People seem to either love or hate self-help books. If you're one of those that hate them, then obviously this book isn't for you. If you like them and are looking for practical ways to improve your performance in life, keep reading.
I must admit I like a good book filled with ways I can improve my life. It's not that I'm unhappy with my life. With my apologies to the Army, I just want to be all that I can be. I really like self-help books that have meat - things that you remember long after you've read the book, things that you can apply the following day to your life and see or feel change. Lately I've grown tired of the slew of positive thinking books that have cluttered the genre in the past few years. Most people who are positive thinkers by nature don't read self-help books and, while attitude makes a huge difference, I don't believe you can "think" your way out of bad situations. Many times, situations that dictate a large part of your life are things beyond your control (who your parents are, how much money you're born with, etc.). Changing your lot for the better then requires work, not just thought.
This book is written by Simon Bailey. Bailey developed a theory that everyone is born brilliant. He believed in this theory so much that he quit is job as a Disney executive to found a company promoting it. He explains that theory and how to apply it in this book. He not only promotes his ideaology as a way to be more successful and productive, but also happier and more satisified with your life. He writes under the principle that each of us is a diamond in the rough and we're born with everything we need to be dazzling; we just have to uncover it.
One of Bailey's more interesting theories is universal assignment: each of us was put on Earth for a specific reason, to perform a specific task. This is introduced in chapter one. As follows with other chapters, a series of excercises is included to help the reader determine what his/her universal assignment might be. The book is remeniscent of the old "What Color is Your Parachute" series, but "Release Your Brilliance" is brief. Each chapter also ends with a section called "Diamond Polishing." This is where the practical advice is.
One of my favorite parts of this book is the success stories, real-life people who have found their place in the world. Another plus for this book is the emphasis placed on emotion. Emotions can sometimes cause us to overreact, to make bad choices or to miss opportunities. This book offers advice on analyzing emotions and keeping every situation in perspective.
I must admit I like a good self-help book, but I like ones with meat. I've grown tired of the "positive thinking" wave of books that have dominated the genre over the past five years. This book does include positive thinking as a component, but it also has good change-your-behavior advice. One of the pieces of advice I've put into play is to think before sending an e-mail. When possible, I replace that e-mail with a phone call or a personal visit. After all, I want to know my co-workers and I want them to know me. I don't want to just be an e-mail address.
This book is an easy read, but it's a book you may want to refer to again as you implement some of Bailey's proposals. It's published by Harper Collins and my only complaint is the price. It's a hardback that sells for $19.95. I would rather see a $9.95 paperback.
In the interest of full disclosure, I did receive a free copy of this book to review.
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Comments: 19
I have never been one for self help books. I just can't help but think how false they are, and it seems they are written just to make money for the author.
Denise, what has kept your interest thus far? Christine, Release Your Brilliance has incredible substance. I am not just saying this to sell a book. I wrote the book to process my journey of having a limited existence.
Kim, Anne Marie, Vickey, and Shannon - The president of HarperCollins said to me during my first meeting...so you want to be a bestselling author. I said, No. I want to be an effective author. If my writing is effective then that's all that matters to me at the end of the day. I have received three unsolicited e-mails from people who have read Release Your Brilliance since January 2, 2008 and spirit in which it was written. Needless to say, they have been impacted. I could die tomorrow and Release Your Brilliance made a difference in the lives of three people. That's why I write. I agree with all of you that their are some authors that do not practice what they write. I do. I am not trying to sell you or change your mind. Release Your Brilliance is a different type of book. Have a brilliant weekend. Forgive me for the long message.
Melissa G., let me know what you think.
Lyla, thank you for your brilliance and keep writing. You right on target.
Arlene, thanks and have a brilliant day.
That's what this book did for me- or taught me how to do for myself. This book is a catalyst to living the life that you previously wished you had it in in you to live.
I would recommend it to anyone. In fact, I have been recommending it to everyone.
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