10 Things I Learned Reading “Choose Yourself!”

     Recently, I came across a book that had an interesting proposition. Prove you've read the book and the author will give you your money back.  That deal, as well as, the topic intrigued me.  So I am using this blog post as my “proof” that I read and learned something- 10 things actually.   

1.        We are in a Choose Yourself era. The economic meltdown in 2008 changed things forever. The American Dream has left the building. It is time to face the new reality and build your own path.  There are two employment paths: entrepreneur and temp worker.

2.       You have to start with a strong foundation: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health. As a side note, I find it interesting that contemporary self-help book address physical health. Let’s face it people, eating right, sleeping and doing some regular physical activity are basic life principles that we as a society are seriously lacking.  Unless you get those in order, you are screwed.

3.       Do you ever find your mind going in circles with worry and thinking, thinking, thinking?  That is because your mind likes to be busy- very busy. So give it something to do. Think of a problem and tell your mind to find 10 solutions, then 10 more.  I think this was the most important thing I took away from this book.  The mind can’t be silenced, so make it productive.

4.       Live in the present, otherwise you are “time traveling”. Reliving the past and worrying about the future takes you away from the right now.  Recognize your situation, moods and thoughts and accept them.  See #3 if you can’t stop obsessing.

5.       Surround yourself with positive people and minimize your exposure to naysayers. 

6.       Stop judging by changing statements into questions: I should do that.  I should do that?  This applies to judgment of others too:  She should do that. She should do that?

7.       Hitting “Like” on Facebook releases oxytocin which reduces cortisol (stress) levels.  Finally some good news about the internet... Like.

8.        Stop wasting brain space on paranoia, resentment, regret, and perfectionism.  “Subtraction, and not addition, is what makes the window to the brain more clear.”

9.       You learn most when listening, so stop talking.

10.   “This is how we form a better society. First we become better as individuals”

     The book covered many more subjects, including advice on how to be an entrepreneur, self-publish a book, take care of yourself and get your mindset straight. The author also presented case studies of people who choose themselves and were very successful (i.e. Gandhi). I would recommend this book, even if I wasn’t getting my money back J

Choose Yourself! by James Altucher. Here are the details for on the author’s offer of read and refund:

http://www.jamesaltucher.com/2013/06/nobody-has-ever-made-this-offer-before-i-am-paying-people-back-if-they-read-my-book/