Personal Development & Having It All…
No doubt, personal development and having it all are high on the list of many people. All things are possible but “the secret” is taking action.
“Learning is the beginning of wealth. Learning is the beginning of health. Learning is the beginning of spirituality. Searching and learning is where the miracle process all begins.” Jim Rohn
“Only 10% of YOU will ever read these books and of that only 10% of those that do, will ever finish them.” Jim Rohn, the business philosopher was in fine form teaching from the stage in Dallas, Texas. The year was 2006. He was challenging all of us and I, not one to shy away from a challenge vowed not be in the 90%. Even then, I was convinced I could do it all and have it all. This belief, after all, was what helped me personally to transform my life.
Mr. Rohn, the man who first mentored Anthony Robbins, and a force of nature in his own right, was someone who deeply impacted me that day. Not only was I attending this event, I was one of the speakers. I knew that if I were to stand on stage, I had to be in integrity. I promised myself that I would read every book that Jim had on his list and I would get it done right away.
The following four books, Jim attributed to his success and was adamant that they could inspire others to be happier and find their own personal power and professional success too:
1. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
2. The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale
3. The Richest Man in Babylon by George C. Clasen
4. The Bible and specifically the New Testament
Jim rationalized that to be a millionaire, we had to train our minds; the best way to do that was to read the books, listen to the audios and of course – attend the events.
Over the course of many years, I have read hundreds of books. From some, I garnered a powerful idea, left the book, applied the idea and returned to the book. Others, I devoured ravenously, squeezing every bit of wisdom from the author. Anthony Robbins credits his meteoric rise from doing his dishes in his bathtub to becoming the most powerful personal development trainer on the planet to reading 700 personal development books in one year – that’s right! He averaged 2 per day.
One of my mentors, Swim With the Sharks or Get Eaten Alive author, Harvey McKay suggests taking a speed-reading course so we can assimilate more information in a shorter period of time. Personally, I like audio books so I can workout and listen.
Either way – the bottom line is that to be truly successful at anything – to increase our personal power allowing us to improve confidence to the point we not only personally “have it all” but so that we also inspire others – we are going to have to first become exceptional students.
In addition to Mr. Rohn’s reading list, here are my top non-negotiables for those wanting to take it to the next level:
1. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiosaki
2. Excuse Me Your Life is Waiting by Lynn Grabhorn
3. The Success Principles by Jack Canfield
4. The Power of Focus by Les Hewitt
5. Good to Great by Jim Collins
6. The Leader Who Had No Title by Robin Sharma
7. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
8. Unstoppable by Cynthia Kersey
9. The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
10. A Course in Miracles
Once our minds are transformed, our thoughts follow. When we have the right thoughts, we increase personal power and we increase confidence so that our actions follow suit.
In doing this our results change…immediately. I encourage you to dedicate time each and every day to growing your mind. Embrace the challenge put forth by Mr. Rohn and refuse to be the 90 percenter. Something to consider, as a final thought is this – after Jim finished his reading challenge he said, “ironically, the 90% work for the 10%. Decide which side of the desk you want to be on.”
I know that you have greatness inside you – tremendous personal power – and you can truly be, do and have anything you dream. You can have it all! Let’s Get Reading!
Susan is a balanced living expert and work life balance coach. She is an author, speaker and self made millionaire. She has appeared on ABC Family, the CBN, written for Dianne Magazine, Oxygen Australia and many more. Susan dedicates time to philanthropy and projects that benefit women and girls all over the world. She is married to her best friend, Chris, and together they have five beautiful children.
