Chapter 1: The Longevity of Great Literature

It's a stark reality that the vast majority of new books—around 99%—fail to sell more than 1,000 copies.

This statistic highlights the challenges in a crowded market. What, then, is the secret to a book's enduring popularity over a century? The answer often lies in its relevance or its spiritual themes. Other than the book I'm about to discuss, only two others come to mind that have stood the test of time: The Bible and The Prophet by Khalil Gibran. Both carry religious significance.

However, the book we’re focusing on is grounded in practicality and has maintained its relevance since its initial publication in 1903.

Book: As a Man Thinketh

Author: James Allen

As I celebrate Christmas with family today and tomorrow, I can't help but reflect on a time not long ago when COVID kept us apart. Those were challenging moments. James Allen's work is especially fitting for such times when the path forward seems daunting.

Consider this powerful excerpt. Take your time to truly absorb it; a quick read won't suffice.

"A man only begins to be a man when he ceases to whine and revile, and commences to search for the hidden justice which regulates his life. And as he adapts his mind to that regulating factor, he ceases to accuse others as the cause of his condition, and builds himself up in strong and noble thoughts; ceases to kick against circumstances, but begins to use them as aids to his more rapid progress, and as a means of discovering the hidden powers and possibilities within himself."

Now, let’s break this down.

A man only begins to be a man when he ceases to whine and revile

This could easily be paraphrased as if David Goggins were giving you a pep talk—"stop complaining."

and commences to search for the hidden justice which regulates his life

The key here is to recognize that your thoughts shape your reality.

Zig Ziglar famously stated, "before you GIVE, you must HAVE. Before you HAVE you must DO. And before you DO you must BE." To which I would add—before you can BE, you must THINK.

And as he adapts his mind to that regulating factor, he ceases to accuse others as the cause of his condition

Your current situation is a product of your own thoughts and actions. Own it completely.

and builds himself up in strong and noble thoughts; ceases to kick against circumstances, but begins to use them as aids to his more rapid progress, and as a means of discovering the hidden powers and possibilities within himself

Let’s illustrate this with an example.

At a recent Tony Robbins seminar, he led us through a visualization exercise intended to provoke motivation and introspection. He asked us to envision ourselves ten years down the line, still stuck in the same job, living the same life, with no progress. Would that scenario bring you happiness?

Unquestionably not. Everyone aspires for growth.

In that instance, he transformed our perspective on motivation, encouraging us to leverage our circumstances as tools for advancement rather than crutches.

I still practice this visualization whenever I find my motivation waning.

WHY

This book, alongside The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks, has enlightened me to the fact that a substantial portion of my day—90% or more—is spent in thought. It has helped me identify when I’m merely thinking and redirect my energy toward 'Being Useful,' as Arnold would say. This awareness has significantly boosted my creativity and productivity, making it worthwhile to share this insight with you.

Despite my initial resistance, two friends insisted I read this book. Don't make the same mistake I did; it's a brief read (only 2–3 hours) and costs less than $10.

And please, skip the audiobook. This is a book meant to be savored, highlighted, and contemplated—something that's harder to achieve with audio.

Grab a copy, head to the beach, and immerse yourself in its wisdom while the soothing sound of waves grounds you in the moment. The insights within are profound, and I’ve compiled some notable quotes for you.

This isn’t a book to skim through on a crowded train. Trust me on that.

As a final thought, I want to share a moment from my Thursday night out with a friend. We were enjoying a drink when a group of visitors from the UK raised their glasses and toasted, adding a heartfelt "from my family to yours" after the cheers subsided.

I found that sentiment touching.

So, from my family to yours—Merry Christmas! Embrace it fully.

Harry

P.S. A big thank you to those who have shared this with friends. If you’re new here, welcome! If you found this piece valuable, please spread the word.

Chapter 2: Embracing the Waves of Change

In this video, "Reading the Beach - Understanding Waves & Wave Action," you will gain insights into how waves work and their impact on our surroundings. It's a perfect complement to the reflective reading experience at the beach.

The second video, “Wave,” by Suzy Lee, offers a creative exploration of the concept of waves, linking it back to the themes of reflection and personal growth found in our featured book.