I stopped buying and reading self-help books long time back. And my opinion of them is pretty much firmed up. They are good to read when you are feeling down and out. They can pep you up for some time. But beyond that, they may not serve much of the purpose. This book The Flipside, which talks about ‘Finding the hidden opportunities in life’, came to me for review.
To be honest, I did not think I would read it. But for some reason, I flipped through it and started reading it. Like most self-help books this book is also full of real-life stories. Most of these stories show how individuals came out of the worst situations in their lives. And how they not only survived the traumas that life threw at them but also found the opportunities that this situation had hidden inside the misery. If you have been a reader’s digest reader, lots of these stories would remind you of stories there. There are so many stories that it would almost make you feel that you would be a fool if you do not find that bright spot on a dark night.
On a lighter note, the stories reminded me of an old joke of a criminal telling the Judge that you can show me two people who saw me stealing but I can show you millions who did not. But having said that the stories do have the potential to inspire people to look beyond what they have lost in the tragedies. And focus on what they are still left with. The author begins by focusing on what happens when a crisis or a trauma hits you. And then goes on to share stories of people who were hit but who came out brighter out of their low points in life.
He then gives a step by step way to find out flipside during a crisis. Most of which is asking yourself questions from various perspectives. Like a commercial opportunity, an opportunity to discover your relationships. And if you ask all these questions, somewhere you are going to get the positive. Now, if you hold on to this positive and start building your life from there on, you have found the flipside in your tragedy.
The Flipside is a quick, fast and easy read. There are lots of examples that you might have read as internet forwarded emails. It may be a good gift for someone around you who may not have anything going right at the moment. The stories and theory in this book may inspire them. Otherwise, you can skip the book.
Sounds smart Anu :))
StartupCity: An event you shouldn't miss!
Hey,
Just wanted to let you know about an exciting event siliconindia is organizing on May 29 & 30, 2010 in Bangalore.
Limited seats. Register FREE: http://www.siliconindia.com/startupcity2010
Roll up your Sleeves. Meet over 100 cool startups. Learn new Technologies; Watch live product demonstrations; Get a peek into cutting edge technologies; Lay hands on the best-of-breed solutions; Meet young, energetic, passionate geeks; Experience the culture of innovation in small companies; Listen to Visionary Keynotes and In-depth Panel Discussions
Come. Meet the Startups that will become tomorrow's industry leaders.
Here's you chance to meet and hear inspiring entrepreneurial story from Krishnakumar Natarajan, co-founder, CEO & MD of Mindtree and Bharat Goenka, Co-Founder & MD of Tally Solutions
Heads of Dell India, Sage India, Mphasis will talk about building next generation technology companies from India.
Founders of startup companies like SMSCountry, 123 Greetings.com, Manthan Systems, Ittiam, Jade Magnet will talk about concept to success and idea to revenue.
You also get to hear interesting discussions on Mistakes entrepreneurs make when approaching VCs and Best Opportunities for Entrepreneurs in 2010, Angel Money and many others from leading venture capitalists like IDG Ventures, Intel Capital, Helion, Clearstone, NEA-IndoUS Ventures.
This is undoubtedly the biggest event for startups.
There are limited seats. You can register yourself for FREE at: http://www.siliconindia.com/startupcity_09/index.html
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Thanks & Regards
Swetha