Chief Executive Issue 2 | Page 51

anyone that feels like they’re stuck and they have nowhere to go. Holiday makes it clear that this is “not a book of gushing, hazy optimism,” so cynics can approach knowing that this is not a head-in-the-clouds, follow-yourdreams lesson in looking on the bright side. If anything, I recommend you buy this book as a gift for someone who is constantly complaining, whining, or announcing that the world is out to get them. WHERE TO START WHEN IT FEELS LIKE NOTHING IS GOING RIGHT IN YOUR LIFE This book is only about three things: perception, action, and will. These three things shape your very existence, however, because these are the three things you are capable of controlling in your world. Holiday splits the book into three parts, with each part focusing on the three things you can control. Here’s some of the lessons you’ll find in each section. IN PART I: PERCEPTION, YOU’LL LEARN: To see events straightforwardly, as neither good or bad. That you should focus only on what you can control.That getting emotional or upset never provides you with more options to solve your problem.To look at your problems from the outside.To focus on the present.And when you’re stressed, tell yourself that “I’m not going to die from this.” IN PART II: ACTION, YOU’LL LEARN: To focus on the process, not the end result. That persistence is key.That “eureka!” moments don’t appear out of thin air, they’re solutions found after an exhausting amount of attempts.To have realistic expectations.That action isn’t always about moving forward, but sometimes about choosing to make a stand.That finishing is the most important thing. IN PART III: WILL, YOU’LL LEARN: To remember that “this too shall pass,” no matter what it is. To build a fortress in your mind called your Inner Citadel.To do a premortem on your ideas.That constraints in life are actually a good thing.To develop acceptance and cheerfulness.To love what happens to you, good or bad. Each chapter is a different lesson with stories from great people