In the last article I asked “Who can change you life?” Here I would like to recommend a book: “The monk who sold his Ferrari”. This book talks about a lawyer who changed his life and how to practice so as to have a balanced life.

Here is the gist (from the back cover):
This is the story of Julian Mantle, a superstar lawyer whose out-of-balance lifestyle leads him to an almost fatal heart attack in a packed courtroom. His physical collapse brings on a spiritual crisis that forces him to confront the condition of his life and seek answers to life’s most important questions. Hoping to find happiness and fulfillment, he embarks upon an extraordinary odyssey to an ancient culture where he discovers a powerful system to release the potential of his mind, body and soul, and learn to live with greater passion, purpose and peace. Brilliantly blending timeless spiritual wisdom of the East with cutting-edge success principles of the West, this inspiring tale shows you a step-by-step pathway for living with greater courage, balance, abundance and joy.

In the story Julian learns seven virtues from Yogi Raman in the Himalayas.
First: Master your mind. Cultivate your mind-it will blossom beyond your expectations. The quality of your life is determined by the quality of your thoughts. There are no mistakes-only lessons. See setbacks as opportunities for expansion and spiritual growth.
Second: Follow your purpose. The purpose of life is a life of purpose. Discovering and then realizing your lifework brings lasting fulfillment. Set clearly defined personal, professional and spiritual goal, and then have the courage to act on them.
Third: Practice Kaizen as self-mastery is the DNA of life mastery. Success on the outside begins within. Enlightenment comes through the consistent cultivation of your mind, body and soul.
Fourth: Live with Discipline. Discipline is built by consistently performing small acts of courage. The more you nurture the embryo of self-discipline, the more it will mature. Willpower is the essential virtue of a fully actualized life.
Fifth: Respect your time. Times is your most precious commodity and it is non-renewable. Focus on your priorities and maintain balance. Simplify your life.
Sixth: Selflessly serve others. The quality of your life ultimately comes down to the quality of your contribution. To cultivate the sacredness of each day, live to give.
By elevating the lives of others, your life reaches its highest dimensions.
Seventh: Embrace the present, live in the “now”. Savour the gift of the present. Never sacrifice happiness for achievement. Savour the journey and live each day as your last.

When this lawyer who almost died from a heart attack returned to America, his old friends were surprised by how rejuvenated his face appeared. With his attainment of internal peace and stability of heart he became a monk; a Yogi.

For those people still feeling puzzled about how to change their life, I hope this book can give you some enlightenment.

–Danny