The Success Principles(TM) - 10th Anniversary Edition

November 15, 2004
When it comes to success, Canfield knows of what he speaks: he is co-creator, with Mark Victor Hansen, of the seemingly endless Chicken Soup for the Soul series. He presents 64 success principles that he claims "always work"—and draws on his own experience and that of others to illustrate them. Sixty-four principles may seem like a lot, but each receives a concise, easy-to-digest chapter that challenges readers to risk creating their lives exactly as they want them. Many of the principles are familiar—e.g., "Take 100% Responsibility for Your Life"—but Canfield has a nifty way of summarizing them ("Reject rejection"), and some are inventive: "Become an Inverse Paranoid" means see the world as out to help you instead of out to get you. He also offers specific techniques, such as positive-thinking exercises and visualizations. A section on transformation provides even more on how to overcome self-defeating beliefs, fears and habits. Further sections offer principles on building good teams and better relationships at the office. Canfield acknowledges his predecessors in the success advice field, such as Napoleon Hill, and is also clear that while he gives information, motivation, and inspiration, readers must contribute their own hard work. Canfield's energy and enthusiasm bounce off the page; many will flock to this inspiring (and very rich) teacher. And those starting off in business or in need of a refresher course may consider this title required reading. Agent, Bonnie Solow.
(Jan. 1)

Forecast:
Harper is putting Canfield in a class with Dale Carnegie and Napoleon Hill. A
Today show appearance, 11-city tour and 250,000-copy first printing will demonstrate whether they're right.

Starred review from December 1, 2004
A prescription for achieving life goals and aspirations, this book by the coauthor of the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series is destined for best-sellers lists all over the country. Canfield guarantees results if readers decide what they want, believe they deserve it, and practice his 64 principles, laid out here with evangelical zeal. Based on sound psychological, spiritual, and economic truths gathered from interviews, research, and personal experience, these principles include urging readers to take 100 percent responsibility for their own lives, continually ask for feedback, tell the truth faster, and master the spending game. Canfield has an easy style and talks directly to readers, responding to potential "what ifs" and "buts" with encouragement and sound advice. The book's layout is superb-small paragraphs are punctuated by italicized quotes, questions for self-study, and several appropriate cartoons. One could easily pick and choose principles of interest, although a thorough reading is recommended. Lest this all sound too good to be true, Canfield stresses that "Success takes times, effort, perseverance and patience." Essential for all libraries.-Deborah Bigelow, Leonia P.L., NJ

Copyright 2004 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2004
Expect considerable press hype over this book, considering Canfield is coauthor of the Chicken Soup series, volumes of which appear on best-seller lists immediately upon release. Canfield has 64 principles of successful living that he wants all of us to pay attention to because to do so will result in a higher level of productivity in the personal, professional, and financial arenas. He begins with a fundamental admonition: everyone should "give up blaming and complaining." True, we all know people who display an irritating sense of entitlement, and those are the people who will best learn from this book--which, as it turns out, is definitely compelling. Canfield does an excellent job of what this kind of self-help guide is charged with doing: first, indicating what kind of thinking people need to do to understand how they would like their lives to play out, and second, imparting the courage to take action. There are some obvious suggestions here, but others will strike readers as original and refreshing. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2004, American Library Association.)