Books are the key to the knowledge of self. We are often cheated of an array of information due to the overuse of internet and television. Most do not realize that there is a higher realm of awareness that can be achieved from reading books that have yet to be seen. We can often look to books for realization of our surroundings and how to improve qualities within ourselves. The whole truth will never be put on a website or on the History Channel, we must look deeper. Therefore I have taken notes from two essential books that every man and woman must read in their lifetime. These books will help to achieve a deeper understanding of the world around you.
Males
Think and Grow Rich is a book that men and women should read! This book teaches one how to use the "law of attraction" to achieve everything that the human mind is capable of. The author Napoleon Hill is well known for teaching the"law of attraction" in modern day terms. Within the book Hill goes into an extensive chapter on Why Men Seldom Succeed Before age 40. Below are five quotes from that chapter.....
- "Men have a tendency to dissipate their energies through over indulgence in physical expression of emotion of sex.
- "Sexual expression is by far the strongest and most impelling of all human emotions, and for this very reason this desire, when harnessed and transmuted into action, other than that of physical expression, may raise one to great accomplishment."
- "The majority of men never learn that the urge of sex has other possibilities, which far transcend in importance, that of mere physical expression."
- "Between the ages of 30 to 40 man begins to learn (if he ever learns), the art of sex transmutation."
- "The average man reaches the period of his greatest capacity to create between 40 to 60." Therefore "Man should approach this age not with fear, but with hope and eager anticipation."
Females
Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office is a compelling book that helps women learn how to thrive in a male dominated business world. The book lays out 101 mistakes women make in the office or professional environment that prevent them from achieving desired success. Below I have 5 of my favorite "mistakes" the author Lois Frankel suggest:
- Mistake #8: Waiting to Be Given What you Want: Frankel suggest that women should be direct, straightforward, and accompany each request with two or three reasons why they should be given it. She also suggest reading the book Shadow Negotiations: How Woman Can Master the Hidden Agendas That Determine Bargaining Success
- Mistake #12: Holding Your Tongue: "Take more risks with giving your opinions at meetings. Practice giving your opinion at least once during every meeting. It gets easier every time. To counterbalance the feeling of being too aggressive, after you've expressed your opinion you could add an inquiry." For example, "That's how I see it. I'm curious to know what others think."
- Mistake#19: Acting Like a Man: Women bring a unique set of behaviors to the workplace that are needed, especially in today's climate. Being different from men isn't something to change or hide.
- Mistake#22 Being Overly Concerned with Offending Others: Women are often afraid of offending people with their comments in a professional environment. However, Frankel suggest that one can simply acknowledge his or her feelings before responding such as, "This is a bit difficult for me to say, but I do want to let you know how I see the situation." This statement will help the person understand and be more patient with you.
- Mistake# 34 Viewing Men in Authority as Father Figures: "Use self-talk to differentiate male authority figures from your father. When you are in a meeting with the boss, tell yourself he's not your father and you are his equal. Do it as often as needed to believe it and act accordingly."
