Think Like A Champion: An Informal Education in Business and Life (2009) by Donald J. Trump, Book Review

Think Like A Champion: An Informal Education in Business and Life (2009)
by Donald J. Trump with Meredith McIver

Why would I want to listen to what Trump has to say? After all, he was called ‘racist’, ‘big mouth’ and ‘bullies’ by many people. When it was announced that he will go for US presidential candidate many people like George Clooney, Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Barack Obama, Bernie Sanders and even Tun Mahathir laughed out loud during their interviews. “Donald Trump will never be a president!” they said with exactness. But in 20^th January 2017, Trump assumed office as 45^th President of the United States. Who’s laughing now? I might agree with some of the criticisms that people say about him (I also agree when he says that there are “fake news” in the media) but from the success and creative perspectives, I see that Donald Trump really practice what he wrote in this book (8 years later) by thinking like a champion – and that’s why I read this book. By the way, where are those whose laughing at him now?

Trump says on himself: “People like me because I'm blunt, people dislike me because I'm blunt.” The boss! That direct communication style works for him as he writes simply with great self-belief and without redundancy. “Working with him, I have observed him thinking, then listened to his thoughts become words and his thoughts and words become actions,” writes Robert Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad Poor Dad, in his foreword. “In most instances, his thoughts, words, and actions are the same. Maybe this is why he is direct and blunt, he can be blunt because his thoughts, words, and actions are integrated, congruent, operating as one.” Think Like A Champion is an example of Trump’s bluntness approach to life and business. It is full of great insights into the philosophy and mindset of one who could rise to the top from entrepreneur and businessman to the President (I should state it here: I'm not interested in what others think of Donald Trump, I'll make up my own mind on whose book to read from). It is a great source of inspiration if you need a successful business model, leadership examples and how to have a champion attitude.

I like this book because Trump wrote each chapter in short pieces that summarize his singularly successful tenets on how to live a good life, both personally and professionally. These have been personally selected by him for this book, giving his special perspective in what amounts to an “informal education” on how to succeed in business and life. The pieces are engaging, informative, and educational, presenting the clearest picture yet into the mind and heart of an extraordinary individual. He also talks openly about his mistakes and failures. Some of the essays that I like include "The More You Learn, The More You Realize What You Don’t Know"; "Sometimes We Hesitate with Good Reason"; "There Are Times When You Should Move On"; "Keep the Big Picture in Mind"; "Give Your Higher Self a Chance"; "Discover and Live Your Purpose"; "Keep It Short, Fast, and Direct"; "Strive for Wholeness"; "Go Against the Tide"; "You Can Create Your Own Luck"; and " Think Like A Genius." Of course, there are few pieces of advice that may not apply to my situations, personality, and beliefs – and that’s okay. I don’t want to be like Donald Trump, I just want to learn (and re-learn) how to think like a champion like him. “I may be successful already,” Trump admits, “But I learn something new every day.” Champions are learners.

Donald Trump on think like a champion: “[Champions] wanted to achieve something special. Ordinary wouldn’t be enough for someone who has the mindset of a champion. Champions think big. Champions work in a big-time way. Champions are focused. Champions are disciplined. Come to think about it, champions think like champions. As Jack Dempsey said, ‘A champion is someone who gets up when he can’t.’ Let’s hope that applies to you… Champions go the extra mile. We all know when we’ve done just enough and when we’ve really exerted ourselves. Make an effort to exert yourself – every day. Don’t fail because you never allowed yourself to get started! Don’t avoid success because you think the responsibility might be too much – just focus and get going! You’d be surprised at what intelligent effort can produce. Alexander Graham Bell said something that I always remember: ‘Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. That sun’s rays do not burn until brought to focus.’ Pay attention to these things and you will be on your way to thinking like a champion – and becoming one.” Yeah!

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.