How To Become A People Magnet: 62 Life-Changing Tips To Attract Everyone You Meet (2019) by Marc Reklau, Book Review

 How To Become A People Magnet: 62 Life-Changing Tips To Attract Everyone You Meet (2019) by Marc Reklau

Bad news: I've not become a people magnet after I finished reading it. Good news: This book reminds me to at least try to increase my magnet-ism or be a less annoying person (or don't make it worse! It is hard to be one if one of my heroes of faith is John the Baptist). Hey, these are "tips" not a book of spells, and reading alone will not make any difference in anyone's social lives if not practiced. It is application, not knowledge, that transforms people. For sure, salespeople need to read this book! But it is also good for anyone who wants to improve their social skills and relationships. The author writes, "The most successful people are usually the ones who best get along with people. (Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule). Science tells us that the number one predictor of success and lasting happiness is our social relationships. People with a strong social network even live longer!"

I've observed how tactless young people are today when they try to communicate with others. I've seen how insensitive people are when interacting with those who are younger than them. I've witnessed many awkward communications between students and coworkers. Some people say technologies and gadgets are the enemy, but it's not entirely true. I think it's our personal belief that says (at its core), "People are not important; I am!" Ryan Holiday's book title summed it up well: "Ego is the enemy.” Even if egoistic people seem interested in building relationships, their main goal is not to serve but to use others, not to build but to manipulate others. Thus, these tips can be used for both good and evil, but as the Scripture says, "There is nothing concealed that it will not be revealed, nor so hidden that it will not be made known."

This short book is divided into seven (7) parts. Some tips are very common sense ("Be friendly"), too positive ("Don't criticize"), and probably not suitable for certain types of people ("Praise and praise a lot!"). Most tips are good reminders ("Listen to people actively"), practical ("How to make a good impression"), and humbling ("Talk about your own mistakes first"). There are a few tips that I know I need to practice, but I just can't imagine myself doing them. My excuse is my personality, but in high probability, it's my ego. Lord, help me, a sinner. By the way, on a related topic, I want to recommend these books:

• Winning With People and 25 Ways to Win With People by John C. Maxwell

• How To Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie

• The Rules of People by Richard Templar

• The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene

 #ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #HowToBecomeAPeopleMagnet #MarcReklau #PeopleSkills #Relationships #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

To read my other book reviews/summaries, CLICK HERE

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

The Mindful Man: Words from the Earth (2018) by Caspar Walsh, Book Review

The Mindful Man: Words from the Earth (2018) by Caspar Walsh

In my opinion, the concept of mindfulness is not unique to Buddhism and/or Hinduism. It is an ancient eastern practice that evolve and may or may not be called 'mindfulness' that you can also find in other religions, teachings, and traditions. As for Christianity and the Old Testament Jewish religion, the closest, almost similar practice that I can think of is Meditation in Biblical terms. But here is the main difference: Mindfulness focuses on self, which is good if done properly (yet limited in its scope) but Biblical Meditation focuses on the One true God, YHWH. The basic attitude of Mindfulness is 'what's I'm doing, thinking and feeling right now' but the attitude of Biblical Meditation is 'delight in the law (or word) of the LORD day and night' (for example, refer to Psalms 1:2). Once you know the difference then, reading books like this one from other beliefs and worldviews, can be much profitable and safer for the soul.

The definition of mindfulness can be very fluid. So, let me quote the author, Caspar Walsh, to explain it for himself: "Mindfulness sums up meditation, focus, attention, and reflection in a single word. But it is also a paradox. Breaking it down suggests mind-fullness, the fullness of mind - exactly the opposite of what a beginner's mind is hoping to achieve. Mindfulness means focusing, bringing our mind to what we are doing, and paying close attention. In a wider sense, it explores the whole experience of being human. The mind is an essential tool for interpreting, translating, and finding meaning in the world around us and inside us. It is essential to living in every sense." Without God as the center focus of the mind, I can only agree with the author from the human perspective. No more. Nevertheless, it is an important aspect to consider about since most of us - men, especially - need to be self-aware of what's going on within us and around us. We are so engaged with technology, concerned about other people's lives on social media, and busy with work that we neglect self-care and what's going on with our lives. Most men are lost, purposeless, and tired. We need a guide.

For some men, Caspar Walsh's The Mindful Man can be the beginning of that journey. This book doesn't have all the answers. In fact, it has lots of helpful reflection questions and insights to consider. "The world needs mindful men, now more than ever. Men who understand what makes us tick, aware of the impact we are having on the lives of others." Elsewhere he also wrote, "We need to up our game, daily. We are the leaders we're been waiting for. In a world divided by fear and greed, it's time to look deeper into what we can do to ground ourselves, ready ourselves, to be of service to our friends, our communities, and our highest ideals... How do we become mindful men who can be trusted, respected, and called on to begin the healing? It is essential for all men to be initiated into the mature, sacred masculine. And for this, we need courage." Yes, we need the courage to examine ourselves to be better men. In this book, Walsh invites us to 'see' the ideals of a Physical Man, Emotional Man, Family Man, Brotherhood of Man, Sacred Man, and Working Man. These are the areas that a Mindful Man needs the courage to 'see' ⚡

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #TheMindfulMan #Manhood #Mindfullness #Masculinity #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

To read other articles on reading and book reviews, CLICK HERE
All things media: https://linktr.ee/LEGASI.tv    

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

25 Ways to Win with People (2005) by John C. Maxwell and Les Parrott, Book Review

 25 Ways to Win with People: How to Make Others Feel Like a Million Bucks (2005)
by John C. Maxwell and Les Parrott

I believe in God’s calling in my life. As I reflect, it is impossible for me in the past to have worked in the people business and enjoy it (previously I was working in the cinema management team) and then enter into the people-centered ministry that I’m passionately doing now. Personality-wise, I’m not a people person. I was proud, selfish, and headstrong. But only by the love and grace of God, He slowly shapes my character and continues to teach - and often discipline - me to love others. When God calls, we must respond, then He will equip us. Having said that, loving people is not automatic (in my case, I need a miracle!) but it requires humility, perspective, and practice. But the question is WHY? Why it is important to love people? As Christ-followers, this should be obvious. Look at Christ’s examples and read Christ’s words. But generally speaking, we live with each other, we work with each other, we are dependent on each other, and we always meet each other. There is no such thing as a self-made man. Even Superman needs Louis! As John Andrew Holmes puts it: “It is well to remember that the entire universe, with one trifling exception, is composed of others.”

So, since we cannot avoid people, we might as well learn to love people. And when you try, you will eventually genuinely love them (Yes, some people require more grace from our part. Actually, vice versa). I brought this book back in 2010 because I saw the need for me to learn to develop relationships with my boss, colleagues, and staff to win their hearts. Besides, in the cinema business, I have to deal with many types of clients and customers. I was young and inexperienced but hungry enough to learn from my mistakes and try new things. This book together with John’s larger book Winning with People (2004) and Dale Carnegie’s classic How to Win Friends and Influence People (1936) have been a great help for me. 12 years later, as I read through this book again, I’m amazed by how relevant, important, and simply profound these twenty-five ways are to win with people. There are lots of good stories and I particularly love the “On Bringing It Home” section in every chapter designed to help the readers to put each way/lesson into action. There are lines, highlights, juicy quotes, and personal notes in my copy that bring back good memories.

Ps: One concern that I have with this kind of book is that: we must draw the line (no matter how thin the line is) between influencing and manipulating people. Use it wisely and ethically.

Truth be told, I have become slightly better in my relationships with people. Slowly yet hopeful. Some of these lessons have turned into habits; some I still have to practice; some are a bit more challenging - stubborn! - to implement. When I observe myself, people around me, and how people interact in social media and technologies like Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, etc. it reminds me that all the more we have to learn to connect with people effectively as humans, improve our interpersonal skills, breathe encouragements, be genuinely interested with others online and offline, and make the most of every opportunity to “keep winning by helping others win” said John Maxwell. I may forget my own advice or lessons that I learned from this book and realistically cannot win every people I encounter, but Lord, I pray, for me and you, to make a difference at least to one person even with a simple gesture of kindness that we meet TODAY. May he or she says, “I have become better for having known you.”

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #GrowingLeaders #WinningWithPeople #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

To read my other book reviews by John C. Maxwell, CLICK HERE

FB Page: https://facebook.com/LEGASI.tv/                         
Podcast: http://bit.ly/LegasiSpotify                         
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LEGASItv/                     

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

The Notebook: A Novel (1996) by Nicholas Sparks, Book Review

 The Notebook: A Novel (1996) by Nicholas Sparks

I love reading romantic novels by Sparks since A Walk to Remember. I’m not saying that novel is my favorite genre or I’ve read every book by him (I heard his latest novel, The Wish, is very good) but those that I do read, I love them all. Like one of the reviews said, Sparks “generates authentic emotional power.” I say, he always sparked the emo in me. I enjoy watching the movie too. Ryan Gosling as Noah, Rachel McAdams as Allie, and other cast members acted very well and almost as good as I imagined the novel could be. But, like many readers who watched their favorite novel turn into movie adaptation would say - the novel is better. There is… more. Only true readers will understand why. I’ve created the scenes in my mind. I’ve invested my precious time and emotions in the story. I’ve made some of the words, conflicts, and thoughts mine (or read mine into them). When the story so gripped you, someday you will wonder, as you forget that you have read it somewhere before, are these memories belong to me or someone else? Or a mix of both like cocktails? Whatever it is, you will hold tight to the sweet ones but the sad ones will always haunt you. Yet, the memories never let you stop believing what’s possible. That's what love does.

Truth be told, The Notebook is a bit cliche and in case you forget that it’s a fictional story - some of the details are unrealistic. When I first read it many years ago, I can very much figure out how it will end. But what makes me always come back to Nicholas Sparks’s novels (I’ve read Message In a Bottle, Safe Haven & The Best of Me too) is because he is very good with words - lyrically romantic, a gifted storyteller, and heart-touching genius. Let me quote one short paragraph among many that I’ve underlines like a textbook. A dialog. Hope this can encourage you to read The Notebook for yourself. This is what Noah said to Allie when she asked him to pick one moment he remember most from the summer they spent together:

“Poets often describe love as an emotion that we can’t control, one that overwhelms logic and common sense. That’s what it was like for me. I didn’t plan on falling in love with you, and I doubt if you planned on falling in love with me. But once we met, it was clear that neither of us could control what was happening to us. We fell in love, despite our differences, and once we did, something rare and beautiful was created. For me, love like that has happened only once, and that’s why every minute we spent together has been seared in my memory. I’ll never forget a single moment of it" ❤☺

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #LeadersReadNovelToo #NicholasSparks #TheNotebook #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

To read my other novel/fiction book reviews, CLICK HERE 

FB Page: https://facebook.com/LEGASI.tv/                                       
Podcast: http://bit.ly/LegasiSpotify                        
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LEGASItv/                    

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Romans 1:8-13 How To Love Our Brothers and Sisters In Christ (#LetterToTheRomans)

When the apostle Paul writes the letter to the Romans, he has never been to the church in Rome and never met most of the Roman Christians there. And yet, when I read Romans 1:8-13, I can sense his love for them all ��� How could it be? There is something beautiful about this relationship and the invisible strong bonding between brothers and sisters in Christ - even when we never met one another ❤ Here are four (4) ways to show our love for the church a.k.a. fellow believers ��� #ServeToLead #PreachTheWord #BrotherlyLove #UniversalChurch #TheGospelOfChrist

To watch previous short studies of #LetterToTheRomans CLICK HERE ��� http://bit.ly/LegasiRomans 

FB Page: https://facebook.com/LEGASI.tv/                       
Podcast: http://bit.ly/LegasiSpotify         
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LEGASItv/     

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Don't Stop Walking with God

"When the feast was ended, as [Joseph and Mary] were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the group they went a day's journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him" (Luke 2:43-45)

We must not be ignorant about our relationship with God and don't take it for granted that we are in touch with Him. As J. Oswald Sanders commented on the passage above: "Joseph and Mary lost a whole day of fellowship with Jesus because they 'supposing him to be in the group.' They took for granted something of which they should have made sure." Are you still in touch with God? Or are you have stopped walking with God and don't know it? ������‍♂️��� #ServeToLead #PreachTheWord

FB Page: https://facebook.com/LEGASI.tv/                       
Podcast: http://bit.ly/LegasiSpotify         
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LEGASItv/      

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Goodbye, things (2015) by Fumio Sasaki & Minimalism (2017) by K.L. Hammond

 

Goodbye, things: on Minimalist Living (2015) by Fumio Sasaki &

Minimalism for Living, Family, and Budgeting (2017) by K.L. Hammond

Finished listening to these two audiobooks this week as a follow-up with the previous one by Kiku Katana's Minimalism (to read my general view and opinion on minimalism philosophy, CLICK HERE). I find that these two authors are very interesting. Like I said in the review, the philosophy of minimalism is simple (true to its meaning), but the implementation is different based on context, culture, and preferences.

Fumio (read the book a few years ago borrowed from the state library) writes from the Eastern - or Japanese, to be exact - background. Meanwhile, Hammond, I presume based on his examples and contents, from the Western background. Fumio is well-known (next after Marie Kondo) in the minimalist world, but, Hammond, although has written other books on different subjects, is not that popular. I can relate to Fumio's experience more than Hammond's because Fumio is a single man but Hammond is a family man. Yet, I'm more inclined to Hammond's ideal of things because Fumio can be a little bit extreme (oh yes, Hammond too in some points). Which one is better? Well, it depends. If I have to suggest one between the two, I say, read Fumio's goodbye, things, especially if you're still single. But the holistic view that Hammond adopts in this book like family and budgeting (i.e. financing) is very much needed for both singles and married couples in a difficult time nowadays. By the way, consider their ideas and suggestions but don't take them too literally. Follow it if it's good. Tweak it until you're comfortable. Toss it if it's impractical. This is a philosophy, not an orthodox religion.

Let me suggest some FREE resources for you to get to know what is minimalism and probably you can apply some of the ideas in your lives ��� P.s: Just be careful not to be too obsessed with it. I find that the philosophy is harmless but the movement(s) have the potential to become a cult ��� #1Book1Week #LeadersAreReaders #GrowingLeaders #Minimalism #Philosophy #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

1) DOCUMENTARY. Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things (2016) by The Minimalists, click here ��� https://youtu.be/27So9GlE87w 

2) SERMON. Less: A Biblical Guide for Living Joyfully with Less Stuff by Spencer Bernand, click here ��� https://youtu.be/-YzZijLr-bo 

3) BLOG & PODCAST. Becoming Minimalist by Joshua Becker, click here ��� https://www.becomingminimalist.com/

FB Page: https://facebook.com/LEGASI.tv/                      
Podcast: https://anchor.fm/LEGASI.tv/              
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LEGASItv/    

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

 

 

Five (5) Rules of Relationships (#GrowingLeader)

Relationships help us define who we are and what we can become. In the area of leadership, relationships are crucial. In fact, John C. Maxwell, who taught me to be R.E.A.L. (Relationship, Equipping, Attitude, Leadership), says, "Relationships are the foundation of leadership." I don't know about you, but I'm naturally not a people person. So these five (5) rules help me a lot:

1) GET ALONG WITH YOURSELF - The one relationship you will have until you die is with yourself. Treat yourself with the respect and love you deserve.

2) VALUE PEOPLE - You cannot make another person feel important if you secretly feel that he or she is a nobody. Recognize that everyone has innate value and treat them accordingly.

3) MAKE THE EFFORT TO FORM RELATIONSHIPS - The result of a person who has never served others? Loneliness (I always see this in WhatsApp statuses). Be proactive! Make the effort. Reach out.

4) UNDERSTAND THE RECIPROCITY RULE - What you put into the lives of others comes back into your own. That's why I love to inspire you through LEGASI.tv. Your growth is my joy.

5) FOLLOW THE GOLDEN RULE - Do unto others as you would have them do unto you (but take considerations of people's real needs, contexts, and personalities).

I'm still learning. What is your best rule/principle/technique? 😊⚡✔ #ServeToLead #RelationshipLeadership #GrowingLeader

FB Page: https://facebook.com/LEGASI.tv/             
Podcast: https://anchor.fm/LEGASI.tv/          
YouTube: http://bit.ly/LEGASItv

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

 

Leading Through Brokenness (#GrowingLeader)

 

Everyone is broken. While most people pretending they are alright, spiritual leaders leading through brokenness. How? Henri Nouwen equips: "Our life is full of brokenness - broken relationships, broken promises, broken expectations. How can we live with that brokenness without becoming bitter and resentful except by returning again and again to God's faithful presence in our lives" 💪🙏⚡ #ServeToLead #GrowingLeader #LeadingThroughBrokenness

FB Page: https://facebook.com/LEGASI.tv/             
Podcast: https://anchor.fm/LEGASI.tv/          
YouTube: http://bit.ly/LEGASItv

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

 

Friendship (1841) by Ralph Waldo Emerson

The book (maybe a booklet? Since its only 55 pages) is old and sometimes hard to read—old English. But the basic idea of this book is this: the two foundations of friendship are 1) Truth, and 2) Tenderness. And if I can summaries it in one word, it will be - love. Yesterday, I spent time with my good friends, and it confirms that these foundations are right and crucial!

Ralph Waldo, a philosopher, and a poet wrote, "The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when you discover that someone else believes in you and is willing to trust you with a friendship." Overall, I think Waldo's ideal friendship is a bit too high and too grandiose. Nevertheless, in today's hyper-connected society, excellent and trustful friends are hard to get. If you have one or two, you're blessed indeed. I thank God for my friends! 😊⚡📖

#ServeToLead #1Book1Week #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain #GrowingLeader #EssayOnFriendship #RalphWaldoEmerson

FB Page: https://facebook.com/LEGASI.tv/      

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/LEGASI.tv/     

IG: https://instagram.com/legasi.tv/     

YouTube: http://bit.ly/LEGASItv     

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

The Best Leaders Are Listeners

Peter Nulty observes, “Of all the skills of leadership, listening is the most valuable — and one of the least understood. Most captains of industry listen only sometimes, and they remain ordinary leaders. But a few, the great ones, never stop listening. That's how they get word before anyone else of unseen problems and opportunities" #ServeToLead #LeadersAreListeners #GrowingLeader #ListeningToContinueLeading

Watch other short videos on Personal Development, go to > http://bit.ly/LegasiSelfDevelopment

To learn the 15 Laws of Growth, go to > http://bit.ly/The15Laws

FB Page: https://facebook.com/LEGASI.tv/ 

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/LEGASI.tv/ 

IG: https://instagram.com/legasi.tv/ 

YouTube: http://bit.ly/LEGASItv 

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Only Quality People (O.Q.P.)

Learning to surround yourself with O.Q.P., namely, ONLY QUALITY PEOPLE, will help you ensure that you are in relationships that are going to help you grow. Les Brown, who introduced me to O.Q.P., says, "Align yourself with people that you can learn from, people who want more out of life, people who are stretching and searching and seeking some higher ground in life" #ServeToLead #GrowingLeader #LesBrown #OnlyQualityPeople #RelationshipAndSuccess

To watch other short videos on personal development, go to > http://bit.ly/LegasiSelfDevelopment 

To learn the 15 Laws of Growth, go to > http://bit.ly/The15Laws 

FB Page: https://facebook.com/LEGASI.tv/ 

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/LEGASI.tv/ 

IG: https://instagram.com/legasi.tv/ 

YouTube: http://bit.ly/LEGASItv 

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Leaders can Come from Broken Family

I come from a broken family. But it doesn't mean that my next generations should be like that too. I believe with all my heart - based on all the biographies that I read, documentaries that I watched and the Scripture that I meditate testify - that leaders can come from broken families. Let me show you three (3) truths from Genesis 5 #ServeToLead #SpiritualLeadership #LeadersFromBrokenFamilies

FB Page: https://facebook.com/LEGASI.tv/ 

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/LEGASI.tv/ 

IG: https://instagram.com/legasi.tv/ 

YouTube: http://bit.ly/LEGASItv 

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Angelus' Quote: Let Prayer Be Your Weapon

Speech is what distinguishes human beings from animals, but prayer distinguishes the children of God from the children of this world. We use speech to communicate our thoughts to each other, but prayer is the speech we use to commune with God 😉🙏 #ServeToLead #GrowingLeader

FB Page: https://facebook.com/LEGASI.tv/

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/LEGASI.tv/

IG: https://instagram.com/legasi.tv/

YouTube: http://bit.ly/LEGASItv

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

12 Rules for Life #5 Do Not Let Your Children Do Anything that Makes You Dislike Them (Summary)

This is a chapter-by-chapter summary of a book by Jordan B. Peterson’s 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos (2018). One chapter, one article. Read this summary, buy the book. Enjoy!

“Modern parents are simply paralyzed by the fear that they will no longer be liked or even loved by their children if they chastise them for any reason. They want their children’s friendship above all and are willing to sacrifice respect to get it. This is not good. A child will have many friends, but only two parents – if that – and parents are more, not less, than friends.”

“If a child has not been taught to behave properly by the age of four, it will forever be difficult for him or her to make friends”

(Jordan B. Peterson)

This is Peterson’s advice for parents, not mine. He said that parents are human beings too, meaning that they are not perfect and they can easily make mistakes which can affect their kids. Parents are not always as nice as they think. People often will take revenge on someone who messes them up, even on their own children, because it happens unconsciously. You might think, “Oh this is impossible, I’d never do anything to hurt my kid,” but all people have a “subconscious proclivity for tyranny” deeply rooted within them and that tyranny is more likely to be shown against someone who is much less powerful than you, for example, your children. So, hunger, stress, fatigue or even a bad day at work are more than enough to make you lose your temper and become unreasonable over your children.

Peterson states some principles on the disciplinary procedure. #1 Parents should limit the rules, and #2 Use the least possible force to enforce them. They also #3 Need to understand how much they should be harsh, vengeful, arrogant, resentful or angry each time in front of their kids. Parents are somewhat of “proxies for the real world” who will teach and prepare their children to be socially desirable for the world outside [You can learn more about this Rule #5 in this YouTube video, CLICK HERE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krfhpUrE6ys&feature=youtu.be]

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

 

FB Page: https://facebook.com/LEGASI.tv/

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/LEGASI.tv/

IG: https://instagram.com/legasi.tv/

YouTube: http://bit.ly/LEGASItv

Blog: https://www.richardangelus.me/

12 Rules for Life #3 Make Friends with People Who Want the Best for You (Summary)

This is a chapter-by-chapter summary of a book by Jordan B. Peterson’s 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos (2018). One chapter, one article. Read this summary, buy the book. Enjoy!

“If you have a friend whose friendship you wouldn’t recommend to your sister, or your father, or your son, why would you have such a friend for yourself?”

(Jordan Peterson)

Almost every person has two kinds of families, says Peterson: #1 The one that he is born with; and #2 The one that he chooses by himself – friends. The selection of these important people is not to be taken lightly as they often have an impact on our lives. It is your obligation to keep away people who are making your life worse or hurting you. It is your right to decide who should be close to you and who shouldn’t. Peterson affirmed, “There are no ethical dilemmas about that.” If you have a friendship that you wouldn’t recommend to someone, then why are you still keeping it? End it, NOW!

So why many people are not making good choices? That’s because “surrounding yourself with good and healthy people is harder than the opposite.” Being good and healthy requires strength, daring and the determination to choose the difficult but right paths. Willing to take a risk. Consequently, standing up near such a person you have to be a strong, daring and determined person, ready to accept some harsh criticism from time to time which would benefit you. Good friends will do these things to you.

On the other hand, being around bad and unhealthy people is much easier to choose. Being on the bottom is much more convenient than being on top. Bad people will make you adopt laziness, easy unhealthy lifestyle, self-pity, tolerating being hurt or even hurting others for your benefit. So, choose your friends wisely.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

 

FB Page: https://facebook.com/LEGASI.tv/

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/LEGASI.tv/

IG: https://instagram.com/legasi.tv/

YouTube: http://bit.ly/LEGASItv

Blog: https://www.richardangelus.me/

The Power of Positive Leadership (2017) by Jon Gordon, Book Review

The Power of Positive Leadership: How and Why Positive Leaders Transform Teams and Organizations and Change the World (2017) by Jon Gordon

Jon Gordon is famous for his bestseller, The Energy Bus, his first book about a man whose life and career are in trouble until he learns great lessons from a unique bus driver and colorful passengers how to overcome adversity and be positive in his outlooks, leadership, relationship, and teamwork. The Energy Bus’s main character is based on Jon’s own life, and if you already read that book, you’ll appreciate this one because The Power of Positive Leadership is a book about how to turn from a negative zombie to a positive leader. As a leader, we will surely face obstacles, failures, and test daily and there are times when it seems as if everything in the world is turning against us. But take heart, we don’t have to be bitter and become losers. We can choose to be positive. “We are not positive because life is easy,” writes Jon Gordon, “We are positive because life can be hard.”

I love this one: “Positive leadership is not about fake positivity. It is the real stuff that makes great leaders great. Pessimists don’t change the world. Critics write words but they don’t write the future. Naysayers talk about problems but they don’t solve them. Throughout history, we see that it’s the optimists, the believers, the dreamers, the doers, and the positive leaders who change the world.” So true! I read lots of leadership books and dozens of biographies of the great (and worst) leaders and I never read about negative leaders who make the world a better place. There is no need for me to share what the research says about how positivity affects leadership, relationships, business, workplace, teamwork, emotional health, and productivity. The question is not WHY positive leadership is important, but HOW to be a positive leader. And so, with compelling stories (there are many good stories here), practical ideas and practices, Jon Gordon shares 9 Frameworks on how we can utilize and implement his positive leadership principles into action:

#1 Positive Leaders Drive Positive Cultures. “Culture is not just one thing. It’s everything” (Jon Gordon)

#2 Positive Leaders Create and Share a Positive Vision. “It is important to have a compelling vision and a comprehensive plan. Positive leadership – conveying the idea that there is always a way forward – is so important because that is what you are here for – to figure out how to move the organization forward” (Alan Mulally)

#3 Positive Leaders Lead with Optimism, Positivity and Belief. “The most important characteristic of a leader is optimism” (Bob Iger)

#4 Positive Leaders Confront, Transform and Remove Negativity. “Being positive won’t guarantee you’ll succeed but being negative will guarantee you won’t” (Jon Gordon)

#5 Positive Leaders Create United and Connected Teams. “It’s the leader’s ability to unite and connect people that truly creates great teams and organizations” (Jon Gordon)

#6 Positive Leaders Built Great Relationships and Teams. “Leadership comes down to taking care of the people in your organization and making them the best they can be, not giving up on them and never failing to be there for them” (Pete Carroll)

#7 Positive Leaders Pursue Excellence. “People think you have to choose between positivity and winning. You don’t have to choose. Positivity leads to winning” (Jon Gordon)

#8 Positive Leaders Lead with Purpose. “We don’t get burned out because of what we do. We get burned out because we forget why we do it” (Jon Gordon). This is my favorite quote!

#9 Positive Leaders Have Grit. “The number one predictor and factor of success is not talent, title, wealth or appearance. It is grit!” (Jon Gordon)

When I first read the title of this book, I think of Norman Vincent Peale’s The Power of Positive Thinking. While positive thinking will help me in my personal life, positive leadership will not only impact my own but also others’ lives such as my family, friends, Bible Study group, team and organization. As Jon Gordon ends this book, he writes, “When you become a positive leader, you will not only make yourself better, but you will also make everyone around you better – and that’s a great place to start!” I fully recommend this book not only to professionals and business leaders but to anyone who wants to be 1% more better every day. I also recommend that you subscribe to Jon Gordon’s Positive University Podcast too.  

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

 

FB Page: https://facebook.com/LEGASI.tv/

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/LEGASI.tv/

IG: https://instagram.com/legasi.tv/

Blog: https://www.richardangelus.me/                  

YouTube: https://bit.ly/2phIDSN