[.ca] The Street Kid's Guide to Having It All (ISBN 1563527251)

Read it Again....deserves 5 Stars:
I read through this book again and I believe it deserves 5 stars. Why is that? Well, based on my experience, there are but a few fundamental principles, laws, truths, etc. that lead to success in whatever arena of life one focuses on. That said, every teacher (or in this case, author) has a unique view point on these ideals or provides a different way of looking at these principles/laws/truths that speaks to readers in a more enlightening way. In my opinion, I believe that this book does a solid job of providing a tangible and actionable framework for designing on paper (not just mentally) a strategy for creating success in all the critical areas of life - health, wealth, love/relationships and true exprssion. Since the average person's most challenginig issue surrounds money (understandably so when 3 out of the 6 billion other people on our planet live on $2 or less a day), most advice books tend to focus on money. Similarly, we are fed ideas which lead the average person to believe that if they were just in a position to buy anything they desired materially, happiness would be automatic. There's a larger picture here: we can never really feel 100% fulfilled unless all areas of our lives are in their ideal state. John Assaraf's book therefore 1)does a convincing job of articulating the importance of "total success" (described above) as a more apt life goal 2)provides an easily understood framework for analysis of these issues and 3)provides a tangible action plan for achieve total success. I sincerely believe that any individual who reads this book (along with those listed below) and that has passionate desire and a dedicated heart--coupled with the willingness to apply the principles outlined not just read about them--WILL achieve their goals. Less than two years ago, I moved from the USA to pursue my goals abroad (after more than 6 years of thinking, wondering, etc.). I am so happy that I did and it is through the application of principles similar to what the author discusses that I was provided with the means to do so. All doors opened to me. Other Helpful Books ***Think & Grow Rich (Napoleon Hill) ***Power of Your Subconscious Mind (Joseph Murphy) ***Conversations with Millionaires (Mike Litman and Jason Oman) ***It Works (RJH) (...)

This book is really MOTIVATING!:
"I couldn't put this book down! Reading John's remarkable story of how he overcame such huge obstacles to achieve tremendous success is really: MOTIVATING!" Zev Saftlas, Author of Motivation That Works: How to Get Motivated and Stay Motivated

Really 4.5 Stars...:
I pleasantly recommend this book. As a first book (which it is to my knowledge), the author does a good job of explicating his central points convincingly yet simply. Like the saying goes, "the proof is in the pudding..." and the author has shown the impacts of his teaching points and theories in his own life. He is also genuinely sincere about setbacks and pains he has had in his life which actually makes his work more impactful and believable. As an analytical reader, you can deduce that it is his failure to follow the principles he has grown to be absolutely dedicated to that led to his earlier disappointments. One thing I also particularly like is that he has demonstrated the benefits of having a degree from the 'university of life'. Far too many of us place too much importance on "official" universities degrees and rubber stamps. While I have several myself (thanks in large part to others' investment in me), I can honestly say, now that I have more life experience and more confidence in what really matters in life, that anyone who puts to use - DILIGENTLY- the theories and ideas put forth in this book is likely to go ten times farther than an Oxford, Harvard, Sorbonne, etc. graduate. The author does a good job of balancing out his assessment of how we can get it all--yes money, but also, inner/spiritual fulfillment, health, peace of mind and true expression. This is critical. Many personal development books focus 80% on the financial part (can't blaim them given the dire money condition many people are in and the materialistic nature of western culture), then almost as an addendum throw in "Oh yeah, inner fulfillment and great relationships can be yours too!" Anyone with the good fortune of having all the money she/he desires at their disposal knows that the more money you have, the more value you come to place on the things you want in your life that cannot be bought. The things we all desire most in life -- love, joy, happiness, peace of mind, etc. -- cannot be bought or taken from someone else and placed in our possession. Granted, this may sound like the argument of a priviledged person but it is the truth nonetheless. Moreover, the author is not afraid to tell you that it is his total and complete faith in the universal intelligence of the world (call it God, Allah, etc. a wise man once said if you can name it you have not found it and once you find it you will not be able to name it!), that is the key ingredient to his success. I really like that. Let's face it friends, in today's complex world, it takes something extraordinary to be able to live the life of one's dreams. Smart people accept that the invisible nonphysical spiritual essence is that critical ingredient. As Eddison said when asked about electricity "Madam, don't try to explain it, just use it!" As a heads up, I believe the author's delineation of the inner workings of the mind --particularly his discussion of the subconscious -- is the most essentially important part of this book. I give this book 4 stars (4.5 if I could) because it is his first book and it is always nice to have something to strive for. For instance, were one to pick up his second book, it would be helpful to see more emphasis (maybe several chapters with case studies) about how the reader integrated his frameworks with a practical use of subconscious mind focus to truly achieve his/her desired dreams. John Assaraf's sincerity comes through in this book and I am so happy that he is living the life of his dreams. I have used many of the techniques in this book and have seen wonderful results in my life. Don't take my word for it, or his, rather try it yourself! What do you have to lose? Have a wonderful life and my sincerest blessings to whomever reads this.

It's your choice - learn to ski!:
Last year, at Book Expo America, I encountered a man in a very snazzy suit, with a broad smile. John Assaraf introduced himself, seemed to know who I was and was very glad to see me. He showed me his book, "The Street Kid's Guide to Having It All", and later sent me a copy. He went from a petty thief and drug dealer to a happy and successful entrepreneur who does everything legitimately, and with a great deal of energy and passion. His concept of attracting the positive is very similar to the abundance mentality I discuss in PrinProfit. And the sort of grace and style he showed me on the trade show floor is apparently a thoroughly integrated part of his personality. Being generous and ethical even allowed him to walk away from a business outlay of $300,000--and the way he handled himself in that painful interaction led directly to a offer to be involved with a successful dotcom business that earned him several million dollars. He's a master at imaging exactly what he wants, and then letting the universe deliver it to him. These two sentences from the section of his book called "The Great Law and The seven Natural Laws That Will Change Your Life Forever" pretty well sums up the attitude of this remarkable man: "You can choose whether to stay warm in winter or gripe about the cold. Better yet, you can decide to learn to ski." John impresses a lot of other people. His blurbs include Brian Tracy, Robert G. Allen, and a few other people you've probably heard of.

Easy Read, Good teaching points:
This is a very good read. If you do not often read books concerning personal development (aka self-help), this book is a good place to start. In brief, I think it is helpful to list some of the most intriguing/valuable portions of this book: 1) Most people spend more time planning their vacations each year than they do their lives (says the author). In other words, everything that is worth anything happens because of good planning. A billion dollar business doesn't just happen by luck or happenstance does it? Well neither does the life of your dreams. It takes dedicated, practical planning in the major areas of one's life to get to the ideal state--in health, wealth, peace of mind, love/relationships and true expression (i.e. doing exactly what you want to do). 2) The way you use your mind determines whether or not you succeed-know the functions of the conscious and subconscious mind and how to use them effectively. One's mind is the most precious resource one has. It's like a computer; when you learn how to work it more efficiently, you extract more value from it. 3) Learn the laws of life. Life can be strain-free, happy and very orderly if you know the rules--some call these rules natural law (as the author does), some call them universal law. Once you know the rules and how to apply them, the sky (or higher) is the limit. 4) Take advantage of both your physical and nonphysical (i.e. spiritual and mental) resources and you will assuredly "have it all". In fact, it appears that every study of those who have achieved successful living in all areas of one's life points to the fact that the physical/nonphysical combined elements is the only way to achieve maximum success. It seems clear that all those who have been able to achieve all they desire in all the major areas of their life realized that the nonphysical component is the key. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars because I feel that the author's work could have been more impactful had he spent more time on the most critical element in his equation for success--the mind, particularly one's subconscious, and how to use it. Perhaps in later works he shall do so. I would probably buy his next work if it included real stories of people who used is particular method for success achievement and were able to "have it all". I like the fact that he also demonstrates that money and happiness/good character, etc. are not an either/or trade-off. We can all have great relationships, wonderful friends, careers love and good character, WITH all the money we can ever use and then some. I am also impressed that he gives of his money and time to nonprofits and charities. I wish the author continued success and am happy that he does indeed appear to "Have It All". I would recommend reading this book along with Joseph Murphy's book "The Power of Your Subconscious Mind" for maximum impact.