73 of 88 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is the real Secret!, April 25, 2007
This is by far the most inspirational and motivational self help books I have ever come across. The book The Secret is good but very vague but this book is filled with concrete examples and knowledge that is relevant to today's society. It has definitely motivated me to take action. I have never written a review for a book on Amazon, but after reading this book I couldn't not leave a review giving it 5-stars.
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32 of 37 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Impressive Read, May 22, 2007
I've always respected Russell Simmons for not only making a name for himself within the hip hop industry but being such a consistently impressive businessman. I like how he doesn't have to give up his whole personality in order to gain exposure or continue to make significant products within the community, so when I saw this book, I was really hoping it was going to be good. And it was!
Pros: He gave me some very useful insight about things I thought I was clear on but apparently not (ex. the contributions of rappers that I NEVER thought were giving anything back to the community sparked an article idea, his dept and then profit from Def Jam, and his views on Run DMC and "Walk This Way"). I respect him for not dogging out his ex-wife and showing the positive attributes of her, especially since I'm a Baby Phat fanatic. There was a lot of good information on how to start and keep a business with interesting antecdotes in between. Although he talked about religion, he did it in such a conversational way that it didn't seem preachy. I respect how he admitted that sometimes he contradicts his own opinions but is man enough to understand and recognize that while trying to appeal to his "higher" self. Although I currently practice a lot of his business savvy, it's helpful to know that I'm on the right path by looking at someone who is already there. I thought yoga was painful as hell, but it was interesting to read about that, and I'm a proud vegetarian so I grinned from ear to ear when he talked about not eating meat, regardless of him trying not to lecture anybody. I hope the situation with Jinx works out and his health and career work out for the best. I wanted to highlight his example about the man with his foot on the bench and punching away at his two-way. I wish somebody would make that stand out in an article somewhere because too many young professionals do NOT get it. That story is a prime example of how you don't have to be obnoxious in order to get people to understand you're about business, and be respectful to those you want business from.
Cons: Sometimes the contradictions were in the same chapter and I worried that readers who did not agree with him would believe him even less when he'd say things like there's nothing wrong with bling bling but then say spend money smart. Or say listen to Snoop to find out what's happening on the streets, when Snoop's lyrics are about as disrespectful as disrespectful can get. I wish he'd have said someone like Lupe Fiasco, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, or Common.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Motivating Book, December 22, 2007
I will admit, I picked up this book because I saw Russell Simmons on the cover. It is extremely difficult to read a motivational book by someone who is not successful, so immediately I was compelled to have a gander. I figure if I should listen to someone's words of advice, why not be the Godfather of Hip-hop.
Reading into this book, all of his points make sense. Let me re-iterate that: The "laws" make SENSE. He gives specific examples in his life and others of WHY they make SENSE. You may read this review and think, "Yeah, I'm sure, probably just another ploy for Simmons to make money." WRONG. You can tell by the writing that it wasn't some Joe Schmoe Russell hired to write him a book. He poured his heart and soul into this book in what translates into a happier, more motivated you. The experiences that Russell has been through are shown in the 12 laws. It makes sense as to why an individual like him is so successful.
Immediately after starting reading this book, I felt more motivated. I decided to start working out at the gym and eating healthier. One thing that Simmons states is: "Right now is the only time that there ever is. Yesterday is gone & tomorrow never comes. Whatever you need to do in life, start it today." How many times have you told yourself: I'll start [insert activity needing motivation] tomorrow. Well guess what? Tomorrow never comes. If you keep convincing yourself you WILL do it, you WONT do it. If you think you need to work out more, stop what you are doing, put on some work out gear, and get to the gym! It's really as simple as that!
This book will make your life more fulfilling, giving you happiness, and in-turn success!
Go ahead and read the negative reviews on how they nitpick this book. Obviously, they aren't following the 12 Laws, and are too busy being negative! Don't be THAT person. Tomorrow will never come, so pick up this book TODAY!
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