One of the first books that our teacher back in high school required us to read was “All I really needed to learn I learned in Kindergarten“, that book has told me one thing – there is nothing wrong with understanding things in the simplest way possible. Come to think of it, even Jesus used parables for his teachings.
The book basically describes the story of a boy who lives in the valley and was suddenly faced with a difficult situation, he feels that the valley has no more meaning for him. He started to take risks and finally, in spite of the many apprehensions and discouragement he received, he decided to take a journey to the Peak. At the Peak, he met a wise man who told him the story about Peaks and Valleys and how it affects and changes one’s life.
I must agree with you if you say that this story is pretty common and you might even add that it has nothing new to offer. You’ll be mistaken because Johnson’s manner of writing does not “play” on what you don’t know but rather reinforces what you do, and inspires you to take action. The book is not a success story, although some critics may say that’s all there is to it. I think, it’s simply reality in the making – your thoughts, your experiences, brought to life in fiction but given the right direction to persevere.
You will find that the book has major lessons which can be found useful:
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PEAKS AND VALLEYS
MAKING YOUR GOOD AND BAD TIMES WORK FOR YOU — AT WORK AND IN LIFE
TO MANAGE YOUR GOOD AND BAD TIMES:
Make Reality Your Friend
Whether you are temporarily up on a Peak or down in a Valley, ask yourself:
What is the truth in this situation?
TO GET OUT OF A VALLEY SOONER:
Find And Use The Good Hidden In A Bad Time
Relax, knowing that Valleys end. Do the opposite of what put you in the Valley. Get outside of yourself: be of more service at work and more loving in life. Avoid comparisons. Uncover the good that is hidden in a bad time, and use it soon to your advantage.
TO STAY ON A PEAK LONGER
Appreciate And Manage Your Good Times
Be humble and grateful. Do more of what got you there. Keep making things better. Do more for others. Save resources for your upcoming Valleys.
TO GET TO YOUR NEXT PEAK:
Follow Your Sensible Vision
Imagine yourself enjoying a better future in such specific, believable detail, that you soon enjoy doing what takes you there.
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The book provides this set in a business card format for you to keep handy. I find some quotes/entries equally memorable, see here.
Try to go through this and see how it can affect you.
