The book that made me wiser: Nuggets of wisdom that can propel your career and life

By Paul Robinson

Unlock the doors to your fullest potential with this transformative masterpiece!

Are you seeking the keys to success in your chosen field?
Do you dream of a purposeful life filled with accomplishment and fulfillment?

Dive into a world of profound insights and life lessons that will reshape your perspective on success, regardless of your path.

The Book That Made Me Wiser" is more than a book—it's a guide, a mentor, and a friend that will accompany you as you carve your own story of success.

• Language: English
• Publisher: positive revolution
• Release date: Sep 29, 2023
• ISBN: 9791222453927

Book preview

Prologue

  In the midst of the transformative nineties, I embarked on a personal journey of intellectual exploration and growth. As a young and introverted individual, I sought solace in knowledge and sought answers to profound questions that echoed within me. What is the essence of success? What is the meaning of life? These existential inquiries began to permeate my teenage years, compelling me to delve into the early works of esteemed authors such as Dr. Wayne Dyer, Dr. Scott Peck, Dale Carnegie, Norman Vincent Peale, Thomas Anthony Harris, Tony Robbins, Steven Covey, and more. In an era devoid of YouTube and instant access to self-help content, books became my invaluable companions, guiding me on the path of self-discovery and inspiration.

  Initially, these books served as beacons of wisdom, offering life lessons that shaped my understanding of success. However, true wisdom is not solely gleaned from the written word; it arises from the crucible of experience itself. They say that good judgment is born from the mistakes we make, and great lessons are learned from the failures and blunders we encounter along the way. By observing the lives of others and immersing myself in the lessons they imparted, I discovered invaluable insights that would serve as guiding principles for a fulfilling life. With the passage of time, I learned to discern wisdom from my own experiences, enriching my understanding of life's intricate tapestry.

  This book, The Book That Made Me Wiser, is a compilation of life lessons on the subject of success and fulfilment. Its intention is to inspire readers to craft their own perspectives on attaining success, irrespective of their chosen fields or career trajectories. May it serve as a wellspring of motivation and provoke contemplation, allowing you to form your own philosophies that guide you towards a life of purpose and fulfilment. Such is my aspiration for this work.

  So, I invite you to immerse yourself in the pages of The Book That Made Me Wiser. Within these 30 wisdom snippets lie the profound insights that have shaped my personal development and journey. These principles have served as my compass, offering course corrections and transforming me from an extreme introvert to an ambivert. Through their application, I have evolved into a serial entrepreneur and a leading public speaker, sharing my knowledge and serving clients worldwide. And, most importantly, this timeless advice I have received has guided me in difficult times.

  I firmly believe in the power of human transformation, a positive change that can be achieved through the input we choose to embrace. Just as our bodies are sculpted by the food we consume, our minds are moulded by the thoughts we entertain. To nurture quality thoughts, we require quality input. In this context, The Book That Made Me Wiser serves as a feast for the mind—a comprehensive banquet of thoughts and insights. May its words ignite inner reflections and foster enriching self-dialogue. May your thoughts flourish, and may your actions reflect the philosophy derived from these pages, guiding you towards a purpose-driven existence.

  With utmost sincerity, I extend my wishes for a pleasant read, as you embark on your own journey of self-discovery and wisdom.

Paul Robinson,

Bangalore,

India

Chapter 1

Success is a number’s game

  Once upon a time in a small village called Naz and Sciaves in Europe, there lived a young boy named Sam. Sam had big dreams and an even bigger heart. He was known throughout the village for his kindness and his never-give-up attitude. But there was one thing he wanted more than anything else: to grow the most beautiful and abundant orchard the village had ever seen.

  Now, the villagers were known for their apple orchards, and there was an annual competition for the Golden Apple Award given to the person with the most impressive orchard. Sam had tried for many years, but he never won. The competition was fierce, and it seemed like there was always someone with better apples, more trees, or greater expertise.

  One day, an old man named Mr. Wilson, who was renowned for having the largest and juiciest apples, noticed Sam's determination. He approached Sam and said, Young man, I see you have a strong desire to win the Golden Apple Award. I have a piece of advice for you. Succeeding is a numbers game. The more you try, the more you succeed.

  Sam was puzzled but intrigued. Mr. Wilson explained, Each year, I plant a hundred apple trees, and only 10 of them produce the best apples. The rest are just average. But those 10 trees make all the difference. You see, not every attempt will yield the best results, but the more attempts you make, the greater your chances of succeeding.

  Taking Mr. Wilson's advice to heart, Sam decided to expand his orchard significantly. He planted more trees, cared for them diligently, and learned new techniques to improve their growth. He faced setbacks, with some trees failing to yield good apples, but he persisted.

  Years went by, and the annual competition arrived once again. Sam's orchard was now one of the largest in the village, with a vast variety of apple trees. Some produced exquisite apples, while others were just ordinary. Sam knew that he had followed Mr. Wilson's wisdom - succeeding was indeed a numbers game.

  The judges were astonished by the sheer size and diversity of Sam's orchard. While some of his apples were ordinary, others were truly exceptional. It turned out that Sam had more exceptional apples than anyone else in the village.

  Sam was awarded the Golden Apple Award that year, and his dream had come true. He realised that Mr. Wilson's advice had been the key to his success. Succeeding is indeed a numbers game. The more you try, the more you increase your chances of success. The law of averages decrees that the more attempts we make, the greater our chances of achieving success. It is akin to the act of flipping a coin repeatedly—the more flips we make, the more likely we are to witness the outcome of either heads or tails.   

          Throughout history, those who have triumphed in their pursuits have mastered this numbers game. They were prolific in their endeavours, leaving behind a remarkable body of work that set them apart.

  Consider the career of Walt Disney, a visionary who captured the hearts of millions. His tireless dedication to his craft earned him an unprecedented twenty-six Academy Awards, a testament to his unwavering commitment to his creative pursuits. Likewise, the Belgian novelist Georges Simenon crafted a staggering 570 books and stories, many featuring his beloved detective Jules Maigret. His literary contributions have sold between 500 and 700 million copies worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the literary landscape.

  Barbara Cartland, the esteemed author from the United Kingdom, graced the world with over 700 romance stories, captivating the imaginations of countless readers. Her enchanting tales have garnered sales ranging between 500 million and one billion copies. Quincy Jones, a maestro of music, claimed an astounding 28 Grammy Awards and received 80 nominations throughout his illustrious career. These achievements stand as a testament to his unparalleled dedication to his craft.

  Sports history also showcases the power of numbers in the pursuit of greatness. Bill Russell of the Boston Celtics emerged as a towering figure in basketball, securing an astonishing eleven NBA championships in a mere thirteen seasons. His unwavering commitment to excellence propelled him to the pinnacle of success. In the world of music, K.J. Yesudas, a renowned Indian playback singer, lent his melodious voice to over 50,000 songs in various languages, captivating audiences across the globe. Meanwhile, the prolific Indian actor Prem Nazir and the prominent actress Sheela forged a remarkable partnership, sharing the screen in more than 130 films, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema.

  The world of cricket has witnessed the awe-inspiring accomplishments of Sachin Tendulkar, who amassed a staggering 34,357 runs in international cricket, spanning both Test matches and One Day Internationals (ODIs). With 200 Test matches under his belt and a remarkable tally of 15,921 runs, coupled with 463 ODIs where he amassed 18,426 runs, Tendulkar's numbers exemplify the heights of his sporting prowess.

  Even the best innovators play the numbers game. Professor Yoshiro Nakamatsu, known as Dr. NakaMats, claims an astonishing number of patents, although the exact figure remains a subject of debate and controversy. Dr. Nakamatsu himself asserts ownership of over 3,500 patents, which, if true, would establish him as one of the most prolific inventors in history.

  The world of music witnessed the meteoric rise of The Beatles, who forged a musical legacy in just eight years. Their remarkable output and tireless dedication led them to create the world's most valuable music catalogue. Similarly, the film industry has been forever impacted by the prodigious talents of Stephen Spielberg, who has written over 27 screenplays, directed more than 60 films and shorts, and produced nearly 186 movies. Oprah Winfrey, a household name, graced our screens for a staggering 4,561 episodes of her iconic talk show. She has authored ten books, published monthly magazines, and produced daily radio shows. Her tireless dedication to her craft has solidified her reputation as a truly prolific individual.

  The late Steve Jobs left an indelible mark on the world of technology and entrepreneurship. He built three separate companies, his name appearing on an impressive 317 patents. His transformative ideas and innovative mindset revolutionised seven industries, leaving an enduring legacy.

  In the pursuit of excellence, successful individuals amass impressive numbers as a testament to their dedication and tenacity. Even the creative process itself can be viewed through this lens. Alfred Hitchcock, the legendary filmmaker, famously shot the iconic shower scene in Psycho a staggering 78 times,