"Life is too short to be little" - Disraeli
David Schwartz opens this self-help classic with the charming story of
his young son who blurts out that when he grows up, he wants to be a Professor
of Happiness. This optimism sets the tone for a very warm and uplifting book.
It's worth mentioning up front that the book is very dated, even
anachronistic. To me, that is part of its charm, evoking a picture-perfect
post-war Americana of chrome, consumerism and optimistic salesmen (think of
ABC's "Mad Men"). There are tales of World War II veterans, men in
$100 silk suits and grand industrial corporations.
Don't let the period setting fool you. The book is far ahead of its time
in recognising the power of self-talk, verbal conditioning and visualisation to
deliver concrete results. He proclaims a philosophy of continuous improvement
that might still seem radical coming from a lean
production or quality guru thirty years later.
As the title suggests, this book is about daring to believe and think
big in a world of pettiness, mediocrity and sniping comments that strive to cut
the tall poppy down to size.
Here are ten key lessons and soundbites from the book -
1. Life is too short to be little
2. Belief triggers the power to do
3. Others see in us what we see in ourselves
4. Your mind is a thought factory. Take control of the production line!
5. Stickability is 95% of ability.
6. Action cures fear
7. Practice adding value to things (well, I'm trying with this review..;-)
8. In the face of inertia, apply the attitude of "I'm activated"
9. Defeat is a state of mind, nothing more
10. Set goals to get things done
I have applied some of his simplest insights, which have proved to be
remarkably beneficial:
(1) Deliberately circulate in new groups and keep growing your circle of
friends. This is one recipe for a happier life.
(2) Never complain about the weather, since it only spreads negative thoughts
and after all it you can't change it!
(3) Give genuine compliments to people. The law of reciprocity will reward
you...eventually.
In summary, this is a self-help gem. I admit I have an affectionate
regard for the genre and this book may not be your cup of tea. Yet many of the
core ideas that motivational speakers like Tony Robbins and Jack Canfield have developed have
their roots in this rich heritage of positive thinking literature.
Yes "The Magic of Thinking Big" is dated. It's also
timeless.
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