This is a nice little book expressing the age-old truths in a concise and accessible way. Some reviewers on Amazon say that the book is shallow and the author just regurgitates on plain truths. But aren’t people simple creatures? The behavior that brings happiness won’t change, no matter how many times it’s repeated.

Here’s the freely available table of contents, which is also the list of things you should (or shouldn’t) do to fulfill your potential:

1. Create space.
2. Try not to worry.
3. Don’t do really dumb things.
4. Build character and make friends.
5. Care for yourself and others.
6. Laugh.
7. Do what you love.
8. Embrace change.
9. Learn from experience.
10. Have dreams and work towards them.

To put it even more tersely, it’s “be calm, be kind and be curious about the future.” Seems a lot like what Buddhism is all about, isn’t it?

There’s another similar book, also by a CEO, the founder of Panasonic Konosuke Matsushita, which is called “Principles of Success.” It’s an even shorter book and even more terse, compressing everything into three groups: management, work and life. All or most of what Peter Atkins offers is in Matsushita’s book, and vice versa. They may be plain truths, yet simple principles are easier to remember and easier to act on, than a bunch of convoluted tactics which won’t fit everyone.

Throughout the book, Atkins shares some brilliantly formulated principles, that I have been thinking about myself but haven’t been able to articulate.

Overall, it’s a treat to read and I’ll be sure to come back to this book.

“Life is Short And So Is This Book” on Amazon.

Written two years ago for one of my other websites which is about to expire. Just reread the book yesterday, and it rings even more true than last time, if it’s possible.

The amateur tweets. The pro works.

That pretty much sums up Steven Pressfield’s “Turning Pro” for me.

In the face of uncertainty and doubt, the amateur chooses distraction, while the pro chooses to do the work instead. The pro knows: doubt won’t go away by itself, one has to push it, shove it, kick it. By doing the work.

What is distraction, if not self-sabotage, sabotage of one’s future self? As Pressfield puts it, lives go down the tubes one hundred and forty characters at a time. It’s not only Twitter, but any distraction or self-delusion that prevents us from doing the work of our life.

Mindset makes all the difference. Approach the work like a pro, and you win. Come at it like an amateur, you give up and in the end it kicks your butt.

The amateur and the pro are Pressfield’s metaphors for people who either run from their fears or face them. It’s a choice that one has to make every day.

What’s your choice?

Ignore this book at your own peril! Short and intense, it will challenge your attitude to work and life — for your own good.

Find the links to buy the book on the official site. I’ve bought my copy on Amazon.