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BOOK REVIEW: WEIRD IN A WORLD THAT’S NOT

Recently I was provided with an opportunity to read and review Jennifer Romolini’s new book ‘Weird in a World That’s Not’.

Even though the book caters more-or-less to a female audience, I decided to say yes to the review for two reasons.

The first reason; I want to say to opportunity, not repel it. I believe saying yes to opportunity (according to my personal beliefs) is a way to ensure more positive occurrences flow my way.

The second reason, is because the core message that Jennifer extols in her book is one in which I can relate.  Namely, that we can achieve our dreams and success, regardless of our past, or who we are.

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Recently I was provided with an opportunity to read and review Jennifer Romolini’s new book ‘Weird in a World That’s Not’.

BOOK REVIEW

Even though the book caters more-or-less to a female audience, I decided to say yes to the review for two reasons.

The first reason; I want to say yes to opportunity, not repel it. I believe saying yes to opportunity (according to my personal beliefs) is a way to ensure more positive occurrences flow my way.

The second reason, is because the core message that Jennifer extols in her book is one in which I can relate.  Namely, that we can achieve our dreams and success, regardless of our past, or who we are.

‘WEIRD IN A WORLD THAT’S NOT’ BOOK SUMMARY

To give you a better idea of what her book is about, here is a snippet straight from the Harpers Collins website:

“Jennifer Romolini started her career as an awkward twenty-seven-year-old misfit, navigated her way through New York media and became a boss—an editor-in-chief, an editorial director, and a vice president—all within little more than a decade.

Her book, Weird In A World That’s Not, asserts that being outside-the-norm and achieving real, high-level success are not mutually exclusive, even if the perception of the business world often seems otherwise, even if it seems like only office-politicking extroverts are set up for reward. Part career memoir, part real-world guide, Weird in a World That’s Not offers relatable advice on how to achieve your dreams, even when the odds seem stacked against you.”

THE BOOK REVIEW

So without further ado, here is the review.

Jennifer’s new book is witty, quick-paced, relatable (more so for women), and entertaining.  Oddly, I found myself not being able to put the book down.

Yes, the book is more-or-less geared towards the female audience, but that is what made me even more curious to read it.  Not very different from how us guys will pick up a Cosmo magazine left lying around the house by our spouse or girlfriend, and attempt to take a quick peek (while no one is around of course) to see what these girls are up to and to gleam some of their success secrets.

What I gathered from the book, that I think any reader can benefit from is the sincere encouragement.  This book contains tons of encouragement related to finding one’s way in a world that sometimes seems to not care about what we are truly interested in, or what we want from it.

Jennifer has obviously had a very unique upbringing, and has experienced a fair share of career and relationship failures. Experiences that have given her unique insights that she provides as clear how-to knowledge that we can all benefit from.

Throughout the book, Jennifer also does a great job communicating her experiences in a way that is humorous, yet still educational.

Her experiences, in my opinion are not extremely out of the norm.  In fact, I think more people will be able to relate to the ‘craziness’ of her life than she thinks.   But that’s not a bad thing, it just means that maybe this book is meant for more than just those few ‘oddballs’ who think themselves to be on fringes of society.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The primary points I think will resonate with you the most, are the following:

  • Your past does not equal your future.
  • Failing from time to time, being different, choosing to march to your own beat, is okay.
  • Quitting your job is okay; especially if it doesn’t make you happy.
  • Success is achievable, even if you think it is not.
  • Achievement is not something that only a select few are privy to. Regardless of who you are, you can achieve success in your life.

All in all, Jennifer is a talented writer, and her book is worth checking out, especially if you are looking for permission to ‘be yourself’.  I do believe she drops way too many F-bombs for my liking, but hey, to each their own.  At least she’s being authentic and has valuable insights that can help people gain the courage to improve their lives.

WHO THIS BOOK IS RECOMMENDED FOR?

Who do I recommend this book for?  Mostly, I’d recommend this book to all my female friends who want to unleash their inner go-getter (entrepreneur, artist, or ambitious careerist) seeking knowledge and encouragement for forging their own path.  For you guys out there, while you may night be able to relate 100% with the book, I think you’ll find it to be entertaining, informative, and yes, even encouraging.

If this review resonated with you, Jennifer’s book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Harper Collins.   Here is the link directly to the Harper Collins site if you want to learn more.

High effort, self-discipline, and fearless action are “my things”.  If you could use a bit more of these life-enhancing attributes, or if you want to be nudged from time to time to start taking action on your goals and dreams, follow me on Twitter.

Quotes

TOP 35 AS A MAN THINKETH QUOTES BY JAMES ALLEN

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As a Man Thinketh Quotes

I was asked not too long ago what my favorite book was.  It took me a few seconds to answer because I’ve read a decent number of books over the years. But after some serious consideration, and sputtering out two or three titles, I ultimately settled on ‘As a Man Thinketh’. As such, I’d like share a quick synopsis of the book, as well as the most powerful As Man Thinketh quotes I came across while reading it.

Why? Because no other book has helped me realize the power we wield to design and mold our lives to our making, as much as this book has. So, here we go.

As a Man Thinketh

‘As a Man Thinketh’ is by no means a new book.  In fact, the book was originally published in 1903.  But the age of the book is irrelevant, especially when one considers the value that can be extracted from the proper application of the many admonishments set forth within its pages.

As a Man Thinketh

The Author, James Allen also wrote 19 other books, but this book is the book that he has become most well known for.  As such, this book was James Allen’s ultimate legacy.

‘As a Man Thinketh’ is a very short book.  In fact, it is more a literary essay than a book.  However, don’t let the size of the book fool you.  I would venture to say that this is one of those few books where the potential impact it can have on your life is inversely related to the volume of pages contained within in it.

Some books have many pages, but say little, while others have few pages, but say much.  This books is one of the few that fall within the latter.

The Hook

So why does this book pack such a punch?  Well, for starters, each sentence portrays a strong air of authority and gravitas to it.  You can tell, that what the author is communicating is something that he deeply believes.  His message is seemingly matter of fact and suggestive in nature.

Now, whether the audience believes his statements as fact or not, remains for the audience to decide.  But that is where the potential for life change resides within this book.  It’s as if the author wants us to test out his ideas for ourselves, and when we take up the challenge, that is when we come to realize the efficacy behind his wise suggestions.

The Message

If this book has one point to make, it can be summed up in the following quote by James Allen, which is this: “They themselves are makers of themselves.” – James Allen

As I’ve gone through this book over the years, I’ve outlined and highlighted many sections of the book.  And every now and then, I would do more than highlight sections I found extra valuable and useful.  For those extra special sections I would add an asterix next to them.

So to give you some immediate value in reading this review, I am going to share those sections with you that I’ve enjoyed the most.

Here they are, the top 35 As a Man Thinketh Quotes:

MOST INSPIRING AS A MAN THINKETH QUOTES

Best As a Man Thinketh Quotes

1. “The alteration in your circumstances will be in exact ratio with your altered mental condition.” – James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

2. “He who would accomplish little must sacrifice little; he who would achieve much must sacrifice much.” –  James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

3 “You will realize the Vision (not the idle wish) of your heart, be it base or beautiful.” – James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

4. “Thought allied fearlessly to purpose becomes creative force.” – James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

5. “Even if he fails again and again to accomplish his purpose, the strength of character gained will be the measure of his true success.” – James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

6. “Strong, pure, and happy thoughts build up the body in vigor and grace.” – James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

7. “A man only begins to be a man when he ceases to whine and revile, and commences to search for the hidden justice which regulates his life.” – James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

8. “Men are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves; they therefore remain bound.” –  James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

9. “The Vision that you glorify in your mind, the Ideal that you enthrone in your heart, this you will build your life by, this you will BECOME.” – James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

10.Self-control is strength; right thought is mastery, calmness is power.” – James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

As a Man Thinketh Quote on Self-Control

11. “The weakest soul, knowing its own weakness, and believing this truth – that strength can only be developed by effort and practice, will, thus believing, at once begin to exert itself, and adding effort to effort, patience to patience, and strength to strength, will never cease to develop, and will at last grow divinely strong.” – James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

12. “They themselves are makers of themselves.” – James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

13. “Men do not attract that which they want, they attract that which they are.” – James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

14. “Blessedness, not material possessions, is the measure of right thought; wretchedness, not lack of material possessions, is the measure of wrong thought.” – James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

15. “Cherish your visions; cherish your ideals; cherish the music that stirs in your heart.” – James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

16. “The outer conditions of a person’s life will always be found to be harmoniously related to his inner state.” – James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

17. “Only he who is self-supporting is free, self-reliant, independent.” – James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

18.  “The will to do springs from the knowledge that we can do.” – James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

19. “Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom. It is the result of long and patient effort in self-control.” – James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

20. “To desire is to obtain; to aspire is to achieve.” – James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

As a Man Thinketh Quotes on Achievement

21. “As a man thinketh in his heart, so shall he be.” – James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

22. “In all human affairs there are efforts, and there are results, and the strength of the effort is the measure of the result.” – James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

23. “The law of harvest is to reap more than you sow. Sow an act, and you reap a habit. Sow a habit and you reap a character. Sow a character and you reap a destiny.” – James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

24. “Circumstances does not make the man; it reveals him to himself.” – James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

25. “You will become as small as your controlling desire; as great as your dominant aspiration.” – James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

26 “A noble and Godlike character is not a thing of favor or chance, but is the natural result of continued effort in right thinking, the effect of long-cherished association with Godlike thoughts.” – James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

27. “Mind is the Master power that molds and makes, and man is mind, and evermore he takes. The tool of thought, and, shaping what he wills, Brings forth a thousand joys, a thousand ills: — He thinks in secret and it comes to pass: Environment is but his looking glass.” – James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

28. “A man’s mind may be likened to a garden, which may be intelligently cultivated or allowed to run wild; but whether cultivated or neglected, it must, and will bring forth.” – James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

29. “A man does not come to the almshouse or the jail by the tyranny of fate or circumstance, but by the pathway of groveling thoughts and base desires.” – James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

30. “Disease and health, like circumstances, are rooted in thought.” – James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

Quote From As a Man Thinketh on Health

31. “Good thoughts and actions can never produce bad results; bad thoughts and actions can never produce good results.” – James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

32. “A man cannot directly choose his circumstances, but he can choose his thoughts, and so indirectly, yet surely, shape his circumstances.” – James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

33. “Aimlessness is a vice, and such drifting must not continue for him who would steer clear of catastrophe and destruction.” – James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

34. “They who have no central purpose in their life fall an easy prey to petty worries, fears, and troubles, and self-pityings, all of which are indications of weakness, which lead, just as surely as deliberately planned sins (though by a different route) to failure, unhappiness, and loss, for weakness cannot persist in a power-evolving universe.” – James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

35. “Into your hands will be placed the exact results of your own thoughts; you will receive that which you earn; no more, no less.” – James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

As a Man Thinketh Video

Video Credit: Master Key Society (Subscribe to Their Channel)

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed his collection of As a Man Thinketh Quotes. Of course, the real question is, Is As a Man Thinketh worth reading? Well, I’ve read this book so many times I’ve lost count. So, yes, the book is worth your time, and worth reading.

These days the book has become a resource to study, and something to come back to from time to time be reminded that we are responsible for our own happiness, our circumstances, and the outcomes we continue to get in both life and business.

It is a sobering message, but it’s one that has only lead to increasing good in my life. So, if you’re looking to shake things up in your life, give the book a read.

Till next time,

STRIVE

PS – If you enjoyed these As a Man Thinketh Quotes, then you’ll equally love these other thought related quotes by Napoleon Hill.

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