Shift by Takumi Yamazaki: Book Review

 

Sites of Interest: Author's Site on Goodreads | Amazon

Publisher: One Peace Books | Published March 1, 2011

Hardbound | 208 pages | ISBN: 978-1935548065

Genre: Non-Fiction

Shift your way of thinking into a new, improved you....sounds easy enough, hmm?  Well according to Mr. Yamazaki, going through the 13 exercises in this book will help take you from where you are right now to the person you are longing to be.  The paragraph that caught my eye when deciding to review the book:

It's not that you're lazy, and its not that you lack motivation. No-you have plenty of motivation, but it always seems to fade away just when you need it. The problem is not that you don't have motivation, it's that that motivation doesn't stick around long enough.

Ok, I'm telling on myself here, but that paragraph made me believe this book was written just for me! I simply can't believe there's more people in the world who feel like I do....so many, in fact, that one of the leading motivational speakers in Japan wrote a book for us!  Ahh, I don't have to feel so alone in my procrastination station anymore!

On a more serious note, this book is written in such a way that it can be used by an individual, couples or groups.  It's a little more difficult to do some of the exercises individually, but in a group, such as a work setting or even a family - the exercises would be fantastic.

Shift is a brief book, with stick-men illustrations.  As simplistic it is in its instructions, assignments and illustrations it packs a punch with the motivational message it sends.  Shift is one of those books I would recommend for corporate offices, therapists, and families.  I leave you with the first exercise ~

Shift 1
Name something you are happy about recently.

By yourself:

1. Write down 3 things that made you happy recently.
2. Take a moment to think about what made you happy about each of them.
3. If you can't think of anything recent, it's fine to just write something from anytime.

In Groups of 2 or More:

1. Write down 3 things that made you happy.
2. Take turns reading them out loud to your partner.
3. When listening to a partner, listen with open ears and eyes and an open heart, as if a miracle is happening right before your eyes.

Explanation
This is a way to intentionally get yourself and others into a good mood.....Try it when you get people together and things don't seem to be going so well. It is just a simple way to change your mood before starting something new, and if you try it you may find that the way you think about things begins to change.......

If you're ready for a fundamental change, I recommend you pick up Shift ~ it's a great way to alter the circle of thinking we can get mired down into.  Enjoy your Monday!

It is with many thanks I was provided a complimentary copy for review.