Two Books I’ve Been Loving Lately…

by Rachel Rofe

Hey guys!

Just wanted to share a couple books I’ve been LOVING lately. If any of them resonate with you, I totally recommend them!

1. Man’s Search For Meaning by Viktor Frankl – This book is INCREDIBLE. It’s not a business book per say, but you can use the lessons from it in business.

It’s one of the most inspirational, life-changing books I’ve ever come across.

I plan on writing an entire blog post about this soon (I have PAGES full of notes)… but for now, a quick overview:

Viktor was a Holocaust survivor. He went through some of the most horrifying things known to mankind.

Some of the stories he shared shook me to the core.

But the way that  he went through and survived through things…. how he used his mind to get past things… amazing.

For example, he talked about one day how he was having a particularly bad day. He let his mind go to a lot of “smaller” things he ordinarily wouldn’t have worried about – like what he was going to do with his daily bread ration, if he should exchange it for a cigarette, how to avoid a certain guard, etc… and he was just getting very cranky about everything.

Instead of continuing to stress about the small things he couldn’t control, he took a mental picture of his reality that day, and kind of put it into a “movie screen” in his mind. He looked at the big picture. He saw himself lecturing to a crowd of people one day… in a well-lit room, with people sitting on padded chairs. He saw himself sharing his stories and helping people.

All of a sudden, his mind shifted.

He was able to get through the day and he was in a much better mindset.

And maybe it sounds like a small thing, but this was incredibly powerful to me. It showed how a quick perspective change could shift everything.

To put it into business terms… maybe you’re getting frustrated by some annoying technical work or something. If you make a perspective change – look at how this is going to help you build an empire, or see it as the temporary frustration eventually helping you support the people you love… it totally erases the annoyance.

I FREAKING LOVE THIS BOOK.

2. The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson – I love this book too. Dennis bought it for me a few months ago, and it’s just great. It basically talks about how a lot of us want instant gratification… but by making small progress every day, the compounding effect is huge.

I really learned this the other day with my 5 gallon water jugs. :)

Last time I tried to lift one of these things:

…I dropped it in the driveway and broke the container open. 5 gallons of water spilled everywhere.

But I’ve been doing a minute of planks every day now, and the other night, I was able to fill up 2 of them (50 pounds apiece)…. bring them into my house… AND turn them around and onto the stand, without spilling anything!  In fact, I barely felt a thing.

The minute of planks hasn’t taken much from my day… but the gains in my strength have been HUGE.

So in business terms… this could look like writing a Facebook post every day, or a blog post a few times a week… maybe it doesn’t seem like a huge deal at the time, but the compounding effect is huge.

I’d definitely recommend this book too. The author lays things out really intelligently and definitely motivates you to make magic happen.

:)

And there you have it!

What Do YOU Think?

Have you read either of these books? Or have any book recommendations of your own? I’d love to hear them!

 

 

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Tagged as: jeff olsen, jeff olson, man's search for meaning, the slight edge, viktor frankl

Facebook comments:

  • Matson Magleby

    Rachel,
    I read Man’s Search for Meaning, and I too was amazed at how he was able to keep a positive perspective through all the horror that was around him. I have not read The Slight Edge but it sounds interesting and because you and Dennis recommend it, I am putting it on my reading list. Thanks for sharing.
    Matson

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    Rachel Rofe Reply:
    April 7th, 2012 at 12:25 pm

     :) Let me know how you like it Matson!!! Considering your deductor software, I think you’d get more from it than maybe even the average person!

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  • http://Fitting-the-Pieces.com/ Richard Goutal

    I taught high school psychology to 12th graders for about 10 years in the 70s and early 80s.  Mans Search for Meaning was a book I required all of them to read.  One of 4.  It was a good book for them on various levels.  And it is still a good book for everyone.

    (btw, not a disqus fan)

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    Rachel Rofe Reply:
    April 7th, 2012 at 12:11 pm

    Love that Richard! As someone else asked, what were the other 3 books?

    And why not a Disqus fan? :)

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  • http://twitter.com/RGPMedianet RGPMedia.net

    I can definitely relate. I spent 3 of the toughest years of my life reading books on leadership, success, and positive thinking by authors like Og Mandino, Norman Vincent Peale, John C. Maxwell and of course The Bible. A positive mental attitude is essential to overcoming any adversity. I always say, “If you don’t like your life, then change your mind” which means, change your thinking, and there’s no better way to do that than by reading. BTW: One of my top fav’s is “The Magic of Thinking Big”.

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    Rachel Rofe Reply:
    April 7th, 2012 at 12:24 pm

    “If you don’t like your life, then change your mind” – BEAUTIFUL.

    Thank you for that!

    And I also enjoyed The Magic Of Thinking Big… really fantastic book. :)

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  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Kathy-Mason/1126213628 Kathy Mason

    Thanks Rachel. I read Man’s Search For Meaning by Viktor Frank many years ago and it IS an amazing book. I have a large library of these kinds of books. We are the creators of our life after all! Thank you for spreading the word about it to your list. I haven’t looked at the other one yet…

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    Rachel Rofe Reply:
    April 7th, 2012 at 12:24 pm

    Totally agree on us being the creators! When you have time, I’d love to hear some of your favorite books! :)

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  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Kathy-Mason/1126213628 Kathy Mason

    Richard- What were the other 3 books?

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  • Michaeldunner

    Well done Rachel ,i am just starting out blog posting ,and i think i could take a lot from the way you write.all the best ,cheers.http://bestplrtacticsexposed.com/

    [Reply]

    Rachel Rofe Reply:
    April 7th, 2012 at 12:23 pm

    Well, thank you Michael, and good luck with your blog!

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  • http://twitter.com/bpmann Brian P. Mann

    I love Man’s Search For Meaning. It’s inspiring for every aspect of your life.

    [Reply]

    Rachel Rofe Reply:
    April 7th, 2012 at 12:23 pm

    Totally agree. Thank you for posting! :)

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  • Judy Kettenhofen

    Rachel —
    Yes — have read Frankl’s book — many years ago.  Probably due for a re-read.
    If people can survive a holocaust death camp, they can survive everything.  It’s
    a huge testament to mindset … in fact, I think we need to change the whole
    mindset on mindset … it needs a reframe, to be brightened up somehow — because
    people think they know what you are going to say when you say “mindset” — and
    it’s deep enough in people’s experience for them to “kick back” with a knee-jerk
    reaction.

    Haven’t read the other book — but another book in that vein is George Leonard’s
    Mastery.

    Two 5 Gallon Jugs — WTG!
    (at least when you spilled the jugs, they were full of water and not
    molasses, eh?)
     

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    Rachel Rofe Reply:
    April 7th, 2012 at 12:23 pm

    Totally agree that if people can survive the Holocaust, they can survive anything. It’s amazing what those people had to endure. Sometimes, while reading the book, I had to close it to just digest the horrific-ness of what I just read. Some of it was BRUTAL.

    Thanks for the George Leonard rec… I will have to check that out.

    LOL on the molasses!!! ;)

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  • Bill Watchulonis

    Frankl developed a completely new psychotherapy from his experience in one of Hitlers death camps….. 60 years later Rick Warren added a Christ centered focus in his book Purpose driven life..

    I’m reading Gross Margins by Bill Lee… really good business book from a guy that helped build a company that did $640MM  in sales.

    Re-reading Tony Jeary’s Success Acceleration…

    Thanks for sharing,
    Bill

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    Rachel Rofe Reply:
    April 7th, 2012 at 12:21 pm

    Oo, thank you for sharing Bill!! I am definitely going to check those books out. :)

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  • Albert Grande

    Rachael,
    Man’s Search for Meaning, is an incredible book. I first read it high school. It was assigned reading in our Catholic High School. This book has had a huge impact on my life. Frankl loses everything important in his life. He is presented with insurmountable obstacles. And yet he rises above everything to discover truth and compassion. There are true life lessons contained here. And as you point out life’s lessons are also business lessons. Thanks for reminding me about one of my favorite books.

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    Rachel Rofe Reply:
    April 7th, 2012 at 12:21 pm

    Thank YOU for taking the time to post! I agree about the lessons in this book… my God… the power of love, of nature, of perspective… in a lot of ways, it’s a manual on how to live life. Simply incredible. :)

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  • http://www.facebook.com/anthony.merizzi Anthony Merizzi

    Thanks for reminding me of Frankl’s book, Rachel. The search for meaning, for inspiration, and for proof of the strength within us all can be highlighted by leaders in the most unexpected places. I recently met this woman, she’s an absolute ray of sunshine when you speak with her… Can you see why? http://whatever-a-thon.com

    [Reply]

    Rachel Rofe Reply:
    April 7th, 2012 at 12:20 pm

    Thank you so much Anthony!! :)

    Cyndi definitely has a light about her. I appreciate your telling me about her :)

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  • http://www.sweetbribes.com/ SweetBribes

    Rachel,

    Thank you for the recommended reads. About your emails…I definitely would prefer quality over quantity. I always cringe when so-called list-building gurus recommend emailing frequently. I always think to myself that I am definitely NOT in whatever demographic they are targeting.I am in the internet marketing industry, so I know that email marketing works well if you test and adjust for your different target audiences. Nothing makes me unsubscribe from a list faster than receiving one promotional email after another without any thought to the end-user. Even if a list-owner goes to the trouble of building a relationship with me, they ruin it if they just start treating me like a wallet and I unsubscribe anyway. Bad form.Personally, I like your writing style and your personality and appreciate the occasional quality-content email from you. In fact, as long as an opted-in email or blog post contains quality content, I have absolutely no qualms about having relevant, quality offers promoted to me.Many profitable, low-profile IMers do very well with small lists of buyers because they take the time to develop and maintain good relationships with them. Personally, there are only a handful of IMers whose lists I have been on for years and from whom I buy almost everything they promote. Funny thing is, they promote only occasionally, and even though they ask for the buy, I don’t feel like I’m being sold to.At this point, I don’t feel that you email too often at all, and I always enjoy your emails even though I do not always purchase the promoted offer. ;o) You provide quality content in an enjoyable manner, so I always give the offers that you promote serious consideration.Thank you and keep the great content coming! By the way, congratulations to you and your spouse on your not-quite-so-recent nuptials. I wish the two of you a long and happy marriage!

    SweetBribes

    [Reply]

    Rachel Rofe Reply:
    April 7th, 2012 at 12:19 pm

    SweetBribes, thank you!!

    I don’t mind frequent emailing if it’s VALUABLE… I think in my case, I end up emailing less than I’d like to because I HATE to just pitch… and I was conditioned to not give as much content thanks to the unsubscribes.

    But all of these kind words and words of encouragement are really boosting my desire to just go against the grain and content it up. :)

    I love the insight into your mind… I really appreciate your taking the time to share. THANK YOU! :)

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  • Harry

    Hi Rachel — I’ve always enjoyed your posts and emails.  I’m a big self-help reading fan and Vic Johnson had written a wonderful kindle book about a month ago called “The 101 Best Personal Development Classics”  where he summarizes 101 self help books (of which victor Frankle’s is one).  It’s only a 99 cent download and was a wonderful resource to pick and choose my next self-help books that I want to read.  If gou have a Kindle, it is worth looking at: (http://www.amazon.com/Self-Help-Books-Development-ebook/dp/B0076E8C4O/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1333739709&sr=1-3)

    [Reply]

    Rachel Rofe Reply:
    April 7th, 2012 at 12:17 pm

    Aww, thank you Harry!! :)

    I just grabbed that book. I can’t wait to gobble it up!!

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  • http://www.15minutewriter.com Sharon Gibson

    Rachel, I love that you share content and thanks for the reminder about Victor Frankl’s book. I read it in college and it profoundly impacted me. I agree with you it is an amazing book! His basic premise is that if you can find meaning or a reason to live, you can survive anything and he proved it in horrific circumstances. It is definitely a classic and everyone could benefit from reading it.
    I like the way you applied it to the business irritations we face. It was good for me to be reminded today to look for the meaning and purpose in some of the bigger issues as well as the little things that cause me pain. Any suffering big or small enables us to be more compassionate and understanding of others.

    [Reply]

    Rachel Rofe Reply:
    April 7th, 2012 at 12:15 pm

    :) Thank you for reflecting your thoughts, Sharon. I really appreciate your taking the time to do that.

    It was so amazing to me, in Viktor’s book, about how love moved him so much, you know? His imaginary conversations with his wife… just incredible.

    And I loved how much he appreciated nature too.

    It’s so liberating to know what he faced and compare it to our day-to-day struggles, you know?

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  • Don

    Rachel
    Thanks for sharing.  I’ve read both books and they’ve long been valuable for the mental concepts they present.  We should remember that anything that helps us mentally is an incredible asset.  I’ve been in the fitness business for years and have always stressed, ‘the mind controls the body, not vice-versa’ and that includes weight control. I was happy to see you improved your strength that way.  Its a great feeling isnt’ it?  Since you liked these books, you might also like ( sounds like Amazon, lol) The Inner Game of Tennis by Tim Gallwey, Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz(not what it sounds like) and The Winner’s Circle(audio course) by Denis Waitley.

    [Reply]

    Rachel Rofe Reply:
    April 7th, 2012 at 12:13 pm

    LOOOOOVE “The mind controls the body”, Don! Thank you! SO true, but I never condensed it to such an easy-to-digest statement like that. That is going to be a new mantra of mine :)

    I LOVE Psycho-Cybernetics (even thought about including it in this blog post) and haven’t read the other two books yet. I will certainly check them out. Thank you!

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  • Lary

    Hi Rachel,
    It is always good to have good books on the shelf to refer to.  Learning life’s lesson’s is important. Thank you for the recommendations.

    As we start this journey of life improvement, I believe it all starts with self.  Fix you and the rest will follow. 
    The one book I recommend more than any other is “The Greatest Miracle In the World” by Og Mandino.  It has changed more lives than you can possible imagine.  Mine included.

    With that….Have a Great Day!

    [Reply]

    Rachel Rofe Reply:
    April 7th, 2012 at 12:12 pm

    You know, someone else emailed me an Og Mandino book recommendation too. I think it’s time I push him to the beginning of my reading list!

    100% agree that it all starts with self. 90% of life is how you react to it… it’s only 10% about what happens to you, I think!

    Have a spectacular day yourself. :)

    [Reply]

    Lary Reply:
    April 8th, 2012 at 8:49 pm

     I hope you enjoy it as much as I.  Please let me know after you read it. 

    Thanks!

    Sun is shinning time for a walk!

    [Reply]

  • Debra Marrs

    Rachel, I love that you’re connecting this way by writing blog posts that have valuable content. Yay you! The 2 books you chose are both so inspirational, I can’t wait to dip into them further. Thanks for sharing your perspectives. Here’s my vote: keep sharing this type of content with us. I value your opinions.

    [Reply]

    Rachel Rofe Reply:
    April 9th, 2012 at 9:23 am

    Debra, thank you so much for taking the time to say that. I will definitely be doing more of this… it’s been VERY gratifying. :)

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  • WebABCsCEO

    Hey Rachel,
    The Victor Frankel book is a classic. Although I have not read it I have heard so much about it over the years. Thanks for reminding me that I should take the time to read this literary masterpiece.

    [Reply]

    Rachel Rofe Reply:
    April 9th, 2012 at 9:23 am

    You will ADORE it!!

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  • http://www.facebook.com/CarolynYVR Carolyn Phillips

    I’ve put a “hold” on the Victor F. book at the library.  They don’t show the other one in the system.  :-(  One of my kids lives in a city with a different system…I’ll go on a hunt!

    [Reply]

    Rachel Rofe Reply:
    April 9th, 2012 at 9:23 am

    Excellent!! Yay! Please let me know what you think!

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  • http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Fane-Gladwin/704028255 James Fane-Gladwin

    Haven’t read Frankl for years, but has always stuck with me – but The Edge was new – downloaded it day before yesterday and pretty much haven’t looked at anything else! Thanks for the recommendation, Rachel – Beset – James

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    Rachel Rofe Reply:
    April 9th, 2012 at 9:23 am

    Wahoo! Does that mean you liked it? :)

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  • Harry

    Frankle:  It is amazing that the mind to some is so complex and to others it is a resource of deliverance from insane inhumanity.  I have read this book, and from time to time pick it up and just flip it open. By doing this I find the most interesting thing happens.  The writing seems to fit, give inspiration or slap me out of my self inflected bad mood.

    I have not read the other book, but will upon your recommendation.

     It is strange to read from you that a lot of people unsubscribe when you give content instead of trying to sell them something.  Does this suggest to you that a lot of people are looking for “no work” magic that will give them their dreams.  Of course some of these people want to be just like you – they don’t see the hours upon hours it takes to learn what you do, to develop your business, make contacts that count and take control of your life and “just do it”.

    I thank you for your content.  Always a pleasure to follow your thinking on the goings on in your business and personal life; and your relationship with Dennis.

    Harry

    [Reply]

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