cover image On the Edge and in Control: A Proven 8-Step Program for Taking Charge of Your Life

On the Edge and in Control: A Proven 8-Step Program for Taking Charge of Your Life

Deborah Bright. McGraw-Hill Companies, $15.95 (344pp) ISBN 978-0-07-007916-8

Having qualified for the Olympic diving trials (in a year she doesn't specify), Bright (Creative Revolution) suddenly found herself with a detached retina, in need of immediate surgery--and forced to give up the sport forever. Bright reports that she ""made the choice to take control of my life"" and now teaches people in both athletics and business the skills to ""perform exceptionally when faced with high-pressured, competitive situations."" Bright's method rests on the sense of having ""control over oneself and one's situation."" She stresses determining the factors over which one does and does not have control, looking at the ""micro and macro"" of each situation and adopting ""Personal Responsibleness."" Her eight-step plan includes hearing what's not said; matching goals and expectations with others; working as a team member; giving and receiving criticism well; staying focused on goals; keeping cool under fire; understanding and using self-criticism; and relaxing to reenergize. With an overabundance of personal stories from her business clients, boxed quotes and points repeated from the text, and ""inventories"" for self-examination, Bright builds an intricate structure around some simple ideas. There is some useful information here, but Bright's book lacks the laser focus and inspiring enthusiasm readers might expect from an effective personal coach. (Oct.)