By: Margaux Paschke

Margaux Paschke — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 03:45:11 +0000

a general inspiration book I really liked the forward of this book. The author speaks of how when we are young, we picture a certain life and now that we are adults, we are often not where we pictured ourselves. This spoke to me and I eagerly looked forward to reading the book.Every morning you read a page and follow the instructions to achieve your dreamed goal. You’ll need a notebook and pen to keep a diary, writing down your dreams and aspirations. Much soul searching, time and energy is required by this book and to some, it might become just one more thing to have to do in a day which is the opposite of what the author intended. Personally, I was lost when asked to write down the color of my soul. I sat there thinking way too long on that one and I don’t have the time to be so existential first thing in the morning. Things like this lead me to skip a day here and there and then forced me to play catch up. Since I am only two months in, I am not sure I will be able to complete a full year in the manner intended.The author makes sure to note that no goal is too silly or superficial. We should write down our dream and by taking heed of the daily motivation, follow the path to our dream. Quotes are provided for further inspiration. The author does provide compelling and inspiring words to help the reader but a lot of it is “if you really try, you can get whatever you want – nothing is beyond your reach.” I find the author’s message to be positive and uplifting but not realistic; sometimes a dream cannot be achieved no matter how hard you try. Just ask anyone with a serious illness.The author provides direction for the reader but no details or specific steps. One day I was instructed to think about my partnerships. The theme of the day was “together we can.” Teamwork can help solve problems that individuals might not be able to handle. This book did not address what to do if you need to build a social network, it just told you to form them.This book was filled with positive reinforcement and motivational quotes and I recommend it to anyone who is looking to think more positively. Or you could just say to yourself, “smile, life is good and today I will [fill in your dream here]” every day in the mirror.

By: Blaine Greenfield "eclectic reader"

Blaine Greenfield "eclectic reader" — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 03:17:55 +0000

ACHIEVE ANYTHING is the type book that should be savored and not read in just one sitting, but rather, throughout the year. ACHIEVE ANYTHING IN JUST ONE YEAR by Jason Harvey, a certified lifecoach, certainly has an interesting premise; i.e., whether it would be possibleto accomplish such a task.I’m not sure that’s the case; however, the book’s subtitle was much morerealistic: BE INSPIRED DAILY TO LIVE YOUR DREAMS AND ACHIEVEYOUR GOALS . . . and the author did just that with his collectionof 365 ideas, each supported by a relevant quote and a mini-assignment.Some had me shaking my head in agreement and thinking that I wishedI followed the advice more often . . . for example:* “Always write angry letters to your enemies. Never mailthem.”–James FallowsYour assignment today is to add this tactic to your list of remediesfor anger. Give it a try if the opportunity presents itself sometime duringthe day. Just remember never to send that letter, because if you do, you’llhave a lot of cleaning up to do later. Hurt feelings take a very long timeto mend.Others had me focusing on what I could accomplish in any one day . . . forinstance:* “Whatever you can do, or dream you can begin it. Boldness hasgenius, power and magic in it.”–GoetheYour assignment today is to look at some of your dreams. Pick one. What can you doto boldly go in the direction of that dream? Is there a clear and distinct move you can maketoday that will start to hurl you toward that goal? Would it really be so scary? What first stepcan you take in faith? The result may be magical.And, lastly, there were quotes that had me laughing–such as this one that wasfollowed by an excellent recommendation:* “When your mother is mad and asks you, `Do I look stupid?’ it’s best not to answerher.”–Meghan, Age 13When is it a good idea to keep your mouth shut? Start a list of several appropriate scenariosin your journal. Can you think of a time when you spoke up recently and shouldn’t have?What did you learn from that experience?It is a very wise person who knows when not to speak. Talk is often overrated, and it can getyou into a lot of trouble, too. What would your day be like if you concentrated on listeningand tried avoid talking? Give it a shot, and then write about your experience in your journalat the end of the day. What did you learn when you cultivated the art of keeping yourmouth shut?ACHIEVE ANYTHING is the type book that should be savored and not read in justone sitting, but rather, throughout the year . . . that’s certainly my plan!

Comments on: Achieve Anything In Just One Year: Be Inspired Daily to Live Your Dreams and Accomplish Your Goals

By: Margaux Paschke

By: Blaine Greenfield "eclectic reader"