Do You!: 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve Happiness and Success

A reviewer

Listen, listen everyone...If you have a question about this book... let me set your mind at ease. This text by Russell and Chris is among the top 5 books I've read in my life. And to put it plainly, I've been reading like a mad-woman since I was 8... so that's what... 20 years? In any case, this book is SO SO real. It's spoken in true voice so if you're paying close enough attention...you can hear the man speak. I was MOVED...Inspired to read the book. I went out for stamps...and then said...man...I gotta go to B&N to get this book. And I did. Anyhow, the 12 laws, if you apply them, will help you live a better life. The experience of reading this book is akin to Oprah sitting at Maya Angelou's feet... or for you and I, sitting at our grandparents' feet as they school us. This has been my experience with the book. It's uplifting, real, no- sugar coating nonsense and I can feel that its genuinely written. I think I could go on and on...I've been promoting this book to my friends...reading excerpts..because its so real...you'll want to share quotes. Keep a highlighter or pen on hand when you read it because you'll want to take notes. It does talk a little about his journey to success..but the book is much more spiritual & very applicable to YOUR/ OUR daily life. Plainly put: it's good stuff. Just flip through it when you go to the book store... (or online) and I promise there will be something on each page that will resonate with your experience.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book - especially since I found it on sale!

Personally, I have always liked Russell Simmons and enjoy watching his HBO's Def Comedy Jam to include Def Poetry Jam. I like him because he is a "behind the scenes" kind of guy and seems to be quiet and reserved, but no doubt he is a "shaker and mover" and is not afraid to take ACTION on the things he believes in. While I may not totally agree with his political or spiritual viewpoints, I do have nothing but respect for this man especially after reading his book. Nevertheless, "Do You" in my opinion is a wonderfully written book with many inspirational lessons that anyone (regardless of your viewpoints-Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhism, atheist, conservative, liberal, etc.) can learn from and better themselves. He illustrates these lessons throughout the book as the 12 laws to access the power in you to achieve.

The following are the 12 Laws to achieve success according to Mr. Simmons:

(1) See Your Vision and Stick With It
(2) Always Do You
(3) Get Your Mind Right
(4) Stop Frontin' and Start Today
(5) Never Less Than Your Best
(6) Surround Yourself With The Right People
(7) There Are No Failures, Only Quitters
(8) Science of Success: Plant the Good Seeds
(9) You Can Never Get Before You Give
(10) Successful People Stay Open to Chang
(11) Be Powerful, Be Heard
(12) Spit Truth to Power

I particularly liked one of his viewpoints that I marked in the book for further review. The section discusses staying focused on the process and Mr. Simmons states, and I quote:

"The key is taking that focus and applying it to the process of working hard, instead of the result of that hard work. I know some people say, "Keep your eyes on the prize," but I disagree. When your eyes are stuck on the prize, you're going to keep stumbling and crashing into things. If you really want to get ahead, you've got to keep your eyes focused on the path. Instead of staring at the prize, stare at the process. If you wake up thinking about what you're going to get, instead of what you're going to do, it will destroy your inspiration. Don't think that there's going to be gold at the end of the road. Instead, value the process and you'll see that the road has been paved with gold all along."

I know some could pick this quote apart (without reading the book) and come up with a 100 different arguments against this viewpoint, but it is one that I found interesting and it gave me a different way to look at processes. This I believe is a good thing! In fact, I feel this was a very powerful point of view because so many times we fail to appreciate what's right in front of us!

In comparison to other inspirational authors like Napoleon Hill, Earl Nightingale, Dale Carnegie, Dr. Stephen Covey etc. You will find the laws Mr. Simmons discusses throughout the book are congruent with many of the classical and modern day inspirational writers. He just expresses them in different ways, which I believe modernizes their underlying principles especially for the hip-hop culture. The book has a forward written by Donald Trump who endorses the book and whether you agree or disagree with Mr. Simmons (politically or spiritually) there are many inspirational lessons that can be learned from reading his book. Even a "middleclass conservative Christian white guy" in his mid-forties can learn from his wisdom. It is my aspiration to one day meet Mr. Simmons and if we do nothing more than enjoy a bit of "silence" together, then it would be worth the trip!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Excellence Previals Under the Umbrella of Hope, Peace and Achievement

This is by far the best book that I have read. The truths that are presented to us was enlighting and useful. I have shared several copies with friends and family. This is a MUST READ.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Mind-Blowing

This is the best book I have read in a long time. You will go into a book store and 'everybody' has their own version of what will make you happy and successful. But this book is the real deal. It is written very well and it almost feels like you are not reading this book, its like Mr. Simmons is talking to you, like your grandparents would! I enjoyed this book and will recommend that everyone reads it at least once, but I can guarantee that you will always use this book as a reference whenever you feel lost or need to be motivated.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

My favorite book

I think anyone aspiring for more should read this.

Definitely a book to add to your library!

Pros - I think it is a very motivational and inspirational book. This book contains facts that many of us already know, but worth taking the time to refresh yourself on things you may have forgotten or did not take too seriously. He also uses very good examples on how to apply the 12 Laws of Success to your life. This is a good book to give as a graduation gift or to someone starting a new chapter in their life.

Cons - Russell Simmons promoted the Hip-Hop culture, but did not portray the difference in the culture from when he started in Hip-Hop to what it is now. I would have appreciated him to really talk to the current generation of the flaws that Hip-Hop currently contains. Yes Hip-Hop has paved the way for many blacks to acheive success but there are many leaders like Simmons who can mentor the Hip-Hop artists to focus more on music then sex, drugs, violence and degrading women.

Life Changing

I am still working on finishing this book...

But, so far it has been great.

I have seen a dramatic improvement in my life...

I was down and out for a bit...

I slow down but, I never quit or give up...

This book came to me at just the right time....

It has truly inspired me and helped me to be a better person and start taking control of my life.

The way he gives examples and explains the lessons/topics is great...because they are written in such a way that anybody can understand them.

I also appreciate that it is written as if he was talking...that is the way I write and I could definitely relate (bad words and all)...

I highly recommed this book for anybody looking for a change in their life and looking to look at life in a different way.

One day I'd like to meet Russell and thank him for giving me another chance at life and hope for a better future.

Thank you!

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