Category — Book Reviews

If you are following blogs related to personal development or self improvement ,then there are remote chances that you would have missed to witness Steve Pavlina’s contribution to personal development space.

His blog stevepavlina.com is a dedicated destination for personal development articles.

I am one of his followers and hugely inspired by his writing and podcasts.

That’s why I decided to do a review post of his popular book Personal development for smart people.

Book, as expected is rich-content driven and though I can see that some of the part of the books actually already conveyed in his own blog (considering the blog has thousands of articles on personal development) . But that’s okey as book carries additional information on those  elements of personal transformation which are really helpful.

Steve shares his own story how he transformed himself over the years.

Steve devides the book into two main sections, namely..
 

• Fundamental principles
• practical application

In the first part- i.e fundmental principles, he writes about

Truth, Love, Power, Oneness,Authority, Courage and Intellgience

In the second half, he emphasizes on practical application covering elements such as

Habits, Career, money, Health, Relationships and Spirtiuality

Personal development for smart people,  is a book that can have a lasting impact on your life if you are looking for personal transformation, mainly because of the way Steve addresses the core elements of transformations at such a granular levels.

His insightful analysis about core principles create awareness within you and his practical advises instill actions insides you.

You will be more clear about your real purpose of life and about the set of  actions to bring upon a personal change and long lasting happiness.

Instead of revealing some more awesome features of the book, I leave it for you to go and checkout this outstanding piece of work by Steve Pavlina. You can also get it in Kindle format, if you are a digital reader like me

About Steve Pavlina and his blog: Steve Pavlina is one of the widely recognized personal development speaker and blogger. His website stevepavlina.com is hugley popular with thousands of articles published online. You can also listen to his podcasts

My paper back copy and kindle edition

If you are reading this article, that indicates that you are seeking a personal change in your life. You are looking for a tool which helps you to achieve your dreams. You are searching for ways to bring lasting happiness within you.

You are here. And you are at the right place. Because , I am going to share with you one of the most interesting, life changing book ever.

The monk who sold his Ferrari by Robin Sharma.

This is the book you need.

I am sure, you would have heard this book earlier and it might surprise you that I am writing review of a book which was published almost 15 years ago.

I came to know about this book only during last year. I have read this book again and again (at home, trains, planes and various places) and discovered that there is still something new I can learn every time I read this book. It’s amazing.

I am writing this review because I am compelled to write. It’s never too late to share a good read.

This is one of those books which had lasting impact on me.

I feel a great sense of inner satisfaction when I share something useful with others and I am lucky to have a platform (my blog)  which helps me to reach as many people as possible.

The monk who sold his Ferrari has been a spiritual teacher to me in many ways.

• Book taught me that living in the moment is a true life lived.
• It made me realize that life need not be perfect, but it needs to be interesting, memorable.
• It revealed a strange truth that physical possessions make our life busy, not necessarily happier.
• It helped me to understand the life better.
• Real happiness lies within, if you realize it.
• It helped me to build willpower and inner strength.
• It helped me to expand my dreams.
• Time is your most precious commodity and its non renewable.
• The power of ancient simplicity.

Summary of the book :

The monk who sold his Ferrari is a story of popular lawyer who sells all his possessions and heads over to India (Himalayas) and never returns to his legal profession.  What happens to him and how his visit to Himalayas transforms his life forever is the content of this book . Wonderful stories and narration of interactive discussions makes the book an interesting read. Action points at the end of each chapter summarize  important areas which you should be paying attention for.

The monk who sold his Ferrari contains below chapters,

1. The wake up call
2. The mysterious visitor
3. The miraculous transformation of Julion Mantle
4. A magical meeting with the sages of sivana
5. The spiritual student of the sages
6. The wisdom of personal change
7. A most extraordinary garden
8. Kindling your inner fire
9. The ancient art of self leadership
10. The power of discipline
11. Your most precious commodity
12. The ultimate purpose of life
13. Timeless secret of lifelong happiness

While reading the book, you will discover ,

How a deathbed question can change your life.
How  to simplify your life by applying simple ancient rituals.
How to discover the real purpose of your life.
How to live an extraordinary life.
How to master your mind.

How to get this book : Ask you friend to lend you. Your teacher might already have it. Your boss might have already read it. In any other case, if you want to buy it online immediately, check the below link (Affl). You even have the option of buying an used one or a new one.

If you have already read this book, please share your experiences and learnings in the comment section.

focus ebook by Leo Babauta

Most of what we say and do is not essential. If you can eliminate it, you’ll have more time, and more tranquility. Ask yourself at every moment, ‘Is this necessary?” – Marcus Aurelius

Dear readers,
After writing about my experiences and reviews of two life changing books You can Win and Rich Dad Poor Dad, I am here to share details about another amazing personal development ebook called as Focus by minimalist guru Leo Babauta.

I read the complete book on my kindle, which allowed me to read the book at one go and note down points as much as I can.

Leo Babauta has been a wonderful motivator to the world with his tips for enhanced productivity and bringing simplicity to life.

Focus by Leo Babauta, discusses a very important tool for achieving anything tangible, focus. Book’s caption says  ‘ A simplicity manifesto in the age of distraction’.

So much true. Isn’t it the distraction, is the silent killer of productivity in modern world? There is so much noise around us in the form of television, news, online messages, mobile calls and so on.

Leo in his eBook focus, addresses the right issue with simple and amazing way. Be it clearing distractions or focusing on the essentials or on how working on one task at a time increases your productivity. Each chapter has to offer you valuable inputs for improving your life.

With this short introduction, I suggest you to grab this eBook (look at the end for the download link) right away.

Focus, the eBook by Leo Babauta has following amazing chapters.

Section i. step back
1: introduction
2: the age of distraction
3: the importance of finding focus
4: the beauty of disconnection
5: focus rituals

Section ii. clear distractions
1: limiting the stream
2: you don’t need to respond
3: let go of the need to stay updated
4: how not to live in your inbox
5: the value of distraction
6: why letting go can be difficult
7: tools for beating distraction

Section iii. Simplify
1: creating an uncluttered environment
2: slowing down
3: going with the flow
4: effortless action
5: three strategies for prioritizing tasks
6: letting go of goals
7: finding simplicity

Section iv. Focus
1: a simple system for getting amazing things done
2: single-tasking and productivity
3: the power of a smaller work focus
4: focused reading and research
5: walking, disconnection & focus

Section v. others
1: finding focus, for parents
2: the problem of others
3: managers transforming office culture

Download the Book here.

This book completely surprised me and my first impression after reading the book was how did I miss this book so far?

Thanks to a friend who had mentioned about this book sometime back in our friend’s gathering. I had bought the book that time itself but couldn’t read it at home. I wanted to read it at a stretch and absorb as much as possible. However, I was not able to find a reading slot of 4-5 hours as I work full time and in the evenings I spend a bit time on blogging and remaining time with family.

It was my traveling which got me an opportunity to read this book. It was a weekend, and I was supposed to travel by train to my relative’s place. Trains are always my favorite mode of travel because I feel good to peep through the windows and enjoy the view nature while train is on the move. I also get lot of fresh ideas while traveling.

I had reserved the ticket and reached the station well ahead of time and got inside my compartment.

I actually had 2 books with me. One was Rich Dad Poor Dad and the other one was Focus from Leo Babuta. Since Focus Book was uncopyrighted book (Free to share), I had taken the print of the book and wrapped it with a nice binding.

I started with introduction in which Sharon Lechter who is co author of the book gives the background of book’s origin and sets the stage.

Then he teaches various lessons such as financial literacy and inventing money and few other amazing chapters are included. I was reading a amazing book about wealth building which exposed the real secret of how to get rich.

I took out my notebook (which I carry in all the journeys) and decided to take notes. I feel good to take notes while reading something interesting because writing works as a “save” button for me.

Author surprised me when he said that buying home is not an asset, but a liability. I was in shock. Then he reveals the reason behind this statement using simple diagrams. I couldn’t agree more with him. My note book, was now full of action points for myself. I have been a good financial planner but Rich Dad Poor Dad is an eye opener for me. I found I was following few points in the book already but book revealed many secrets about money management which I did not know.

I had finished the book around 9 pm and it was a wonderful journey for me. Those 4 hours that I put in reading the book taught me financial wisdom and much more.

RichDad Poor Dad has great influence on me as it educated me about financial literacy and encouraged me in living the life the way I always wanted. Rich Dad Poor Dad is not just about get rich formula, it’s about understanding difference formal education and financial literacy. No wonder the book is bestseller and I am sure it still sells thousands of copies worldwide.

To end this post, I recommend this book to one and all. Books can change lives. There cannot be a better example than book like Rich Dad Poor Dad.

Winners don’t do different things. They do things differently – Shiv Khera

It was during year 2000 when I joined a company in New Delhi in 2000 as Associate Project Leader. It was my first job in a people management role. Believe me I was not doing well. In fact I even couldn’t understand what are my responsibilities in my new position. I was just 22 years old then.

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