Motivational Tapes/Books etc.

[DangerCode]

I'm going through a bit a slump lately. I know some of you guys are fans of Steve Pavlina and the way he gets things done.

So, I'm looking into picking up some audio tapes on motivation. I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations. I think I really need to start pumping this stuff into my system.

Thanks.

[Nexic]

I am also interested in these kinds of thing. So if anyone can recommend some please let me know.

[Valen]

Here are some people that make great motivational programs:

Jack Canfield (http://www.jackcanfield.com/)
Brian Tracy (http://www.briantracy.com/)
Tony Robbins (http://tonyrobbins.com)

Also, Nightingale Conant (http://www.nightingale.com/) publishes a LOT of audio programs including Brian Tracy and Tony Robbins. This is probably where Steve Pavlina got most of his tapes from. Brian Tracy even has an audio program titled "The Power of Clarity." :)

I've personally listened to audio programs by Jack Canfield and Brian Tracy. They're both great. Haven't gotten to Tony Robbins yet, but I've heard good things about him. Tony Robbins also has a great forum (http://www.anthonyrobbins.com/community/index.php?)

As far as books go, you might want to look at:
The Power of Focus (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1558747524/qid=1106010676/sr=8-1/ref=pd_csp_1/104-0970594-7123911?v=glance&s=books&n=507846)
The Power of Full Engagement (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0743226747/qid=1106010712/sr=2-1/ref=pd_ka_b_2_1/104-0970594-7123911)

As well as any book by Dale Carnegie. This should be enough to get you started. Also, although this doesn't count as a "motivational" book, I found Masters of Doom (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0375505245/qid=1106010971/sr=2-1/ref=pd_ka_b_2_1/104-0970594-7123911) to be very inspirational. But I'm guessing most of us have read it already. :)

[Curiosoft]

Hey guys,

Those folks are definitely great. For me, I listen to "Think and Grow Rich". After I listened to it the first time, I wish I would have listened to it as a kid as it would have cut years off my learning curve! In fact, I listen to the abridged version of "Think and Grow Rich" everyday now to help uncondition my mind from the years of schooling. Every time I listen to the tapes, I learn something new (I've listened to them over 40-50 times)!
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00021GLVE/ref=lpr_g_1/002-9030015-7036855?v=glance&s=books

A few months ago, I got this thing called "Science of Personal Achievement" along with a slew of other books and tapes from the library. I almost did not even listen to the "Science of Pesonal Achievement" tapes because I never heard of Napolean Hill. Thank goodness I listened! He interviewed some of the most successful people in the world and distilled their success into those tapes! He interviewed folks like Edison and Andew Carnegie. Using some of his core principles (like the Mastermind principle, and "Definiteness of Purpose") and you'll so much more effective.

If you get a chance, definitely check out "Think and Grow Rich" and "Science of Personal Achievement" (both my Napolean Hill). Get the Audio tapes -- as you'll want to listen to it over and over again. For folks wanting to start a successful business, they are perfect.

Btw, if you buy the "Science of Personal Achievement" tapes and don't find them useful, I will buy them back from you. Edit: I checked Amazon for the "Science of Personal Achievement" tapes and I think they only have the abridged version. Try to get the unabridged version -- it is like 6-8 tapes long. See if your library has it.

Take care,
Curiosoft

[Kai Backman]

If you want to listen to one of the most sympatic voices I heard about some basic, down to earth and enlighting things I heartily recomend Earl Nightingale's "Lead The Field". You can find it from Nightingale-Conant. I've listened to a few dozen different tapes by authors already mentioned in this thread and Earl is the one I find myself returning to. :)

[DangerCode]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll visit my library soon.

[monco]

Maybe you're in the wrong field. That's not an insult, because I know from experience. Or maybe you're working on something for the wrong reasons. Been there, too. Started working on projects I thought would bring me respect from peers, or that others thought were cool (cooler than I did), and got bored.

Take a few steps back and re-evaluate your goals and what you want to do in life. Don't need tapes or books for that.

[DangerCode]

Maybe you're in the wrong field.

I'm looking to increase my personal productivity in all aspects of my life, not just my day job and my indie hobbies. I want to have more of those days where I feel like I'm unstoppable.

I sometimes find a good article gives me a boost when I need it, but I'm looking for something a bit more passive, like audio tapes. I want to see if pumping this stuff into my system non-stop helps any.

I agree that self-reflection is extremely useful. Sometimes positive advice and affirmation from others helps.

[monco]

Hmmm....all areas of you life? Have you read this book?

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0671708635/qid=1106164364/sr=8-1/ref=pd_csp_1/102-2614810-0448132?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

It's not a "rah-rah" book, but I found it highly useful and would recommend it strongly. I'm sure you can find an audio version.

[GBGames]

I actually just finished reading The 7 Habits and I have to say that it is definitely something you don't just read once. Take notes, apply it, etc.

Before I read it, I had already read a number of other articles, books, etc. At first I felt it was basically review, but then I really understood the idea of the principles as opposed to values, and the opposites of Character Ethic vs Personality Ethic, among other things.

It really brings quite a bit of insight into how to be more effective and make use of and expand your Circle of Influence. Understanding that, and having good songs like Eye of the Tiger in your head, should help you feel unstoppable most days.

As for that last comment, you should definitely look into listening to inspirational music and stories. Hearing stories about successful people is great for getting inspired to act yourself. I think that is a big reason why so many people like reading Steve Pavlina's articles and his blog.

[Badman]

I really like Zig Ziglar's Success For Dummies (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0694519197/104-7625188-1851923) audiobook. Despite only being about 90 minutes long, he hits just about every major point from the book (which I also have). It's just an excellent way to constantly remind myself of the various aspects of my life that I need to focus on. Plus, I like Zig's speaking voice (maybe because I'm from the South myself). And hey, nine bucks.

[DangerCode]

Okay, I've know read 7 Habits of Highly Effect People, and it's pretty good. I have to go through it again though and follow through the end-of-chapter exercies. This book was a bit too wordy at times, but still well worth the read.

The Think and Grow Rich CD's were a great suggestion too. Thanks for that.

I also just recently finished reading Rich Dad Poor Dad, and I have to say that book was a very pleasant surprise. Most of his stories are about getting rich off of real-estate but he's got some good stuff in there (and it's a very easy, fast read). Oddly enough, I felt more motivated from this book than the others so far.

Thanks for the suggestions. And if you know of anymore then feel free to pass th advice on.

[mahlzeit]

I also just recently finished reading Rich Dad Poor Dad
I read the book too and liked it, but you should take it with a grain of salt (http://www.johntreed.com/Kiyosaki.html).

[DangerCode]

I read the book too and liked it, but you should take it with a grain of salt (http://www.johntreed.com/Kiyosaki.html).

Don't worry, I take everything in life with a grain of salt. ;)

"Question with boldness even the existence of God..."
Thomas Jefferson

[ibsta]

Eric Sink has a nice weblog that might cheer you up. I figure articles anything to do with the software business tend to cheer me up at least. Go to his weblog at software.ericsink.com.

[DangerCode]

Eric Sink has a nice weblog that might cheer you up. I figure articles anything to do with the software business tend to cheer me up at least. Go to his weblog at software.ericsink.com.

Thanks! I'll check it out.

[DangerCode]

Think and Grow Rich should be your new bible btw. ;)

Yeah, I listen to it during the drive to work each day now.
I'll likely be buying the full book version soon to.

Although I have to admit, I find that "sexual transmutation" stuff a bit weird.