Product Description

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #263 in Books
• Published on: 2009-05-26
• Released on: 2009-05-26
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 288 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781401921736
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

About the Author

Customer Reviews

No more excuses: this will blow your "habitual mind"
I have read most of Wayne's books, and this was one of the better ones. I used a highlighter on many areas of the book: I love Wayne's style of intertwining great philosophical quotes, anecdotes and personal stories to illustrate his points.

The book starts out citing compelling science and studies, including Bruce Lipton's research proving that genes are far from destiny, and that our beliefs influence even our genes. This is truly the foundation for a "no excuses" paradigm. Wayne delves into the concept of memes, or mind viruses and explains how these are passed on to people like cold viruses.

Next, 18 typical excuses are presented (many of these solicited from his readers). It will be difficult, risky, take too long, create family drama; I don't deserve it; it's against my nature; I can't afford it (surely a popular one today!); no one will help me; it's not happened before; I'm not strong/smart enough; I'm too old/too young; the rules/laws won't let me; it's too big; I don't have the energy/time; it's in my family history; I'm afraid. I was disappointed that my favorite excuse "I'll do it later" wasn't listed, although it was addressed indirectly in various parts of the book, especially in the "commitment to overcoming the inertia" part.

The second section seven contains principles for overcoming excuses: awareness, alignment, now, contemplation (with a very powerful quote from Aristotle--"Contemplation is the highest form of activity"), willingness, passion and compassion.

The third section promotes a new way of viewing excuses, creating a paradigm shift. This includes asking yourself six questions, starting out with "Is it true?" Where did the excuse come from? What is the payoff?" These are very reminiscent of Bryon Katie except that instead of undoing beliefs, you are undoing excuses and eradicating them from your subconscious mind (which Wayne argues need not be beneath your consciousness, and in fact renames as the "habitual mind").

I see people all the time using these excuses to avoid eating a better diet of more raw foods: It will create family drama; I don't have the time to fix good food; I don't have the money to buy fresh produce." My father's excuse was, "I am too old." Unfortunately, he died of cancer two years after using that excuse!

I am confident that this book will inspire people to take a new look at their habitual mind patterns, breaking free to move on to their highest potential!

More trivial, random thoughts...
I have been a fan of Dyer, and his earlier works still hold a place on my bookshelf. But his latest "how-to" book is just a collection of his rambling thoughts and ideas, free associations or "Channeling" as he refers to it as. Nothing "how-to" between the covers! I read this book and also watched his PBS segment (infomercial) and he tells the audience that all he does is sit and write- letting the thoughts emerge and take form on paper, I believe he does use the word "channeling"- problem is, he packages it as a "self-help" how-to book. Sure, there are those who will benefit by simply putting a label on their behavior, and by doing so recognize their behaviors impact on their life and some folks may be able to reach down and grab their bootstraps and get a hold of their situation. But most people I believe need a stronger blueprint for change- and Dyer no longer offers that in his latest series of "self-help" works. I would categorize Dyers book as "personal philosophy" in the abstract, and not a clear concrete self-help how-to book as packaged. Too bad his work has degenerated to this level- and only because he packages it as self-help. In my opinion, this book is nothing more than a collection of rambling free association that Dyer spits out while in one of his "trances".

I am also disappointed that Dyer now aligns himself with the "Secret" (check out Newsweeks expose of that book), "Dr." Joe Vitale (see below about "doctor" Joe Vitale, the fake doctor of 'metaphysics'), and the "teachings of Abraham" (spiritual guide who channels through a woman- large following and mega bucks to the "channeler"- need I say more?). Dyer's work completely lacks a practitioner basis and is clearly in the realm of metaphysics- it is only thoughts and ideas totally unsupported and not reliable. It is also a rehash of all his other stuff- and you get the feeling this book is just to keep the cash flowing.

I obviously would not recommend anyone buy this book- if you must, I suggest wait a bit and buy a used copy- there will be many for sale! (I gave my copy away.)

Ahh, and just a quick comment about some of the 5 star reviewers- I am always a bit suspicious when a reviewer reads a book that just came out days before, and then runs to give it a 5 star review proclaiming the book "changed" their lives... Sure, Dyer's book can be an inspiration for many, but ease up on the false platitudes, such as going so far as claiming the book "changed" their life as soon as they put the book down- it offers false hope, like it did for the droves of people who stood in line at the bookstore fighting over a copy of the "magical" 'The Secret' after Oprah hawked the book on her show a couple times...

From wiki on "Dr." Joe Vitale, who Dr. Dyer now openly aligns himself with in his latest books and PBS infomercials:

"Joe Vitale attended Niles McKinley High School in Ohio. After graduation he attended Kent State University, majoring in public relations and journalism, but failed to graduate. He holds an unaccredited doctorate in metaphysical science. He received this degree from the University of Metaphysics in Sedona, Arizona,[3] that offers non-secular Ministerial higher education in Holistic, New Thought Metaphysics and Holistic Ministry. He was awarded an honorary doctorate, based on his books, from Belford University,[3] which offers unaccredited degrees."

Not Up To Scratch
After spending several months ready Dr. Dyer's previous book, Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life, I expected Excuses Begone to provide similar profound insights. Two chapters in, I found myself bored by platitudes and new age hyperbole, and began to skip sections in an attempt to find the heart of the book. What I found was that this was the heart of the book. My whole opinion of Dr. Dyer has changed and I now question the content of his previous books I've read. I only hope he moves away from this commercial trash and gets back to what he does well.