17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A True Masterpiece from a True Genius, October 20, 2008
This review is from: The Seasons of Life (Hardcover)
Jim Rohn is an example of the classic rags to riches story. He grew up on a farm, went to college for a little bit, got a job, and by the time he was 25, his life was what the majority of Americans now experience. He was behind on bills, was in debt, had no money in his pocket, and was barely living paycheck to paycheck. But in six years time he became a millionaire. Did he inherit his wealth? Was it luck? No. So what happened?
He began a program of personal development. He decided to change himself and the results speak for themselves. Since then, he has become am author, a motivational speaker, an entrepreneur and a businessman. He is regarded by some of the well-known gurus as a legend. Anthony Robbins, Brian Tracy and Jack Canfield are among these gurus who claim Mr. Rohn had changed their lives.
I never heard of him. I have been on my own program of personal development myself and have never heard of him. I am a member of several online forums, and a while ago, one of the posters was praising a book they just read. Based on what the poster wrote, I went to Amazon and bought a copy of "The Seasons of Life." I am glad and very fortunate I did. Mr. Rohn is a pure genius. Not only does he know what to say, he knows how to say it and very eloquently.
"The Seasons of Life" is a short book. It could probably be read in a day if one reads fast, to maybe two or three if one reads more slowly. In it, Mr. Rohn writes about the process of change and uses a metaphor of the four seasons to illustrate. I have read in other books what the author has written here. But the way it is written here, for some reason, hit home with me and I walked away with more of a sense of responsibility to improve myself. I actually felt like I not only need to improve, but that I have to improve.
"Our current attitude, finances, environment, lifestyle, and our view of our own future possibilities are called circumstances - and to change circumstances, we must change the cause of those circumstances, which is ourselves. We must change our habits, our attitudes, our opinions, and often our occupation, residence, and even our friends, if circumstances are ever to change." - Jim Rohn
Jim Rohn has the rare gift of translating his thoughts into words that will allow everyone to completely understand the meaning. I believe that anyone, from a homeless person to a CEO of a major corporation, would comprehend the meaning of this book. The various people may not agree with what he wrote, but the meaning would be understood. But if one chooses to read this book with an open mind, then that person just may actual practice what is taught.
Most of the books I have read about self-improvement usually have a lot of explanations and examples. This book has 125 pages and most are filled with illustrations. Yet the information contained herein could easily fill a book of 600 pages or more. Because of Mr. Rohn's metaphors, what he has to say is easily understood with much fewer words. In fact, this review, if written in the same manner, would be only one paragraph. But I am not Jim Rohn by any stretch of the imagination.
"To accuse others, to feel sorry for ourselves, or to continue rationalizing or making excuses is foolish. Only a massive, voluntary, and effective assault on changing causes is important. Direct your thought, conversation, and full attention to that if you wish to change circumstances; concentrate a good share of your idle hours upon self-development by planning more, reading more, and investing more. Invest your time in worthy projects; invest your thoughts towards a worthy purpose; invest your talents towards a worthy occupation; invest your affection toward a worthy recipient; and finally, reserve your greatest respect for yourself, for it is that image...what you perceive yourself to be...that determines the quality of life." - Jim Rohn
The four seasons are used to describe the four "cycles" of change in our own development. Spring is analogous to planting the seeds of change. Summer is about watching over the growth of change and being on guard against the negatives. Autumn is about reaping the fruits of change. Winter is about using our "downtime" to plan, learn more and investigate further change. What Mr. Rohn has to say is so complex, yet so simple.
I really think that this book should be mandatory reading to all high school students. I say this because everyone who reads it could benefit from the wisdom contained. So if you are a student, find this book and read it. If you are not a student, find this book and read it. If you are alive, find this book and read it. I guarantee that you will find it well worth your time. And if you let it, a change in your life.
"Be grateful for adversity, for it forces the human spirit to grow - for surely, the human character is formed not in the absence of difficulty but in our response to difficulty." - Jim Rohn
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