Book Review: The Noticer by Andy Andrews

I just finished reading a great book called The Noticer by Andy Andrews. It's a great book about a man named Jones who seems to show up now and then in people's lives to bring them wisdom that will help them have a better life. One of the questions he asks in the book was, "What would others change about you if they could?". He explains that we are not to spend our lives pretending to be what others want us to be. The point is that if you want to be someone who lives a full life, that draws others to them, that others want to be around, then ask yourself what things others might want to change before they want to spend more time with you? Let's touch on just a few things: 1. Your speech. People have lots of negative people around them already. They don't need another one who always finds something wrong, or is a skeptic, or can't find the bright side of anything. Also, many people don't say anything when someone curses now and then, but if curses are the majority of the words you speak, maybe you should give that some thought. Those with success, large groups of friends, respect of their peers, and opportunities offered to them generally don't speak with words that tend to offend others. What type of person are you? What type of people are you trying to attract? Doesn't it make sense that if opportunity comes from people, then the more influential people you can attract, may bring more opportunities your way? 2. Your dress. I know more than anyone that this economy has hit some families really hard. There may not be money for designer clothes or the latest fashions, but consider this: what if you planned how you dressed? What if you made sure that whenever you left the house, what you had on was clean, wasn't full of wrinkles, fit well, and made you look and feel your best? Then those ripped, stained, or old clothes you can't get rid of could be worn on days off, when you're home, or around the house? Also, there are great bargains to be hunted down at department store clearance racks (especially the high end stores like Dillard's), thrift stores, and even at Salvation Army & Goodwill sales. Did you know, for example, that at Goodwill, every Thursday, all clothes with a particular tag color are just $1? That color tag will be 50% off all week, too. And they even run sales every few weeks where everything in the store is 50% off, regardless of tag color? Be creative, think outside of the box. You don't have to spend a lot to improve the way you dress. Think of it as a hunting expedition! 3. Your attitude. What do others think about your attitude? Are you loud and obnoxious? Do you tend to be arrogant? Do you try to play the tough guy/lady? Are you so quiet and shy that no one ever gets to really know you? Are you so indecisive that it's hard for people to make plans with you? Do you tend to only talk about yourself, never stopping to listen to the person you're with? Do you constantly interrupt others? Are you a very lazy person that declines every offer to try something new? Just imagine the opportunities that might come your way if you were a better listener, rather than always having to be the life of the party. What if you were open to trying new things with others? What if you were the first to offer a smile or handshake at the next social event? You just might find that new connection you need to better your situation, and find you made some great new friends in the process. So you see, the book isn't about making others happy, or becoming a doormat to others. It's about putting the best YOU forward, improving your quality of life, and taking a genuine interest in others. It's about sanding off the rough edges to create a more wonderful you. Take some time. Give it some thought. What can you do this week to make your quality of life better?