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.


Things are frequently not as they appear.   June 8, 2001
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

We all are a product of our upbringing. Preconceived ideas of what we can achieve and what we are not worthy of achieving. Things that we can manifest into our lives and things that will be there for others only, not for us. I think the sum total of this is the realization that we are all worthy and that all that we desire in life can be ours. I loved this book because it made this concept so easy to understand and to grasp. The examples given are directly connected to the way we live our lives. It becomes so simple to understand the changes in our thinking that, when effortlessly made, can so drastically alter our lives. I have worked so very hard all of my life just to prove to myself that I can achieve the things that I was told were beyond my reach. I am sure that on a subconscious level the truths in this book were known to me. What an incredible treat to read this book and have the inner knowing that it reveals long held truths. I would recommend to all readers that you not only read this for yourselves. I would recommend that you buy copies and distribute them to all who you care for and all who you would like to help. What a service you would be performing for this universe.


I life it enough to give copies...   June 7, 2001
I liked The Contented Achiever so much that I have given copies to students, clients, friends, and family members. The Personal Leadership Association sponsored a seminar focused on the principles and practices described in the book and invited co-author Chris Crouch to speak. Reading the first four chapters alone makes getting the book a great value; reading the second half will give you even more ideas and thoughts for implementation.--David Dyson, Dyson Institute


Meaningfully Moving Forward   June 7, 2001
Personable in tone, expansive in concept, The Contented Achiever shares with the reader both the opportunity as well as techniques for building, maintaining, not to mention achieving lasting appreciation while gently but avidly steering the participant toward a meaningful manner of acquiring, in simple fashion, the finer side of life. This book stands out as a pointed yet loving beacon of enthusiasm, warmth, humor and just plain good sense. It will move you forward. I'm already anticipating the next offering from these authors!


Inspiring Blueprint for Contented Achievement   May 11, 2001
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

From the start the authors share numerous pearls of wisdom and quotes that help people achieve a balance in their lives. I was struck the with simplicity of the two-by-two matrix they created.

The cells were: 1) success-frustration2) failure-frustration 3) failure-fulfillment4) success-fulfillment

Personally, I found a number of things I do are successful, and others enjoy me doing them, but they are not a great investment of my time or resources. It is nuggets like these that make the book a great investment, unless of course you are in quadrant III and enjoy mental bankruptcy. The Contented Achievers are in quadrant IV.

Some of the sentences that have lingered in my mind include: "Like a trapeze artist, if you never let go, you can never get to the other side". (p.106) "There is always a next level in life no matter how successful you are." (p.147) "What's more important, knowing how to use the brake, the gas pedal or the clutch? (p.200)

When you read the book you will feel the authors' passion for life and willingness to share experiences so others can learn vicariously. I was moved by the episode they shared regarding a ethical stamp collection dilemma one faced and how the situation played out. At the end of each chapter there are several questions that I found challenging and introspective to answer.

Those interested in a balance in life, self-development, or their career will find this very useful (and fast) reading.