The Fred factor : how passion in your work and life can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary

by Mark Sanborn,
Doubleday, 2004

Sanborn's encounter with the original Fred - an unusual postman who went out of his way to deliver exceptional service to the customers on his route - provides the basis for this book, which describes (as the subtitle indicates) "how passion in your work and life can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary." And let's face it - who doesn't want to be considered a phenomenal human being?

After outlining the four "Fred principles" and providing other examples of real-life "Freds," Sanborn gives a blueprint, including three simple difference-making strategies, for becoming a Fred yourself. Success is built on relationships, so he offers seven Bs of relationship building that are easy for anyone to implement. A 10-point crash course in creating value for others, and boom, you're well on your way to transforming your life and your world.

If you're an employer or boss, you'll want to read the section on developing Freds in your company; otherwise, you can skip to the end of that part - "Go Spread Fred" - and conclude with the last section of the book, in which the original Fred summarizes what motivates him to do what he does. Those same points become our motivation for emulating his example.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who is dissatisfied with his quality of life and/or employment. As usual, though, your results will depend on more than reading - they will depend on the actions you take thereafter.

A Complaint-Free World (Audio Book)

How to Stop Complaining and Start Enjoying the Life You Always Wanted
by Will Bowen
Random House Audio Book, 2007

I don't normally listen to audio books, especially nonfiction ones that might require a great deal of focus in order to retain and apply the information contained in them, but I thought I'd give it a try after reading that author Debbie Macomber frequently listens to motivational CDs. Since I spend a fair amount of time with folks who complain, gossip, and criticize, this title seemed a natural choice. Oh, and I probably complain, gossip, and criticize more than I should, too.

In A Complaint Free World, Bowen explains the problem with complaining, gossiping and criticizing, and shares a 21 day plan for reducing these negative habits. He also explains the benefits gained by living a life free of these. As a result of listening to this CD, my daughter, husband, and I are all trying to achieve 21 consecutive days complaint free to see how this might transform our home and our experience of the world.

While I found the author's soft voice somewhat annoying as I listened (I suppose that's a complaint!), and reject his New Age theology, there is definitely something to be said for his thesis. When the Bible says, "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things" (Philippians 4:7-9), it in effect advises us not to complain!