This is a classic audio series from Earl Nightingale, a prolific announcer and motivational speaker. Earl grew up during the depression, and wondered why some folks were doing just fine, but others (including his own family) seemed to perpetually struggle. He spent his life studying the issue, and you can tell from his speaking – he quotes scientists, businessmen, philosophers, and poets, both contemporary and ancient.
When I first listened to this series, I was a little disappointed after the first tape or two. It seemed so pedantic, even juvenile. But by the time I got to the end of the series, I was struck by how powerful the 12 simple lessons were, when taken together.
Nightingale has a homey, folksy style, totally appropriate to a WWII veteran. There’s nothing difficult to understand here. He uses quotes from famous people, stories, and research results to spin his story. He crosses topics like the importance of attitude, the power of your thoughts, how to harness your own subconscious, and going the extra mile. Again, nothing really super new here, but he has a way of putting it all together simply and powerfully.
One of my favorite stories: a young couple was about to leave Monterrey, CA, because no one would “give” them a job. Earl analyzes the situation and exclaims “They didn’t need a job. They needed to think. But they had never thought before. It was a foreign to them as speaking Urdu…Most people would turn to a life of crime before they would actually think.”
I have listened to this series probably a dozen times. I find it inspirational and instructive. I can honestly say that this series turned around my attitude in life in several key areas.
If you follow Earl’s advice, not only will you make more money (almost guaranteed), but you will feel better about yourself, and your life.
Divergent Nexus 