Slaying the Dragon
by Michael Johnson
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Book Summary Information
Author: Michael JohnsonEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1997-10
ISBN: 0765106574
Publisher: Smithmark Pub
Book Reviews of Slaying the Dragon
Book Review: A Hero and (a reluctant Role Model) with a Plan
Summary: 5 Stars
Michael Johnson, the world class Olympic champion is a "role model" not only to be respected for his feats on and off the track, but also one to be emulated because he is a man of few words and many actions. In his classical understated way, in this book he has left us a sparse but detailed, well thought out plan that can assist anyone serious about the pursuit of a goal to become successful -- whether in sports or some other field of human endeavor.
Using his own ups and downs in life and his own pursuit of Olympic track records, as "object examples," Mr. Johnson shows us how it is done; that is, how to slay the dragon of success. His formula is simple: Any success worth having begins with a modicum of talent and a series of well thought out, carefully orchestrated, reasonably achievable, "written down" plans; plans that constitute a step-by-step contract between "us and our goals." Everything else is blood, sweat and tears: that is, hard work, guts, and persistence.
However, once the sweat has been turned into a routine, has become habitual and "a matter of fact," the blood and tears can be minimized and the goal can be visualized realistically as the straight line result of a smooth, graduated and predictable "chipping away" at a self-devised and regulated timetable. Although mid-course corrections may be necessary here and there, with a plan, we can always see the light at the end of the tunnel. Success no longer remains in doubt; it is no longer just a random variable operating at the whim of forces entirely beyond our control. The process is the message. In short, when we are in the driver's seat of our own plan of success, a seat that involves an unbreakable contract we have made with ourselves, confidence and success are the surest collateral benefits. Like the night follows the day, both confidence and success come as unforced byproducts of turning long-term thinking into an organizational tool, which harnesses both our mental and physical abilities, and puts them both to the same grinding wheel of a single purpose.
This process works because, as is true in "track and field," the difference between abject failure and incredible success in all areas of human endeavor is just a "sliver," always to be measured in fractions of a second. Planning, organization, guts and perseverance are the only ways of separating "winners" from "losers" and at the same time the only way of also amplifying meager talents. And as the old adage goes, for sure the race does not always go to the swift, but to those who are organized and can tenaciously stick to a plan over the entire course of several racing seasons. That is the only sure way of slaying the dragon.
If there is a better more honest plan for success in existence I am, all ears.
Five Stars
Summary of Slaying the Dragon
Michael Johnson stunned the world in the 1996 Olympics when he achieved what no other runner has ever accomplished, capturing two gold medals in the 200-meter and the 400-meter races and shattering the previous world record set in the 200 his own record by a staggering margin. Arms pumping, back straight in his unique running style, gold shoes flashing, it looked to the world as if Johnson had reached the pinnacle of his profession, as if he owned those races. Except for the stumble out of the blocks. For while Johnson knew what the world knew that he was the fastest man alive he also knew that there were still mountains to conquer. How much faster could he have gone without the stumble?
"After you have stared long enough into the dragon's eyes, there is nothing left to do but slay the dragon. For each of us, that dragon is the thing closest to the center of our lives. It is our core, our ambition and our joy. For me, it is the perfect race."
In Slaying the Dragon: How to Turn Your Small Steps to Great Feats, Michael Johnson shares his secrets on how to identify your own dragon, your own fears and goals and how to apply his winning techniques to your personal and professional life.
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