Review by kislany — From Drift to SHIFT by Jody B. Miller
15 Jul 2017, 01:08
[Following is a volunteer review of “From Drift to SHIFT” by Jody B. Miller.]
4 out of 4 starsReview by kislanyShare
From Drift to SHIFT by Jody B. Miller is a non-fiction self-help book that aims to help people who are striving to better their lives, but are not sure how. Considering that we are all trying to improve our lives at some point or another, this is a book that should be required reading for everyone.
There are four main sections in the book, each going over the stages of “shifting”. Jody B. Miller, a long time Life Coach and Executive Recruiter, starts with explaining what a “shift” is and the reason why we should even consider such a paradigm in life. Next, we are presented with the best timing to start the change. Once we know the what, why and when, the author explains how to actually do the “shift”. And finally, when all steps are clear, we are only left with the matter of “what happens next”.
Each chapter includes several fascinating personal real-life stories that are examples of how people shifted from misery to a joyful life, and found their true purpose and calling. The chapters are concluded with the main points to be remembered, reinforcing the important teachings in the book.
We all start from different places in life, so shifting will be a bit different for everyone. From Drift to SHIFT is not a recipe cookbook, but a great motivational and spiritual tome that the reader will find useful every time he or she picks it up for additional insights. And each new reading will reveal something else that was previously overlooked.
The personal stories of people from different walks of life who managed to overcome their hardships are inspirational. I actually found myself searching online the names of several of these individuals to see how they are doing now on their new paths.
Whether people are born with physical or mental disadvantages, or they unluckily gain them throughout the course of their lives due to illness, disruptive relationships at home or work, or simply by leading aimless lives devoid of any direction, the book shows that nothing is really lost.
People can pick up the broken pieces and make something really meaningful out of the left-over shards. They can overcome almost everything life mercilessly throws at them. And there are plenty of examples in the book about completely different people overcoming their personal difficulties and going on to lead exceptional lives.
My favorite story, which truly touched my heart, was about Emilee who developed cancer at the very young age of four. After finally getting it into remission through radiation and chemotherapy, she encountered other life tragedies, including her father’s suicide and her subsequent bout with cancer at a later age. But instead of letting life take here wherever it wanted, Emilee decided to take charge of her own destiny and chose to get out of the vicious negative cycle that was following her.
Most of us go through life unaware of what is going on around us – or even with us. We are living on autopilot, stuck in a rut, mostly reacting to our surroundings in an almost dazed way, without realizing that life is passing us by.
There is a saying that “the teacher will appear when the student is ready”. Many of us will find that we are, indeed, ready to leave behind the bad habits and our bad histories, and instead advance to something better: a more rewarding and fulfilled existence. Because, after all, isn’t this what life is all about?
Written in a lively and engaging way, From Drift to SHIFT is a wake-up call to open our eyes to the many possibilities out there. We can transform a meaningless, drifting life into something powerful that allows us to reach our true potential. By adapting to the changes that occur around us and by taking charge we will able to successfully “shift”.
I freely admit that I am not a major self-help book reader. I often feel that authors just rehash previous lessons without bringing anything new to the table. Jody B. Miller, on the other hand, managed to captivate my attention and motivate me to take action, while giving me the courage to no longer be afraid of life, but embrace it fully, and making me realize that I am happy to simply be alive.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars without hesitation.