Lessons in Mastery
by Anthony Robbins
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 July, 2002)
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Reviews (14)

I still bought it!
I borrowed the audio set from the library and listened to each CD 3-6 times! When the time was up, I knew that I had to buy it! In the short about of time it has positively affected my life. It was so moving and powerful. I have listened to many audio books and Anthony Robbins's voice is the most inspiring!

From a long-time Tony Robbins believer and student ...
Right up front, I haven't listened to this set yet. I'm just purchasing it. But I have read and listened to everything else that Tony has done, and I felt compelled to respond to some of these reviews.

Tony is the first to say everything he teaches he learned from someone else. He did a lot of reading when he was younger, and he learned a lot. Because of that, he has a lot to offer, both in terms of bringing the ideas together, and in bringing a new perspective to them. Part of his philosophy is finding the right people to model, and this is just an example of practicing what he preaches.

Tony is also focused on getting you to change. If you don't want to change, you might not be interested. But don't count that against his ideas or presentation. I've read and listened to many of the motivational speakers, and Tony is the best IMO. If you hear him, you WILL be motivated. And you will understand his ideas. And if you don't apply them, it's because you didn't, not because they don't work, because they do.

Tony focuses on breaking down the barriers to change, and on figuring out what you want and need. He doesn't focus on why you are the way you are, or at least not very much. This is a far more effective approach than many take. Sure, it would help to know why we adopted the bad habits and disempowering beliefs that we hold onto, but changing them will in the end have nothing to do with understanding them. It will simply be on the day we decide to change, we will change. Yes, you will have to the face the demon and decide that it's OK for change to be less painful and difficult than living the way you have been for years and years. But this is a tremendously freeing concept, if you think about it. I don't have to change the past to change my future. That is Tony's message, always has been and always will be. Because it's the right message, and he knows it.

Many here have pointed out he only espouses common sense ideas. True. But that has nothing to do with whether we live by them or not. A few that say this are truly self-motivated and don't need the help Tony offers. That's great for them. But most of us are stuck somewhere on the road between what we want and where we've been all of our lives, and all of the roads we take end up going back, not forward. If that's not true for you, then you should be writing books on why that is, because anyone who's successful in this should tell others how they did it.
That's what Tony does. In very down to earth and approachable ways.

Aside from the motivational side of it where Tony shines above any others I've listened to, there are the wealth of ideas he brings together in one place. If you like the underlying details, then read Awaken the Giant Within. It is a far more detailed treatment of the motivational ideas he presents in the tapes and CDs. I have to be honest that I still struggle to take hold of change in my life, just like everyone else. So while I have made changes based on Powertalk (the earlier program I already own), I have learned a lot from ATGW. And what I have learned has helped me to make significant changes in my life, albeit over a much longer timeframe than he espouses you take in the motivational programs. Tony brings together a wealth of ideas that make a lot of sense, and are the result of a lot of learning and thinking on his part. For the price of a paperback book and a tape or CD program, you can learn from the investment he made and I guarantee that you will take away far more from the time you invest than the small investment in money will get you in any other way you might choose to spend it.

So, if you aren't intersted, you aren't interested - in which case you don't need or want help in making your life better. But if you are, you can't go wrong with Tony Robbins. There are scores of ideas he will present in this audio program and in ATGW or his other books. Just one of those ideas can change your life in a measurable and meaningful way. What else have you done in the last year of your life that you can say that about? If you take a chance and buy this program, you won't regret it.

No, I don't work for Tony, never have. I just believe in what he has to say, because everything I have learned from him and actually applied to my life has made my life better. And what I haven't applied is my own fault, not his. I can say I believe if I took to heart and did everything that Tony teaches, it would absolutely and completely change my life for the better. We aren't all ready for that level of change, obviously myself included. But you might be. And even if you aren't, you will make smaller changes that are worth the investment.

Excelent Material for Specific Profiles
This Material is great from the stand point of people in a self discovery stage, if you have low or none self awareness this will help you A LOT; I recommend this material to people with emotional picks and valleys and to those facing shyness.

Specialy contributes to awaken in to new perspectives of facing situations and people.

Worth to invest on this ... Read more

Isbn: 0743525159
Sales Rank: 19629
Subjects:  1. Audio - Nonfiction (Unabridged)    2. Audio Adult: Other    3. Audiobooks    4. Motivational & Inspirational    5. Personal Growth - General    6. Psychological aspects    7. Self-Help    8. Success    9. Self-Help / General   

The Art of War
by SUN TZU
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (10 March, 1983)
list price: $17.95 -- our price: $12.21
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Editorial Review

The Art of War is the Swiss army knife of military theory--pop out a different tool for any situation.Folded into this small package are compact views on resourcefulness, momentum, cunning, the profit motive, flexibility, integrity, secrecy, speed, positioning, surprise, deception, manipulation, responsibility, and practicality.Thomas Cleary's translation keeps the package tight, with crisp language and short sections. Commentaries from the Chinese tradition trail Sun-tzu's words, elaborating and picking up on puzzling lines. Take the solitary passage: "Do not eat food for their soldiers."Elsewhere, Sun-tzu has told us to plunder the enemy's stores, but now we're not supposed to eat the food?The Tang dynasty commentator Du Mu solves the puzzle nicely, "If the enemy suddenly abandons their food supplies, they should be tested first before eating, lest they be poisoned." Most passages, however, are the pinnacle of succinct clarity: "Lure them in with the prospect of gain, take them by confusion" or "Invincibility is in oneself, vulnerability is in the opponent." Sun-tzu's maxims are widely applicable beyond the military because they speak directly to the exigencies of survival. Your new tools will serve you well, but don't flaunt them. Remember Sun-tzu's advice: "Though effective, appear to be ineffective." --Brian Bruya ... Read more

Reviews (239)

A Good Read
I'm not really a student of military tactics, so I can't judge this work on those merits.From what I understand from the other reviews, and from the ravings of enthusiasts that I have heard, this book is one of the more important books covering the topic.This particular edition was interesting to me because there were a few examples of various applications of Sun Tzu's writings in actual battles from Stonewall Jackson to Hannibal given in the form of notes (I assume by Giles).Since I am more interested in historical events, than in strategy, this helped me understand the fine prose of the writer, even if I am not quite able to apply any of his "art" to my everyday life.I'm certain that a student of strategy would appreciate this work, as would people who are interested in Chinese history.I fail to see how it could be applicable to a corporate environment, but once again, that's not really my forte.I did love the concise method of the author, the easy to follow philosophies intertwined with the codified systems, and the colorful grace in which the subject was handled.The Introduction to this edition was also most insightful, and gives the reader an idea of what kind of man the author was.

Not an instruction book for ass-whoopin'
It is interesting to note that all of the readers see this as a text on war, and how to beat your enemies.The first part of the book should be a leson to all of the war-mongers out there, that is If You Go To War You Have Already Lost.The consequences to your own people and soldiers and even the land must be counted for years after the battle is done.Sun-Tzu explains this well, and proceeds to explain how to wage a war causing the minimum amount of damage and suffering.

A good price, but not the complete Giles translation
This edition of Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" (by Sunzi, et al) is the classic translation by Lionel Giles.For the price, it is a great buy, but it is not the complete Giles translation.In the full work, throughout the text, Giles included commentary by various ancient writers as well as his own explanations and clarifications of Sun Tzu's statements.

Lionel Giles was a curator of the British Museum, in charge of Oriental printed Books and Manuscripts.In that position, he was the world's leading authority on ancient Chinese writing, having read and analyzed more material than perhaps anyone who ever lived. Not including Giles's commentary makes this a rather bare-bones book, or actually a booklet.This volume does, however, overcome the major objection to Giles' annotated work which was that the commentary tended to muddle the flow of Sun Tzu's expression.By stripping away the commentary, it leaves a text so clean that it is almost poetry.

Unfortunately this almost poetic monologue can be interpreted to mean almost anything the reader wishes it to mean.To more nearly understand what Sun Tzu was attempting with his essay requires the kind of in-depth scholarship that Giles included in the original imbedded commentary.Without the accompanying detailed explanations, the bare translation is very limited.

To overcome both objections to the various editions of "The Art of War" you should consider also buying a second copy of the Giles translation that contains the complete commentary.Another alternative would be to get the 2005 edition that contains both versions in one volume: "The Art of War by Sun Tzu - Special Edition." ... Read more

Isbn: 0385292163
Subjects:  1. Chinese Prose    2. Early works to 1800    3. Eastern - General    4. Leadership    5. Military    6. Military - General    7. Military Science    8. Military art and science    9. Philosophy    10. Technology    11. War And Peace    12. Philosophy / General   

The Millionaire Next Door : The Surprising Secrets Of Americas Wealthy
by Thomas J. Stanley, William D. Danko, Cotter Smith
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 September, 2000)
list price: $39.95 -- our price: $26.37
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Editorial Review

How can you join the ranks of America's wealthy (defined as people whose net worth is over one million dollars)? It's easy, say doctors Stanley and Danko, who have spent the last 20 years interviewing members of this elite club: you just have to follow seven simple rules. The first rule is, always live well below your means. The last rule is, choose your occupation wisely. You'll have to buy the book to find out the other five. It's only fair. The authors' conclusions are commonsensical. But, as they point out, their prescription often flies in the face of what we think wealthy people should do. There are no pop stars or athletes in this book, but plenty of wall-board manufacturers--particularly ones who take cheap, infrequent vacations! Stanley and Danko mercilessly show how wealth takes sacrifice, discipline, and hard work, qualities that are positively discouraged by our high-consumption society. "You aren't what you drive," admonish the authors. Somewhere, Benjamin Franklin is smiling. ... Read more

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Reviews (594)

If you really aspire to become a millionaire
This book is a Charter Member of my Self-Help Collection.
If you haven't read it yet, then you are probably still in
the process of getting to the Net Worth you truly desire.
And this book will be an eye-opener for you -- as it was
for me.It helped me with my choice of career, my choice
of spouse, and my personal mindset for making money.

There are a number of other KEY books that helped me to develop
the best aspects of myself as a man and as a person. This
book is a classic member of that collection. It is timeless,
universal, and very entertaining.

Other books and self-help products which are on par with this book are:

NEW SEX NOW: Life's Ultimate Pleasure DVD
Giant Steps
RICH DAD, POOR DAD
How to Win Friends and Influence People
Self Matters
7 Spiritual Laws of Success
Ageless Mind, Timeless Body
THE 4 AGREEMENTS
The Power of Concentration
GODDESS WORSHIP dvd

I believe that anyone who wants to be a great person would do well to study all of the above very sincerely.

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
+++++

This book, by Dr. Tom Stanley and Dr. Bill Danko, reveals the results of a survey that targeted wealthy people.Stanley and Danko explain:

"The research for [this book] is the most comprehensive ever conducted on who the wealthy are in America--and how they got that way.Much of this research was developed from the most recent survey we conducted [from May 1995 through January 1996] that, in turn, was developed from studies we had conducted over the previous twenty years.These studies included personal and focus group interviews with more than five hundred millionaires and surveys of more than eleven thousand high-net worth and/or high-income respondents."

What the authors discovered from their survey is found in this book.Perhaps most helpful to readers is that they discovered "seven common denominators [or principles used by] those who successfully build wealth."Be aware that, and Stanley and Danko emphasize this, there are no sure principles that one can follow to become wealthy.(In this book, the threshold level of being wealthy is having a net worth of $1 million or more.) However, the principles outlined in this book will guarantee that you are on the right track to becoming wealthy.The authors say this more eloquently:

"If you are willing to make the necessary trade-offs of your time, energy, and consumption habits [then] you can begin building wealth and achieving financial independence.[This book] will start you on this journey."

In this book, the reader studies the seven characteristics or principles of the wealthy.There are over thirty tables to supplement the written text as well as three appendices.Also, this book is quite easy and straightforward to read.

After reading this book, you should be able to answer many questions such as the following nine:

(1) Who are the wealthy?
(2) What is wealth?What is income?
(3) What are three words that profile the affluent?
(4) How do millionaires maintain their affluent status?
(5) How do most millionaires measure their success?
(6) Why are the two authors of this book, who are experts on wealth, not wealthy themselves?
(7) What should you do whatever your level of income?
(8) What is the number one income-consuming category among the affluent?
(9) You can predict if someone is a millionaire by the type of business they are in.True or false?

Finally, I found that this book can be boring and repetitive in parts.My suggestion is to skip over these boring parts.I found that the repetition was useful and even helpful to reinforce critical key concepts.

In conclusion, this book outlines the results of a survey of millionaires.Could the principles found in this survey help you become a millionaire?

(first published 1996;introduction;8 chapters;main narrative 245 pages;acknowledgements;3 appendices)

+++++

Heavy On Statistics, But A Good Book
"The Millionaire Next Door" takes an interesting look into the lives of millionaires in America in 1996.Unlike what most people think, the people who have the biggest houses, drive the fanciest cars, wear the most expensive clothes are in fact not millionaires and are also not wealthy.

Stanley and Danko observe what characteristics make up a wealthy person and why the people who we think are wealthy are in fact not wealthy.Mostly it boiled down to wealthy people are frugal and are more entrepreneurial than the upper class doctors, lawyers and executives.The people who look wealthy but in fact are not spend far too much of their money on consumer items to give the "look" of being wealthy, as opposed to investments.

My biggest beef with this book was it read like a specialized statistics textbook.They have packed a lot of statistics into this book, some useful, some not useful at all.That makes reading this book rather tedious at times.It also felt like the authors were drawing out some of the points longer than they needed to be.Being shorter and more concise potentially could have made this book easier to read.

Regardless, this book contains some excellent information that everyone should know about.If you are looking into increasing your wealth, you can't go wrong with this book.4 out of 5 stars. ... Read more

Isbn: 0743517849
Subjects:  1. Audio - Nonfiction (Unabridged)    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. Audiobooks    4. Business & Economics    5. Finance    6. Millionaires    7. Personal Finance - General    8. Rich people    9. United States    10. Wealth    11. Business & Economics / General   

Rich Dad Poor Dad : Whatthe Rich Teach Their Kidsabout Money?that the Poor and the Middle Class Do Not! (Rich Dad's (Audio))
by Robert T. Kiyosaki, Sharon L. Lechter, Stephen Hoye
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 March, 2001)
list price: $24.98 -- our price: $16.49
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Editorial Review

Personal-finance author and lecturer Robert Kiyosaki developed his unique economic perspective through exposure to a pair of disparate influences: his own highly educated but fiscally unstable father, and the multimillionaire eighth-grade dropout father of his closest friend. The lifelong monetary problems experienced by his "poor dad" (whose weekly paychecks, while respectable, were never quite sufficient to meet family needs) pounded home the counterpoint communicated by his "rich dad" (that "the poor and the middle class work for money," but "the rich have money work for them"). Taking that message to heart, Kiyosaki was able to retire at 47. Rich Dad, Poor Dad, written with consultant and CPA Sharon L. Lechter, lays out his the philosophy behind his relationship with money. Although Kiyosaki can take a frustratingly long time to make his points, his book nonetheless compellingly advocates for the type of "financial literacy" that's never taught in schools. Based on the principle that income-generating assets always provide healthier bottom-line results than even the best of traditional jobs, it explains how those assets might be acquired so that the jobs can eventually be shed. --Howard Rothman ... Read more

Reviews (1626)

Jump Start Your Financial IQ
I believe that this book is a great read for anyone looking to get some background and some ideas about personal finance.As a young "professional" I have worried about falling into the rat race but until I read this book I never knew how to avoid it.I grew up in an educated family with the typical goals as presented in the book, get good grades, get a good job, work forever.Now I can start thinking about things in terms of the income sheet vs. balance statement and making money work for me instead of working for money.

The ideas presented in this book make sense and I appreciate the fact that he gives hope to those of use that aren't starting out with a large inheritance.But, at the same time, he reiterates the point throughout that not everyone has the ability or the will to put in the effort necessary to get out of the rat race.This book has inspired me to read more and especially LEARN more about personal finances, real estate, and investing.

Verbose and Oversimplified
Kiyosaki is correct saying that schools don't teach money skills, and that much of what we buy (eg. cars, boats) are poor investments because of the immediate and substantial depreciation upon purchase.

However, to also state that an owner-occupied home is a liability (incur taxes, repair, and other costs), not an asset, is going too far.An owner-occupied home may be the only "asset" that allows personal enjoyment and substantial appreciation gains at the same time.Further, unlike owning rentals, it has a much lower risk of serious damage from irresponsible occupants.True one does become exposed to the risk of losing one's home if one becomes overextended; however, many have lost money on rental properties also - forcing unplanned early selling because of various inherent problems.And once one reaches retirement age, the home can be reverse-mortgaged and provide a good supplemental retirement income.

The author's bias is towards buying rental properties.However, this "business" is one that has been sold for years by others (eg. Allen), and I've always wondered why, if the business was really so good, they would want to focus on teaching others to become additional competitors bidding up acquisition prices to unrealistic levels, instead of quietly doing it themselves.The "business model" quickly becomes overcrowded and infeasible.

Kiyosaki also makes a big point about wage-earners constantly paying taxes and increasing expenditures at a rate equal or greater than income.Unfortunately, he forgets to mention that wage-earners have an increasing number of means to reduce taxes (eg. Keogh and IRA plans), and those deriving income from investments are just as vulnerable to becoming over-committed financial as wage-earners.

The other problem I had with the book is that it is too verbose - taking entirely too long to make a few points.Perhaps that was the point - to drag it out so that readers wouldn't realize how little they were getting.

Kiyosaki would serve his readers better if he also talked about the value of getting and keeping a "safe" job (eg. in government, education, or healthcare) with good benefits, maintaining a two-income family (both work; avoid divorce)

A Vital & Profitable Perspective

This book is a Charter Member of my Self-Help Collection.
I credit this book with getting me to the point where I
actually went out and bought my first house -- instead of
just thinking about it. That was a major turning point in
my financial career and in my life.

There are a number of KEY books that helped me to develop
the best aspects of myself as a man and as a person. This
book is one of those cornerstones of who I am. It is timeless,
universal, and comprehensive in its coverage of the subject
material.

Other books and self-help products which are on par with this book are:

NEW SEX NOW: Life's Ultimate Pleasure DVD
Giant Steps
Think & Grow Rich
How to Win Friends & Influence People
Self Matters
7 Spiritual Laws of Success
Ageless Mind, Timeless Body
THE 4 AGREEMENTS
The Power of Concentration
GODDESS WORSHIP dvd

I believe that anyone who wants to be a great person would do well to study all of the above very sincerely. ... Read more

Isbn: 1586210912
Subjects:  1. Audio - Business / Professional    2. Audio Adult: Business    3. Audiobooks    4. Business & Economics    5. Finance, Personal    6. Investments    7. Personal Finance - Investing    8. Personal Finance - Money Management    9. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / Investing   

How to Win Friends & Influence People
by Dale Carnegie, Andrew Macmillian
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 December, 1999)
list price: $49.95 -- our price: $32.97
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Editorial Review

This grandfather of all people-skills books was first published in 1937. It was an overnight hit, eventually selling 15 million copies. How to Win Friends and Influence People is just as useful today as it was when it was first published, because Dale Carnegie had an understanding of human nature that will never be outdated. Financial success, Carnegie believed, is due 15 percent to professional knowledge and 85 percent to "the ability to express ideas, to assume leadership, and to arouse enthusiasm among people." He teaches these skills through underlying principles of dealing with people so that they feel important and appreciated. He also emphasizes fundamental techniques for handling people without making them feel manipulated. Carnegie says you can make someone want to do what you want them to by seeing the situation from the other person's point of view and "arousing in the other person an eager want." You learn how to make people like you, win people over to your way of thinking, and change people without causing offense or arousing resentment. For instance, "let the other person feel that the idea is his or hers," and "talk about your own mistakes before criticizing the other person." Carnegie illustrates his points with anecdotes of historical figures, leaders of the business world, and everyday folks. --Joan Price ... Read more

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Reviews (371)

Buy friends and coerce people
This is a very funny book. It's not meant to be, but the ideas it tries to put across are machiavelian, childish and short sighted. The underlying theme is that one should do favours for others in order to receive the same from them: hardly a theme to build friendships on.

If you are currently paying people cash to be your "friend", you might find significant financial savings from the ideas in this book: you could be paying them in plenty of other ways.

It makes a great gag gift: you will find yourself passing this around to read out loud at parties.

A Charter Member of My Self-Help Collection
here are a number of KEY books that helped me to develop
the best aspects of myself as a man and as a person. This
book is one of those cornerstones of who I am. It is timeless,
universal, and comprehensive in its coverage of the subject
material.

Other books and self-help products which are on par with this book are:

NEW SEX NOW: Life's Ultimate Pleasure DVD
Giant Steps
Think & Grow Rich
Self Matters
7 Spiritual Laws of Success
Ageless Mind, Timeless Body
THE 4 AGREEMENTS
The Power of Concentration
GODDESS WORSHIP dvd

I believe that anyone who wants to be a great person would do well to study all of the above very sincerely.

It won me over.
Just a joy to read, this book is truly a classic. With its timeless stories the author uses to illustrate the principles of getting along with others, this book should be requires reading for all human beings. Other self-help books I liked include "The No-Beach, No-Zone, No-Nonsense Weight Loss Plan, A Pocket Guide To What Works."


... Read more

Isbn: 0671579592
Subjects:  1. Audio - Self-Help    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. Audiobooks    4. Business & Economics    5. Business Communication - General    6. Interpersonal Relations    7. Personal Growth - Success    8. Success    9. Success in business    10. Self-Help / General   

7 Habits Of Highly Effective People Cd
by Stephen R. Covey
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 January, 2000)
list price: $14.00 -- our price: $11.20
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change was a groundbreaker when it was first published in 1990, and it continues to be a business bestseller with more than 10 million copies sold. Stephen Covey, an internationally respected leadership authority, realizes that true success encompasses a balance of personal and professional effectiveness, so this book is a manual for performing better in both arenas. His anecdotes are as frequently from family situations as from business challenges.

Before you can adopt the seven habits, you'll need to accomplish what Covey calls a "paradigm shift"--a change in perception and interpretation of how the world works. Covey takes you through this change, which affects how you perceive and act regarding productivity, time management, positive thinking, developing your "proactive muscles" (acting with initiative rather than reacting), and much more.

This isn't a quick-tips-start-tomorrow kind of book. The concepts are sometimes intricate, and you'll want to study this book, not skim it. When you finish, you'll probably have Post-it notes or hand-written annotations in every chapter, and you'll feel like you've taken a powerful seminar by Covey. --Joan Price ... Read more

Features

• Abridged

Reviews (582)

Good Principles to Live By!
These are good principles to live by.Covey reveals the principles people use who are at the very highest levels of success.My boyhood hero Bart Starr is a big fan of Covey's seven principles, how can I go wrong?? If you think seriously about these ideas, your life is bound to improve in the long run.It will make you realize it is YOU and only YOU who can change the course of your life.With patience and perseverence, a person cannot lose.Thanks Stephen for your advice.

Jeffrey McAndrew
author of "Our Brown-Eyed Boy"

Difficult - Beyond the Point

Seven Habits of Highly Effective People is full of interesting points and the habits are laid out in an intelligent and easy to follow manner.Even if you go into this book knowing, on some level, all of the habits and their respective value, the mere presentation of them will spark motivation, or at least insight.

The really difficult part of this book is not the content or even the application (though difficult it is sure to be) but the suspension of cynicism.For me the hardest part of getting into, through, and out of this book was ignoring my overly critical instincts and taking the book for what it is--gleaning such insight as is available.

If the reader is willing to suspend cynicism and just blindly (more of a premeditated willingness) apply the tenets to their life, this can, and probably will be a life changing work in a positive way.

Addresses the Core of Our Character
The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People has been a bestseller in the field of personal development since its publication in 1989. A new fifteenth anniversary edition was recently published. I bought my copy in 1994 and it's been one of my most referenced books ever since, second only to my dictionary, I think.

Unlike other self-help books, The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People has a timeless quality to it, as if it is addressing the core of what makes us human beings. It is not a quick-pick-me-up kind of book, and because of that, some may find it dryer and more difficult than the latest pop psychology best-seller. Covey does not speak down to the reader; he expects the reader to pay a reasonable price in time and energy for the knowledge he imparts. But his personality comes through in the sincerity and earnestness of his message, not to mention the numerous examples he uses from his own life (he and his wife have nine children, a sufficiently large enough data sample from which to draw plenty of examples that are both on-point and quite funny).

The individual habits are invaluable. They are explained clearly and compellingly, and by the end of each chapter, the value of each habit seems as fundamental as the value of oxygen. Exercises accompany each chapter so the reader can begin applying the lessons and building the habits.

But my favorite lesson comes from the overall structure of the seven habits. The first three habits are the habits of Private Victory, the habits of independence: Be Proactive; Begin with the End in Mind; Put First Things First. The second three habits are the habits of Public Victory, the habits of interdependence: Think Win/Win; Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood; Synergize. Covey shows us that there is a natural evolution from dependence to independence to interdependence. Independence will serve you up to a point. Then it is necessary to collaborate if you want to continue to grow. An interdependent relationship creates a synergy that is greater than the sum of its parts.

And the final habit is the habit of renewal, which Covey calls Sharpening the Saw, a metaphor so vivid it needs no further explanation.

©2005 Curtis G. Schmitt

(The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is featured in the Turn On to Life! home-study course. The Turn On to Life! Free Newsletter features a new self-help book review each month.) ... Read more

Isbn: 0671315285
Subjects:  1. Audio - Nonfiction    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. Business Life - General    4. Character    5. Conduct of life    6. Motivational    7. Personal Growth - Happiness    8. Personal Growth - Success    9. Psychological aspects    10. Self-Help    11. Success    12. Self-Help / General   

Think and Grow Rich
by Napoleon Hill, Joe Slattery
Average Customer Review:
Audio Cassette (13 October, 2000)
list price: $39.95 -- our price: $26.37
(price subject to change: see help)
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Features

• Unabridged

Reviews (260)

Okay--My 2 Cents
So many others have written so much about this book already, that I don't think I need to give any sort of descriptive summary...

I've always been wary of these sorts of positive-thinking self-help books, and so for the most part I avoid them.But this one has achieved "classic" status, and is cheap, so I thought what the hell.I'm not disappointed.I can't honestly say whether or not the methods in this book really work (methods which amount to what is taught in the weak-minded New Age community today--visualization, affirmation, etc.; maybe there's something to it, I don't know), but the book is well-written, and well-organized and overall very clear in its instruction.

I don't buy the anecdotal evidence Hill presents as evidence of anything--no one should--but Hill does manage to write himself into a pitch of sincere enthusiasm that is contagious.And I can't help but think that any reader who manages to maintain a certain level of optimism, hope, and perseverence that Hill ignites in him will benefit in at least some small measure.

I should clarify--this is NOT New Age pabulum.Hill's directions do involve affirmation and visualization, but he also emphasizes action, and planning.He advocates practical methods, not pseudo-metaphysical mumbo-jumbo.

It's kind of amusing, too, to see him write in a tone of unconcealed adoration about the old robber barons.

A Cornerstone of Personal Excellence
This book is a Charter Member of my Self-Help Collection

There are a number of KEY books that helped me to develop
the best aspects of myself as a man and as a person. This
book is one of those cornerstones of who I am. It is timeless,
universal, and comprehensive in its coverage of the subject
material.

Other books and self-help products which are on par with this book are:

NEW SEX NOW: Life's Ultimate Pleasure DVD
Giant Steps
How to Win Friends and Influence People
Self Matters
7 Spiritual Laws of Success
Ageless Mind, Timeless Body
THE 4 AGREEMENTS
The Power of Concentration
GODDESS WORSHIP dvd

I believe that anyone who wants to be a great person would do well to study all of the above very sincerely.

It Works
Got me motivated so now I'm signing up for college at age 40 to learn to do what I really want to do.No excuses just plans. ... Read more

Isbn: 1559276134
Sales Rank: 207198
Subjects:  1. Audio - Nonfiction (Unabridged)    2. Audio Adult: Business    3. Audiobooks    4. Business & Economics    5. Business Life - Inspirational    6. Motivational & Inspirational    7. Personal Growth - Success    8. Skills    9. Success    10. Success in business    11. Business & Economics / Skills   

How to Succeed With Women
by Ron Louis, David Copeland
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 September, 1998)
list price: $15.00 -- our price: $10.20
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Reviews (254)

Still pretty weak...
Apparently the book hasn't received any backlash from the female community, and I can see why: it turns a man into a tool, recommends chasing women and complimenting them.What woman doesn't welcome that?Virtually all women of today do, but won't tell you how foolish you look.They'll flirt with the attention, but they won't respect it and it won't get them in bed with you.Women love wasting your time, it makes them feel special.This book is actually quite in line with today's social and political agenda:the importance is placed on the woman, and I can see why they may even like this book.My impression is that the authors aimed at creating a down-the-middle, bland, vanilla book that wouldn't create any shockwaves, still has a catchy topic, and thusly could sell plenty of copies while under the "big radars" of opposition.I didn't think the tone nor advice of the book would earn you respect from women, but it seems well enough in line with today's political correctness.

I bought this book one year ago this month (May, '04).Recently much of my time has been spent in some countries of the Orient.Right now I am in Vietnam.What I can say is the philosophy of this book will leave you burned in many of these overseas regions.I've made attempts at befriending women from Russia, Mongolia, China -- just to name a few -- and what I can say is of the women I've seen and the places I've been, the women out here play much harder.Many of the seduction pointers of How To Succeed will leave you flat on your face.You're talking to a woman at a coffeeshop, saying to her what they say to in the book, "so tell me about the most romantic date you've ever been on?"The book says her eyes should start looking dreamy.In fact she's thinking "WTF?" her face shows it, and your date goes downhill from there.That's what has happened when I've used such lines from this book on actual dates.(I could also state that, in alot of these foreign countries, there is alot of racism as well as anti-Americanism that adds in to the end equation as well.)

--Time consuming and tedious...Based on experience, following this book will get you burned.Women are vicious and you have to raise the heat up from this book, and move fast.The "priming date" then "seduction date" is way too long.For now this is my rule of thumb:if you aren't getting any T&A on the first acquaintance, and haven't gotten nicely physical on the first 'outing,' then drop the chick and MOVE ON.This book with it's "keep trying and it's only a matter of time before she relents" philosophy is false - in fact with time, sexually she'll only slip away.They'll date you alright, and date you, and date you and just keep on going.Women love having "chasers," it assuages their egos.But their impressions of such males is bad.

--Wasted energy...The book tells you to flirt with as many women as possible, sending out emails and chatting to every girl behind every store counter.I say forget that!I am saving my resources and time for only the girl/s that are ready to move forward with me!Time, money, date costs, gasoline, cellphone bills, scheduling, re-scheduling, cancellations, unrewarded patience, etc, do you see the costs in this?Let's take for instance one part in the book, they were talking about their hero Bruce.He was driving down the street and saw a beautiful woman driving in her car."He mouths through the window `I love you,' and at the next stoplight he writes on his business card `call me' and tosses it through her car window and drives off."Now this might make a funny book story, but believe me the girl will call you, just for a laugh, and she'll probably have two or three of her friends listening in on the line as well, let you talk for as long as you like about romance, and then hang up and have a great laugh fest over it with her friends about that crazy weird guy who was so full of himself.Women are usually cruel like that.

--Imbalance; "self talk" seems wacky...Yet another fault I found with the book is the authors' policy that "you should gloat over and praise your `successes', and make excuses for your failures," or words of that effect.It says that you have to keep telling yourself how great it was in bed with Cindy last month.But when Susan, who you had thought was a nice first date with possible sexual potential,never calls you again (and changes her phone number), you should tell yourself something like "well, maybe her brother died in a car accident or something."WRONG.The reason Susan never called you back and her number is now unlisted is because she's either a major energy waster (most women are), or you did something wrong.I thought the self-talk policy was bordering on lunacy and didn't work for me.There are alot of Susans out there.I thought this book was far too soft on them.

--No measurement...One of several other faults I found with the book was the authors' apparent refusal to make a policy or `quota' to determine how successful you are.For example, if I `get laid' only once this year or twice, then was I successful?How about if they were both with psychos, stalkers, or women that also hadn't been laid in a long time and therefore I was just `there' and got lucky?Am I still supposed to call myself a `seducer?' Should I be getting `lucky' about every other weekend, or about once a month?How much time should I be spending and how much success should I have in return for my efforts, on a scale?Unless I missed it, the book makes no clarification on how to measure success by frequency and left me with a feeling that the authors didn't go far enough in explaining how to know if I'm doing well or not.It seems that their "self-talk" policy (see above) means each guy should be his own judge?I do not see it that way.

When I first started reading the book I thought it was a bit funny the way they poked fun at "androgynous males" and "wimps".But after a short while I think the book is yet still weak, in fact feminists can't really touch it because there's really nothing hardcore about it.I didn't think it had much directly useful advice, and the path they lead you into I also thought was even more destructive than before you started it.

Information not to be Passed. 5 stars.
Great literature and the future is now or else stay single forever and grow old!!
As we get older, we wonder, will she ever look at me?
This book, by these authors tell one what one has to do
in order to be successful at relationships. It is all about
grooming well, dressing well, being positive in attitude as well as being healthy(going for a walk, gym work, drinking water, and more gym work).

For example, if one or if you need teeth work, simple, go to the dentist and get that done because even though women might be nice, it sure can help you advance in that relationship you want with that leading lady.

The book provides perfect advice but this may not be everyones cup of tea (because for every good book that exists) critics simply lurk up like angered fire ants who have been dipped in muddy waters.

*What does the book lack? This is My complete answer. (USA)America according to this love site which was mentioned on one of the major TV Networks said that 30 million men are single in this country alone. This book should have mentioned about Marriage Agencies to Russia and Latin America for example. Yes, do give American women a chance because many do seek dating and marriage but if you don't find anyone then go to a marriage agency (which ever country you desire).
Make a difference in your life and purchase this book-read it and then (go to a marriage agency) OR ELSE-be just a statistic like those 30 million men who can't find anyone at the club, at the school they have been working at for 7 years, the country club they live in, the Church they may attend, the shopping mall, or the park they go to with their Chow Chow for example. The 30 million male population issue was mentioned on the cbs morning early show.

The book is of good size and the color of it is black. It will fit perfect in your back pack.....This book will show you that women do look at details, and all you have to do is focus on them(the details) and you will be set. I will tell you this, hit the gym, and run; it can make a difference in your life-improves your chances with American Women and improves them even more with Russian and Latin American leading ladies . Have a job as well! I know that with this positive review i am bound to make a difference in the life of hopefully just one male person out there...i am fine with it. Just follow this review.....:-)

Mostly harmless fun...
It is still not clear to me if the authors of this book are trying to be cute or serious.There are some real suggestions, the "13 point body makeover for being attractive to women" is true but falls into the "if you don't already know this you have no chance" category.The lists of "four easiest places to meet women" and "nine secret places to meet women" are not where I as a woman would be looking for a man at best, and at worst are dumb places for men to hang out and not look grossly out of place.I am sure there are man friendly yoga classes, but please don't think meeting women there is a great idea.This book is more what you would expect a 17 year old to study and practice than a grown man.I would give this book to both my teenage boys and girls.The boys could use it as a refresher of what the other sex is looking for in a partner and certainly gain some confidence with dating.The girls could see what kind of silly tricks the boys are up to, and be better able to play along or defend themselves accordingly. ... Read more

Isbn: 0735200300
Sales Rank: 1481
Subjects:  1. Dating (Social customs)    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family/Marriage    4. Interpersonal Relations    5. Love & Romance    6. Love / Sex / Marriage    7. Man-woman relationships    8. Psychology    9. United States    10. Women   

Anthony Robbins Introduction to Personal Power II: The Driving Force
by Anthony Robbins
Average Customer Review:
Audio Cassette (01 January, 1997)
list price: $29.95 -- our price: $19.77
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Reviews (8)

transformation
-Let's start with the mindset of these books. He promotes a super achiever kind of hyper-doer attitude. I would instead opt for being at peace with myself--HERE & NOW. Learning to BE. Not just be a doer. Does that mean being complacent? NO! It means you can set goals but it has nothing to do with your self-acceptance and daily joy.
-He uses this Pain/Pleasure principal to motivate you. That is a highly flawed system. It is based on causing stress on yourself and motivating you through discomfort. Has anyone stopped to think that one can achieve goals through peace and discipline. It's not motivation through pain/pleasure we need, it's learning to deal with our AVERSION to discomfort that holds many of us back. Facing that with persevearance and wisdom is the only way to deal with that-not gimmicky NAC.
-It is wrong to create MUSTS as he teaches. That causes people to be stressed out and to be attatched and anxious to things. You cannot DEMAND change of yourself. This again is based on the erroneous idea that we're so highly flawed we need to whip ourselves to grow. Not true. Better to learn Positive motivation skills based on learning to enjoy the Process not just the outcome.
-Tony goes in so many different directions in his book you don't know when to use what
-Why does he say that it's important to know that all feelings are good, they are Action Signals-yet he tells you to "break thru" depression,worry and other states. If we are going to accept our feelings how can we also go against them by trying to change them with NAC and physiology etc(that is not acceptance at all that is manipulation and many of you may have figured out by now that you can't battle with your feelings-ACCEPTANCE of them nonjudgmentally brings transformation)
Why, if we are to accept feelings do we need Transformational Vocabulary?? If we supposedly accept them as Action Signals, why tell myelf I'm peeved instead of angry? and will that really work? NO WAY. Of course you'll remain angry. C'MON. That is just silly.
-So much of it is really just a pump up. I admit that that might have it's place to a certain degree. Yes, I'm sure the pump up got some to achieve. That's a good thing, but this Robbins "technology" as a reliable, well developed system? Not quite.
-His system for creating Values is so ridiculously superficial. Just becaue you write down these supposed values and rules, that doesn't mean they will reflect you TRUE feelings. WE ARE NOT THAT SIMPLISTIC!
-Tony Robbins, having "mastered" relationships divorced his wife Becky a few years ago. Again, we are not that simplistic as his system tries to profess.
My intention is to try to help you seekers out there, not to bash Mr Robbins.
People would be better off making more of a "spiritual" discovery that brings them UNCONDITIONAL SELF ACCEPTANCE and Inner Peace. Something that is not based on achievment. You don't need to create this "achieve to win" attitude. Without transforming from the inside out, it's all a band aid solution and YES, you can be HIGHLY productive and just BE without getting into this crazed achiever mindset. Since when is that the purpose of life? Folks, you are all able to achieve great things by getting centered and tuning in to yourself. Trust yourself.
Find that wellspring within! You don't need all this pumped up, gimmicky stuff. A much better book would be The Power of Now. A book about real transformation. Finding inner grace in life moment to moment and yes achieving, but with inner satisfaction all along the way, whatever the outcome!
I hope you've read these points carefully and let them sink in. I hope to save you years of confusion by falling into these superficial techniques. Wishing you the best!!!!!

Good intro to Personal Power
Anthony Robbins Personal Power home study program is simply the best personal development program going. I bought it after reading Unlimited Power and Awaken The Giant several years ago.

This intro to personal power will give you an overview but to really appreciate the program you have to pick up a copy of personal power or Robbins new program The Edge which includes Personal Power.

There really is nothingelse like this. Tony is the best.

Nothing else like it
This is a very intense personal mind training program.It is not a brain washing.It is all about you.You make the choices.You answer the questions.You make it happen. But you must stick with it.If you can get through this program, you can do just about anything you want.If you have 30 minutes a day for a mnoth, this is for you! ... Read more

Isbn: 1559274204
Sales Rank: 105458
Subjects:  1. Audio - Self-Help    2. Audio Adult: Other    3. Personal Growth - General    4. Personal Growth - Success    5. Success    6. Success in business    7. Wealth   

PowerTalk!: On Creating Extraordinary Relationships (Powertalk!)
by Anthony Robbins, John Gray
Average Customer Review:
Audio Cassette (15 October, 1996)
list price: $16.95 -- our price: $11.87
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Reviews (2)

The greatest audiotape ever!!!
On Creating Extraordinary Relationships is a 3 hour tape series on how tomake relationships work better through better communication, understandingand listening. The tapes talk about some basic differences between men andwomen and what to do about it.I had a lot of fun listening to it with mythen girlfriend (now my wife!). We were laughing so hard because it was sofunny yet so true! After listening to the tape we learned so much moreabout ourselves and each other.What makes it very valuable is TonyRobbins and John Gray cite so many examples and situations in our everydaylife where conflicts arise and give practical insightful tips on how toimprove the situation. Some of the words used also act as positive triggerdevices that just by mention of the words during more challengingsituations it makes the moment lighter. I love this so much I have to datebought 22 sets of this to give to friends! This is something I recommendhighly!

Entertaining and Packed with Practical information
Robbins has done it again.The Power Talk series is well known for providing interesting insights by top authorities.Dr. Gray is well known for his unique perspectives on relationships.The combination is electric.This is three hours of pure insight into how men and women relate, and how to make the relationships you have into the relationships you want.As if that wasn't enough, these guys are hilarious.You will enjoy this tape, and you will learn from it.Buy it! ... Read more

Isbn: 1559274093
Sales Rank: 41676
Subjects:  1. Audio - Self-Help    2. Audio Adult: Other    3. Human Sexuality    4. Mind and body    5. Motivation (Psychology)    6. Psychological aspects    7. Success    8. Reference / General   

How to Stop Worrying and Start Living
by Dale Carnegie, Andrew Macmillan
Average Customer Review:
Audio Cassette (01 October, 1998)
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Editorial Review

"Those who don't know how to fight worry, die young." This ominous advice begins Dale Carnegie's bestseller, How to Stop Worrying and Start Living, an eight-part treatise on the follies of worrying. Like other Carnegie books, this one is packed with good old-fashioned common sense, illustrated with examples drawn from research on historical figures and interviews with business leaders. Somehow, even the most simple advice--such as Carnegie's four-step method of problem solving--is presented in a way that makes you want to write it down and post it on the employee bulletin board. Narrated by the resonant and engaging voice of Andrew McMillan and loaded with relevant real-life examples, this unabridged audiobook maintains interest throughout. (Running time: 10.5 hours, eight cassettes) --Sharon Griggins ... Read more

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Reviews (75)

Helped all aspects of my life!
This book has helped ne in all aspects of my life from dealing with people to stop worrying, believe me if this book can help me it can help anyone!

Relevant Then and Now
I am in the midst of this fine book and irregardless of when it was written,in this case after WW11, the human condition then and now is the same....situations vary but people's emotional health and the effects of negative thinking and worrying stay the same...this book draws on ancient wisdom peppered with the wisdom of it's age that is still and will always be relevant as long as people don't accept change and the need for rolling with the punches.
Drawing on Biblical,Eastern,Western,Capitalist and known personalities of the day, Carnegie in a very readable way convey's the Power Of Now..he weaves a web that is recognizable by all.
What especially amazes me is the regard he has for William James, America's foremost psychologist (debatable) whose ideas influence current Buddhist and Existential psychoanalysis in what can be called the spiritual growth movement.
There is a time tested simplicity here that needs to be embraced by all despite the complexity of the current post Holocaust world.
Full of quotes and stories, it's message of control what you can and leave something for G-D to worry about allows one to defeat existential despair embracing day to day meaning while living with the unknown quantity in all human life.

This is not fluff, this works
Mr. Carnegie's books are timeless. "How to Stop Worrying and Start Living" began changing my life many years ago. Taking Mr. Carnegie's advice, I have reread it several times since then and am better for it. Worry, like many chronic problems, can jump back out at you when you feel as if you've already beaten it. This book allows the reader to return to it again and again. It acts like a family member or a close friend-always ready to give you some perspective or to remind you of what's important.
This book offers concrete and practical things that can help the reader escape from the destructive pattern of worry. There is no author or self-help guru out there who can provide you with a more natural or common sense approach to this issue. James Green, author of "If There's One Thing I've Learned." ... Read more

Isbn: 0671043226
Subjects:  1. Audio - Self-Help    2. Audio Adult: Other    3. Audiobooks    4. Personal Growth - General    5. Self-Help    6. Stress Management    7. Success    8. Worry    9. Self-Help / General   

Body for Life: 12 Weeks to Mental and Physical Strength
by Bill Phillips, Michael D'Orso, Phillips Bill
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 January, 2000)
list price: $20.00 -- our price: $13.60
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Editorial Review

Bill Phillips had been publishing bodybuilding magazines and marketing nutritional supplements for years when he had a weird revelation at a trade show: many of the most loyal and enthusiastic readers he had were totally out of shape. From that uncomfortable realization came his popular Physique Transformation Contest (top prize that first year: Phillips's own Lamborghini), now world famous, and this book.

The three-times-a-week weightlifting program in Body for Life is deceptively simple. If you've spent any time in the gym, you've already done all the exercises. But Phillips includes a couple of high-intensity sets at the end of each exercise that should compound the training effect on each muscle group. Same goes for the cardiovascular exercise he recommends: just 20 minutes, three times a week. But those 20 minutes are spent jacking the intensity up and down, accomplishing more in less time.

Phillips arranges all this into a 12-week program, along with nutritional and motivational tips. Be warned that the nutritional advice gets a little spacey. For example, he puts "carbohydrates" and "vegetables" into separate categories, and recommends three daily doses of a nutritional supplement called Myoplex, which his company manufactures. (Fortunately, he gives tips on how to make each dose taste different, such as by adding drops of peppermint extract.) Despite this strangeness, Body for Life still motivates because so many others have achieved astounding results in similar 12-week windows, and the pictures and testimonials are here as evidence. --Lou Schuler ... Read more

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It Works!
What is great about this book is that it shows you how to get the most in terms of fitness with the least amount of work. That isn't to say there isn't work--there is, lots of it.You work out 6 days a week, but the workouts are short and intense.I saw much more dramatic results faster lifting 3 days a week for 45 minutes & and doing cardio 3 days a week for 20 than I ever saw working out for an hour and a half 5 or 6 times a week.

Other reviews have described the regime (and you can also find it online at the Body for Life website), so I won't bother rehashing that here...

The before-and-after photographs in this book are probably a little disingenuous.Some of them show a muslce gain that simply isn't possible in 12 weeks--it take time to build muscle.In some photographs, it is obvious that the subject had a foundation of muscle under the fat.But this program DOES deliver what it promises--dramatic fat loss and substantial muscle gain in 12 weeks.The secret to this program, I think--the one that distinguishes it from other routines--is not just diet and exercise, but rest.You have a full 4 or 5 days of rest for a body part after you work it.For example, if you work the upper body on Monday, you won't work it again until Friday. This gives the body plenty of time to recuperate and actually build muscle.The way I worked out before starting this program allowed only a couple of days for recuperation, so my muscles were never allowed fully to repair themselves, and as a result I did not give myself enough time to reap the benefits from my workout.

I found that it is much more important to be religious about diet than about exercise.Instead of killing myself on the treadmill for every cardio session, for instance, I would often play raquetball for an hour, or go on a 45 minute-to-and-hour bike ride--which would be strenuous, but not at the level of intensity that my treadmill sessions would reach.Still, I lost a lot of fat and built a lot of muscle.

It's a good program, and if you stick to it for 12 weeks, you'll love how you feel.You'll start loving it before then, even.

We Who Get fit Thank The Exercise Power for this book.
If you read this book, understand that it was written for the out of shape beginner and those that need a shot of motivation to reapply themselves. IT WORKS! The plan is really very easy and once you get the swing of cooking instead of running out for fast food you will prefer it!Most meals are faster then waiting for a sick bag of junk food. Buy the cookbook and you have a complete plan. The shakes are a suggestion, any high protein whey will work. The 20 minute cardio will get you going. AS you look at the before and after picture's note that many people only have 20-50 pounds to lose.Some of the picture show results with people that had more then 20 pounds to lose. It also states they do more then the first 12 week challenge. Some 3 or 4. It is a program, a diet of cutting calories, eat 6 small meals, to keep hunger at bay and blood sugar level, and exercise. You can do it without this book. However, this book makes it feel easier. I have to say within four days, I gave up coffee, diet drinks, diet soda and all junk food without cravings. (I had a headache for awhile.) I have energy and I am back to a size 6. I eat clean 99% of the time. I went from size 20 to 6 and it took three challenges. BFdown from 32%to 19%Oh and the time flew by. How many times does a diet feel like time stops? This is not an over the night get thin quick. This is a sweat it out, lift those weights and get moving. The basic's I have learned... I will live from now on. Plus, I never went to gym. It was all done at home. One set of weights and walking for cardio.

Great, but who has the time??
I'm a mother of 3 young kids.I bought Body For Life as a recommendation from my sister in law.Unless you have a load of money to go to the gym, and to buy shakes, I wouldn't even attempt doing this program.It's a lot of work, and unless you want to become the next body-builder on the block... working this into a busy schedule for a new mom is just about impossible.

I must give them some credit, though... when I was actually doing some of the recommendations in the book, I did feel a heck of a lot better, and I DID lose weight, and I DID look great... so for those of you that have the time and money.... more power to you, and GOOD LUCK!! ... Read more

Isbn: 0694523194
Subjects:  1. Audio - Exercise / Health    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. Diets - General    4. Exercise    5. Health & Fitness    6. Motivational & Inspirational    7. Weight Loss    8. Health & Fitness / Exercise   

Atkins for Life : The Complete Controlled-Carb Program for Permanent Weight Loss and Good Health
by Robert C. Atkins, Richard Rohan
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (04 March, 2003)
list price: $25.00 -- our price: $10.00
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Editorial Review

It is bread and not butter that is the enemy in Dr. Atkins's popular and controversial low-carbohydrate/high-fat diet. In In Atkins for Life, he continues his decades-long crusade against low-fat eating. Atkins argues that low-fat meals are high-carbohydrate missiles, causing the body to produce excess insulin, which then produces fat, slows down metabolism, and tips the scale.Instead, he urges readers to stop counting calories and fat grams and start counting carbs to rev up their metabolism and burn fat as an energy source.The question of whether "ketosis," the fat meltdown he advocates, is healthy or harmful is a central question of this sequel to the bestselling Dr. Atkins’ New Diet Revolution. Packed with recipes, menus, carbohydrate counters, and strategies for staying with the plan, this book is less clear than its predecessor. It veers back and forth between how to begin and how to maintain "a controlled carbohydrate lifestyle." It is also more promotional, with photos of satisfied slim folks and pitches for the branded Atkins products. Still, with its pages of testimonials and studies about weight loss, lowered cholesterol, and increased energy, it is hard to argue with Atkins’s results. He puts his proof in the pudding. --Barbara Mackoff ... Read more

Reviews (50)

the way to low carb dieting
I was looking to shed about twenty pounds in a month or so, so I picked this up. It really helped me to understand the essentials of low carb dieting and it really did help me jump start my weight loss. It's a hard program to follow, but I found it does work, though I don't think I'll stay on it indefinitely.My friend recommended this book highly [...]

Good advice but a bit wishy-washy
Anyone who's read the original Atkins Diet Revolution will get a bit of a shock when they skim through this book. It feels like more of a marketing effort, tailored to the mainstream, than traditional Atkins. They seem to have bowed to criticism a bit from the media and mainstream nutritionists.

That said, the book has a lot of good information and is very well organized. I just take it with a grain of salt (actually potassium salt substitute).

atkins is my hero
i thank god for robert atkins and everything he has done.if it wasnt for him ,no one would know about this way of life.this was another great book and a healthy way of eating.i have lost weight and have never ate so many healthy veggies before. ... Read more

Isbn: 1559279125
Subjects:  1. Audio - Exercise / Health    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. Audiobooks    4. Diets - General    5. Diets - Weight Loss    6. General    7. Health & Fitness    8. Low-carbohydrate diet    9. Nutrition And Diet    10. Weight Loss    11. Self-Help / General   

Self Matters : Creating Your Life from the Inside Out
by Phillip C. McGraw
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 November, 2001)
list price: $32.00 -- our price: $21.12
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Reviews (164)

Depressed?Buy this to get further depressed
(Even one star is too high of a rating!)
I'm not as qualified as other reviewers but here I go any way.This was the first book I read by Dr Phil and what a disappointment.I 'was' a fan of his TV show until I read this book!

I found myself getting depressed while reading 2/3's of the book and simply stopped reading it.We all know our past experiences impact who we are and how we got where we are.He really did not need to take up 120 pages telling us that.

I turned to "Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential" by Pastor Joel Osteen to pick up the pieces.:)

It's a matter of preference but if I want to feel better about who I am as a person I'd rather not read something to make me relive experiences that I have already come to terms with.

If you want to get positive about life, go for something POSITIVE.But it is NOT this book!

Good luck!

Too many vegetables, not enough meat and potatoes
I decided to title this review with a "Phil-ism" because this is the first thing you have to get used to if you read or listen to anything Dr. Phil says. I bought this book when it first came out in 2001 because I was struck by his no-nonsense, sensible approach to issues when I first saw him on the Oprah Winfrey show which was a refreshing change from the 'girly men'-type self-helpers either promulgating a 'victimization mentality' or hocking some sort of pseudo-New Age type techniques to solve all of your ills. Didn't read it until now and although my thoughts about Dr. Phil have changed since I first bought it, I will attempt to give an unbiased review from memory.

Basically as others have stated, this book attempts to show that most people's entire self concept is influenced by external things that have happened in their lives and much more importantly, by how these external factors (10 defining moments, 7 critical choices, 5 pivotal people) are internalized in your psyche.These negative internal feelings that you harbor in various ways then prevent you from living a fulfilling, happy life - not living within your 'authentic self'Dr. McGraw attempts to guide you through the mechanisms of how these thoughts materialize in your 'fictional self' and how you can change them as to take advantage of all of the abilities, needs, and desires that you were born with.

I read through the entire book, but I felt it to be a bit tedious.He takes too much time explaining and defining conceps and reiterating the fact all to often that HE is going to show you how to improve your life, yet he makes you do all the work! True, to change any portion of your life YOU have to make sacrifices and exert some effort, but Dr. Phil doesn't really do much in the way of anything except just giving you a high school pep talk before you play the game.A book filled with more real-life examples of his patient's stories and how they got in touch with their authentic selves would have benefitted me much more than a cornucopia of psychological termas: AAAs, MERs, etc. I always hear Dr. Phil say to "Get Real" so isn't the best way to do that is to hear 'real' stories by 'real people'? He spends 3/4 of the book explaining terms and concepts and only the last chapter telling you how to implement them. To me, implementation is the most difficult and important thing you have to do if you want to change your life and THAT should have been a bulk of the book.All in all, it was too long-winded.

In my hardback edition, there was definitely a problem in the math dept. In the first section where you have to divide 2 numbers to get a guage on to what degree you are living in your fictional self, the editor put in a square root symbol and relating to the exercises in Appendices A and B, the charts given to determine your degree of locus of control are NOT explained as well as wrong (should be from 5 to 20 NOT 5-40 from what I could see)Another thing that irked my was some of Dr. Phil's plain Texas talk. To me, he loses some credibility.If you want me to be the best person I can be, to show me that I'm special with unique abilites, don't talk to me like a commoner! I don't want psychobabble either, but I would take what he says more seriously if he talked to me as a professional.

There is some value in every book and I did find some things in here, such at the hierarchy of how you base your critical choices, some good quotations, and it did help me understand why some people in my life are they way are. On a whole though, it didn't really help me that much and wasn't worth the time spent.

SELF MATTERS-DR. PHIL
I LOVED THIS BOOK!
DR. PHIL PROVIDES SOUND REASONING AND EXCELLENT TOOLS WE CAN USE TO CHANGE OUR LIVES.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK, 'SELF MATTERS'... TO ANYONE WHO 'THINKS' THEY ARE POWERLESS TO GET ON WITH LIFE. ... Read more

Isbn: 0743509676
Sales Rank: 93564
Subjects:  1. Audio - Self-Help    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. Personal Growth - General    4. Personal Growth - Self-Esteem    5. Personal Growth - Success    6. Self-Help    7. Self-Help / General   

The Art of Seduction: An Indispensible Primer on the Ultimate Form of Power
by Robert Greene, Jeff David
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (20 September, 2001)
list price: $26.95 -- our price: $17.79
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Features

• Abridged

Reviews (111)

Power to be used for good or for evil...
That all are suduced by something becomes plain after thinking carefully through this book.Used in it's wider definition, one can be seduced by the peacfulness afforded by contact with a saint.Rather than fear the power of seduction, I think it better to understand seduction (the art and the technique), and then use it for good influence and be wary of it's use against me and my loved ones for ill means.

This book helped me understand some of my more destructive behavior in such a way that I feel less inclined...sort of turned on the lights so that I can see the magician's mirrors and silk thread so that the seduction loses some of it's power.

At the same time, understanding seduction helps me maintain the interest of those whom I love (a good thing for both of us since I mean no harm).

A similar classic book, "Influence," by Robert Cialdini--who infiltrated a wide variety of occupations (from waiters to Krishna members) to study how sales are made--shares the same disturbing quality: the information is so powerful it could be used for good or for destructive purposes.

If for no other purpose than self defense, I'll re-read this one occasionally.If I'm ever married again, this book will take on even more significance:Satisfying and being satisfied by one woman for many years takes much more skill in seduction than does attracting a variety of short-lived friendships.

--Charles Runels, MD
Author of "Anytime...for as Long as You Want:Strength, Genius, Libido, & Erection by Integrative Sex Transmutation"

The Art Of Seduction
Greene provides a wealth of information in this psychological exploration of minds, power, and seduction.My hubz & I love it!

What is the purpose?It's not that hard to get laid...
This book is designed to teach you how to create emotional havok in another person's life for sexual or financial gratification.I feel pity for people who have to employ these tactics.It's not hard to get laid and earn your own living provided you have some intelligence, have realistic expectations, and take care of your appearance.Perhaps people should work on their authentic selves and go to the gym instead. If you have to create a persona to get laid or get someone to like you, I feel really sorry for your pathetic existence.I would like to discover a book that advise you on ways to ignite passion in a relationship in a positive authentic way, without hurting another person's feelings.I want ex-lovers to remember the time we spent together with a smile. This book sets you up to be remembered as an emotional monster who takes advantage of people who are already depressed and unstable.Congratulations, you now have created more emotional trauma for your victim, who thanks to your kick in the butt, becomes suicidal and unable to function in the real world. The only reason why I gave this book 2 stars is so that you can learn to spot losers who do play these games and kick them to the curb. ... Read more

Isbn: 156511521X
Sales Rank: 83987
Subjects:  1. Audio - Nonfiction    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. Business & Economics    4. Development - Business Development    5. Intimacy (Psychology)    6. Personal Growth - Success    7. Seduction    8. Sexual excitement    9. Sexuality   

The Zone: A Dietary Road Map to Lose Weight Permanently : Reset Your Genetic Code : Prevent Disease : Achieve Maximum Physical Performance
by Barry Sears, Sears Barry
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 January, 1999)
list price: $20.00 -- our price: $14.00
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Editorial Review

Barry Sears looks at why Americans still have dietary problems in spite of following the advice of experts. Challenging the current recommendations for a high carbohydrate diet, Sears looks into man's history as well as the diets athletes succeed best on, to build a new dietary picture.Anyone looking for better health through an improved relationship to what they eat should put this book on their list. ... Read more

Reviews (200)

Changed My Life
I found this book in a thrift store for $2, after hearing about it from an ex girlfriend.It takes a while to figure it out, but after like 2 weeks I mastered it. People who have problems understanding this, just are't trying hard enough.Anyway , I lost 20 pounds, and I'm at my ideal weight now.All this with barely working out. I have more energy throughout the day, and more importantly, a lot more confidence.There is sacrifice involved, but once you get to where I am, you really can't see living any other way.Highly recommended.

Are we reading the same book
Are we all reading the same book?

Dr. Sears DOES base his work largely aournd the glycemic index! So much so that there's an entire chapter early in the book discussing nothing but the glycemic index, where foods lie on it and how to mange your personal glucose levels.

Sears began his reseach over 30 years ago when his male relatives were suffering from heart problems at young ages. He realized his fate, and didn't want to go the same way. He doesn't simply propose a "diet", and if you are looking for a diet rather than an understanding of biology, then this won't be helpful.

Sears managed the diets of Olympic and college athletes and teams over the years, developing an understanding of what it takes to enable a body to perform at it's peak. Realizing that everyone is different, his advice is to understand the systems and then provide the appropriate nutrition.

If you want to understand what each type of food provides from a nutritional standpoint, then to develop an approach that is specific to your life, Sears provides an education about what you're really eating and a simpler way of choosing foods.

Eh.
"The Zone" is a good instructional manual for people who have extremely poor diets, but for the average person with a modicum of common sense, it's quite useless. This is the first diet "manual" I've read and no doubt it will be my last.I picked up a lot of good information reading "The Zone," and indeed, I did loose three pounds in about three weeks.Many of the recipes are tasty - if you have an hour to cut up eight cups of fresh broccolli, that is.But counting out the various "blocks" took an inordinate amount of time and energy from my already busy schedule.Once I replaced the time I spent planning Zone menus, grocery shopping, prepping my meals, and other minutiae with daily cardio exercise, *that's* when I started to notice results!Now I just follow a simple routine of limiting my caloric intake.One thing that was very misleading about "The Zone" is that the authors claim that the dieter should not feel hungry.Not so.Make no mistake:this diet hinges on portion control and calorie counting, and I, like many people I know who are on the Zone diet, was famished beyond belief, particularly during the first two weeks. Bottom line is, if one is healthy and fit, nixing carbs from your diet doesn't matter, 'cause ultimately, it's about how many calories you put in your body and how many you work off. ... Read more

Isbn: 0694521167
Subjects:  1. Audio - Exercise / Health    2. Audio Adult: Other    3. Diets - Weight Loss    4. Health    5. Nutrition    6. Weight Loss    7. Health & Fitness / Diets