I have had Matt May's new book, The Shibumi Strategy: A Powerful Way to Create Meanningful Change, sitting on my desk for a few weeks, and I finally picked-up. Wow. I read it from cover to cover this morning. It is sort of a business book, sort of a change book, and sort of a self-help book... it defies classification in some ways, but that is one of the things that makes it so great. A quick and satisfying read that made me think of ways I might lead a calmer and more constructive life.
Below is my review on Amazon; also check out this one at Fast Company:
I am one not a Zen or touchy-feely guy, so I began reading this book with considerable skepticism. But once I got past the first page or two, I was hooked, the story is great, it feels authentic and emotionally compelling, and as it unfolds it teaches you how to apply the Zen mindset and concepts to be more effective at what you do, more patient, to avoid pushing too hard, to keep pressing forward during tough times, and always, to chip away at small wins. It is nothing like a typical business book, and as a result, far more fun, satisfying, and useful then most other business books. It is a bit like Randy Komisar's The Monk and the Riddle, which is a great book that sold a lot, but it is even better and I think even more useful for most of us.
It is a bit like Randy Komisar's The Monk and the Riddle, which is a great book that sold a lot, but it is even better and I think even more useful for most of us.
Posted by: Danny DeMichele Entrepreneur | February 07, 2011 at 03:19 AM
It has a Dharma doll on the cover :) I come across them all the time in Japan, where they are used as a symbol of good luck and perseverance.
They are sold without the eyes filled in and you colour in one when you make a wish and the the other when it comes true. I don't believe in wishing, so I colour in one when I decide to embark upon a challenge and the other when it is complete, then I right the date on the bottom. They serve as an excellent reminder not to give up and also as a lovely souvenir to remind me of my achievements.
They also come in different sizes, so I can pick my doll based on the size of the challenge I am facing.
Posted by: Ellie | December 16, 2010 at 07:25 PM
Bob...I read his galley copy on a Saturday morning, and I couldn't agree more! Great book....
Posted by: Mike Sporer | December 16, 2010 at 05:18 PM