Life Code: The New Rules for Winning in the Real World
Author: Dr. Phil McGraw
Publisher: Bird Street Books
Date: November 13, 2012
About the Author
“Dr. Phil” (Phillip C. McGraw, Ph.D.) is the host of America’s number-one
daytime talk show and is perhaps the most well-known expert in the field of
psychology and human functioning in the world today.
BAITERS - The Bad Guys
Do you give other people the "benefit of the doubt"? Dr. Phil believes you can get in trouble just by being in the wrong place at the wrong time and not listening to your basic instincts. This is why the "benefit of the doubt" is not advised in the new "life code".
Dr. Phil McGraw states that some people "win" just because they play the game of life according to a different set of rules or no rules at all. In the real world, the cheaters sometimes win, the early bird doesn't always get the worm, and doing unto others as you wish they would do unto you doesn't always get you what you want, need or deserve.
BAITERS (Backstabbers/Abusers/Impostors/Takers/Exploiters/Reckless) are those who exploit, cheat and abuse other people. They win at any cost, especially if it is at the expense of others. Dr. Phil explains the tactics, strategies, techniques and behaviors that BAITERS use to hurt you.
New Rules For Wining in the Real World
The second part of this book explains how to be a winner in life. In order to be successful, you have to play smarter and harder in every part of your life. That means changing what you are doing and how you think. Dr. Phil created a "Sweet 16" list of strategies, mindsets and behaviors that he believes are necessary to change your life for the better.
The final part of the book deals with the importance of knowing how to negotiate what you want and need. Almost everything in your life is based on negotiation.
Dr. Phil writes a special chapter to parents at the end of the book. He believes that people who want to harm your children have more access to them than ever before. Parents must teach their children the new rules for dealing with people in their world.
My Thoughts
The world has drastically changed in the past 50 years. I believe Dr. Phil delivers some sound and sensible advice on how to live in modern times.
I wish I had read a book like this many years ago. I have been exposed to many BAITERS in my life. Unfortunately, I have also used some of the tactics that BAITERS use to further my own agendas and causes.
This book should motivate you to take a good look at how you are living your life. It is never too late to make positive changes in your choices, behaviors and relationships.
I read the digital edition of this book on my Kindle Fire. The formatting is a bit rough around the edges, but the content is really outstanding. I think this is the best book that Dr. Phil has written. It is time to "get real" with a new life code!
My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5
FYI ~ I purchased the digital edition of this book with my own funds.
Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.
Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six
Authors: Jessica Buchanan and Erik Landemalm with Anthony Flacco
Publisher: Atria Books
Date: May 14, 2013
About The Authors
Jessica Buchanan and Erik Landemalm both worked in the
humanitarian aid field in Somalia. They have recently relocated to the United
States, where they are lecturing on their experiences while raising their son,
August, born in October, 2012.
Mission: Impossible Rescue
Jessica Buchanan and Erik Landemalm were humanitarian aid workers in Somalia. Jessica had a deep desire to help educate the African children. Erik worked to help coordinate humanitarian aid with authorities in Africa.
On October 25, 2011, Jessica and a colleague were kidnapped at gunpoint and held for ransom by a band of Somali pirates. For the next three months, Jessica was held outdoors in filthy conditions and kept on a starvation diet while her health steadily deteriorated.
After 93 days of negotiations, President Barack Obama ordered Navy SEAL Team Six to attempt a rescue mission. On January 25, 2012, a team of 24 SEALS attacked the heavily armed pirates. They killed all the pirates (nine were in the camp at the time of the rescue) with no harm to the hostages.
This is a story of courage, perseverance and faith.
My Thoughts
I first heard about this book when Jessica Buchanan was a guest on the Dr. Phil Show. I remember Dr. Phil saying to Jessica, "I read your book...it is very well written." I was touched by Jessica's story and decided this was a book worth reading.
Jessica was a dedicated teacher and was deeply concerned about the child soldiers in Africa. These children are often kidnapped, drugged and forced to kill their entire families so they will have no place to go home to. Jessica was doing the work she loved when she became a victim of the very child soldiers that she was trying to help.
This book provides a detailed account about what it is like to be a victim of cruel and savage kidnappers. It also shares all the behind-the-scenes events that were taking place with her family, her employer and the U.S. government.
Erik's experience was especially poignant and difficult because he felt a great deal of guilt for allowing Jessica to travel into a dangerous area of the country. He wanted to go out and attempt a rescue on his own. It was very difficult for him to be patient during this three month ordeal.
Jessica's memories about her rescue by SEAL Team Six were the highlight of the entire book. I had tears in my eyes when I read the first words that the SEAL rescuer said to Jessica;
"Jessica, this is the American military. We've come to take you home. You're safe."
This story had a happy ending. Thank you to President Barack Obama and all the government and military people involved.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to a movie.
My Rating: 5 Stars+++ Out of 5
FYI ~ I received a digital preview copy of this book from NetGalley.
Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.
