I had the privilege a year or so ago to do a favor for a friend who asked me to read a non-published manuscript and provide feedback. The book, "Becoming Your Best: The 12 Principles to Highly Effective Leaders", is set to be released later this year and is an appendage to the Becoming Your Best company. Little did I know how that one decision would set things in motion. Life truly is about one choice at a time.
I'm always a little hesitant of leadership or self-help books and am very selective because of unknown authors. I have concerns like, 'Do they practice what they preach?' 'Where's the evidence I can see in their lives that this works?' I've often heard of counselors or therapists where their lives were in shambles. This is why weight loss commercials with 'before' and 'after' pictures work on me. I believe what you're telling me, but I still want to see proof.
Later, upon learning who the author was and in researching more about him, the proof was manifest. The author is Steven R. Shallenberger. Not only does he have a very successful 40 year track record in his business endeavors and in working with some inspiring people like Dr.Stephen R. Covey, but also has a loving family. Our lives have been touched by some of his children and spouses and I know they were raised on these same principles which is evidenced in their lives. I was sold.
'Becoming Your Best' wasn't like some of the other books I've read in the past where I felt more weighted down and guilty of things I wasn't doing right. This was inspirational and gave me an empowering feeling of hope that I, an average girl in the world, am capable of great things beyond my expectations. Not only did it teach me what I need to do to become my best, but also gave me tools of how to apply those principles. Proof was manifested within the words of the manuscript by highlighting very successful people in history and influential people of today who have applied these same tools and the success that resulted from their actions. This proof gave me confidence that this is something I wanted to try and was capable of.
The book focuses on 12 key principles of success. I focus on one of these 12 principles each week and use application tools given to assist in my process. I've already noticed great improvements in my life in self confidence, how I act and react in my relationships, and feel I've increased my capabilities as a mother. I went to a "Becoming Your Best" seminar where Rob, the CEO and presenter shared, "The difference between today and four years from now are the people you meet and the books you will read." One choice for me, a choice to read a book has sent me on this journey, is day by day changing aspects of my life. His statement is proof which is manifesting in me.
