Product Description

A fresh and inspiring approach to understanding motivation and the key to realizing your dreams.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #222754 in Books
• Published on: 2005-03-01
• Binding: Hardcover
• 409 pages

Health & Fitness Magazine, May 2005
`fascinating... This book helps you gain understanding of how your mind works and how you may be sabotaging your happiness'

Spectator
'He is the most eminent psychiatrist of the age... the guru of common sense'

Richard & Judy, Channel 4
'Raj's application of his motivational theories to three case studies on our programme was an unqualified success. The plan works!'

Customer Reviews

My Favourite Book
I own many books, and of all my books this one is my favourite. It is not a cheesy self-help book, with lots of statements not backed up with research. Instead it is an academic book backed up with a vast number of journal papers and scientific studies. It is, if you like a book about 'evidence based medicine.' However, this book was written for academics and lay readers alike, in order to make the findings of psychiatry known to the public. Therefore it is written in a very interesting and clear way, hopefully making it accessible to most readers. Persaud's writing flows well with lots of interesting anecdotes. Personally I have found it a compelling read. However, it contains so much data and information you might need to read it a few time for it all to sink in and be able to put it into practice. I never normally read books more than once, but I have read this time and time again, and often dip into it for reference. If I was on a dessert island and I could only choose one book to have with me, it would be this one!

Simply the best book on how life works I have ever read!
There are so many psychology books out there explaining human behaviour. This is the first one I have read that takes the approach of Freakanomics and backs up its explanations with clinical research. The topics deal with things people face in real life and not high handed theories about society or concepts that are irrelevant to daily life. Some of the conclusions are stunning! Things you always knew were true but couldn't quite put into words. Simply amazing!

Not what you might expect albeit positively
The front cover is somewhat deceptive by its rather grand statement "How to get what you want from life". This at face value smacks of ruthlessness and a single minded attitude required for a quest.

However as the saying goes "never judge a book by its cover" particularly applies. As you go further into the book you are made aware of the pitfalls of adopting certain attitudes often used in motivational strategies and their consequences. One particular illustrated case is that of a patient of Dr Persaud's who nearly lost his marriage as a result of his materialism. The root of the problem is examined along with the patients rehabilitation.

It soon becomes clear during reading that the author is promoting a more mentally healthier perspective on motivational strategies than what you would expect from the typical americanised business and motivational gurus i.e. go after your goal at all costs. However it was quite disturbing to read the sections on machiavellianism and workplace politics. While discussion of this topic played a valid part in the book the potential machiavellians reading the book may get the wrong idea!

The final chapters of the book take a meaning of life slant and i for one found myself taking stock of elements of my own life.

To sum up the topic of motivation is just too big an area to be covered by one book. The subject is fascinating and i have been waiting ages for an introductory book like this to come along. The bibliography at the back is extensive which will serve as a signpost for further reading. After reading this book my study of the subject has just started.

Buy it.