The Habit of Winning, Prakash Iyer, Penguin Books.A self improvement book written with simple words. It has collection stories of success, perseverance, and struggle, inspiration to motivate the reader and to bring out the winner within him. We must appreciate the efforts of first time author for simplifying the Self development and management theories for the lay man. Well, The Habit of Winning, can be a good for beginners and can be classified as a must read for the beginners.However, if you have been reading reasonably and have read few self improvement books then you have nothing new in this book. The disappointing point is that the author picks of important messages from well know self development books and reproduced under various heads, sometimes with credit to the original author and sometimes without. Second concern is that this book may not address the people of the world as it seems it is written keeping the Indian Readers in mind. Thus most of the anecdote relates to cricket which in fact dilutes momentum it creates. If you are an Indian and have read about 3 self development books, watched good Indian movies and a fan of cricket then again, there is nothing new for you to learn. You must of have witnessed most of the stories or incidents the author quotes.In my opinion, books of this nature should appeal to universal audience and benefit them. Being the first time, author chose to play simple and safe.There are also several points to appreciate. Especially the way the author explained the “Dahi Handi” is interesting. The author has very easily explained management theories with Dahi Handi, which is refreshing. Being in Mumbai, the financial capital of India that demanding long working hours from each aspiring individual, I could easily relate myself to this story. As I walk towards the Lower Parel station after a long tiring day, I see a bunch of young lads “govindas” practice for making human pyramid. The Preparation. Another interesting story is the Great Wall of China and its continuous failure to fulfill the purpose it was built for because of people who lack integrity. Act Now. Don’t Snooze – Wake up. An alarming message for every one of us is explained with our daily first activity of snoozing. Though the message is old, it is filled in a new bottle.Overall, it is a quick read. Reader doesn’t have to take time to digest or imbibe the message. You can read as you commute to your office every day. It’s a good quick booster read. Prakash Iyer's style is direct and simple. He has touched various aspects of life, with an emphasis on leadership. Shining as an expert in a given profession is one thing; but more important is developing right attitudes and earning respect and affection from all the people we move with in day-to-day life. The simple techniques the author explains through his stories are sure to help us in both ways.He begins with highlighting the primary need of formulating clear goals. Then gives confidence that every one of us is potentially a good leader. He encourages, "Never mind who you are or what you do; it is a good thing to remember that you are a leader too."He describes a goal as a positive thought that would help us in replacing and banishing negative thoughts. I have come across many points of view on the need and importance of goals. From Prakash Iyer's book I have learnt this view - that a goal will entrenched in mind could work as a purifier by driving away negative thoughts - and I really value it. There are several stories and narrations like 'Acres of diamonds', 'Tyrone Bogues', 'Robin Uthappa' etc, which serve as confidence-builders. The author has really given an expert touch when he has explained the need for patience and understanding, through the peculiar growth-pattern of Chines Bamboo.One more example is how the author has used a small imaginary story of a person blindly insisting on a shirt-size, to pinpoint the absurdity of having fixed ideas and rigid mindsets. The author has convincingly emphasized the need for hard work, perseverance, judging the nature of others, team spirit, forming comprehensive views of the issues, and many other valuable traits of a successful person by means of gripping narrations. This is an excellent book on Life and Leadership.
What do You think about The Habit Of Winning (2012)?
Some anecdotes are inspiring. The one which inspired me: "Main khelega"
—laurie
Excellent book with stories for all professionals
—michelle_pal
Connecting life,sporsts and things unnoticed:)
—yolanda
