Final Book Club Discussion – The Napkin, The Melon & The Monkey
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Happy Friday! Today is the final Business Book Club discussion day for “The Napkin, The Melon & The Monkey” by Barbara Burke.
This book is about making small conscious decisions in your life that will in return help you to achieve happiness and success.
Let’s get the discussion rolling…
Question 1: Aha moment #5 states, “There is no such thing as a difficult situation. Situations in themselves are not difficult. Situations are just that– situations. I know now that when my car doesn’t start in the morning, I am the one who decides whether it will ruin my day or be just a minor inconvenience”. How do you deal with difficult situations? Do you allow situations to get the best of you?
Question 2: Aha moment #14 states, “Give a little. Get a lot. Once I made the conscious effort to more generous and understanding of others, good things happened. It was as if I were being rewarded for doing the right thing”. Have you tried incorporating this lesson into your life and have you noticed a positive outcome?
Question 3: Aha moment #21 states, “Real freedom comes from letting go of the outcome”. Do you agree with this statement?
Feel free to answer as many of the questions that you would like or add your own questions and/or commentary. If you haven’t left a comment here before, your comment/discussion will be held for moderation – I will try to approve comments as fast as possible.
Book Club Updates: If you would updates and reminders I will send out email updates and reminders about the business book club, just sign up here (don’t worry this email address will only be used for book club updates).
May’s Book Club Pick: “Your Million Dollar Dream: Regain Control and Be Your Own Boss. Create a Winning Business Plan. Turn Your Passion into Profit” by Tamara Monosoff.
June’s Book Club Pick: “Women, Work & The Art of Savoir Faire” by Mireille Guiliano.
A special thanks to Abbey Fatica of Living My MoMent for co-sponsoring The Business Book Club! Living My Moment supports mom owned businesses and blogs by offering free advertising, reviews and giveaways – do check it out!
Barbara Burke was kind enough to give me a free copy of The Napkin, The Melon & The Monkey to review. The Work at Home Woman does not participate in paid posts or reviews and always gives honest opinions. By purchasing books through any of these Amazon (affiliate) links you’ll be helping to support the upkeep and maintenance of this site.
Q1: At times I catch myself reacting negatively to a situation, when this happens I try to take a step back and see why I’m really getting angry or frustrated. Usually the situation at hand has nothing to do with the level of frustration that I’m feeling. For the most part I’m able to deal with minor inconveniences in a positive manner. I have found that when a situation makes me really angry or frustrated that I have usually over-extended myself or that I haven’t taking care of myself.
Q2: I’ve noticed in my life that when I have a positive and caring attitude that I seem to attract others who are in a positive mindset also. I always try to treat others how I wish to be treated – I am a big believer in Karma.
Q3: I’m a constant worrier and analyzer. I have a terrible time letting things go; I guess you could say that I am 100% Type A personality! This is an area where I need more practice. So, yes I have found that when I really truly let things go, I feel more calm and peaceful. It’s just actually being able to let go that I need help with.
Q1: I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t let difficult situations get to me from time to time. Holly, I can certainly relate to this comment of yours,
“I have found that when a situation makes me really angry or frustrated that I have usually over-extended myself or that I haven’t taking care of myself.”
I can handle a lot when I’m taking care of myself. This book truly did make me think critically about how I’m spending my time. I have gotten into the habit of filling every waking moment with some kind of mental stimulation. When I’m not working or attending to family responsibilities, I’m reading, listening to podcasts, or on the computer. I never allow time for quiet and calm in my mind.
Q2: I’ve taken the “Give a little, get a lot” attitude in business over the last six months or so. I’ve been trying to switch my focus from “what’s in it for me” to “how can I help you?”. I know that my clients can tell when I really do care about how their business is doing.
Q3: I’m quite sure this statement is true, but I don’t think I’ve ever put it into practice. Letting go of the outcome is something I haven’t mastered at all.
Hey Laura,
I’m glad to see that I’m not the only one that struggles with #3.
I also am guilty of filling all my time with tasks & things. I need to get in the habit of unplugging.
Have a great weekend, H