No Matter What!

February 23, 2009
With her appearance in The Secret
, San Diego–based Nichols is now a star life coach and motivational speaker. In this candid, inspirational book, she crafts a program to guide people to more fulfilled, happy and purposeful lives, illustrating each chapter with her own remarkable story, which she adeptly turns into motivational jewels. From a troubled childhood—she was molested and had difficulty as a black student at a mostly white school—to teen years as a star athlete who lacked self-esteem, dead-end jobs and an abusive relationship and finally success, Nichols has gone through both the highs and lows of life. Her message is simple and follows The Secret
's Law of Attraction. But this book is about the Law of No Matter What: no matter what happens or what people say, you must commit to taking action: “I will do what I need to do.” And if you stumble along the way, you need “bounce-back muscles.” Each of nine chapters explores a different “muscle” (faith in yourself, honesty, say yes, etc.). Nichols's infectious enthusiasm and compassion shine from each page.

Lisa Nichols's narrative gifts and hard-earned wisdom make this guide to personal empowerment a winner. She invites listeners to learn attitudes and capabilities--"muscles"--that can become part of ourselves if we develop them. Using examples from her own courageous journey as a black woman, she teaches the importance of habits like thinking through life's insults, taking action, believing in oneself, and making one's "highest choices." Her accessible, universal insights have street credibility without losing any of their nobility. She's also a natural speaker whose sincerity will hold listeners' attention. Nichols's powerful transformational strategies, as well as her experiences and determination, will have lasting impact on everyone who hears her story. T.W. (c) AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

February 15, 2009
Motivational speaker Nichols, who appeared in the hit film and book "The Secret", delivers sound advice to help readers focus on goals rather than worries and to live with hope in the present instead of fear for the future. With her guidance, readers develop various "muscles" (e.g., the faith-in-myself muscle) that allow for bouncing back from difficulties and achieving dreams. Psychotherapist Robinson ("Heal Your Self-Esteem") has similar goals in mind and shows his audience how to view life's challenges as adventures rather than problems. To that end, Robinson uses ten "practices"e.g., optimism, choice, and magnetismthat can lead to a clearer sense of direction, heightened self-confidence, and greater courage. The beauty of Robinson's book is its clarity, use of case studies, and grounding in psychology. Both books are recommended for public libraries, although Robinson's is preferred.

Copyright 2009 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.