There are many beautiful quotes about good books. American novelist, author of “Little Women” Louisa May Alcott said, “Good books, like good friends, are few and chosen, the more select, the more enjoyable.” Roman philosopher and orator Cicero declared, “A room without books is like a body without a soul.”
But my favorite quote is the one that says, “We lose ourselves in books, yet we find ourselves there, too!” And this couldn’t have been more true as in this newly published book, Life (In 3D) Essential Skills for Self-Improvement and Personal Leadership. It is so informative that one practically loses himself leafing through its pages, yet, after going through all its enlightening chapters, one finds himself again, this time, transformed into a better version, ready to face the challenges of our highly competitive world.
And, just like how “3D” adds depth and dimension to an otherwise flat photograph, the book harnesses 3Ds — Direction, Dedication, Devotion — for the reader’s self-improvement and skillful leadership, as he metamorphoses into a crystal clear, multifaceted, more impressive member of society, very well equipped to hurdle whatever mundane obstacles there may be.
Most of all, bear with me as I shout to the world why I’m very proud of this book — it is written by my eldest son, Juan Carlos, and those who have bought their copies rave about how the easy-to-follow tips have led them to introspection, towards discovering what self improvements they have to embark on to excel in everything they do. Some even exclaimed that, with the first chapter alone, they already got back what they paid for…music to the ears of a Proud Papa here.
Let me share with you a few lines from the book.
Its intro says, “Sometimes, the smallest push is enough to start an avalanche. That’s exactly what I hope to happen in your life after you read this book. The little improvements and tips that are in these pages are the little pebbles that work with Gravity to make the snowy mountainside cascade into a wonderful whitewash of betterment for you and your life.”
As for the 3Ds, the author starts with Direction by enumerating the steps involved in Goal Setting, reminding the reader that, “When you have a clear vision of what your goals are, you must then plan the route and the measure that you will take in order to reach that goal. That plan should ideally take the shortest possible path and incur the least possible cost.”
As for Dedication, he starts the chapter by citing Michael Jordan’s passion for excellence, “Challenges and obstacles didn’t scare MJ, they motivated him. He saw them as trophies for the taking…sometimes he’d win, sometimes he’d lose, but he would always step up to the challenge — ‘I can accept failure. Everyone fails at something. I can’t accept not trying.’”
On Devotion, “Nothing says ‘devotion to yourself’ better than the thought and the belief that you can do it. Self-confidence is developed as a habit and isn’t something you acquire in one go, like how Popeye immediately gets his strength from a can of spinach. Maybe there are instances of this temporary boost of confidence, but this feeling fades just as quickly as it comes.”
There are many other interesting self-help tips in this book, all of them pointing towards giving the reader the key to live…and lead…in a “better, brighter world”. It covers several fields of endeavor — Music, Theater, Dance, Martial Arts, Culinary Arts, Ministry Work, even Power Dressing, and Personal Finance. Small wonder, because my son is a Marketing jack-of-all-trades, having been in different marketing positions in various fields and companies for more than 15 years. He is also a teacher, a motivational speaker, and a financial advisor.
The book’s postscript reads, “To get ahead and stand out, you need to fully appreciate all aspects of Life itself. Life (In 3D) breaks it down into categories that help you improve your situation regardless of what point in life you are. Whether you’re a parent trying to mold your children into outstanding individuals, or a teen trying to find your place in the world, or an ordinary individual trying to be extraordinary, this book will help you make your way forward and upward.”
Your copies of the 108-page Life (In 3D) Essential Skills for Self-Improvement and Personal Leadership may be obtained through 0920-932-7602 or may be ordered through Amazon.
For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com
