Customer Reviews

The Power to Transform: 90 Days to a New You

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Several of the reviews cite the website that goes along with and supports the book. In fact the website is integral to several of the assignments. The problem is that virtually nothing that the book says to do, or reference at the website actually exists there. The blog goes unattended by any moderator, and there is no way to get the concerns and missing components attended to. E.G., Important references to videos on "centering" (which Chris Majer says cannot be described verbally, so he simply sends you to the website, and then you have no idea from the point forward what he is talking about!). My question is, if the other reviewers who cited the great website are not simply plants to promote the book, what website did they go to? The one given in the book cannot be the one they are using. It is my desperate hope (because otherwise I've reached a dead end with this book) that the author or the publisher occasionally looks at these reviews and does something about the problem. If they do not, then "Caveat Emptor", proceed with your purchase recognizing that you cannot accomplish major tasks in your quest to transform. You've unfortunately not been given the full power. Check it out:[...] the password is HP24U
If you can make it work, let all the rest of us know how in the blog!

The author Chris Majer writes this book to take the reader on a journey to transform themselves. The book emphasizes that true learning comes from training the body through doing, not idly reading and thinking you will absorb knowledge if you do not put it into action. So there is a focus on the importance of doing the assignments through out the book to truly learn the principles of the book. The book explains how words can shape our mental reality and the importance of understanding the difference between real truth and declarations, assertions, assessments, requests, promises, and offers. Do no confuse reality with some one's perspective or opinion. The book takes you through a chapter on how to cultivate awareness. The author shows that no matter what the circumstance that we find our self in, we always have a choice in how we react to it and what we do. You will see that we must have both ability and willingness to accomplish our goals, having only one will result in failure. You will learn the powerful lessons of accountability, commitment, trust, honesty, and integrity. Finally to tie it all together you will be asked to search your mind, heart, and personal history to discover your ultimate stand. What do you stand for that is so powerful that you literally become your stand? It is something that makes you become single minded and keeps you on a straight path filled with passion and purpose. Read this book if you are interested in transforming yourself into a person of focus and character, do the assignments in it to prepare yourself for success.

This book, sent to me for reivew, exceeded my expectations.

I really liked the way the author notes the 3 types of responses to their change initiatives in corporations. People respond as learners, skeptics or prisoners. I would add that these responses aren't as much about the people as about their previous experiences. If they've been through a dozen "flavor of the month" management programs, they're likely to be skeptical of a new one.

Overall, Majer encourages readers to accept responsibility and recognize where we have choices. The message isn't new but some of the exercises and approaches seem original. I especially liked the first exercise, which involves separating assessments from assertions. I like the emphasis on centering (and the opportunity to learn from the website). The chapter on honesty offers some unusual perspectives on establishing "the truth." I'm reminded of Byron Katie's distinctions.

My inner skeptic began sounding alarms as the author warns against saying things like, "It's too late..." or, "I can't..." I do believe that people have natural talents and strengths. When we say we can't do something, we may be able to learn. However, some skills are more teachable than others. Some are harder to learn as you grow older.

Ironically I picked up this book right after I had just talked to a stranger, someone in my gym who was unemployed. When I asked if she had tried this place or that opportunity, she responded with excuses. It turned out that her severance was especially generous and she had done nothing, yet she claimed, "There are no jobs."

At the same time, I've read Philip Zimbardo's studies of the power of the situation. It is important to retain a context for accountability and what Majer calls "claiming your birthright." I've heard people use these ideas to wave away issues of discrimination and injustice. Many people triumph over amazing odds but we need to recognize what we're asking them to do.

I'd also emphasize that the blame game forss part of many organizational and corporate cultures. Watch any reality show (especially the Apprentice series).

Majer's ultimate contribution is to take some concepts that can easily be dismissed as woo-wooey and set them in a left-brained framework. I'd have liked to learn more about what he actually does on his consulting engagements, although I realize there are issues about confidentiality and proprietary programs.

Definitely I'd recommend this book, especially if you (or someone you know) tends to feel blocked. It's usually to see in others the problems that Majer attempts to solve. Mostly I would recommend it to coaches for use with clients; Majer encourages readers to work with partners, and I have found that's often easier said than done.

My main reservation is that the book that requires work. I suspect most people read self-help books with the hope of finding a single line or idea that magically transforms their lives. Sometimes that happens, e.g., when we get a new way to view a situation. But I have a feeling a lot of readers will tuck this book away sometime in the first three chapters and discover it on their shelves years later, covered with dust. I hope I'm wrong on this one.

I'm also wondering just what kind of outcomes to expect after investing time and energy in these exercise. Majer refers to increased potential and growth. He's probably trying to avoid the kinds of wild claims many experts make in this field. I can see how the book would help friends and colleagues of people who complete the program, so they can create a "no whining" zone.

Still, I am considering about working through the book myself. I'm intrigued.

I was offered the chance to read The Power to Transform: 90 Days to a New You by Chris Majer through one of the reviewer outlets I belong to. Personal growth titles tend to get my attention, and this one had some appeal to it based on the description. After reading it, I was blown away. This is an excellent book that does indeed change the way you think about a number of things.

Contents:
The History of the Human Potential Project; How To Use This Book; Language Shapes Reality; Learning In A New World; It All Moves From Center; Cultivating Awareness; Choice - Claiming Your Birthright; Ability and Willingness; Accountability; Commitment; Trust; Honesty; Integrity; Being A Stand; Acknowledgments; Index; About the Author

The book starts out with something that may seem unrelated to transformation: how language works. But it's Majer's contention that once you understand the power of language and how it affects your view of reality, many things become possible that seemingly were impossible before. Learning how declarations, assertions, assessments, requests, promises, and offers work give you a framework to understand what is fact and what is opinion (and there's FAR more opinion than fact out there). With that groundwork in place, Majer starts working on the areas of your life where you have control, such as choice, being accountable, having integrity, and so on. Each chapter has assignments associated with it, with the mindset towards incorporating these elements and learnings into your life. I was surprised at how much of our reality is influenced by what others are telling us, and how those things are quite often assessments and not assertions of truth.

Every one of these chapters spoke to me, and I'm in the process of rereading the book with a notebook, pen, and highlighter in hand. Even learning that you can't be competent at everything, and that you have permission to declare yourself a beginner in order to start learning was a big revelation. I don't know how many times I've beat myself up over not being good at something that I've never tried.

If you're willing to work at this material and strive towards "embodied competence", this book can change your life around. The Power to Transform: 90 Days to a New You is one of those life-changing books...

Like a lot of people, I have spent time and money on books and programs that promised big results in terms of changing my life but didn't deliver much in the way of RESULTS. I was a bit skeptical when I saw another one, but this is something completely new. While I am just getting into it - it is already obvious that Chris Majer has an entirely new and much more effective way to develop people. His record with athletes, soldiers, and corporate types is very impressive and he clearly knows what he is talking about.

What I find especially powerful is the website [...] he has set up for this book. I signed up right away and I'm here to tell you: it is a whole new way of learning for me. It's VERY helpful, motivating, user-friendly & is really keeping me on track. You can work on your own or you can work as a member of a learning team. You can even invite specific people to join your team.

I will have more to say when I get through the entire process but my first impressions are very positive as I believe this is a powerful innovation.

I read this book once and have started doing the assignments. I agree with the author that the reader should "do the book" instead of just reading. The supplemental web site has a radio interview and articles which are helpful. You can use the web site to do the assignments as well. I believe this book has the power to transform you in 90 days.

I am a third of the way into " The Power to Transform" and am very impressed. It's not your typical self-help book. Very motivating.