I love this book. Have read it at least four times, usually on long flights above the ocean or across a country. Here are its five principal lessons:
Desired outcome after reading:
Accomplish more by finding a better balance between effort and ease.
1. Trade what you have for what you want
"At any moment, your life is completely full... You had twenty four hours yesterday, and I guarantee that you used every minute and second of it." To make your life today different than it was yesterday, you have to give up something to make room for activities that will bring you what you desire. "Often, the greater the reward, the larger the adjustment you will have to make in your life."
2. Change your dreams, change your life
"Your dreams are like a movie projector reflecting your conscious and unconscious thoughts. If you want to know the quality of your life, examine the quality of your dreams." Do whatever you can to push your dreams to new levels: cut out pictures from magazines, imagine that you are (not will be, but are right now) wildly successful. Take long, imaginary rides in your yacht or Ferrari.
3. Surrender, and see your destiny
Giving into destiny does not mean doing nothing. It means "accepting life as you find it. It means using your given ability, talent and strength to do all you can to bring about a better life for yourself and others." She believes destiny reveals itself in three stages: first, you are dissatisfied with life; next, you come to some dramatic turning point - be careful not to get stuck here, as many do; finally you recognize that no one can take away what is destined to be yours, and then you have much in common with other great men and woemn.
4. Be willing not to survive
Once you turn to face the worst of all consequences, fear disappears. Death can actually become your protector. Once you accept death and turn to face it, daily stress and frustration drifts away. You gain the freedom to recognize what is truly important, rather than what you feel compelled to do.
5. Put your mind at ease
"The only reality that exists for you is in your own mind." Grant yourself grace. You can choose to enjoy or dread your ride through life; this is a choice that happens in your mind, not in the world around you.
