The world of self help writings is full of authors whose only actual qualification is selling self help books. These tomes can be entertaining and often insightful, but can lack authenticity and realism. After all, nothing is more fascinating and admired than the stories of people who have succeeded on their own terms. Hence the success of wealth creation classics such as “How to Get Rich” by Felix Dennis, which is produced not by some armchair critic but rather by a man who really has made millions in the publishing industry.
Even more fascinating, compelling and motivating is the tale of Richard Machowicz, a former United States Navy SEAL who served in combat operations in some of the most challenging conditions known to man. He has condensed some of his incredible experiences in a motivational book that is a gripping read. How are ordinary people turned into an outstandingly effective team of world class soldiers? What makes one young man choose a life of petty crime or educational failure, and another become a special forces soldier? Is it just the simplicity of military discipline, or are there other skills and techniques that we can all learn from?
In his insightful and highly useful book, Richard Machowicz reveals some of the very strategies and decision making tools that the US Navy SEALs used in their missions. Now we can also put these to work in our ordinary suburban lives. The CARVER matrix, the vital importance of focus, and use of the phase diagram to guarantee results, as well as the very “verbal command requests” that Machowicz used to survive “Hell Week” are all revealed in this entertaining yet informative book. This is the only self help work I have seen where military insights and techniques are applied to the general and peaceful field of motivation and self discovery. As such it makes a useful diversion from the more spiritual and esoteric focus of much of the self help literature on the market.
Machowicz has put his own words into actions since, following his retirement from the military and a spell in Hollywood personal protection, he has developed a niche for himself as presenter on the “Future Weapons” television series. He has furthermore developed a martial arts philosophy and technique named Bukido. This is clearly grounded in tenets of Eastern philosophy and its “Code of the Warrior Spirit” is outlined in the book.
The martial jargon and military analogies in this book will not appeal to everyone, but in summary this is a fascinating and compelling read that deserves a much wider audience.
