Bo Sanchez book shows you how to slay personal ‘Goliaths’

Do you want to know how you can achieve your dreams in 2010? Catholic lay preacher and author Bo Sanchez leads you to the answers in his book, How to Conquer Your Goliaths. He describes his latest work as a “champion’s manual" that will inspire you and empower you to achieve outstanding success in your life. The book highlights the seven keys you need to overcome problems that prevent your from reaching your dreams. Unassuming cover At first glance, the book seems to belie its grand claim. It is simply packaged with the title in large bold type and a small cover illustration of a slingshot. You won’t find fancy graphics or the imposing photo of the author that is common in most non–fiction books. But as you read through it, you’ll realize this is all part of the plan. This is one book that should not be judged by its cover. At 115 pages, the book promises to be an easy read with amply spaced text and strategic blank pages that allow you to pause after each chapter. It is the very simplicity of the book that makes you focus more on the powerful message. Vibrant storytelling Sanchez throws you the first stone of inspiration in the introduction: “Kid, you may be small on the outside but you’re big on the inside. You can conquer your Goliath. Because I created you, and as a policy, I only make champions, nothing less. Prepare to win big." The succeeding chapters are divided into two sections. Book One retells an extended and slightly modernized story of David and Goliath, the thread that sews the whole book together. Book Two enumerates the seven keys to success and what you can learn from this Bible story. Sanchez provides practical action steps to expound on each key. To illustrate as well as simplify his points, he uses parables and real life stories much like the Bible. Though a renowned Catholic preacher, Sanchez writes in a down-to-earth and humorous manner that appeals with his target Filipino audience. He weaves the Bible passages seamlessly into each chapter, succinctly translating the texts into layman’s terms while providing footnotes with actual passages from the Bible. Sanchez’ vibrant storytelling keeps you glued to every page. His honesty is refreshing as he shares his own struggle with success. You feel as though you’re actually talking to a friend. Lessons from David and Goliath If you’ve been reading self–development books, you’ll know that most of the principles discussed in How to Conquer Your Goliaths have been around for a while. If you look at the self–help shelves in bookstores, you’ll see several variations of themes dealing with pursuing your passion, focusing on your core gifts, believing in yourself, building a dream team, taking action, dealing with failure and cultivating confidence. But what’s unique about this book is how Sanchez tied in the Bible with his seven keys simply yet powerfully. He motivates you to achieve Godly success—the kind that not only uplifts you but uplifts others as well—while assuring you of divine support coming from God himself. Sanchez is able to localize self-help concepts. As such, more Filipinos are able to relate to his message. In one chapter, Sanchez mentions the typical Pinoy attitude of turning down compliments as a way to express humility. In the Bible story, David boldly announced that he could defeat Goliath, a promise that he delivered in the end. In the same way, Sanchez says it’s okay to confidently declare your skills and talents because “advertising" your skills helps you to connect with other people you can serve. Sanchez also addresses hurdles to success unique to a predominantly Catholic culture. In another chapter, he warns you against being “overspiritualized" and passively trusting God to hand over your dreams in a platter even if you don’t take any action. As in the Bible story, David did believe he was empowered by God to fulfill his mission, but he was still the one who took his sling and throw the shot that slew the giant. As Sanchez puts it: “God helps those who help themselves. Inspired action How to Conquer Your Goliaths is a timely read—as it will help you take stock of your life as the year ends. You can take pointers for the moves you’ll make next year. Can the book really help you to achieve success? Sanchez speaks from more than 30 years of experience. His eight successful ministries and thriving businesses are testaments that he practices the principles he teaches. Whether the said principles will also work for you depends entirely on what you do after reading this book. The book doesn’t promise to solve all your problems—but rather teach you how to solve them yourself. In the epilogue, Sanchez himself adds a final note that calls on you to take action, the most important step you need to take if you want to be a champion. - GMANews.TV How to Conquer Your Goliaths by Bo Sanchez is available at bookstores nationwide and retails at P290.