Hidden Potential by Adam Grant

 

Title: Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater

Author: Adam  Grant

Publisher: Viking

Publication Date: October 24, 2023

Length: 302 Pages

Audible: 7 Hours and 21 Minutes

About the Author
Adam Grant is an organizational psychologist at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of TED’s most popular speakers,
His pioneering research has inspired people to rethink fundamental assumptions about motivation, generosity, creativity, and potential. 

Unlocking Hidden Potential and Achieving Greater Things
Dr. Grant believes the learning process isn't complete when we acquire knowledge. It is complete when we consistently apply that knowledge.

The author focuses on the following three concepts for unlocking hidden potential;

• Build character skills. Become a creature of discomfort - Become a sponge - Become an imperfectionist.
• Set up scaffolding to overcome obstacles. Turn practice into play - Take the roundabout path to progress - Fly by your own bootstraps.
• Build Systems of Opportunity. Design schools to bring out the best in all students - Unearth collective intelligence in teams - Discover uncut gems in job interviews and college applications.

My Thoughts
I listened to this book on Audible (twice) and then printed out the PDF summary sheets that came with the audiobook. I studied the key concepts that were presented and determined which ones I needed to consistently apply to my life.

I want to become a creature of discomfort. I tend to beat myself up when I make a mistake and live the experience over and over again in my mind. This is especially true when I play the piano in public. I have struggled with "stage fright" since I was a child. Dr. Grant suggests that when you expect to stumble, you ruminate about it less and improve more. 

I like the idea of becoming a sponge. Progress hinges on the quality of the information you take in, not on the quantity of information you seek out. I will try to determine what information is absorbed and which should be filtered out. 

I will turn practice into play. I will apply this to my piano practice and my art projects. I will measure my progress over time, not against an opponent. 

I will harness both high and low expectations as motivation. "If ignorant naysayers doubt you, take it as a challenge. Instead of letting them crush your confidence, recognize it as an opportunity to prove them wrong."

There are many interesting concepts in this book but these four ideas really resonate with me. This is an excellent book and the author does a great job reading the audiobook. I have become addicted to Audible and love it more every day.

MY RATING - 5 STARS OUT OF 5

The Stoic Mindset - Book Review

Title: The Stoic Mindset; Living the Ten Principles of Stoicism

Author: Mark Tuitert

Publisher: St. Martin Essentials

Publication Date: April 8, 2024

About the Author
 Mark Tuitert won the gold medal in speed skating in the 1500-meter event at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. After retiring from competitive speed skating, Mark has continued to make a positive impact as a bestselling author, successful entrepreneur, host of the podcast Drive, motivational speaker, and representative for some of the largest organizations in the world.

An Initiation Into Stoic Mindset and Action
Mark Tuitert presents the following ten principles for developing a Stoic mindset;

• Use setbacks as signposts
• Judge less, understand more
• Win by not focusing on winning
• What's good for the team is good for you
• Accept your fate (and love it)
• Death makes life epic
• Happiness is a side effect
• A map is good, a compass better
• Character is your most important project
• Actions speak louder than words

My Thoughts
Mr. Tuitert started reading about Stoic philosophy in the weeks before he won a gold medal in the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. Since then, he has continued to study and apply Stoic philosophy to his life.

The author does a good job sharing Stoic principles and explaining how he has used these principles to improve his life. He shares many experiences about his athletic endeavors and his struggles to get to the Olympics. 

There are some very helpful practice exercises at the end of each chapter. There are also colorful illustrations that illustrate and clarify the Stoic concepts.

Stoicism has been undergoing a resurgence in the 21st century. Over the last decade, the philosophy of Stoicism has managed to permeate mainstream culture in a way that most philosophies never do. This book does an excellent job of presenting material that provides core information and encourages the reader to delve deeper into the subject. 

This book is an excellent introduction to Stoicism and offers a great deal of help in applying the principles to your life. Highly recommended!

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

Thank you to Net Galley for an excellent reading opportunity.

Life is Like a Balloon Card

Click on the image to enlarge. 

"Life is like a balloon...if you never let yourself go, you will never know how far you can rise."

Isn't this an uplifting quotation? It is perfect for birthdays, graduations and other occasions where encouragement is appropriate.

The base of this card is a light pink blank Recollections card (Michaels) that measures 5" by 6.5".

The background paper is from the Que Sera Sera paper pad by K and Company.

I chose the digital stamp/sentiment "Life is like a balloon" from Mo's Digital Pencil. I used Microsoft Word software to merge and resize the images and sentiment. This was a little tricky, but I think it turned out OK. If I make another card with this image, I might make the girl a little larger.

I hand-colored the images with Copic Sketch markers and Winsor and Newton Promarkers/Brush markers. I cut/embossed the image with my die cutting machine and mounted it on a piece of dark pink patterned paper. I then attached it to the card.

I embellished the card with a balloon die cut from Recollections Signature Glitter Paper and attached it in the upper right corner of the card. I made a paper flower and attached it to the lower left side of the card. The balloon and flower dies are by Sizzix (thrift shop finds). 

I will enter this card in the following challenges:
A Bit More Time To Craft Challenge #98
Craft-Dee Bowz August 2019 Challenge
Crafts Galore Encore Challenge #66
The Creative Crafters Challenge #19
Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge #282
Sweet Stampers Challenge #35

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What Game Are You Playing? - A Book Review

What Game Are You Playing?: A Framework for Redefining Success and Achieving What Matters Most

Author: Robin Moriarty, PhD

Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group Press

Publication Date: September 10, 2019

Length: 171 Pages








About The Author
Robin Moriarty, PhD, is a global business executive, professor, and writer who has lived on four continents and traveled to more than 60 countries. 

It's All A Game
Life is full of choices. This book challenges the reader to redefine success in your own terms.

Dr. Moriarty believes that life is a game and it's important to play your own game...not the game that other people are playing or the game that they want you to play, but the game you want to play.

It is both exhausting and frustrating to compare yourself to other people and live by others' rules.

"Why would I want it all? Why wouldn't I just want what I want and not what everyone else says I should want?"

This book explains how to discover your own definition of success and then make the necessary changes in your life to achieve your new goals, ambitions, and dreams.

My Thoughts
I think we are influenced a great deal by the expectations of our childhood family and peers. I came from a family of school teachers and I was gently (or maybe not so gently) nudged in that direction when it was time to choose a career. (Actually, being a school librarian was a good fit for me.)  

Dr. Moriarty believes it is never too late to design your own game plan in both your professional and personal life. She has developed the following four-part framework as the organizing principle for your game;

• Your game's objective - What are you pursuing? What do you want?
• How you play the game - How do you spend your time, talents and resources?
• What obstacles must be overcome - What are your challenges?
• How do you keep score so you know you are winning? 

The author provides many examples of how to use this framework to bring change to your life. She suggests that you start with little things that feel good to you and that help others see that there's been a shift in your behavior.

Change is not easy. This author has devoted her entire book to help you discover your own game and then play with passion and courage. It is not too late to change your thinking and take bold steps toward new and different adventures, careers, relationships or goals. 

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

FYI - I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

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Finding Happy Starts With a Decision

Finding Happy: 10 Keys to Living an Extraordinary Life

Author: Chad Kneller

Publisher: Clovercroft Publishing

Publication Date: October 1, 2018

Length: 124 pages








About the Author
Chad Kneller is the founder and CEO of Made For More Inc; a company dedicated to bridge the gap between reality and possibilities for aspiring entrepreneurs. Mr. Kneller served as an Army officer after pursuing a music career in the rock and roll industry.

Resilience, Perseverance and Faith
Mr. Kneller has penned a book that is both memoir and motivational. He defines ten keys that will help you find happiness and live a rewarding and fulfilling life. 

The author tells how he went from failure in his early years to fortune by becoming a successful husband, father, businessman and leader. 

My Thoughts
I want to begin by thanking Mr. Kneller for his service to our country. He served two stints in the U.S. Army and completed the requirements to earn his college degree and become an Army officer. As a military mother, I have a great deal of respect for his hard work and dedication to our country.

The author is very transparent about the mistakes and bad choices he made as a young man. However, he was able to put these things behind him and work hard to achieve a better life for himself and his family.

Mr. Kneller boldly credits his Christian faith for giving him strength and guidance to become the man he is today. He shares passages from the Bible to support his quest for finding happiness and joy.

"Finding happy starts with a decision. It's deciding you are going to be happy and starting off each day with an attitude of gratitude...The key is deciding to be happy."

This book gives you motivation, inspiration, encouragement, and journaling prompts to help you reflect on what you read. "Finding Happy" is an excellent selection to get the new year off to a great start.

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

FYI ~ I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an 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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Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis

Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis

Author: J.D. Vance

Publisher: Harper

Publication Date: June 28, 2016

Length: 272 Pages









About the Author
J.D. Vance grew up in the Rust Belt city of Middletown, Ohio, and the Appalachian town of Jackson, Kentucky. He enlisted in the Marine Corps after high school and served in Iraq. A graduate of the Ohio State University and Yale Law School, he has contributed to the National Review and is a principal at a leading Silicon Valley Investment firm.

White, Working and Poor in America
J.D.'s grandparents moved north from Kentucky's Appalachia region to Ohio in hopes of escaping the devastating poverty around them. His family struggled to adjust to their new middle-class status. His mother was never able to escape the legacy of abuse, addiction, poverty and trauma that was so characteristic of her childhood years in Appalachia. Mr. Vance lived a very chaotic childhood and was passed around to numerous family members while his mother struggled with drug addiction and moved different men in and out of her home.

J.D. decided to join the Marines when he graduated from high school. When he left the Marines, he used his military education benefits to attend Ohio State University. He eventually graduated from Yale Law School and learned that social mobility involves much more than acquiring money.

“social mobility isn’t just about money and economics, it’s about a lifestyle change. The wealthy and the powerful aren’t just wealthy and powerful; they follow a different set of norms and mores. When you go from working-class to professional-class, almost everything about your old life becomes unfashionable at best or unhealthy at worst.” 

My Thoughts
I chose this book because it was on the Bill Gates book list for 2017. 


I was extremely touched by the childhood experiences that are described in this book. Mr. Vance is truly a survivor and overcomer. He credits his grandparents, sister and other family members for being there for him when his mother was unable or unwilling to take care of him.

“For kids like me, the part of the brain that deals with stress and conflict is always activated...We are constantly ready to fight or flee, because there is a constant exposure to the bear, whether that bear is an alcoholic dad or an unhinged mom....I see conflict and I run away or prepare for battle.”

The author believes his years in the U.S. Marine Corp gave him the confidence and skills he needed to overcome his chaotic childhood and set realistic goals for the future. 

Mr. Vance met his future wife at Yale and she became an excellent mentor and friend during his years in law school. He is now a practicing attorney and appears to have a very bright future indeed. However, sometimes things are not as they seem to outsiders. 

“That is the real story of my lift, and that is why I wrote this book. I want people to know what it feels like to nearly give up on yourself and why you might do it. I want people to understand what happens in the lives of the poor and the psychological impact that spiritual and material poverty has on their children. I want people to understand the American Dream as my family and I encountered it. I want people to understand how upward mobility really feels. And I want people to understand something I learned only recently: that for those of us lucky enough to live the American Dream, the demons of the life we left behind continue to chase us.”

This book is informative and inspiring. I am sure that many have walked a similar path as described in this book. The author was able to eloquently express the emotions and vulnerability that he feels as a result of his childhood experiences.

Dr. Phil frequently says, "There's an old saying in Texas: You gotta rise above your raisin'." 
This book shows you how.

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

FYI - I borrowed this book from my public library.

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Compass for an Extraordinary Life

Extraordinary: Living in the Direction of You

Author: Michael Dauphinee

Publisher: Broadstreet Publishing Group LLC

Publication Date: September 4, 2018

Length: 160 Pages

About the Author
Michael Dauphinee is a speaker, writer, and leadership consultant. For more than a decade he has devoted his life to helping people around the world understand their identity and its direct impact on leadership, employee engagement, and life.


"To live an extraordinary life is to live outside the normal course of events."
Michael Dauphinee provides guidelines for navigating an extraordinary life. This navigation process includes the following four points;

• Where are we? (Identity)
• Where are we going? (Permission)
• How do we get there? (Courage)
• How do we keep from getting lost? (Generosity)

The author begins by defining the terms and then explains how these concepts can be applied to your life. He shares experiences from his own life and also provides case studies from some of his client's experiences.

My Thoughts

WOW! I can't remember the last time I used the highlight feature on my Kindle e-reader as frequently as I did while reading this book. The pages became a colorful rainbow of quotations, definitions and strategies that I want to go back and review. It is difficult to digest this information in just one reading. I plan to go back and reread each chapter and think about how I can apply the strategies and techniques to my life.

Mr. Dauphinee dedicates a portion of each chapter to defining the terms. This is an informative and enlightening addition that adds great value. I have read many self-help books and very few take time to define the terms before they give instructions for applying the concepts and strategies.

"The beginning of wisdom is to call things by their right name."

The author is a Clifton Strengthsfinder coach but he has not made this this book into an advertisement for this service. He does encourage readers to take a strengths assessment (Clifton Strengths, MyersBriggs, DISC, Enneagram, etc.) to realize your talents and stop discarding your most valuable parts. 

"Every day we make choices that will choose for us later."

When I read this quotation, I reflected on many of the decisions I had made in the past. The choices that are made today will mold our futures for years to come. Decisions move us toward or away from our identity. The author believes we tend to disconnect the choices of today from the impact of tomorrow. We live like slaves to the immediate. 

Mr. Dauphinee expresses his personality with both humor and poignant stories. He is a Christian and enthusiastically shares his faith in Jesus Christ. However, I would not call this a "religious" book. 

Excellent. Impactful. Motivating. Memorable. This book is all of this and more. Highly Recommended!

FIVE STARS OUT OF 5

FYI ~ I received a free digital copy of this book for NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
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Building Your Personal Brand in the Digital Age - A Book Review

KNOWN: The handbook for building and unleashing your personal brand in the digital age

Author: Mark W. Schaefer

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services LLC

Publication Date: February 6, 2017

Pages: 257 Pages



About the Author
Mark W. Schaefer is a globally-recognized author, speaker, podcaster, and business consultant who blogs at {grow} — one of the top five marketing blogs of the world.

Being Known is not the Same as Being Famous

"Being known is not the same as being famous. It's not about having millions of fans and red carpet appearances. Being known is about having the proper authority, reputation, and audience to realize your potential and achieve your goals...whatever they may be."

 Mr. Schaefer believes that everyone has a chance to be known. He provides case studies of dozens of people who started out being unknown and used content to establish a digital presence that propelled their dreams.

Consistency is the key to being known. Nearly every person in the case studies said that consistency is the most important element in the journey to be known. 

The formula for success isn't just finding a passion or even a niche. You must find the magical combination of PLACE (A sustainable interest and what you want to be known for) and SPACE (an uncontested or under occupied niche with enough people to matter.)

This book provides solid guidelines for going from unknown to known in a digital world.

My Thoughts

This is a very motivational book. The author is a delightful storyteller and adds touches of humor to the many case studies that are used to illustrate the techniques needed to build your personal brand.

There are stories about bloggers who share there passion using the written word. There are YouTubers who share their musical talent or artistic skills with videos. There are podcasters who produce internet-based radio shows. There are designers, artists and photographers who share visual images on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

Consistency and endurance are the common denominators of all the success stories highlighted in this book. 

If you want to be known, read this book and then get started sharing your content and building an audience using social media. Being known can open doors of opportunity in your personal and professional life. 

I like everything about this book...it inspires, motivates and educates. 

My Rating: 5 Stars Out of 5

FYI ~ I borrowed this book with my Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscription.

Do you have a passion that you would like to be known for? Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below. 

Book Review: Dear You, Live! Love, Life by Michael Holbrook

ONE WORD BOOK REVIEW: INSIGHT
  Dear You, Live! Love, Life: Awaking your spirit, overcoming fears & excuses, and living a purposeful, fulfilling life

Author: Michael Holbrook

Publisher: GardiBrook Publishing

Publication Date: April 6, 2015

Print Length: 340 Pages

About the Author
Michael Holbrook is an experienced, insightful, award-winning author who has written professionally since 1981. During this time, his articles, features, and essays have appeared in numerous magazines, newspapers, and professional journals worldwide.

"Expect a Positive and Exciting Life and Commit To it"
This book includes a series of one to two page essays about life and how to live it. Each essay ends with a quotation that complements the text of the essay.

This book provides sound advice on how to survive and thrive in the game of life. Here is one of my favorite quotations;

Make informed decisions, being cognizant that life is pliable. And when you make a significant life choice, sleep well knowing you made the best decision you could with the information you had. Life is a continuous series of decisions, opportunities, challenges, and choices. Remember...contentment can include letting go of the past and looking forward to a magnificent future.

My Thoughts
This is the kind of book you can skip around in and read at your leisure. I read it all the way through and will probably go back to the beginning and start again. The author shows insight and sensitivity as he writes about some of life's most challenging situations.

Each essay is independent and stands on it's own merit. However, the essays come together to create a cohesive unit that presents an organized and impressive volume.

I read this book during the weeks that I was preparing to participate in my sister's bone marrow transplant. I found the words in this book very comforting and some segments seemed to be written directly to me and my situation.

Good common sense mixed with inspiration and insight equals a rewarding reading experience! Highly recommended!

FYI ~ I borrowed this book with my Kindle Unlimited subscription.

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Book Review: Crowdfunding - Put the Fun Into Funding and Get the Money You Need by Zynnia Jezek

One Word Book Review: ENTHUSIASM

 Crowdfunding: Put the Fun Into Funding And Get The Money You Need: How A Little Girl Raised Over $7k In Four Days On IndieGoGo (Distinct Press Young Entrepreneurs Series)

Author: Zynnia Jezek

Publisher: Distinct Press

Publication Date: December 27, 2014

Print Length: 130 Pages

An 11-Year-Old Girl With A Big Dream
Zynnia Jezek, at the age of 11-years-old, designed a successful crowd funding campaign on IndieGoGo to provide funds for a trip from Florida to the Awesomeness Fest in Hawaii. This event is billed as the ultimate transformational experience for entrepreneurs. Zynnia believed this could be a life-changing event for she and her familly.

The problem was, they did not have the money needed to make the trip.

Zynnia and her sister created an IndieGoGo campaingn called "4 Day Awesomeness Fest Test" and made $6, 475.

This book tells exactly what Zynnia did to make her dream come true.

My Thoughts
I really enjoyed the enthusiasm and excitement depicted in this ebook. The young author/entrepreneur describes a real-life behind the scenes look at a successful  IndieGoGo campaign.  

This is not a primer or resource guide for designing a crowd funding campaign. It is a memoir of one girl's experience and how it changed her life.

The author provides screen shots of a series of PowerPoint slides that were used to promote and publicize this campaign. These slides were designed by Zynnia's sister and are quite creative. I think viewing these promotional slides make this book a relevant selection for anyone thinking about running a crowd funding campaign.

The editing and formatting are rough in places, but the content is informative and impressive. Kudos to Zynnia for a great effort. She proves that most anything is possible with determination and a little help from family and friends.

I predict this young lady has a very bright future!

My Rating: 4 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I purchased this digital book with my Kindle Unlimited membership on Amazon.Com.

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Book Review: Find Your Reason To Be Here by Laura Lee Carter

Find Your Reason to Be Here: The Search for Meaning in Midlife 

Author: Laura Lee Carter

Publisher: Mimbres Publishing

Date: January 23, 2013



About The Author
Laura Lee Carter, best known for her Midlife Crisis Queen magazine online, worked as a professional reference and research librarian for 25 years before transitioning into her present work as a midlife researcher, author, and psychotherapist. She holds three graduate degrees including one in counseling, with a specialty in midlife psychology. She is the author of "How to Fall in Love Again" and several other books.

Baby Boomers Reach Midlife
What is a midlife crisis?
"Midlife crisis, or what the Jungian analyst James Hollis calls the middle passage, often first becomes obvious when we experience difficult life circumstances that convince us that our illusions are no longer secure. We do not control our universe".

Ms. Carter faced devastating career and family changes during her midlife years. In her case, desperation led to many forms of inspiration and breakdowns led to some amazing breakthroughs.

The midlife shift begins when we stop and reassess our lives, often finding some major room for improvement. By questioning most previous assumptions about why we are here and and what we hope to accomplish, we change our hearts and minds so they can work better for us as we age.

This book is based on the writings of respected psychologists and the author's personal experiences. Ms. Carter firmly believes that midlife is a time of transition, personal change and new challenges.

My Thoughts
This is the second book that I have read by Ms. Carter. I find her writing stimulating and inspiring. She is very good at presenting her research in an interesting way that the reader can understand and apply to personal circumstances.

Midlife is a time of discovery, possibilities and hope. The author advises mid- lifers to keep evolving, learning new skills, and challenging your mind and body. The best is yet to be...indeed!

Ms. Carter includes "A Life-Changing List" for people in the midlife years. I found this list to be very inspiring. If you are stuck in a midlife rut, I think this book will open your eyes and help you see some new possibilities for your life.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ The author sent me a complimentary digital copy of this book to read and review.

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Book Review: Get Your Shift Together by Steve Rizzo

Get Your SHIFT Together: How to Think, Laugh, and Enjoy Your Way to Success in Business and in Life

Author: Steve Rizzo

Publisher: McGraw-Hill

Date: December 8, 2012




About The Author

Steve Rizzo, a.k.a. The Attitude Adjuster, is a personal development expert whose clients include American Airlines, BP, JPMorgan Chase, Scholastic, and Sprint, among others. As a standup comic, he has headlined with many titans of comedy, including Jerry Seinfeld, Eddie Murphy, Drew Carey, and Ellen DeGeneres.

Get Your Shift Together
Steve Rizzo is a professional standup comedian turned attitude adjuster. He travels the world sharing his message of "shifting" your thoughts and your life.

People might resist the word "change", but the word "shift" is much easier to grasp...especially when it is used in a humorous and playful way. Shifting your attitude doesn't seem as difficult as changing your attitude.

This book is for both personal relationships and business interactions. The author's mission in life is to show people how to be happy and successful in business and in life, regardless of their circumstances. Mr. Rizzo shares the following messages in this book;

• If you shift your focus and way of thinking, you can turn challenging times into opportunities. 
• If you are grateful for what you have, rather than fixating on what you don't have, you can be happier then you ever imagined.
• If you unleash the power of your Humor Being on a daily basis, you will come to know that not even fear can stand against the power of laughter.

This book is both serious and funny. Mr. Rizzo is a true comedian and delivers his message with an unforgettable twist of humor. This is one of my favorite passages;

So are you ready to get your shift together? If not, then you better shift and get off the pot, because when shift happens, your life changes. At this point you've probably had enough of my shift. I guess you can say I'm full of shift. I apologize; sometimes I'm just a real shifthead. Oh shift, I did it again! Seriously folks: may the shift be with you.

My Thoughts
I can honestly say that this is one of the best motivational, inspirational, life-changing books that I have ever read. The combination of serious advice  and humor made this an unforgettable reading experience. 

The author convinced me that it is possible to make serious shifts in my life. The idea of being a "Humor Being" is priceless and emphasizes the fact that laughter is often the best medicine for physical and emotional problems.

It is obvious that the author has done a great deal of research on the mind/body connection. He gives many examples from his own life that illustrate the point that you can change your life if you change the way you think.

I don't care how many self-help books you have read in the past, this book will give you a real kick in the pants! You will find that happiness is possible RIGHT NOW if you are willing to shift your thinking and get your shift together.
Highly recommended!

My Rating: 5 Stars out of 5

FYI ~ I received a complimentary digital copy of this book to read and review from NetGalley.
 
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Book Review: Thrown Into Transition

Thrown Into Transition (My Life's Adventure)

Author: Peggy Lee Hanson

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services (July 17, 2012)



About The Author
Peggy Lee Hanson was thrown into the world of transition when Delta Airlines first merged with Northwest Airlines in 2009. She has since become an expert at helping others experiencing loss of any proportion, mentoring and guiding them through their journey with proven strategies, compassion, and support.

Now What Do I Do?
The definition of transition is "movement, passage, or changing positions from one position, state, stage, subject, concept...to another."

Peggy Lee Hanson explains how she personally overcame the emotional and life-halting trauma of being forced into that unwanted position of change. She believes the best way to get through a transitional period is to look forward into the future.

Mrs. Hanson was just a few years away from retirement when she was forced into a period of transition and change. This ebook offers guidance and encouragement to those who are struggling with change in their lives.

The author believes that an unexpected change can open doors of opportunity and can be the beginning of new and rewarding endeavors. This is the time to dream of what you want and take the necessary steps to get there.

After sitting for weeks-turned-into-months I discovered the gems described in the following chapters. Once realizing I was moving forward with the dream of being my own boss, in control of my own destiny, and believing in myself, there was no stopping my progress and successes.

My Thoughts
We all have to deal with change. It seems like the older we get, the harder it is to cope with being thrown into transition.

Mrs. Hanson shares her personal story in this ebook. She explains how she took advantage of a difficult situation and decided to make her dream of being her own boss a reality. There are step-by-step instructions for working through your loss and getting started on a fresh new path in life.

Transition is a process. I highly recommend this ebook to all who are seeking a new path and a brighter future.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5


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The Spark Book

How do you live a life of joy? Is it really possible to live one's life directed by joy? What would a life of joy even look like?

Steven Rice has written a book about his spiritual quest for a life of joy. An Imperceptible Spark: Finding the Courage to Live a Life of Joy tells about Steve's journey from living a life of frustration to living the life of his dreams. He tells of the events that prompted the journey, of the obstacles he faced, the observations that he made along the way and the surprising discovery that he made at the end.

About Steve Rice
Mr. Rice is a trained workshop facilitator, and has conducted relationship enhancement and communication workshops. He has provided keynotes for a variety of church and civic organizations. An Imperceptible Spark: Finding the Courage to Live a Life of Joy is his first book.

Steve Discovers His Life Purpose
Many people struggle to determine their life purpose. Why am I here? What am I supposed to be doing? Mr. Rice wanted to define his innate purpose. He believes each person is uniquely equipped to fulfill a purpose. One day, Steve realized that his purpose was to give other people hope. He realized that all the things he does instinctively and intuitively are driven by his desire to give hope to others. Steve tells about that nearly imperceptible spark...taking courage and making a decision...that has changed his thoughts and changed his life.

How Do You Change Your Mind?
Mr. Rice compares a shift in thinking to a tidal wave. When a tidal wave hits an island, it wipes out everything in it's path. After the destruction, new life emerges and growth occurs. Steve tells how the "tsunami" of change began to hit his life and to transform his experience profoundly. In the mind, when a shift like this occurs, a wave of new thoughts begins to churn like the waves beneath the surface of the ocean. When these new thoughts meet the resistance of old habits and thought patterns, that is when the evidence of the new thought becomes visible. A change in habits and thought patterns is never easy but it is possible. Mr. Rice shares exactly how he changed his life by changing his thoughts.

This book gives me hope because...
it shows how one person can cast off the expectations of others and live a life that is rewarding and joyful. I have everything I need to live a life of joy. Each person has an imperceptible spark...the courage to make a decision to change our thoughts and live a life of joy!

This book is available in paperback and as a digital download for the Kindle. You can click HERE to download the first chapter of the book FREE.
I want to thank Mr. Rice for sending me a digital copy of this book to read and review.