The Psychology of the Hero Soul

Sharif Khan's intent is to "promote heroes in the workplace and everyday life" in his book, The Psychology of the Hero Soul. He does an adequate job describing the qualities of a modern hero by reflecting on such standard themes as sacrifice, vision, action, and courage. These topics are made relevant with appropriate, if somewhat predictable, illustrations. I like his premise.

However, I don't like the path he takes to arrive at his destination. The fundamental problem with humanity, according to Khan and many other "self-help" authors, is not sin but lack of awareness of our inherent perfection.

Trying to become perfect, trying to become who you're not, is moving away from the source of perfection that is already within you. (p. 66)

Is that so? I don't know about you, but when I travel within to find my "higher self" it's a really short trip to disappointment. It may not appeal to the masses, but I believe our ultimate help comes from above, not within.

The Attractor Factor

In "5 Easy Steps" you can create wealth or anything else your heart desires. At least that's the premise of The Attractor Factor by Joe Vitale. It's called the "Law of Attraction" and works because we are walking magnets, pulling into our lives the very things we are thinking and feeling. The simple steps:

1. Know what you don't want.
2. Select what you do want.
3. Clear all negative or limiting beliefs.
4. Feel what it would be like to have, do, or be what you want.
5. Let go as you act on your intuitive impulses, and allow the results to manifest. (p. 176)

The Attactor Factor is heavily influenced by Hindu thought and philosophy. It mixes and confuses eastern spirituality by utilizing some biblical language and concepts. Although many of the principles are in fact truthful - and I actually like the 5 Easy Steps as a daily goal setting practice - the starting point is not from a biblical perspective and points the reader toward trusting an impersonal force or energy rather than the one true God.

Excuse Me, Your Life is Waiting

This book by Lynn Grabhorn explores "the astonishing power of feelings." And while I agree that how you feel impacts your behavior, the author's premise is that "we create by feeling, not by thought." Let her explain:

" . . . the energy that flows out from us comes from our highly charged emotions to create highly charged electromagnetic wave patterns of energy, making us powerful - but volatile - walking magnets. . . . The electromagnetic vibrations you send out every split second of every day are what have brought - and are continuing to bring - everything into your life, big or small, good or bad. Everything! No exceptions." (p. 8, emphases hers)

While discovering some great nuggets in Excuse Me, Your Life is Waiting, I also found that, like most self-help books with a gnostic bent, the author leaves an independent acting and thinking and feeling (emphasis mine) God out of the equation. End result, a self-as-central view of reality. Myopic and unsatisfying.

Leadership and Self-Deception

We are self-deceived. The claim that we are not is proof that we are. For each of us is "in a box" of selfishness. And self-betrayal is how we enter the box. What is Self-Betrayal?

1. An act contrary to what I feel I should do for another is called an act of "self-betrayal."
2. When I betray myself, I begin to see the world in a way that justifies my self-betrayal.
3. When I see a self-justifying world, my view of reality becomes distorted.
4. So - when I betray myself, I enter the box. (p. 76)

How do we get "out of the box" and so view others, not as objects, but as people with similar needs, dreams, and desires like us? That is what you'll find out in the book, Leadership and Self-Deception.