Free Copy of The Strangest Secret
August 17th, 2005 by Steve Pavlina
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Earl Nightingale’s The Strangest Secret is one of the most popular recordings on personal development, albeit one that’s 40 years old. Nightingale-Conant sells a CD of this recording for $19.95, but I picked it up as a freebie at a seminar I attended earlier this year. This particular CD contains some introductory material by Mark Victor Hansen (which I felt was mostly fluff), but the original content is still there.
I already own another copy of this recording, so I’ll give this CD away for free (shipped anywhere in the world) to whichever reader provides the most interesting story (as subjectively decided by me) of how s/he attempted to apply something learned from this web site as well as what the results were (for good or ill). It doesn’t have to be long-winded unless you want it to be — a few sentences is just fine.
If you’d like to participate, please send your story via private feedback, post it as a comment below, or if you have your own blog and wish to write about it there, you can post a link to your story. Just be sure to fill in your email address correctly, so I can follow up with you if you’re the one selected to get the CD. I’ll select the CD recipient after 72 hours and will add a note to that effect to the end of this post, so if you don’t see such a note, it’s still open. If that person has a web site or blog, I’ll be happy to include a link to their site/blog from this post as well. But I won’t publish any personal details about the CD recipient unless s/he gives me permission to do so.
I’m soliciting this feedback to see if people are getting and applying actionable ideas from this site. The CD is just a small bonus. Some posts on this site are geared towards action, while others are intended to make you think about things from different perspectives. But if you read this site reguarly, the long-term result should be that you take some kind of action to change your life for the better. Otherwise, we’re just wasting our time together, and we’ll need to make some changes to fix that.
Update 8/20: There were 22 participants, some via email and some via blog comments. I asked my wife to read them all and select the one she found most inspiring. She selected the entry by Anthony Salter (aka Viridian) to receive the CD, who posted comment #2 below (linked to his story). Thanks for sharing!
August 17th, 2005 at 5:00 am
I think the effect of reading your blog on me has had a lot of subtle effects, but there are some concrete things I can share. The posts about discipline and persistence have been very helpful. For the 30 day challenge a while back, I set a goal to get up at 7 am every day. Well, I was only able to do it for about half that time, and since then I haven’t tried it again until now. So far it’s been 3 days, and I think this time I’ll be successful because I feel more disciplined overall. I think what helped me is my observation that I have discipline in other areas such as exercising (what triggered this is you saying that everyone has some discipline, like brushing your teeth every morning), and I realized that this is no different. If I can discipline myself to exercise every day, I can discipline myself to get up at 7 am every day. And through persistence, by never giving up, I can make it happen.
Some other things I’m currently working on include goal setting and planning. Planning especially has been very hard for me, but I’ve been trying things based on what you’ve written. I also used to keep a time log of what I do during the day (yes, it did make me more conscious of where the time was going, but I have a feeling that it’s most useful when coupled with a daily plan), though I haven’t been doing it recently. I have to go back to doing it because I seem to be wasting a lot of time unconsciously on unimportant things. I also adopted your suggestion to listen to motivational audio programs while exercising. I think it works very well. Kind of like an amplifier to the positive effect you get from exercising. Plus it makes you fully engaged which is always a good thing.
August 17th, 2005 at 5:42 am
I actually did have a good experience applying lessons I learned from this site and from your stuff at Dexterity.com…I wrote a web post about it in March: The Power of the Force
August 17th, 2005 at 6:14 am
Hi Steve,
I’ve no specific stories to tell, but I’d like to give you a big thanks in general for everything you’ve taught me through this site.
I first came across your site when I found the article on “giving up coffee” via del.icio.us . I read a few other articles while I was here, and I was really impressed. Your writing style and solid advice made me think about how I was living my life, and what I could change.
Over the next few weeks, I went back and read every entry in your archives. I also read “Getting things done” and several of Stephen Covey’s books. Then I started making changes in a first 30-day trial, installing good habits and breaking bad ones.
The biggest change in my life starts in the mornings. I get up around 6 these days and move straight into my written “boot up” sequence (bathroom, exercise, etc) which leaves me refreshed and awake. This was one of my 30-day trials which stuck well, and was inspired by your “rudder of the day” article.
Something new which I came up with is my “daily development” file. It’s a folder of about 50 1-2 page articles, with a daily development theme. I read one of these articles daily (it’s the last item on my bootup sequence). These articles include my favourite posts from Steve, various other articles, and some of my travel photos which have a similar mind-broadening effect. My bootup sequence as a whole leaves my rudder pointed in the right direction for the rest of the day.
I’ve been on a big personal development boost over the past few months, and it’s put me on a path that will change me for years to come. Before, I was a lazy sod who took life as it hit me. Now, the difference amazes me. I’m fitter, more active, more energetic, more productive and efficient, yet also more patient, a little wiser. Less of a geek, and more of a person. Every one of these has been a conscious choice. It’s hard to describe unless you’ve done it – it feels like part of me is starting to wake up, and is shaking off the past 10 years of sleep.
Thank you for helping me think about life so deeply – please keep up the writing, and keep us informed of what your plans are. Really looking forward to your book
Thanks,
-Paul
August 17th, 2005 at 6:48 am
Well mine’s not too interesting and I don’t even have much to show for it yet, but here goes nothing.
This is the summer before I go off to college, so between Wolfenstein sessions and forum posts, I was puttering around the internet a few weeks ago and found your site. I’ve since returned again and again and even set aside a day to read all of your older posts and articles and to pull out key points. I read that you graduated in 3 semesters with a comp sci. and a math degree which kind of inspired me to at least aim for a 4.0 with a business degree. Also I plan to read as much as physically possible about business ownership and project management for my as yet to be announced business.
You mentioned GTD, so I researched it online and implemented a version similar to yours in KeyNote. I’ve created a huge list of books to read, hopefully every week. And last week I read Ready For Anything (almost useless) and The Power of Full Engagement (useful). I’m naturally a lazy reader or anything for that matter, but I broke it up into 2 hour parts with 15 minute breaks, focused all of my attention on the current mental context, made sure I just began working on it to overcome inertia, and knocked out the two books in two days.
I’ve begun exercising 5 days a week, whereas I used to be basically sedentary at my computer or the tv. And you have managed to get me to eat my grape nuts with apple juice instead of milk.
You mentioned pegging/chaining so I found mindtools and read about the different mnemonics, and just started practicing them last night. I memorized 10 key points taken mostly from Do It Now and Overcoming Procrastination. I’ve also read about lucid dreaming (no such luck), made a ritual of “cultivating enthusiasm”, and tried to adopt an “attitude of mastery” at things I do which surprisingly makes them more fun.
After finding a ton of useful info from your site, I naturally followed your links to try and find even more useful info from other bloggers. There’s no comparison and your site is still the only bookmarked blog I visit everyday. Anyway, you’ve certainly had a very positive impact on me, and while I don’t take absolutely everything you say to heart (Take the Red Pill anyone?
), I’ve found almost all of it to be genuinely helpful and I’m eagerly awaiting your new posts, and most of all your book!
August 17th, 2005 at 8:37 am
This is an opportunity not only to win a great recording on personal development but also a road to share some most personal issues. I found your site by accident on Marc Orchant blog. I have read with attention your personal story in which you described what were your younger days having being raised in a catholic milieu. It reminded me of my own turbulent youth and I decided to read some other of your posts. I ultimately came across a post on values and I have written 11 values which I compared with yours. Ultimately, those values were translated in goals and my life has taken a new turn. I have felt some deep anxieties living through changes, particularly integrity when I came to the realization that there is no point in having integrity values when we routinely pirate some software. Thus, I have emptied my machine of all the illegitimate software and paid lots of money to have them replaced. Some are no longer available as I still can’t afford them! I know you are addressing yourself to a younger crowd but at this stage of my life I too can benefit from example and good quality reading.
August 17th, 2005 at 9:10 am
Ha — give me until February and have a few free, signed copies of your book available, and then I’ll have some stories to tell.
I’ve got some plans in the works that are directly caused by reading your site, and tonight marks Stage 1 of the process.
In fact, when your book is published, do this contest again. Then you can use the comments you get to sell the second edition. iShape.com does something like that — they ask users to comment on their progress and how they like the program on the community boards, and then use the comments in ads they run in Shape magazine.
August 17th, 2005 at 9:20 am
How lucky the other respondees are to get up at 6am or 7am to exercise! Try it at 5am! I’m out the door @ 7am to make the 35 mile, 1.5 hour commute to work in Tysons Corner, VA. Back home again @ 7pm. This CD would be excellent because right now my “self growth” time consists of listening material during my 3 hour round trip commute. I’m tired of my Covey & Robbins! And who has time to read books!(Let alone the danger of driving & reading!)
August 17th, 2005 at 12:02 pm
I started a full workout program,
I improved my diet,
I started planning my expenses,
I learned the importance of order and discipline,
I recognized my fears and I’m now getting over them,
I learned it’s right to be wrong, that failures make winners,
I’m more open to change, I’m willing to try new stuff,
I know I can learn from good and bad experiences alike,
I now seize every moment and squeeze it really tight ’till I get the last drop of juice out of it…
…And I blame you, Steve, for all of this!!* You even make me visit your site everyday and read everything you write and you still want to give us a CD for free?! You are out of your mind!! I think we have had enough mister!!…
…Yet, what I like the most, is how when I’m feeling a bit unsecured, down or just plain hopeless, I know I can come here and I see how IMMEDIATELY a big smile draws on my face, I feel relieved, I can see the ray of sun breaking through the dark clouds…
…You know, they should ban this site!, something this great cannot be legal!
Long live Steve!
*OK, not all, I also played my part, do we agree?
August 17th, 2005 at 2:35 pm
All right, here goes:
I started getting up at 5.30 am and have now managed to get it back to 5 am (I used to work at night – always exhausted the next day). I’ve arranged with my employer that I can start work at 9.30 am, so I’ve got a large chunk of time available for all my own projects (which I’ve decided to put first, e.g. beginning of the day). Getting up at 5 am is now a habit.
After working with a personal coach (to speed up some life altering changes) I’ve improved on major aspects of my life, such as Inner Peace, Health and Fun. The resources I used from this website were the ‘Determine your purpose’ and ‘Values’ exercises. They’ve given me a better sense of what my life is about, and started making clear what the important things were for me in life.
One of the things I tackled with a coach was a full implementation of GTD. Now imagine having time (5 am – 9.30 am) and a solid approach (GTD) to tackling important actions on a daily basis. The effect this has had on my productivity has been astounding and continues to amaze me every day.
I’ve read a numerous amount of books mostly in the lunch breaks at work (thanks Mr Employer) and at night when I’m too tired to do anything else anyway. (Can also spend more time with my partner in the evenings now that I’m not working at night anymore).
I’ve picked up a team sport to help increase my fitness, and will soon start training for a 10 KM fun run in October. The idea of picking something with a definite date and measurable goal came from this site and will function as a stick to actually get me to work out (a conscious decision) until it’s a habit.
As an overall result of all these changes I’ve become conscious of who I am, and now realize I’m more than just what my mind keeps telling me (internal dialogue) and the resulting emotions / dramas. I am now a conscious person in full control of my own life. I choose my beliefs and values and with that the life that I now have (or perceive I guess) has never looked better.
- My spirit has awoken !
P.S. Your website continues to inspire me (different perspectives and approaches), and your analytical approach to personal development makes a lot of sense. As an example, I really liked the ‘If you say yes to one thing, you say no to another’ article as it has really helped me to say no to projects that simply weren’t in line with my purpose / values. That’s a pretty big breakthrough in itself.
My only advice to you is:
Remember to take a holiday – it recharges the batteries !!!
August 17th, 2005 at 6:27 pm
I don’t need the CD because I already have it. I am writing this comment in order to let you know how I’m using the information you offer.
I have been reading your self improvement blog since you started it. I also commented quite a lot on your articles, under different nicknames.
At the time you started the blog I had already read a lot of good self-improvement material, including Tony Robbins, NLP, self-hypnosis, all kinds of psychology including Adler, Transactional Analysis, RET, , etc.
I didn’t apply the information you offer directly. It just went to my knowledge pool about self-improvement and psychology. I’m almost all the time applying one technique or another to improve myself.
So – I didn’t apply your methods directly, but I learned a lot from your site.
Your blog had a VERY POSITIVE impact on me because:
1. I get to read the thoughts of a positive optimistic thinker every day.
2. The fact that your blog is for smart people.
The information you offer is not the kind of regurgitated dumbed down crap found in many self-help books.
It is original information or good information presented from a smart, refreshing point of view.
If you ever release a book or an audio series I shall certainly buy them.
August 18th, 2005 at 12:25 am
I have just stumbled across your blog recently. I am not much of a writer but thought of dropping a line to let you know my appreciation. I have learnt lot of techniques to apply everyday to lead a happy life. Please do keep it going.
August 18th, 2005 at 3:40 am
Hi Steve, I posted a short story on my blog about how your site has helped me increase my productivity. The link is http://successbeginstoday.com/wordpress
Keep up the good work…
John
August 18th, 2005 at 3:56 am
I’ve learned new ways to view risk.
That by itself changes everything. Thank you.
August 19th, 2005 at 11:35 am
I would like to mention one thing that helped me get started after a long and restful vacation.
The first days in the office were severly lacking in productivity, and since I keep a time log each and every day I could clearly see what the problem was. Web browsing. If I only had more discipline in order to control the browsing impulse. Well, I remembered your article series on how self discipline is really just another skill, and skills can be improved through practice. The key tool was, of course, the 30 day challenge! So I sat down and wrote some rules. Only activities that are clearly job-related during working hours. Then I created a text file to write down things I wanted to do and ideas I got during working hours that was not job-related, so that I could get my mind off them and get back to work as quickly as possible.
The system has worked like a charm for the first week and a half, and I have no doubt in my mind that I will get through the 30 days. In fact, I can’t wait for the 30 days to pass so that I can raise the bar and start a new 30 day self discipline challenge.
Thank you for continually inspiring me!
August 19th, 2005 at 1:01 pm
Perhaps your blog is influencing reality TV?
http://www.andpop.com/article/4742
Maybe not but I thought of your 30 day experiment when I read this. hehe:)!
August 19th, 2005 at 11:17 pm
In 2004, my final year of study, I felt that I was missing something in my life. I could not point my finger at what it was, I started feeling slightly depress and I found it difficult to focus on my studies. There was no point in my trying my best in my study, except for personal honour. I had realised that as long as I passed all of my subjects, I would get first class honours regardless of my marks. There was also no pressure to get any work because I also already working in a good job I enjoyed working at. I finished my last assesment at the end of November and have since graduated top of my class.
In February, after 3 months working full time, I discovered your articles at http://www.dexterity.com. While I was being unproductive at work, I read you article on how to triple your productivity. Then I continued to be unproductive and proceeded to catch up on all of your articles and blog entries from October to February. The articles that has had the biggest impact on me are “The Power of Clarity” and “How to discover your life purpose in 20 minutes”. In fact, I have both of those book-marked on my web browser and I re-read them from time to time.
It wasn’t until reading your articles and blog that I realised what it was I was missing for the last couple of years at uni. I had reached my previous goals of finishing uni and I needed a new direction. I had to set myself new goals. Zig Ziglar provided an excellent metaphore comparing reaching goals to hitting a target in archery. He said that he could train anyone listening to his recording to hit a target more frequently then the best archer in the world… provided we blindfolded that archer and spun him around a couple of times so that he didn’t know where the target was! I was thinking how could an archer hit a target he cannot see, then ziglar asked “How can you hit a target you don’t even have?”.
Ever since I started reading your site I have been more proactive in my spare time. I have since decided that I will be financally free by 2012, so that I can have the choice of retiring and have the freedom to do whatever I wish with my time. I already have a few ideas on what I’d like to do with that time.
I have also set a number of short and long term goals relating to finance, health and relationships. Many of the goals are still vague, but I have been dedicating several hours a month improving and clarifying those goals and thinking about the purpose behind those goals.
One of my ongoing goals is to improve my fitness. I already played basketball but now I go for a half hour run at least once a week and have picked up a new sport on ice called broomball. In fact, two of my teams (Terminators and Wild Boars) won in the last season. you can check it out at http://www.broomball.com.au . When I started, I needed to take regular subsitution, but now I can play the whole game tirelessly for both sports.
Your website has guided me to take the next step in life, taking it in a new direction. It has inpsired me to build my discipline and to build up momentum. Because of you, I am constantly building and refining my list of goals. In fact, one of my current goals is to win “The Strangest Secret” Audio CD