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Author: Takumi
Yamazaki
ISBN:978-1-935548-06-5
Publisher: One Peace Books
Click Here To Purchase Shift; 13 Exercises to Make You Who You Want to Be
A
motivational self-help book. Very easy and quick to read.
Takumi Yamazaki brings together tried and trusted methods of
motivational techniques in a handy reference book for those who want
to better themselves. Although the book seems to be geared more
towards people who want financial or business success, I think some
of the ideas in the book and motivational methods could also assist
in general to improve self-confidence.
The idea behind the book is that many people have a poor self-image, and this—combined with natural forces—can hold them back from attaining their goals and dreams. In Shift, Takumi Yamazaki tries to explain the reasons behind a poor self-image and what a person can do to overcome that, he also includes entertaining descriptions of natural factors such as homeostasis and scotoma, explaining how these all blend together to keep people stuck in a rut.
The author has devised 13 exercises to
help improve confidence and self-image and thereby increase a
person’s chances to reach their goals, the message being that
nothing is impossible.
There are also techniques contained within
the book for keeping motivation at its peak.
For me, some of the
exercises seem impractical especially if the book is being read by an
individual to help themselves, as many of them involve group
therapy. Perhaps this book could be useful for those involved
in counselling groups of people, where they could incorporate the
group exercises into their sessions.
I found one of the
suggestions for self-improvement to be slightly odd—the author
suggests that if someone wants to live a life of luxury, they should
start eating in expensive restaurants, fly first class and stay in
expensive hotels. How the average person is supposed to do that
without making their situation worse, I am not quite sure.
I did
enjoy reading this book; it is certainly a fun read which makes you
think about the way we look at life. There are little drawings
scattered throughout the book to illustrate the points, which is a
nice touch and adds to the feeling that the author doesn’t take
himself too seriously, and it is not a book that tells you what to
do, but just shows you some methods you could use to help overcome
hurdles and self-imposed barriers to success.
I like books like
Shift, as I do believe that positive thinking can only help to bring
positive results. This book will definitely leave you with a
feeling that it is possible to reach your dreams with a bit of
will-power.