AWAKEN THE GIANT WITHIN
by Anthony Robbins.
A book review by Frederick Pearce (aka. Spider) (www.frederickpearce.com)
When I first came across the works of Anthony Robbins, I was an up-tight, unhappy, work-a-holic in the middle of a mid-life crisis. At first, I was skeptical. I didn't believe the changes that Robbins promised were possible. And certainly not possible simply by changing my vocabulary, asking better questions, challenging my own belief system, and taking control. But it worked, almost without me trying. I am now happy, relaxed and wealthy: I am a personal coach and business mentor and I use many of the tools and techniques described in this book on a daily basis with my clients with excellent results.
It is often remarked that 'Think and Grow Rich,' by Napoleon Hill, was the first ever personal development book, and the one on which all subsequent self-development books were based. It was published in 1937, at the end of the Great Depression, and it has inspired millions of people around the world to better themselves. However, by today's standards, the language is somewhat stilted and formal. Anthony Robbins describes his 1991 book, 'Awaken The Giant Within,' as Think and Grow Rich Today. And so it is.
Robbins takes the concise principles laid out by Napoleon Hill 70 years ago and expands on them, meeting the needs of people today. It is a masterful work. Subtitled, How to take immediate control of your mental, emotional, physical and financial destiny, ATGW fulfills a promise unparalleled in today's self-improvement marketplace.
Following his first book, Unlimited Power (1987), Robbins begins ATGW with 'Unleash Your Power.' In this first section, he discusses dreams and goals, decisions and belief systems -- the fundamental material upon which all personal development builds. He then moves on to talk about change, and how to bring about change in your life.
Part 2. is called 'Taking Control - the Master System.' Here, Robbins talks about your life values and personal rules by which you live your life. He shows how you can change your values and rules, and thereby reinvent yourself. You get to determine who you truly want to be compared to who you have been in the past. What an exciting concept! Suddenly, the whole world opens up to you. This was an 'Aha' moment for me.
In Part 3. Robbins provides a working plan - Seven Days to Shape Your Life. This is where the rubber meets the road! While there have been exercises throughout the book, in Part 3, a specific 7-step plan is outlined for daily implementation.
One of Robbins' greatest gifts is his ability to simplify what is sometimes an overly complex subject. He turns it into a series of straightforward processes easily understood by anyone. As a result, he has managed to create a very powerful approach to personal growth and make it accessible to the masses without watering it down.
The methods developed by Anthony Robbins have proven themselves over the years. Although ATGW is long - over 500 pages - it is fully 'hands on' material with lots of exercises and examples. Robbins is not about motivation - he's about getting results. You definately get your money's worth. But you must DO the exercises. This is not a book to browse, this is a book to use! You don't read ATGW - you DO it!
If you only buy one personal development book in your whole life, this is the book to buy!