Mine was "The Magic of Thinkg BIG" by David Schwartz. My dad gave it to me as a high school graduation gift about ## years ago.

It was the onlly one I read for many years, but now I've read and reread it bunches and still get a lot from it. I've read many other since, and many better since, but it still Rocks in my opinion!

Anyone else care to share?

"My Best Day So Far" by George D. Durrant. It was given to me in high school. Pretty good back. After that, I read "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey as part of a course in college. I have been hooked on self-improvement books ever since.

WOW! Pretty neat that you read Covey as part of a college course. What sort of course was it?

Jonathon Livingstone Seagull
by Richard Bach

Mine was "The Magic of Thinkg BIG" by David Schwartz. My dad gave it to me as a high school graduation gift about ## years ago.

It was the onlly one I read for many years, but now I've read and reread it bunches and still get a lot from it. I've read many other since, and many better since, but it still Rocks in my opinion!

Anyone else care to share?

WOW. :) The Magic of Thinking Big was also the first self-help book I read. I was only 16 years old at the time, but it opened up the magical world of self-improvement for me and I've been hooked ever since.

Jonathon Livingstone Seagull
by Richard Bach

I have to agree with you there. I read that one in high school as part of Humanities class (Maybe I'm dating myself). It amazes me how many people have never even heard of it.
KAT

Mine would be See You At The Top.

I like Richard Bach. I only last year heard of him when the boyfriend got me a copy of Illusions. I loved it. Yesterday I tried thumbing thru A bridge to forever (Im sure I murdered that title) But I found it dry. :P

WOW! Pretty neat that you read Covey as part of a college course. What sort of course was it?

It was part of a communications course. The instructor kept cracking me up by referring to Covey as "The Bald-Headed Guru." :biglaugh:

The Magic of Thinking Big

Wow, several of us first read The Magic of Thinking Big!

Wow, several of us first read The Magic of Thinking Big!

How come that book is not available here in our national bookstore? hmmm... I'll be on a look out for that... Hey Coach... will it be possible for your book to be available on our national bookstore here in the Philippines just like other books? Some people prefer buying in cash.

My first motivational book is a local book that I read in our company library. It is by Rudolfo Vitangcol <translated in english = The Right/correct Perceptions Towards a Happy and Prosperous Life> It is not a matter of knowing how to be successful but it is having the right Perceptions. Some believes in the saying Give a man a fish and you will feed that man for a day... but teach him how to fish and you will feed him for a lifetime... but the problem is if that person is lazy... he has an incorrect perception about work. The thing is to teach that man correct perceptions then maybe if he accept those perceptions... you won't even need to teach him how to fish 'coz he will learn it by himself.

Mr. Covey's book was also taught in our university in industrial psychology... this should have been my first motivational book but i did not understood it that much back then... I guess it was too deep for me when I was at that age... especially the diagrams (circles and triangles :D ) But I do appreciate it now that I'm a little bit older now that I have realized the mistakes I have made in life. :bonk:

How come that book is not available here in our national bookstore? hmmm... I'll be on a look out for that... Hey Coach... will it be possible for your book to be available on our national bookstore here in the Philippines just like other books? Some people prefer buying in cash.

My first motivational book is a local book that I read in our company library. It is by Rudolfo Vitangcol <translated in english = The Right/correct Perceptions Towards a Happy and Prosperous Life> It is not a matter of knowing how to be successful but it is having the right Perceptions. Some believes in the saying Give a man a fish and you will feed that man for a day... but teach him how to fish and you will feed him for a lifetime... but the problem is if that person is lazy... he has an incorrect perception about work. The thing is to teach that man correct perceptions then maybe if he accept those perceptions... you won't even need to teach him how to fish 'coz he will learn it by himself.

Mr. Covey's book was also taught in our university in industrial psychology... this should have been my first motivational book but i did not understood it that much back then... I guess it was too deep for me when I was at that age... especially the diagrams (circles and triangles :D ) But I do appreciate it now that I'm a little bit older now that I have realized the mistakes I have made in life. :bonk:

I don't think that will happen anytime soon. Right now the only way to get it outside the US is to order it from amazon. :)

The Magic of Thinking Big is OLD!!! Schwartz in now dead and it may be out of print. Not sure.

The Magic of Thinking Big is certainly very old. It was first published in 1959.
There is also another book by Dr. Schwartz that I highly recommend called "Maximize Your Mental Power."

The 7 Habits is brilliant, but for those who want to absorb these principles in a more enjoyable manner I would seriously recommend "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens" by Sean Covey. It's written with the teenager in mind, but the principles are easily understood and can readily adapted to your own life. I only wish that I had read it when I was a teenager.

I'll bet you could find The Magic of Thinking Big at any library.

You can buy The Magic of Thinking Big on Amazon new or used. To put the age of the book in perspective, Think and Grow Rich was written in 1937 or 1938 as was How to Win Friends and Influence People.

While the examples in older books are often not relevant to modern day situations the principles and lessons they discuss can still be applied in most cases.

You can buy The Magic of Thinking Big on Amazon new or used. To put the age of the book in perspective, Think and Grow Rich was written in 1937 or 1938 as was How to Win Friends and Influence People.

While the examples in older books are often not relevant to modern day situations the principles and lessons they discuss can still be applied in most cases.

I completely agree! Most of the "newer" motivational books are based on the same or similar principles as the older ones. They are just threaded into more modern parables and personal experience stories.

I still like Unlimited Power by Tony Robbins and Success for Dummies by Zig Ziglar.

The first motivational thing I got was an old tape set at a saturday yard sale...the tape set was "Lead The Field" by Earl Nightingale...the tape set is older now than it was even then, but I still have it somewhere...

BTW, The Magic Of Thinking Big is very good. Coach is right, you can still get it at Amazon...

Earl Nightingale! YES!!! He was awesome. Loved that voice. :thumb:

Earl Nightingale! YES!!! He was awesome. Loved that voice. :thumb:

I actually wore that tape set out in the 80's. It is an excellent investment! :)

The Magic of Thinking Big is an amazing book.

The first motivational book i read was while in Uni, i stumbled across a copy of Rich Dad Poor Dad. It changed my perspective on everything not just about money. :)

I always read everything I could get my hands on so it is hard to remember the absolute "first". But the one that I recall that really started me on reading motivational books was "The Power of Positive Thinking" by Norman Vincent Peale. It definitely has a religious slant but is a fabulous book.

Dr. Joseph Murphy has written some amazing books, my favorite is "The Power of the Subconscious Mind".

BOOKS ARE MEALS FOR THE ACHIEVER. READING LEADS US OUT OF IGNORANCE INTO A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES.
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

my first was UNLIMITED POWER

BOOKS ARE MEALS FOR THE ACHIEVER. READING LEADS US OUT OF IGNORANCE INTO A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES.
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

I would agree sahbad, except for the "knowlege is power" part. I'm a firm believer that knowlege unapplied is impotent. Knowlege only becomes power when one puts it to work and applies it. Just my thoughts! :thumb:

I'm a firm believer that knowlege unapplied is impotent. Knowlege only becomes power when one puts it to work and applies it. Just my thoughts! :thumb:

Totally agree! Without putting the knowledge into good use, it is as good as not having it. :thumb:

I found a book that was likely the first motivational book that many of us read, even though we didn't realize it at the time.

"Oh, the Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss.

It starts out "Congratulations, Today is your Day. You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!" and follows the Hero through the ups--"Wherever you fly, you'll be the best of the best. Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.":yippee:
and the downs--"I'm sorry to say so but, sadly, it's true that Bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you." :hopeless:

But the Hero overcomes all of his problems and it ends up
"And will you succeed? Yes, You will indeed! (98 3/4% guaranteed.)":rulz:

"Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So...Get on your way!":tiphat:

Really amazing and inspiring book. I think Dr. Seuss was writing for the adults as well as the children!

I found a book that was likely the first motivational book that many of us read, even though we didn't realize it at the time.

"Oh, the Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss.

Really amazing and inspiring book. I think Dr. Seuss was writing for the adults as well as the children!

I agree. He was GREAT! Your post has inspired me to find that book and start reading it to my daughter! :thumb:

RICH DAD POOR DAD IS A BOOK ANYONE WHO WANTS TO BE FREE FROM POVERTY NEEDS TO READ.

I found a book that was likely the first motivational book that many of us read, even though we didn't realize it at the time.

"Oh, the Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss.

It starts out "Congratulations, Today is your Day. You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!" and follows the Hero through the ups--"Wherever you fly, you'll be the best of the best. Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.":yippee:
and the downs--"I'm sorry to say so but, sadly, it's true that Bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you." :hopeless:

But the Hero overcomes all of his problems and it ends up
"And will you succeed? Yes, You will indeed! (98 3/4% guaranteed.)":rulz:

"Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So...Get on your way!":tiphat:

Really amazing and inspiring book. I think Dr. Seuss was writing for the adults as well as the children!

Yes Karen! Dr. Seuss is one of the greats and his genius is shown in the simplicity of his messages that are so true and practical. I am working on getting my Dr. Seuss collection put together in my library right next to the other classics.
Junto

My mom and I shared the first Tony Robbins tape set. I think it was around 1989.

Jennifer

I read Unlimited Power by Anthony Robbins as a Junior in High School, it was 1987. Without trying to be cliche, it changed my life.

Since then, I have read Awaken the Giant Within, and I have purchased and completed Get The Edge (CD and workbook), Unleash the Power Within (CD of Unlimited Power Weekend) and Time Of Your Life (CD, workbook and software).

I have also read\listended to Norman Vincent Peale, Wayne Dyer and Deepak Chopra, Michael Gerber, David Allen, and Brian Tracy.

Great question!

John

Yup those are very nice books..Books from Napolean Hill all have big influence on me..It keeps me going all the time...

but have any of you guys heard of Adam Khoo? He hails from Singapore and he has done a lot of wonders for a lot of people from this side of the world..He became a millionaire at a very young age..not because of internet but due to hard work and brilliant ideas coupled with a millionaire mentality.. i will tell u more about him in my next post..

For me, I think it was either Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Milman or it may have been Richard Bach's stuff (I read about 3 or 4 in a row, after reading Jonathan Livingston Seagull).

-CP

My 1st motivational book I read was "Think and grow rich" by Napolean Hill. It had a major impact on me, in that it had a lot of sprituality in it. I had never tied being spiritual with having money before... tithing, etc. That truly inspired me. It helped me change my thinking that people with lots of money weren't all bad, selfish, etc. But that is because that is what I saw with my Dad.... Once I realized that money was not bad, but how some people thought of it, felt superior to others who had less of it, lorded it over others were not the healthy ones. That caused me to question many of my beliefs!

I used to say to my 1st ex hubby "I would rather be poor and be happy than be rich and miserable!"

Now I know that doesn't have to be the case at all. Rich people CAN and DO make a difference... just that my father chose NOT to. Thank God I figured that one out.... whew!

Only recently did I do T&GR. I really enjoyed it. Good stuff. I never had any neative thoughts about wealthy people... well, least not people who earned it. Worthless trustfund brats or people like Paris Hilton do annoy me though.

-CP

My first motivational book I read was Seven habits of highly effective people. Which lead to Awaken the Giant within. Those two books opened up a new world of thinking for me.

The first one I can recall reading was Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss. It was the early 90s and I wanted to see what all of the fuss was about over the author's new book, so I read it in the book store or the library, I can't recall which one. After that I read Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People.

See...
Everyone loves "Oh the Places you'll go"

"And will you succeed?
Yes, you will indeed!
98 3/4% guaranteed"

For those who enjoy reading "Think and Grow Rich, there is another great book by Napoleon Hill - "Grow rich with peace of mind". Read it! :thumb:

Think and Grow Rich and How I Raised Myself From Failure To Success In Selling...Frank Bettger

"Rhink and Grow Rich, Read it! :thumb:


LMFAO
:biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh:

:biglaugh: :biglaugh:

:biglaugh:

Nowadays,It seems to be fashionable to beat up and criticize Anthony Robbins. However, I still think "Unlimited Power" is a great book.

Over the years, I have tried to read "the Seven Habits" by Stephen Covey. Just can't get into it. I have heard the guy speak. I think he's a good guy, but his speaking and writing is as dry as dirt. If you ever want a cure for your insomnia, just listen to Stephen Covey speak...you'll be sleeping within a few moments.

I don't even remember the names of them, but I'd say the Cowboy Stories I read when I was 5, 6, 7+. Then it was into the Science and Geology and History-stuff (Yes, those can be motivational too! 'specially the Astronautical stuff!)

Bur actual Motivational titles? I'm sure "As a Man Thinketh" was one. (that applies to WeMenz too Midas!)
Deepak's "Seven Spiritual Laws of Success" too. and Wayne Dyer.
One of My Favorites is "Three Magic Words" by US Anderson.


Though I predate the Seuss books by a couple years,
I absolutely agree they're a MUST READ, damn the Years!
Though His Stories are Written to entertain the Young Mind,
The ones who learn most are their Adultlings, I do find.

The most impactful of Scripts will do little unless
The Authors engage ALL the Senses, All 5, Not 1 Less!
There are Sooooooooo many Books now that enlargen Our World
and it's around THOSE Books You will Find me, enrapt ..... CozyCurled!


~ :D ~

think and gfrow rich. the best success book ever.

Nowadays,It seems to be fashionable to beat up and criticize Anthony Robbins. However, I still think "Unlimited Power" is a great book.

I love Tony Robbins. He absolutely saved my life. No doubt about it. However, I tried to read "Unlimited Power" years ago and it was toooo much for me at the time. My favorite TR book is....the Date With Destiny manual.

You know no one here has mentioned "the Power of the Subconscious Mind" by Dr. Joseph Murphy. :rulz:
It is probably my favorite but not the first I read. :magic:

my first book was "How to win friends and influence people" -by Dale Carnegie

my first book was "How to win friends and influence people" -by Dale Carnegie

That is a great book too! I love that book... I refer back to that one at times too...

my first book was "How to win friends and influence people" -by Dale Carnegie

I love that book too! One of the best!

Reminds me of this beautiful quote:
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel"
Maya Angelou :sunshine:

See...
Everyone loves "Oh the Places you'll go"

"And will you succeed?
Yes, you will indeed!
98 3/4% guaranteed"

AMEN! :thumb:

I love that book too! One of the best!

Reminds me of this beautiful quote:
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel"
Maya Angelou :sunshine:

I love Maya Angelou!!

The force within by - Stuart Wilde or Paul Cocehlo's - The Alchemist - so long ago - I unable to clearly advise.

Haven't stop reading these type of books since