Nathan Martin » cause and effect http://nathanmartinblog.com Thoughts on financial independence, personal development, and small business Wed, 01 Sep 2010 02:48:26 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 Book Review Tuesday: The Principle of the Path http://nathanmartinblog.com/2010/02/16/book-review-tuesday-the-principle-of-the-path/ http://nathanmartinblog.com/2010/02/16/book-review-tuesday-the-principle-of-the-path/#comments Wed, 17 Feb 2010 03:22:34 +0000 Nathan Martin http://nathanmartinblog.com/?p=248 This week I’ve been listening to Andy Stanley’s latest book on audio.  I’ve talked about Andy before.  In his latest book, The Principle of the Path: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, Andy explains that direction, not intention, determines destination.  I found the book to be a good reminder to think long term.  Andy points out several times that we don’t always see an immediate effect from our actions.  That doesn’t mean there are no consequences.  The analogy of the path leading to a destination is useful.  We sometimes get off track…make a poor decision.  Each action or decision is a part of our journey and compounded those actions and decisions do lead somewhere.  Where do you want to go?  It is useful to ask yourself if what you’re doing leads down the path toward the destination you choose or if you’re defaulting down another path.

My only gripe with this book (not saying I agree with everything…I’ve never found that book/author) is that the audio book is not read by the author.  Most books I’ve listened to that are not read by the author lose some of the feeling–the inflections aren’t in the right places.  I think this is especially true of books written by speakers, like Andy Stanley.

One thing Andy pointed out that I found especially helpful: talk with people who are where you wish to go.  People who have already traveled the path know the best route.

]]> http://nathanmartinblog.com/2010/02/16/book-review-tuesday-the-principle-of-the-path/feed/ 2 Book Review Tuesday: Suzy Welch’s 10-10-10 http://nathanmartinblog.com/2009/12/08/book-review-tuesday-suzy-welchs-10-10-10/ http://nathanmartinblog.com/2009/12/08/book-review-tuesday-suzy-welchs-10-10-10/#comments Wed, 09 Dec 2009 02:22:20 +0000 Nathan Martin http://nathanmartinblog.com/?p=191 10-10-10In 10-10-10: A Life-Transforming Idea, Suzy Welch shares a strategy for decision making.  When faced with a decision, Suzy asks:

1.  If I choose to do this, what will the outcome be in 10 minutes?

2.  If I choose to do this, what does the result look like in 10 months?

3.  If I choose to do this, how does my life change in 10 years?

As Suzy explains, don’t get hung up on exactly 10 minutes, 10 months, and 10 years.  That’s just meant to be a catchy way to remember to determine the immediate, short-term, and long-term effects of our decisions.  I found 10-10-10 to be a great reminder of the Law of Cause and Effect.  Suzy puts her journalism background to excellent use as she fills the book with real-life examples of people from various walks of life that have used 10-10-10 in all sorts of decisions large and small.

The concept of 10-10-10 is simple and very practical.  You’ll pick that up quickly in the book.  Suzy’s storytelling makes the rest of the book worth reading.

Enjoy.

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