Daily Positives: Inspiring Greatness in the Next Generation

Edward P. Fiszer, Ed.D.
Cameo Publications, LLC (2005)
ISBN 0-9744149-8-0
Reviewed by Kim Peterson for Reader Views (5/06)

A little different than most motivational books, “Daily Positives: Inspiring Greatness in the Next Generation” targets young readers. Showing today’s youth how people from the past attained success, the readings draw on the words and actions of history’s achievers. Carl Sandberg, Maya Angelou, Michael Jordan, Mary Kay Ash, Thomas Edison, William Penn and others exemplify the characteristics that brought them success in the arts, athletics, corporate America, politics and other spheres.

Today’s students will find it interesting that Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team. Or that Thomas Edison and Babe Ruth failed more times than they succeeded. Yet, they went on to realize important goals, dreams and accomplishments.

The positive daily readings touch on the importance of thoughts, actions and pursuing dreams. Kindness, truth and honesty, and trustworthiness also shine through as major characteristics necessary to success. The book frankly addresses the need for hard work, tenacity, concentrated effort and self-motivation. Examples remind readers that opportunities abound for those willing to overcome difficulty.

I found the stories practical and inspiring. The daily doses impart encouragement without preaching. The timely messages offer a great blend of hope and how-to that parents and educators can use to help young people face their challenges and triumph. The book draws an interesting parallel between how actions and habits developed now shape their future success—a good life lesson for young people to learn and apply early.

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