“Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.” Albert Einstein
His title profoundly states it all. This book is a step-by-step simple guide for getting the things you most desire by thinking beyond the now and focusing more on creating a better you.
Surprisingly, anyone can easily apply R. H. Jarrett’s principles because the book is anything but, difficult, confusing or complicated. Jarrett’s book is life-changing in a subtle manner. Small, subtle changes that transform your life…and that’s what I am all about. Because it’s often these subtle efforts of change in our daily routine that bring big results we so crave….and this is what brings purpose and belonging into our life.
It Works! The Famous Little Red Book to Makes Dreams Come True, was written by the mysterious R. H. Jarrett (Roy Herbert) whom very little is known about other than he was a kind and generous Chicago sales executive whom devoted many years of his life studying metaphysical success methods.
First published in 1926, The Little Famous Red Book was merely a simple pamphlet…. only with presisely detailed instructions on how to set and achieve goals. His book has since undergone numerous printings and has sold more than 1.5 million copies worldwide.
The most appealing, stand-out quality about Jarrett’s book is the no-nonsense, bulls-eye easy to read book about how to get what you most desire. It also holds some surprisingly simple, yet un-seen and un-known truths about the daily workings of our life. Truths so simple that we often overlook, dismiss and replace with more unnecessary and complicated things…. yet, we still unconsciously do it at times.
Unlike other self-help guru books that are stuffed with unnecessary fluff, Jarrett deliberately wrote his book in a succinctly manner for people to gain a deep understanding of his simple how-to universal formula without spending much time reading it.
Ironically, it’s often the smallest steps we take in any endeavor that add up over time and reap the most profounding results. Here is an abbreviated summery of his principles taken from his Famous Little Red Book.
Write down precisely what you want with clarity…. or find out what you truly want
Writing all the minute details of your goals will define the underlying “what” and “why”. Because having purpose and goals feeds the soul and harnesses your thoughts, energy, and actions into succeeding in something very specific.
It’s pointless wasting precious time and effort trying to write down what you think you might want without really knowing exactely what you want. Therefore, take time to search, explore, uncover and find what it is your heart desires. Merely wishing or just wanting something will not form a true connection with your inner persistance, determination, and grit to achieve the things you want.
Write it down in order
Write the things you most desire in order. How do you know what things you desire most? For some it may take extra time, but for most, it’s is easier than we think. Ask these questions to discover what that something is that can make your heart race:
- Others look up to be because I am good at….
- People have always complemented me on my….
- When doing this activity or project, you easily lose track of time…
- What is it that others ask you for advice or help on?
- What would you spend your time doing if money was not an issue?
- What is it that you couldn’t imagine never doing again?
- Which topic or subject could you easily read 500 books on?
- What makes your heart race and feel excited?
- What would you continue to do even if you knew you would fail at it, but do it anyway?
Surprisingly, the process of writing down and being specific in our goals will reveal much about our mindset, the true depth of our inner strength and what we believe we are capable of.
So, write it down. Write it all down. And write it with every detail. Because unwritten goals with no written plans are just afterthoughts of pretty wishes.
Read and reflect on your goals three times a day
Reading and reflecting on your written goals three times a day places it in the forefront of your mind. By consistently focusing on your goals you will go all in.
Although there is no magic pill, spell or potion to get want you want, daily reflections of your goals will easily place you in a position where you are likely to take action and less likely to get derailed.
Don’t share your dreams, goals, wishes, or desires
This is the rule most break. It’s not necessary to share your personal and private goals with others, especially to the naysayers (yes, you know who they are). This is to prevent negative or toxic people from derailing, doubting, or discouraging you.
Your goals are yours only. It’s all yours and belongs only to you and for you. It’s not your friends wishes, your children’s wants, nor your significant other’s desires. With that said, only surround yourself with positive people who sincerely support you and have your best interest.
It only works if you work
Give utmost attention and focus to the things you want. If you do exactly what this book says, you will get results. However, it will take focused work, commitment, discipline, and grit.
Start small by choosing three things to focus on because it will be overwhelming to focus on more than three things each day. Make this reflection a daily affirmation that becomes a habit.
Be earnest in all desires
Being earnest is having a clear purpose combined with a sincere eagerness to pursuing your purpose.
At first, you may notice sporadic glimmers of progress from your efforts and while it may not seem like big leaps, these habitually practiced everyday small steps will bring you to your destination.
Summary
- Write down your goals (start small, prioritize and choose the top 3)
- Read your goals 3 times a day (do this every day)
- Do not share your personal goals (just go after it)
- Be earnest with your goals and have good intentions
- Have and show gratitude everyday (gratitude for the opportunity to even pursue your goals)
In life, most of us deny ourselves of our potential, capabilities, strengths, and ultimately the better version of ourselves. R. H. Jarrett is telling us to just do it. And if you are wondering if it is worth it……it absolutely is. It’s something of a piercing reverberation.
…..and this little charming red book is one of my most beloveds.
How do you persue your dreams?
XOXO JC
images: Danilo Batist, Artem Maltsev