing your own focused, targeted, personalized map - a map that will lead you wherever you choose to go.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments section below.

Book Review: The Simple Dollar

I recently grabbed The Simple Dollar: How One Man Wiped Out His Debts and Achieved the Life of His Dreams by Trent Hamm on my Kindle while it was being offered as a freebie.  Debt free living is a popular topic these days and I was interested to learn how the author wiped out his debts and achieved the life of his dreams.  This book was inspired by the author's blog, The Simple Dollar.
Mr. Hamm explains how he and his wife found themselves deep in debt when his son was a baby.  He started reading books on personal finance, economics and philosophy.  He was determined to learn how a family could balance all the aspects of modern life on a limited income.  Over a period of three years,  the author got his finances under control, quit his job and devoted himself to writing full time. 
This book gives detailed information about how this family did what many American families dream of doing.  The author emphasizes the importance of communicating with your partner and setting realistic goals together.  He outlines a practical method of debt repayment that will be very effective if you are willing to sacrifice and stick with the plan you design.  He describes how he cut back on spending and also sold household items on eBay to supplement the family budget. 
The author explains that many people feel overwhelmed by their debt load.  He wants his readers to know that it is not hopeless. This book gives practical, common sense advice on how to manage your money and how to manage your life.  I found the book motivating and inspiring.  I like to read a book with a happy ending that explains exactly how you can have the same outcome.