Thursday, August 24, 2006
How to Win Friends and Influence People
How to find and pursue your dreams and still read 5 books a week
This last week, I finished reading Second Acts, and can honestly say that it lived up to the expectations I mentioned last week. Like I said before, it is both different and better than any other book I've read on the subject of finding and/or living the life you love - and I have read many. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is soul-searching, trying to figure out what it is they want to become and do in life, or trying to overcome the fears and obstacles involved in pursuing that very thing.
I have to say, I have also found the invention of the Audiobook to be very useful this week. I feel incredibly productive, as I've been able to listen to several audiobooks during the time that I would normally only be dull-drumming around.
What one skill would help the most?
In one of the many books and courses I ate this week, one word of advice stood out the most, and never sat down. Imagine who it is you want to become, what things you want to achieve, and where you want to be in a year's time. The obvious thing to do is make a plan to achieve that goal. But I also think that the obvious is too simple a statement to encompass the complexity of the matter. The advice that has been a constant whisper in my ear is to think of what one skill would help the most in achieving your goal/dream. Then, perfect that skill with abandon.
In my pusuit of making being a Record Producer a full-time adventure, I've read and watched many interviews with very successful Producers. I've also been privelidged to be able to hook up with one in my area. Thus far, every single Producer has said that if they can say one thing that is essential in this business, one skill that is more important than any other, it is people skills.
You mean I have to talk to people?
Nadine and I have always had in interest in interpersonal relations. That interest drove us to be Spiritual Counselors for several years, and is a subject that I find myself continually attracted to to this day. I still plan to geta degree in couseling psychology, and certificates in neuro-linguistic programming and non-violent communication. But these things are still in the future. I may understand and study how interpersonal relations work, as well as be able to pass this information to others, but I have always been intimidated and shy when it comes to engaging others in conversation - more specifically, complete strangers. I wanted something I can use now. That's when I came across an amazing book published originally in 1936.
I have passed over this book many times due to my assuring myself that something so old surely was no longer relevant. When I was given the opportunity to listen to the book in audiobook form, I decided to give it a chance. Never have I come across a book so relevant, so impactful, and yet so simple. If there is one skill that can help you in any pursuit in life, it is people skills. And if there is one book, course, or audiobook that can give you a solid foundation in people skills, it is How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie.
There have been many books inspired by this giant, and I have seen traces of it in almost every book I have read on interpersonal relations. If you read no other, read this book. If you would like a good summary, or notes to refer back to, this site I have found to be an excellent resource. But I warn you, simple notes in no way compare to reading or hearing the book in whole.
For some possible extra reading, I've been told that Nicholas Boothman is the Dale Carnegie of our more rushed culture. You can find his books at the link in his name. I'm currently waiting for one of his books to come in at our local library.
I look forward to the following weeks. The biggest thing that has held me back for years is now turning into the biggest thing to move me forward; and that is... people skills.
