I Can I Will: A Self-Help Manural

IC is a book that must be classified as a self-help manual with an orientation toward both material and psychological success. Indeed, it is not too much to say that the overriding objective of the book is to formulate a plan for what could be called self-actualization. That is because of the action orientation of the text, which offers specific advice about how to achieve personal power and to apply the feelings of power to the project of achieving specific goals. Elias frames this advice in terms of imputing creativity and potential to the reader with a view toward suppressing feelings of powerlessness in the face of the typical human condition. He uses anecdotes from his own life and from the life experiences of others. Indeed, the emphasis throughout is on recognizing and acting on opportunities for empowerment as a consequence of an understanding of what a success-oriented world view is.

The first step for Elias is to explain his conception of a success-oriented world view that in essence is developed from a critique of an opposite world view. He makes the case that it is no surprise when shrinking violets cannot stay afloat in today's sink-or-swim business environment, while

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lf-concept defined by optimism and active engagement with the world rather than by pessimism and a pattern of shrinking back from engagement and action and the failure to accomplish life objectives that this pattern implies. The strategies that Elias employs to get from a general conception of a success-oriented world view to a practical understanding of what is required to transform one's experience of the world into success-oriented terms begin with a reformulation of internal and external vocabulary and to superimpose that vocabulary on a habit of mind and action. Accordingly, "I can't" must become "I won't," and "I can" must become "I will" (39). The effect of this is, firstly, that it suggests the assertion of personal responsibility for individual fate rather than an acquiescence in or fear of found conditions. Secondly, as Elias specifically says, the reformulation "creates a dynamic change in your life, the transition from what is potential to what is actual" (39). Once the internal vocabulary has been reformulated, the external vocabulary can be manipulated to as to serve the objectives of transition. Techniques for this include active listening, or reflecting back to others what their preoccupations are while also makin
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Approximate Word count = 1577
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page)