 "good read" | 2009-09-15 |
| - Reviewed By User: A16DCY169TCQUY |
| I enjoyed the book and have found that I have been able to use the wisdom in day to day situations somewhat |
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| "A New Twist on an Interesting Subject" | 2009-08-14 |
| - Reviewed By User: AVHZWBURIPT1N |
i have read many 'self help' books over the years, and i am now a bit selective on what I choose.This book is excellent!. It adds a new twist to a subject that can help most everyone.
The 'Giving an A, was a wonderful idea. Let us all project the results we want in the future, and then achieve them!Ruke6.. Dont take yourself to seriously, was truly a gem. If you want to reinvigorate your life, instill passion, and live with more passion, try reading this book for starters. |
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| "Motivational and practical with great anecdotes" | 2009-08-04 |
| - Reviewed By User: A3M9BUP87EGTFT |
This is a feel good, motivational book but also with substantive advice, illustrative examples, and actionable tips. I am keeping The Art of Possibility in the front of my reference shelf. I may be biased as a former classical musician because the Zanders are artists (Benjamin conducts the Boston Philharmonic) so the creative and music stories really resonate with me. But I think their easygoing and fun storytelling will hook anyone.
With 12 memorable frameworks to help the reader embrace Possibility as way of approaching life, The Art of Possibility is practical as well as motivational. There are many gems: Rule Number 6 for not taking yourself too seriously; Giving Way to Passion memorably encapsulated in Benjamin Zander's story of the one-buttocked pianist (you have to read the anecdote to get the full flavor); and Being the Board about taking responsibility are just a few of my favorites. I love the index of anecdotes at the end of the book so you know exactly where to find the one-buttocked pianist (page 118 in my edition) and all of your favorites.
This is a must read. I read a lot of business, self-help, non-fiction books and this is at the top of the list. In this down market where anxiety and doom and gloom rule, this is an even more important and transformational read now.
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| "Exciting! Be prepared to sit on the edge of you seat." | 2009-07-13 |
| - Reviewed By karenduncan |
| This is a phenomenal book! I actually had to pace the floor as I read through some of the pages it excited me so much. As soon as I read the last page I got on line and ordered 10 copies to give to my children and close friends. It will change the way you think and act, for the better. |
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| "Make it real...practice possibilities!" | 2009-06-08 |
| - Reviewed By User: A2ZCHIFV308LEV |
| What a fabulous life changing read!!! Inspirational in these times. A much needed perspective that can help anyone shift things in his/her life. If one is looking for an uplifting read, READ ON! |
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| "Will change you forever..." | 2009-04-25 |
| - Reviewed By never_stop_reading |
I'm not sure I would have picked up The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life by Rosamund Stone Zandar and Benjamin Zander without some external motivation. That happened when I had the opportunity to see Benjamin Zander present the material at a conference I attended. Within 30 seconds I was mesmerized, and my mindset changed forever. Reading The Art of Possibility was like reliving the presentation again, and it helped to reinforce all the incredible information I learned.
Contents:
An Invitation to Possibility; Launching the Journey
The Practices: It's All Invented; Stepping into a Universe of Possibility; Giving an A; Being a Contribution; Leading from Any Chair; Rule Number 6; The Way Things Are; Giving Way to Passion; Lighting a Spark; Being the Board; Creating Frameworks for Possibility; Telling the WE Story
Coda; Acknowledgments; A Guide to the Stories; About the Authors
Benjamin Zander is a renowned conductor, and his experiences in that field frame many of the stories and lessons in the book. For instance, Giving An A comes from his philosophy in teaching musicians. The competition amongst his students is intense, and anxiety over grades only contribute to less-than-perfect learning. To remove that barrier, he starts out the class by giving everyone an A. The only thing they need to do is write a letter, dated six months in the future, describing what they did to get an A in the course. That simple act changes the mindset of the students from competition to possibilities. Instead of competing with others, they are working towards fulfilling their possibilities. Another one I benefit from daily is Rule #6, which is "don't take yourself so ********* seriously." It's natural for the calculating self to be on guard for any indications that their importance is being diminished. That locks you into situations where you don't think anything can change. Instead, you can set aside the calculating self and let the central self shine through. Rule #6 allows you to let the internal calculating self lighten up, thereby releasing the pressure and "importance" of the moment. Then you can explore options that may not have been present so long as you're trying to remain "important".
I would have gotten a lot from this book had I not seen Zander live. But reading the book after experiencing the live version only makes the material that much better. It's impossible to have your mind go back to "normal" after reading The Art of Possibility. |
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