With a distinct British sensibility and syntax, life coach Harrold (Coach Yourself to Success
) describes seven rules for achieving and maintaining success, illustrated by in-depth interviews with entrepreneurs and business people. Her subjects are united in focus, drive and unrelenting appetite for hard work; Harrold observes, “They all had a grand idea, a big scheme that inspired them. It was never about the money. It was about service, improving things and helping others.” While her seven categories may seem generic—be passionate, practice self-belief, do more, take more risks, inspire others, persevere, be generous—her paradigm of success is useful and inspiring. Vision, generosity and what Harrold calls “optimistic resilience” are crucial components of the successful person’s psyche. An entertaining roundup of “famous failures”—including J.K. Rowling (eight literary agents rejected the first Harry Potter book), Walt Disney (fired from a newspaper because he “lacked imagination”), Isaac Newton and Winston Churchill (both academic failures)—takes some of the sting out of perceived failure and is genuinely emboldening, while periodic short exercises throughout the book sharpen the reader’s sense of purpose and clarify life goals. (Nov.)
