The definition of success (at least in America) is outward accomplishment, whether it's amassing a fortune or leaving a legacy of influence. But a personal sense of well-being or fulfillment--finding love and time with family--is often the inward measurement of success. The two need not be mutually exclusive, says Chérie Carter-Scott, an internationally recognized motivational speaker and management consultant who's written several other "rule" books, such as If Love Is a Game, These Are the Rules. She says that success is achieved only "when your own sense of well being and the extended symbols of accomplishment converge," a feat she says can be met by following her 10 basic guidelines about self-acceptance and self-motivation.
Fortunately, her rules are easy to follow--no misty metaphors or perplexing parables. Each chapter is neatly devoted to a specific rule, such as "your actions affect your outcomes," or "success is a process that never ends." Real-life stories illustrate each rule, making the advice feel personal and applicable. When addressing rule 2, "wanting success is the first step in attaining it," Carter-Scott helps readers handle sabotaging loved ones who may feel threatened or jealous by your success, such as the mother who didn't want her son to apply to medical school because he might not be able to handle the rejection, or the so-called "best friend" who always insulted her friend's new clothing business.

In the chapter on rule 3, "self-trust is essential," we meet Paul, the miserable banker who yearned to be an art dealer but wore the "golden handcuffs" of his big salary. A few years after analyzing his life and deciding to make a change, "Paul has become a successful art dealer, making close to the same salary he was making before," writes Carter-Scott. "Only now it brings him joy rather than binding him to his life." Although some of the examples may feel predictable, Carter-Scott's warm, folksy style should appeal to many readers, helping them to identify goals and follow through on them. --Gail Hudson

From Publishers Weekly
In another winner from the author of the bestselling If Life Is a Game/If Love Is a Game series, Carter-Scott gently expresses her wisdomDeven if she doesn't break any new ground in the inspirational field. Careful not to define success as financial prosperity, Carter-Scott eloquently encourages readers to realize their own goals and dreams, not society's vision for them. To that end, she offers simple, profound suggestions for identifying and attaining personally defined success. Her approach is more philosophical and less dogmatic, and her voice is more engaging, than those in many self-help books covering the same territory. Respectful of her readersDshe addresses them as intelligent adults capable of introspection, analysis and changeDCarter-Scott suggests challenging exercises for self-discovery (such as writing one's life story and identifying role models) as well as for finding one's gifts, overcoming limiting beliefs and "stay[ing] positive." Her comments on time management and working cooperatively with others are similarly valuable gems. Agent, Debra Goldstein at the Creative Culture. Simultaneous BDD Audio. (Dec..-- positive." Her comments on time management and working cooperatively with others are similarly valuable gems. Agent, Debra Goldstein at the Creative Culture. Simultaneous BDD Audio. (Dec.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.