As I mentioned over at Making Life Work for You, this book is full of great nuggets.  I will post a regular review when I am finished.  Until then, I will post the article links here.

The Leadership Challenge

Hold on a sec while I figure out where this fantastic recommendation came from.  This book was so good I have to make sure I get this right.

Found it!  Dewayne Melancon from Genuine Curosity (and fellow JJL contributor I might add) raved about this book back in July.  Now, I think Dewayne is a pretty smart fella and the different approach the book seemed to have intrigued me.

Unfortunately, I realized that I am a bit critical.  This came as no surprise to my husband.  So, now that I have learned this about myself, I will continue with the critique review.

Flip points out an idea that is so basic, I forehead slapped myself when I read it.  Strengths are great.  Know what they are, build on them, love them, give them cute little pet names (exaggeration mine).  But your constraints, or weakness, will stop you cold.

He goes through a list of what he calls “The Top Ten Killer Constraints.” Hold on to your ego, because one a few of these are yours.  No worries, he explains, everybody has ‘em, most have a few, and you only need to work on one at a time.

There are a few key features that make this book great

• He encourages the use of a friend.  Nobody knows us better than those we around everyday.  They see things about us we don’t see.  Pick somebody you trust and get real honest.
• Questionnaires.  Not real sure if that’s you?  No problem.  The end of each constraint has  a check list.  Mark the items that are true and mark your score.
• TrAction Plan. The first question my husband asked was, “Does he just tell you how messed up you are or does he actually help you fix it?” He actually helps.  TrAction Plans are a stroke of genius and madly helpful – see how uncritical I’m being
• Writing Style.  This is more a statement about my preferences.  Flip feels like he is in the room.  You don’t feel a pretense or a judgement.  Just a real cool guy that happens to know a few things looking to help you out. 

I have made a promise to never write a review for a book I didn’t like.  I just don’t see the point.  Leave that up to others who get paid for it. However, I don’t just like this book.  I think it is a near critical read.  Don’t want to buy one? I’ll lend you mine – as long as you promise not to read the notes in the margins.

I will admit, I probably read this one long after everybody else had. These kinds of books make me skeptical and therefore do not tend to rank high on my “to do” list. However, after hearing The Secret mentioned what felt like a gazillion times in less than a week, I figured I had better at least know what everybody else was talking about.

I had seen clips from the movie and understand that some like to movie better than book for whatever reason. I am not one of those people. The idea was already close to over the top for me that the dramatic flair of the film shoved it right over the edge.

But, I still felt the need to read the book and I am very glad that I did.

It is not a complicated read. Actually it is very easy with a lot of repetition. But that’s the point as far as I saw it. We are so busy in our daily lives that we over complicate and overlook. The simplicity made it obvious and the repetition ensures we don’t miss the point.

If you are late on the list like I am, let me catch you up. The Secret focuses on the Law of Attraction. Basically it is power of intention, positive thinking, and harnessing the might that is in your brain. Seems quite typical until you realize that they are talking about more than just having a good attitude or a more positive day. They are talking about mind blowing, life altering occurrence.

Stories are recounted of money gained, ills healed, success realized. The claims are truly amazing.

I will say that I am not all in when it comes to this train of thought. There is an action step that, while implied, is not explicitly directed. I am a firm believer in positive thought and understand the role of intention (thanks to Kirsten). But my Craig Harper side insists that it is only half the battle.

However, I read The Secret not to obtain a full circle of ideas. I read it to hone my ability to train my mind to move in a positive direction. It accomplished that. I will read it again and would suggest that most people read it. I took valuable insight away from the read…the rest, I left for others who may find value in it.

Recommendations to the Reading Chair

I have said it so many times before…I know the coolest people. And you guys read the coolest stuff. I am really tired of finding great books to read and then forgetting who, what, and where.

So, if you all would be so kind as to let me know what you think here.

If you have a review on your site, please link back here.

If you are an affiliate of an organization, make sure to include your affiliate link (Amazon, for example). Once I read the book and review it myself, I will keep your affiliate link intact. This is my way of showing you that I appreciate your participation.