3 min read…

Hey, welcome to the 14th episode of our book series – The Book Talk. If it’s your first time here, check our other posts. In this episode, we’ll discuss The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma.

When I picked up this book, I was well aware of the fact that Robin Sharma adds considerable padding (using not-so-interesting narration) around the core content in his books because I had already read his another famous piece – “The 5 am club.” So, I knew what to expect and I wasn’t disappointed.

This is a self-help book; a business fable drawn from the author’s personal experience after leaving his career as a litigation lawyer when he was only 25 years old. Robin talks about self-improvement, positive thinking, meditation and following our passion among other topics.

 

Here are the 4 messages from the book that I think were best conveyed –

1. Your calling is almost always one that serves others.

The quality of your life will come down to the quality of your contribution. In the process of working to improve the lives of others, you indirectly improve your own life. Even the secret behind a successful business is to add value to its consumers. The ultimate purpose of our lives is to contribute to others in a meaningful way.

“A little bit of fragrance always clings to the hand that gives you roses.”

 

2. Create a ‘dreambook’ of your desires, objectives and goals.

Achieving a goal requires a series of steps – having a clear vision of your outcome, attaching a deadline to it, and creating positive energy to keep your inspired. To breathe life into your goals, commit them to the paper.

Buy a journal and write down all that you desire and the ones you are ready to work for. This practice lets you know more about yourself – what you are and what you want.

Kavi and I have a TO-DO list of all the things we want to do and places we wish to see in Ireland. Having this list has definitely helped us travel a lot more than we usually do.

 

3. Go without talking for a day.

This vow of silence has been practised in many traditions and cultures throughout the world. The practice of holding one’s tongue for an extended period of time would enhance one’s discipline.

 

4. Keep your friendships in constant repair.

“A person with three solid friends is very wealthy indeed.”

Friends add humour and fascination to our lives. There are few things satisfying than having a hearty laugh with a friend. Friends keep us humble and make us smile. We are all social animals – we need someone to open our souls to; we need someone to share our thoughts with. So, cultivate richer relationships.

 

We are all here for some special reason. Savour the gift of the present and spread the joy to those around you.

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If you like this book, purchase it on Amazon now! US: Amazon.com | UK: Amazon.co.uk

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