What do you think?
Rate this book
WOW: A Handbook for Living
Zen Ohashi is a master management coach whose methods have been introduced to more than seventy major corporations, including Exxon-Mobile, Fuji-Xerox, British Airways, Canon, Honda, and Mitsubishi. In this volume, he has created a method for living–a way you too can be successful and powerful in your everyday life. Thirty-one phrases are paired with simple methods and short explanations designed to implement empowerment and change in your life. Designed to be carried with you and pulled out when you need it, WOW is the ultimate handbook for life.
- GenresSelf HelpNonfiction
208 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2010
11 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 24, 2018
Wow is a book of thirty-one small strategies to help people realize their goals in life. Each strategy is a small, but powerful step to move a person closer to attaining an important goal.
Here are some of my favorites: Before trying to solve a difficult problem, ask what is working for you, and discuss this; this will improve the mood of those working to solve the problem. Look at the hard truths of a problem rather than just the surface details. Instead of complaining, start brainstorming ideas.
If you like these, you can look forward to reading twenty-eight more strategies in this little book.
Here are some of my favorites: Before trying to solve a difficult problem, ask what is working for you, and discuss this; this will improve the mood of those working to solve the problem. Look at the hard truths of a problem rather than just the surface details. Instead of complaining, start brainstorming ideas.
If you like these, you can look forward to reading twenty-eight more strategies in this little book.
March 29, 2010
Normally I don't review self-help books, but I found this book especially unique and useful. Not your typical "how to live better" guide.
The format is the first unique element. It's not written out in lengthy or wordy chapters, filled with anecdotal stories. Instead, the pages have alot of white space, with quotes, simple suggestions, and questions to reflect upon. Rather than telling you, the reader, what to do, it creates a process in which you find your own solutions. Meditation is key, and each section gives you points to ponder and apply.
For example, when trying to solve a problem, one question is "What state of conditions do you want to create?" This way the suggestions and solutions are applicable to just about any circumstance. Interesting graphics, all in black and white, accent the ideas. Again, to use this book you will not be sitting down to read chapter after chapter. Ideally, you would use one section, consider the questions, then put it down and meditate on what course applies to you. Then it suggests you write down ideas to cement them in your mind.
A few caveats: some of the suggestions and questions seem oversimplified at first, but really aren't to be dismissed. Many pages have sections to add your own notes and comments. Another thing I noticed was that many of the suggestions required the assistance of a friend or confidante in achieving. That may work for someone with a good support system, but I couldn't help but think there are some things that we may not want to divulge. After all, many of our stressors are deeply personal.
I think this would be helpful to anyone, from a parent to a businessperson, as the thoughts are open ended and the solutions are not keyed towards any one answer. An especially good idea in it was to be a better listener, and listen to what others say, but even more to listen to what they don't say. Their silence can be revealing. It's unlikely that the ideas in this book will ever be out of date, because the simplicity of the text and ideas is universal.
The format is the first unique element. It's not written out in lengthy or wordy chapters, filled with anecdotal stories. Instead, the pages have alot of white space, with quotes, simple suggestions, and questions to reflect upon. Rather than telling you, the reader, what to do, it creates a process in which you find your own solutions. Meditation is key, and each section gives you points to ponder and apply.
For example, when trying to solve a problem, one question is "What state of conditions do you want to create?" This way the suggestions and solutions are applicable to just about any circumstance. Interesting graphics, all in black and white, accent the ideas. Again, to use this book you will not be sitting down to read chapter after chapter. Ideally, you would use one section, consider the questions, then put it down and meditate on what course applies to you. Then it suggests you write down ideas to cement them in your mind.
A few caveats: some of the suggestions and questions seem oversimplified at first, but really aren't to be dismissed. Many pages have sections to add your own notes and comments. Another thing I noticed was that many of the suggestions required the assistance of a friend or confidante in achieving. That may work for someone with a good support system, but I couldn't help but think there are some things that we may not want to divulge. After all, many of our stressors are deeply personal.
I think this would be helpful to anyone, from a parent to a businessperson, as the thoughts are open ended and the solutions are not keyed towards any one answer. An especially good idea in it was to be a better listener, and listen to what others say, but even more to listen to what they don't say. Their silence can be revealing. It's unlikely that the ideas in this book will ever be out of date, because the simplicity of the text and ideas is universal.
March 31, 2010
When I first received the book I was a little skeptical. Oh yeah, another feel good book. I'll leave it on the coffee table to occasionally flip through when I'm feeling down. When I was finished reading it, I had a completely different view. Sure I'll still keep it on my coffee table for company to see but now I have a list of people I feel NEED this book. It shows you how to hash out your problems and how to make people more positive in general. Very positive book, one that I will be going back to a lot. This book is so good I recommend keeping it on the back of the toilet for hubby to find!
December 10, 2011
Recently I got thanks to Rebecca at The Cadence Group the book Wow A Handbook for the Living. Unlike most self help books or spiritual books it doesn't read like a boring manual to say the least. It is full of beautiful pictures. The point of the book is really simple. Zen Ohashi talks about how people need to make plans and stick with them. Start something instead of putting it off, tell others so they can inquire about your progress instead of no one knowing and the progress dying at a early stage.
Another point he makes is when people talk most of the time we don't listen we jump to the assumption that someone is mad at us. When people are speaking keep in mind this is their opinion and not your own. This book read like a wonderful journey with ideas and suggestions. Ultimately it lies in the person and how they will use the tips provided in the book to succeed in life.
What I enjoyed the most was when the author described two types of people Serious and Smooth. I tend to think of myself as a smooth person I may not like what I have to do but I will do it. I like to think I am responsible, and I know I have alot of willpower.
If you haven't had a chance check this book out. It is very much worth the read and learning the tips that will help you be successful in work, love, and life. This book could even help those with children. As when we make promises we need to keep them as others count on them. Most times we make promises that lead us no where we don't follow through and that is something that leads people to not have as much faith as time goes by that the next promise will be fulfilled.
Another point he makes is when people talk most of the time we don't listen we jump to the assumption that someone is mad at us. When people are speaking keep in mind this is their opinion and not your own. This book read like a wonderful journey with ideas and suggestions. Ultimately it lies in the person and how they will use the tips provided in the book to succeed in life.
What I enjoyed the most was when the author described two types of people Serious and Smooth. I tend to think of myself as a smooth person I may not like what I have to do but I will do it. I like to think I am responsible, and I know I have alot of willpower.
If you haven't had a chance check this book out. It is very much worth the read and learning the tips that will help you be successful in work, love, and life. This book could even help those with children. As when we make promises we need to keep them as others count on them. Most times we make promises that lead us no where we don't follow through and that is something that leads people to not have as much faith as time goes by that the next promise will be fulfilled.
April 30, 2010
Wow: A Handbook for Living is a little coffee table book for actualization. At the start of the book, the authors say that in just doing just one of the exercises in this book, the reader’s life will change. With this purpose in mind, the book can be opened to virtually any page for thoughtful advice or an activity for greater self awareness.
Many of the entries focus on integrity and self improvement. However, some also include tips on relationships and personal awareness. I can see readers picking a page at random and working through the book that way or just browsing a bit for the most relevant entries.
Wow: A Handbook for Living is beautifully crafted. There are lots of inspiring pictures, on pretty much every page. The authors also use different fonts and font sizes to create particular effects or emphasis points. Somewhat like a website or ebook made into printed book.
Many of the entries focus on integrity and self improvement. However, some also include tips on relationships and personal awareness. I can see readers picking a page at random and working through the book that way or just browsing a bit for the most relevant entries.
Wow: A Handbook for Living is beautifully crafted. There are lots of inspiring pictures, on pretty much every page. The authors also use different fonts and font sizes to create particular effects or emphasis points. Somewhat like a website or ebook made into printed book.
September 17, 2015
A big kooky pile of horse shit. The pictures didn't match the words, and the words were all over the place, and a lot of it was common sense. I did discover one new thing after reading this: I do have some issues with revenge, but after 25 years I can tell you that revenge can work for you. On a scale of 1-10 I am probably a 300 when it comes to revenge, and I am officially marking that down as my first skill.
October 22, 2013
Wow is a practical guide for improving your life. Presented in an easily digestible format complete with relevant images to aid retention, the book offers simple exercises to enhance communication, build relationships, and preserve emotional harmony. Since the writing style is so straightforward (and nearly half of the book is comprised of pictures) you won't be bogged down with extraneous information. A must read for anyone wishing to enact change.
March 14, 2010
A thoughtful handbook with exercises to get the reader thinking about how he/she can improve problem solving. More here...
Read
June 6, 2010When you come to a turning point in your life, try asking yourself, "What would my hero say?" Everyone would like to receive advice from someone they respect and admire. Try to imagine what they would say about your situation.
Read
May 2, 2011Love the layout with graphics and photos.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews