Title : The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness
Author : Stephen R. Covey
Rating : 2 Stars out of 5.
Summary : 9th Habit - Be Concise and Get to the Point
I've been through the 7 Habits and First Things First, now I'm on the 8th Habit. Boy#8212;is this dull! This is mostly a re-hash of the 7 Habits with more of a focus towards teams, leadership and businesses. As someone who works mostly on my own and not in a team, this book did not seem overly relevant to those in a similar position.
There are a few new ideas in here but not many. The short films are a nice touch which helps to break things up a little. I listened to this while out walking so couldn't just stop and watch them when instructed.
Ironically for a book about 'finding your voice,' I found Mr Covey's voice extremely dull, lifeless and uninspiring#8212;not a patch on Tony Robbins' level of excitement#8212;I often felt myself wandering off into a daydream while listening and then having to rewind to see if I had missed any astounding revelation (which for the most part, I had not).
A manual for greatness, this is not#8212;a cure for insomnia, quite possibly.
Title : Goals! How to Get Everything You Want - Faster Than You Ever Thought Possible
Author : Brian Tracy
Rating : 5 Stars out of 5.
Summary : ..........and Finally
....at last I really do think I've found the book I've been looking for if you're reading this thinking will "this one" help "me" achieve my aims at getting my life on the move to becoming successful - then I say unequivocally - YES!!, this is the one for you.
I've read hundreds of so-called self-help books both modern old and Brian Tracy's "Goals" sums up ALL of the books I've ever read on the subject. It's like a hundred books all in one covering everything from Motivation, Confidence, Time Management, Self Belief Worth oh yes how to set realistic achievable Goals!
The beauty with all of these requisites for success is that we all have these qualities to one degree or another Brian inspires us by telling us that any one of these attributes is "learnable". So no matter where you find yourself today on what "may appear" to be a long road, you can start straight away.
This ought to be the very last book you buy on the subject, but before you read ( more importantly re-read) it, make sure you have a fresh note-book (preferably A4) scribe to hand. The book is jam packed with all the essential information to kick you off in the right direction the minute you start reading. If you feel you really must do some more research then there is an extensive bibliography at the back.
The book ends with a summery of the 21 successful tips in setting achieving these goals. Also there is a summery to be found at the end of each chapter for easy future reference.
Written in a modern, clear, interesting, easy readable style language. It's broken down into easily digestible chunks in such a way that makes you want to read a little bit more. You never stop learning it's never too late to start [something new].
Don't be put off or judge the book by the BOLD but plain looking unattractive cover. It's Brian's message that counts he very cleverly uses famous quotes from the Greats of the past.
Title : The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness
Author : Stephen R. Covey
Rating : 1 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Rehash and mish-mash
This is basically a rehash of previous material with a few bits and pieces thrown in from other authors like Jim Collins et al.
Stephen Covey has had one great idea, the 7 Habits, which he has capitalised on for some time this book adds a bit of substance to that idea but it is poorly written, repetitious and makes some sweeping statements with little evidence to back them up. Covey is fond of saying things like, "the research shows..." but he rarely ever lets you know which research. Stephen Covey has continually advocated principle centred leadership, however his material is vague on how, specifically, one should put this into practice the eight habit adds little by way of clarification.
My recommendation is that if you want a good book on leadership try The Leadership Challenge by Kouzes and Posner, Good To Great by Jim Collins or Situational Leadership by Ken Blanchard.
One can't help but wonder if Stephen Covey lived for another twenty years would we see a ninth and a tenth habit. Just when I thought I was doing well with seven he comes along and introduces and eighth, bummer, its like learning to drive all over again - help someone, I need a programme to help me kick these crazy habits.
Title : Sink Reflections
Author : Marla Cilley
Rating : 5 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Get rid of your clutter and your cleaning lady...
Discovered the Flylady.net website last year, and bought the book soon afterwards. Since then, our house (and world) has been turned around. A simple system to keep the house clean and uncluttered. Nothing extraordinary, not rocket science, just common sense. But it makes keeping house fun and easy - never thought I'd say that!!! The system might sound a bit crazy at first (drying/shining your sink every night), but give it a shot for a week and you'll be converted. Buy the book to keep by your bedside, but make sure you sign up for the (free) e-mail service, to get you truly on your way. www.flylady.net
Title : The Four Agreements: Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (Toltec Wisdom)
Author : Don Miguel Ruiz
Rating : 5 Stars out of 5.
Summary : great inspirational book
A really good read! a self help book that is true and believable. it made me think!
Title : The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens: The Ultimate Teenage Success Guide
Author : Sean Covey
Rating : 4 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Easier to read than original
I've had the original for about 3 years and never got past the third chapter. I dug it out about a month ago with a new steely determination to read it. That is until I spotted Stephen Covey's son Sean's book habits for teens. This was really effortless to read. This really covers the ground of his dad's book but with a more 'young' and 'fun' enthusiasm to it. I've Knocked off a star as it doesn't cover a topic about habits that I believe is the most important point of all about the power of habits. Having said that it certainly does cover a lot of ground and should be read as a great understanding of habits.
Title : Be Your Own Life Coach: How to Take Control of Your Life and Achieve Your Wildest Dreams
Author : Fiona Harrold
Rating : 5 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Still feeling the effects 5 years on!
I read this books nearly 5 years ago and it changed my life forever. I was not satisfied with my life or relationship and this book asked me all the questions I had been putting off asking myself. I left my partner, set up a new life for myself in London and have since had all sorts of incredible adventures. Whenever I get stuck in life I always ask myself those life changing questions; If I was living my dream life what would I be doing? How far away is my life from that now? What do I need to do now to move towards it? A life changer for definite!
Other Related Resources:
1: http://healthpromotionandwellness.com/corporate-wellness-program-maintaining-motivation-and-interest/
2: http://www.karlafountainblog.com/
3: http://www.pontydysgu.org/blogs/waleswideweb/
4: http://www.rapid-manifestation.com/goal-setting-putting-motivation-into-perspective.php
5: http://www.thesydneytraveler.com/take-another-look-at-refugees-with-inspirational-photographic-exhibition/
