Customer Reviews

Why You Can't Be Anything You Want to Be

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Why You Can't Be Anything You Want to be, by Arthur Miller, Jr., presents interesting concepts on the diversity of human behavior. Miller maintains that our Motivation Abilities Pattern, MAP, affects all aspects of our life, and in particular ones career development. I feel the concept is significant and if used properly could change the way everyone makes important life decisions; by allowing us to use the gifts we have been given in the situations that require those strengths. This book is worth reading; do not be tempted to give up, as I was, on the weaker parts of the book. I was annoyed by the author's use of archaic aphorisms (I had to look repeatedly at the copyright date to assure myself this was just written in 1999), and many of the referenced studies that are over a couple of decades old. The chapters on church and educational reforms are exceedingly radical. I feel that proof by repeated assertion does not fully explain why MAP is superior to other methods, such as Myers-Briggs. Because there are so many good sections of the book buried among the superfluous, I will miss an index when I want to revisit those gems. After reading this book, I find myself viewing each individual's behavior in a new way; no longer critical of the variation in their approach to issues, but noticing the potential of their complementary giftedness. This book is worth reading, and will change the way many of us view others and ourselves.

Michael Friends

At last, a book on vocation and job placement that celebrates the giftedness of the individual rather than attempting to pigeonhole people into personality types.

Debunks the myth of 'becoming'... the idea (so popular in modern culture) that people are basically 'self-made' rather than gifted by God.

A worthwhile read for anyone looking to surface their unique gifts and gain insight into how to put them at the service of the human family.

This book should be a must for all high school and college students. The author has practical exercises and information on finding out about ourselves,our choice of careers, and our relationships. In addition the information in this book will break down the barriers as to what makes us really happy and why.

William Hendricks and co-author Arthur Miller have developed a technique which allows people to know exactly what they should do in the work area of their life. The best job fit is crucial for individuals trying to determine what they should do in their life as well as for employers trying to decide if a person is right for a specific position. This process has given me direction in my best job fit for my future.

This book is a great book, very revealing, insightful, and is a tremendous help to thousands of people. It is unique in that it probes into true answers to who you are and reveal significant unique information about you, not in any attempt to group you to a lump sum of peoples group but to reveal the unique make up of who you are. P.S. I like to contact the Author, Arthur Miller

I'm 55 and too old to learn anything, but understanding the basic principle of which Miller and Hendricks write has been really helpful and I've thought about it many times in the past year or so since I read the book. I've been able to much better understand myself and those around me and to give better advice. I even bought copies for both of my sons. Unfortunately, the explanation of the principle was much more interesting than the authors' application, which for me became rather pedantic. Regardless, it's a valuable read -- just do the first half (5 stars), then rip off the last half (2 stars) and toss it! Seriously, READ THE BOOK!

This book has been re-issued in paperback under the title The Power of Uniqueness (ISBN 0310242886). As of today, it's still in print and is very affordable.

I have spent a considerable number of years as a career consultant. Mr. Miller brings significant study and observations to the field. Miller'ss conclusions about "hard wiring" make perfect sense to me, in light of my experience. When we discover and are able to articulate our "heart cry" we are on the road to greater success and enjoyment of life. This book is worthy of your time!

Miller provides an extremely thought-provoking and incisive look at the issues of abilities, vocation and personal satisfaction. As the title indicates, he debunks the myth that you can do anything if you just "put your mind to it." He does so convincingly through his own copious research and psychological observations. Miller is incredibly readable, sprinkling humor and poignant anecdotes throughout the book. I would especially recommend this book to college students; there are some valuable lessons here that are better learned BEFORE entering the working world.