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Powerful and inspired, DO YOU! is a rare blend of business acumen, fierce spiritual faith and priceless advice.
Since rising out of the New York City streets over 25 years ago, Russell Simmons has helped create such ground breaking ventures as Def Jam Records, Phat Farm and Def Comedy Jam, in the process becoming known the world over as "The CEO of Hip Hop." Russell might have helped introduce hip-hop to the world, but he credits his success to his belief in a strong set of principles-or laws--which he shares for the first time in this book. In 12 straight forward steps, Russell reveals a path towards success that can be followed not only by those looking to duplicate his professional success, but anyone struggling to realize their dreams.
Indeed, those solely looking for advice on how to build up their bank accounts at the expense of personal integrity should probably look elsewhere. That's because these laws stem from the belief that all success, be it professional or personal, comes from a connection with your higher self. Using examples from his own experiences and observations, Russell demonstrates how tapping into that connection will allow you to get your mind right, find the motivation to start instead of stall, surround yourself with the right people, appreciate the power of hard work and understand the power of karma.
But most importantly, this book will demonstrate how it's impossible to receive any sort of lasting success from the world without giving something of lasting value to the world first. That's a practice that is reflected in Russell's own work as a mentor and philanthropist and one that he promotes as being fundamental to empowerment and success on every level.
Blending business insight, universal spiritual truths and an inspired sense of purpose DO YOU! crosses the lines of age, race and background with wisdom that will lift you up and motivate you to pursue your vision.
[Simmons] uses his hard-earned authority to tell slackers and whiners within and without the hip-hop world how to keep it real.
More Reviews and RecommendationsRussell Simmons has brought hip-hop to every facet of business and media, not only as cofounder of Def Jam Records but also through his involvement with MTV's Run's House, HBO's The Def Comedy Jam, and numerous other ventures in the fashion industry, financial services, mobile communications, and philanthropy.
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August 22, 2009: I am still working on finishing this book...
But, so far it has been great. I have seen a dramatic improvement in my life...I was down and out for a bit...I slow down but, I never quit or give up...This book came to me at just the right time....It has truly inspired me and helped me to be a better person and start taking control of my life.The way he gives examples and explains the lessons/topics is great...because they are written in such a way that anybody can understand them.I also appreciate that it is written as if he was talking...that is the way I write and I could definitely relate (bad words and all)...I highly recommed this book for anybody looking for a change in their life and looking to look at life in a different way.One day I'd like to meet Russell and thank him for giving me another chance at life and hope for a better future.Thank you!Reader Rating:
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July 21, 2009: Personally, I have always liked Russell Simmons and enjoy watching his HBO's Def Comedy Jam to include Def Poetry Jam. I like him because he is a "behind the scenes" kind of guy and seems to be quiet and reserved, but no doubt he is a "shaker and mover" and is not afraid to take ACTION on the things he believes in. While I may not totally agree with his political or spiritual viewpoints, I do have nothing but respect for this man especially after reading his book. Nevertheless, "Do You" in my opinion is a wonderfully written book with many inspirational lessons that anyone (regardless of your viewpoints-Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhism, atheist, conservative, liberal, etc.) can learn from and better themselves. He illustrates these lessons throughout the book as the 12 laws to access the power in you to achieve.
The following are the 12 Laws to achieve success according to Mr. Simmons: (1) See Your Vision and Stick With It(2) Always Do You(3) Get Your Mind Right(4) Stop Frontin' and Start Today(5) Never Less Than Your Best(6) Surround Yourself With The Right People(7) There Are No Failures, Only Quitters(8) Science of Success: Plant the Good Seeds(9) You Can Never Get Before You Give(10) Successful People Stay Open to Chang(11) Be Powerful, Be Heard(12) Spit Truth to PowerI particularly liked one of his viewpoints that I marked in the book for further review. The section discusses staying focused on the process and Mr. Simmons states, and I quote:"The key is taking that focus and applying it to the process of working hard, instead of the result of that hard work. I know some people say, "Keep your eyes on the prize," but I disagree. When your eyes are stuck on the prize, you're going to keep stumbling and crashing into things. If you really want to get ahead, you've got to keep your eyes focused on the path. Instead of staring at the prize, stare at the process. If you wake up thinking about what you're going to get, instead of what you're going to do, it will destroy your inspiration. Don't think that there's going to be gold at the end of the road. Instead, value the process and you'll see that the road has been paved with gold all along." I know some could pick this quote apart (without reading the book) and come up with a 100 different arguments against this viewpoint, but it is one that I found interesting and it gave me a different way to look at processes. This I believe is a good thing! In fact, I feel this was a very powerful point of view because so many times we fail to appreciate what's right in front of us!In comparison to other inspirational authors like Napoleon Hill, Earl Nightingale, Dale Carnegie, Dr. Stephen Covey etc. You will find the laws Mr. Simmons discusses throughout the book are congruent with many of the classical and modern day inspirational writers. He just expresses them in different ways, which I believe modernizes their underlying principles especially for the hip-hop culture. The book has a forward written by Donald Trump who endorses the book and whether you agree or disagree with Mr. Simmons (politically or spiritually) there are many inspirational lessons that can be learned from reading his book. Even a "middleclass conservative Christian white guy" in his mid-forties can learn from his wisdom. It is my aspiration to one day meet Mr. Simmons and if we do nothing more than enjoy a bit of "silence"...I Also Recommend: Everyday Greatness.