A Book Review from
|
October 1996
Roger Dawson,
The 13 Secrets of Power Performance.
Prentice Hall, 1994, 299 pages.
THIS IS ABOUT PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY. Through examples and stories, Roger Dawson reminds us that a positive attitude comes from getting things done for ourselves. The book impressed me with time proven concepts that we have heard before, and bear repeating. I am not reviewing all 13 points, only my favorites; you may have your own favorites when you read the book.
The Second Secret of Power Performers is: They take charge of their lives. In this section Dawson talks about: “The three great impostors who claim they control your future: Circumstances, Other People, and Events (p. 36).” He cites people who have overcome tremendous negative circumstances, the derision of others and horrific events to attain greatness: Helen Keller, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Roosevelt and others. It speaks to the wisdom of “Life is what you make it” with the emphasis on the ‘you’. A good reminder for the beginning of this new year.
The Third Secret of Power Performers is: They know that they always have choices. A complement to the prior “secret” is the concept of choice. One chooses how to react to an event, circumstance or other people. “For some people life is like the weather. It’s something that happens to them (p. 68).” Successful people always acknowledge options and the need for a purposeful decision. Dawson is not simply exhorting us to have a positive attitude, but pointing out how to turn apparently negative situations into a strength. It is not what happens to you…it is what you do with it. Remember the oyster who reacts to an irritating grain of sand by creating a perfect little orb that grows over time into a beautiful pearl.
The Sixth Secret of Power Performers is: They don’t let other people drag them down to their level. Dawson talks about people and their dreams and why they don’t act on them. To realize the dream, all they have to do is do it, right? “The solution to a challenge is usually right within our reach, but we fail to focus on it and then take action. Succeeding takes courage and initiative (p. 130).” Part of the reason people do not realize their dreams is that they let others talk them out of it. ‘Others’ who themselves may not have realized their dream. That’s nuts! “Anybody in the world is entitled to talk you into reaching for your objectives. The only person qualified to talk you out of it is the person who’s actually been there and done it (p. 141).” So, talk yourself into your dream! Get the information, skills and things you need to succeed, but take advice only from someone who achieved their dream.
The Eleventh Secret of Power Performers is: They know how to enhance their time. Dawson’s points are largely made in Bill Maloney’s article pp. 6-7, “Time Strategies—I Need More Time”. Dawson presents a whole system complete with forms, but the point is: have goals, write them down, prioritize your work, handle paper once…you know, all those time management tips you have read before and don’t use (because you don’t have time)!
All thirteen “secrets” of power performers are:
1. They make their life an adventure.
2. They take charge of their lives.
3. They know they always have choices.
4. They know that the journey’s the thing.
5. They experience success long before they achieve.
6. They don’t let other people drag them down to their level.
7. They know that for things to change they have to change.
8. They know how to create opportunities.
9. They know how to make money work for them.
10. They have learned how to define their future.
11. They know how to enhance their time.
12. They have learned to turn their fear into fortune.
13. They have learned to put love in their life.