Many in our fast-paced world today want to be rich, having successful careers and lifestyles, yet don’t want to put the effort into making this happen. People look for the “secret” so they can make it happen quickly. The problem, however, is that the secret one is looking for will not help one succeed. This is explored in Mustard Seeds, Shovels, & Mountains: How to Succeed Using Your Physio-Psychic Power by J.F. (Jim) Straw.
As the author explains in a very easy manner, the “secret” is to have information and knowledge on how to be successful. It means one has to take some kind of action and not just sit and wait for “it” to come to us. So what is the action? First the author states one has to ask questions. These questions include: Where are you going? Why do you want to go there? What are you going to do when you get there? Before one sets goals to be successful in whatever they are looking for, these questions need to be answered honestly. One should set goals and these goals should be both short and long-term and be realistic.
The chapter that was my favorite (there were many) was the chapter on "Failure." Straw states that “people do not fail because they cannot succeed, but because they are unwilling to risk what they have.” Therefore, they stay in the lives they are living still wishing they could have what they want. Anytime someone is looking to make changes, they need to consider possible loss. Straw says one needs to have a specific plan of action in place for a possible loss. Too many consider the possible losses and then abandon their goals.
There is so much valuable information in this small book that readers will want to underline, make notes, and read the book again. Straw writes in a tone that makes it seem as if one is having a one-on-one conversation with him. He is sincere and believes totally that everyone can be successful if they follow some basic rules. Mustard Seeds, Shovels, & Mountains is less than 100 pages, but in those 100 pages there is very valuable and insightful wisdom.
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