Full of fun-to-read and insightful stories, it helps answer questions plaguing many people today. How can I avoid having an abundance of work and a shortage of joy? How can I spend more time on activities that nurture my soul? How can I be a high achiever, make it to the top of my profession, and still be contented?

It encourages you to design your own path in life, and in the process, realize that having it all is as much about a balanced life as it is about a balance sheet.

So is this what achievement is all about? Not really, say these authors. There's a system for success, and it's simple. In fact, simplicity in life is part of the magic. But it all starts inside. As the book explains, "what's in the well comes up in the bucket."

This is an interesting book because it's written by three authors-three people who have "been there, done that, and taught others." But the book is written in the singular. The authors realized that their ideas were bouncing all over the place, so they engaged a writer to "harmonize them into one voice." Clever idea, but a little unnerving at times, knowing that there are three people behind the message.

Readers will begin the journey through this book by Defining Success. Chapter 2 talks about Creating Desired Results, with the obligatory four-quadrant model. The dimensions of this one are Failure and Success, Frustration and Fulfillment. The Impact of Thoughts, Words, and Actions is explored in the third chapter. Values are addressed in a chapter entitled "Reflecting on Your Belief System" before an advisory chapter on getting clutter out of your life. The balance of the book focuses on creating an environment for success. It's a "typical" self-help book, but well put together.

Extra features include the inspirational quotes you might expect, sprinkled through the pages. A 19-question assessment at the back of the book serves as a summary, but could also be taken before reading the book as a sort of benchmark. The Points to Ponder at the end of each chapter add value to this book, moving the reader from absorption of good advice to a pensive and self-reflection mode to stimulate progress.


Are you living the life you want?   June 26, 2001
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

The Contented Achiever is an excellent book that helps us on our journey as to whether we are living the life we truly want! In the back of the book, there is a Self Assessment entitled "Are You a Contented Achiever?" My score told me that this book would absolutely be read next!

The lessons learned about being centered and living in the "now" have greatly impacted my life. The chapter on "Clutter" has created even more satisfaction and peace in my daily life. I ask myself the following question: Are there things that tie me to my past that prevent me from enjoying the present? Try it, you'll experience a wonderful sense of letting go and enjoying life more!


great reading for organizations   June 15, 2001
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

This book is a quick and easy read suitable for individuals or groups. For the "puzzle of life" the book provides, in outline form, key factors to build success and a belief system to allow one to enjoy the ride. I recommend it highly and recently purchased copies for my entire organization.


Never Throw Away a Big Box Until You Have Thought It Through   June 13, 2001
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I enjoyed this book so much that I got several copies to give away to friends. It was humorous, nostalgic, thought-provoking, cathartic and inspiring.

Not since I read Co-Dependent No More have I had a more graphic awakening to my own reality. This book provided me with a plethora of labels to apply to many dysfunctional life-situations and thereby provided many clues to personal problem-solving answers.

Even though I already know I am an extremely organized individual, still, I learned many new ideas to experiment with in my constant quest for even better methods for pursuit of a productive life both physically and emotionally. No one could read this book without coming away with something new to think about.

Big Boxes can hold many miracles...don't miss Chapter 6.


The Contented Achiever Is A High Achievement!   June 11, 2001
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

I believe that The Contented Achiever stands out in the crowd of books on self-improvement. I found this book to be thought-provoking, positive and creative. The Contented Achiever has a large number of creative suggestions which I found to be directly applicable to my life. I get the impression that the authors' beliefs are based on a profound knowledge of their subject gathered over a life-time. There are also great, well-positioned quotes to reinforce good points made throughout the book.

My favorite subjects pertained to "Creating Desired Results" which is a very simple series of steps to use to become the person you are striving to become. I found suggestions about dealing with clutter to be very practical and a chapter about "Creating an Environment for Success" to be insightful and especially thought-provoking. I also believe that the book would be especially useful to anyone experiencing some personal, or professional frustration in his/her life.

I highly recommend The Contented Achiever to those people interested in personal, or professional improvement. The simple, straightforward style used by the authors will make the book a refreshing and enjoyable experience.