Review: Inspiring
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 8, 2014
Nathan Mercer understands the power of story and uses it well to get across the idea that we can achieve anything we put our minds to. Using the simple story of The Tortoiseand The Hare, Mercer takes the reader through the steps the tortoise might have gone through to achieve his goal of winning a race against the much faster hare.I loved the approach because Mercer let us see behind the scenes of the famous story to learn how we too can set a goal that might seem outrageous until we actually acomplish it. I'm reminded of the Seahawk's quarterback Russell Wilson who learned to say 'why not me?'Mercer breaks down each step of achievement along with a checklist for the reader to fill in, and lots of inspirational quotes to show the wisdom some of the greats have gained through their struggles. Seriously, if it were easy, our goals would have less meaning to ourselves and the rest of the world.Too many people feel like they have to wait for things to happen. I have know artists who have siad that they have to wait for inspiration to strike them. As Jack London said, 'You can't wait for inspiration, you have to after it with a club.'I love what Mercer said about watching how people spend their time to see what's important to them.  This really struck a chord with.  I once asked a famous writer how to get published. She said to write a million words. Break that down and you have 10-12 books.  Most people would quit log before that, but the point is, writers write, musicians play.  Either spend time doing what you claim to want more tha anything or admit that watching TV or hanging with friends is more important.Another important point that Mercer makes is that your subconscious will work against you if you say you want to lose something. Tell youself that you want to gain something and see how much better that works.This is a short, informative, positive-reinforcing book with a set if great instructions on how to recognize what your goals really are and how to go about achieving them.  Mercer is a former marine and I'd swear that I could almost hear him coming across the pages with his no- nonsense approach at winning at life. I hope he takes his wisdom on the road because the world can certainly use it.