SUBJECT: 4/5 RESEARCH: 4/5 RELEVANCE: 4/5 OVERALL: 4/5
“We are all seekers. It does not matter whether we realize it. We are all seeking something with or without awareness.”
– Rena Venugopal, Sulk or Seize
My musings
There are many who wonder how and why I read so many self-help books especially when so many of them carry the same message and core values. Well, my answer to this conundrum lies in this famous quote by Aristotle, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.”
Similarly, when we keep reading self-help books and keep practicing the lessons that they teach. Then, by the sheer power of practice, repetition, and conscious action, we become phenomenally good at living life at our best.
So, continuing on this journey of self-evolvement and transformation, the most recent book that I picked is Rena Venugopal’s Sulk or Seize, a book that wants you to “seize every opportunity and make the best of your life.”
Read on to know more about the book and my experience of reading it.
What to expect?
Expect self-help that would appeal to all kinds and levels of readers. Expect a medium-length book (under 200 pages) that is easy to read and equally easy to comprehend. Expect a book that brings to you, practical tips and lessons from the lives of many great leaders.
What makes it different?
The book defines three main individual types – Dream Walkers, Dream Talkers, and Dream Busters. By identifying their characteristics and behavior, the book explains to us key concepts that in turn motivate the reader in the right direction.
The book also collects some of the best wisdom/advice/quotes from thinkers, philosophers, and achievers from all over the world and condenses their wisdom into a short but effective read.
What does the book aim at?
A short introduction informs the reader about the objective of the book and thus what it intends to achieve and how it will benefit the reader. We learn that the book aims at betterment through introspection and reflection. After all, “whatever we seek is within us.”
The structure and content
The book comes divided into ten different chapters, each talking about a specific subject that the author deems important. These include Dreams, Legacy, Choices, The Greatest Soul, I am the Greatest, Habits, An Extraordinary Life, Friends, Passion, The Best Job, etc.
Each chapter starts with a powerful quote and goes on to explain the message. The content comes infused with motivational quotes from some of the most iconic philosophers, leaders, thinkers, achievers, etc. Finally, each chapter ends with a section titled ‘powerful thoughts’ that is reader-focused. This comes in terms of positive affirmations that should be read and repeated to ensure they seep into our subconscious minds.
What did I like?
The best thing about the writing is that it gets you going right from the very beginning. And going forward too, the enthusiasm and zest that it instills in you don’t die down, instead, it maintains a consistent tempo, making sure that the reader benefits in the best way possible. And quite frankly, this is one of the best things that can be said about a self-help book.
The power thoughts section and the emphasis on reiteration especially by the way of a dream journal are a few useful takeaways from the book.
The personal stories add value
The awe-inspiring story of the author’s grandfather, who went to Malaysia as an immigrant worker, but went with big dreams and the zeal to make those dreams come true, serves as a huge source of inspiration. Further, due to the unparalleled ambition of both his grandmother and grandfather and their subsequent sheer hard work, they made a huge name for themselves.
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the story is truly remarkable; one that is unique to the book and that leaves a mark on the reader.
Further, the author also shares the encouraging story of his father, Mr. Nadesan Chettiar. There is also a chapter that places huge importance on having ambitious and visionary friends in your circle. Now, this is something that you do not come across in other self-help/motivational books in the market.
It is the incorporation of these motivating stories from the author’s own life that adds immense value to the book and lends it a unique flavor.
Too preachy or not?
I always like it when authors of nonfiction self-help come across as approachable. This happens when the authors are humble enough to show us their relatable, flawless side. In Sulk or Seize, the author does it in the very beginning. He talks to us about the issues he was grappling with and how he started introspecting. Through his words and actions, the author shows us how a small step in the right direction had helped him immensely.
In the end
In the end, Sulk or Seize is an inspiring read that will benefit every type of reader whether beginner, voracious, or regular. Loaded with exemplary stories of great leaders, the book is the perfect combination of ideal and practical.
Can’t wait to read it? Buy your copy of Sulk or Seize using the link below.
