Book Review – Keep Your Eye on the Marshmallow
by Joachim de Posada and Bob Andelman
Reviewed by Terry Brock
In this third in the “Marshmallow” series by Joachim de Posada and Bob Andelman, they take the protagonist and hero, Arthur, into a new level. In previous books in the marshmallow series, we learned about the classic Stanford study of four-year-olds who demonstrated the self discipline to turn down an easy marshmallow now for the benefit of two marshmallows later. These books have sold millions of copies and helped many to understand the benefits — and demands — of delayed gratification.
In this work the authors take the concept to a new level. This is based on feedback from readers who had their lives changed as a result of the message in the books. Yes this time they focus on an even more important concept. That important concept is how you align the principle of delayed gratification with the importance of being with others.
Many people who had read the first two books would often ask Dr. de Posada about how they implement the principles of delayed gratification when in a relationship. This relationship could be either a marriage or a business partnership. It seems that many have experienced a quandary of how to practice the important principles of delayed gratification, and still meet the needs of their partner in a relationship.
This wonderful book uses the concept of a story to convey profound truths and principles. One of the point that you will particularly appreciate is about personality hardiness. As they say in the book,
“Personality hardiness, contrary to what people think, isn’t something with which only a few of us, the lucky ones, were born with, but rather something we can all, with hard work, develop. You develop personality hardiness by making an effort to interpret change as normal, inevitable, and as an inspiring, positive challenge, not as a threat. You must view your life as meaningful, your problems as opportunities, and the future as an adventure.”
Throughout this wonderful book you will enjoy the story of Arthur as he wrestles with many dilemmas in life. As Arthur confronts these dilemmas, the authors present you with many insights about life and what works.
One of the best parts of the book is the revelation (I won’t spoil it and tell you here, you have to read the book!) of 16 key principles for living a life of success. If you embrace the 16 principles in your life, you will be successful.
I particularly liked principle number two, “Your life is your own damn fault.” As they say in the book,
“Don’t blame everything that happens to you on other people. Wherever you are, whatever you decide, whatever you’ve chosen – that’s who you are. Everything you decide affects what happens next. You are the sum of everything you think and everything you do and no one else can be responsible for it.”
This principle of taking personal responsibility for your life is conveyed many times through the book.
One other principles I’ve got to share with you is a principle of success from the book that you will love (remember, there are 16 of them!). This is principle number five:
“Go to the edge. Get out of your comfort zone. Do things that others are not willing to do. Remember that successful people are willing to do things that unsuccessful people are not willing to do. Welcome failure. Yes, welcome failure. But fail early and feel forward. A failure is a lesson learned, and if you are not failing you’re not risking and you’re not growing. If you’re not growing, you’re dying.”
As you can tell from in this brief review, this is a life–changing book. Don’t take my word for it. With sales of over 3 million in 20 languages for the previous two books in this series, the results speak for themselves. If you’re interested in becoming the ideal person that you want to be, this is a must–read book for your library.
I highly recommend it.
