Taking a break from the communication bombardment.
While I may no longer be orchestrating the daily operations of hotels, my schedule remains brimming with activity. The luxuries I relish now are blessings I didn’t have during my tenure as a hotelier. Regrets? None. Yet, a notable realization prompts today’s nugget of wisdom, tailor-made for you.
In my recent writings, I’ve delved into the top 10 mistakes often made by young managers. My aim? To shed light on these pitfalls, guiding both, younger hoteliers and seasoned ones away from potential missteps. Awareness alone can be a game-changer.
After I had completed these critical articles, I took two days to complete them all by myself. My children were away on a trip. With no pressing matters or plans for the weekend, I embarked on a personal experiment: a journey back in time, revisiting the less complicated life in the 1980s and 1990s. Life back then seemed better. The Cold War was over, and the constant digital distractions that define our modern existence had not arrived. Despite working hard and long hours (email and online shopping were only beginning), I couldn’t help but wonder what had changed. In a world where technological advances should make life less stressful and more fulfilling, why do we hear so much about burnout, work-life balance, and widespread unhappiness?
I took a simple step: I disconnected from all my gadgets, severed the cords that tethered me to the online world, and stashed my phone away for two full days. In that digital silence, I found a tranquility and clarity that had been missing from my life. It was a refreshing break from the constant buzz of notifications and the pressure to always be connected.
With the hum of technology silenced, I eventually turned to an old favorite from my bookshelf: “Monsson” by Wilbur Smith. Within a few short minutes of reading, I was transported to another era, far removed from the chaos of the present day. The minutes turned into hours and a day filled with reading and simple pleasures: the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the satisfaction of turning the pages of a captivating story, and the gentle puff of a cigar to accompany my leisurely reading. It was a reminder of the joy and relaxation that reading can bring, a simple pleasure that we often overlook in our busy lives.
As I reconnected with the modern world this morning, I couldn’t help but notice a subtle shift in my perception. The usual Monday morning rush seemed much more pronounced, and the sounds of passing traffic were more grating than usual. It was as if my brief respite from the digital noise had heightened my awareness of the hectic pace of life. Despite feeling nervous seeing the overflowing mailbox, catching up with work didn’t take long. I am fortunate not to be enslaved by social media—I have no regrets. However, even LinkedIn, which used to be relatively slow, now inundates me with notifications and advice from self-appointed gurus, which I do not need, and I am sure you don’t need either.
Reflecting on this experience, I couldn’t help but think of Norman Vincent Peale, who offers invaluable insights into cultivating inner peace amidst external chaos. Intrigued by the revelation that one of Donald Trump’s formative reads was “The Power of Positive Thinking” by Vincent Peale, I decided to explore the book myself. Despite my prior unfamiliarity with Peale, I found myself drawn into the narrative, fascinated by the idea that a single book could shape the persona of such a polarizing figure.
Businessman and future U.S. President Donald Trump and Dr. Norman Vincent Peale attend Peale’s 90th birthday celebration. Peale is the author of “The Power of Positive Thinking.” Waldorf Astoria Hotel in May 1988 in New York, New York. (Tom Gates/Getty Images)
My curiosity was not fueled by admiration for Trump but by a genuine desire to understand the content that wielded such influence. This exploration took on added significance in light of Trump’s ongoing clashes with established political norms and constitutional principles in the USA. Furthermore, the unwavering loyalty of his supporters, despite the controversies surrounding him. It underscores the profound impact that literature can have on shaping individual beliefs and one’s life journey. It’s a reminder of the power of self-improvement and the role that literature can play in our personal growth and development.
US adult self-improvement and nonfiction book sales reached $6.5 billion in 2023, compared to only $0.94 billion for young adult readers. Unsurprisingly, the younger generation (those below 25) reads less than their older counterparts. Many have never heard of influential self-improvement authors, relying instead on platforms like TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube for self-improvement lessons.
Gadgets replacing books quickly. Wondering what’s going on in these young peoples head, sitting in the mids of printed treasure yet preferring their laptops. As long it is for research I can agree, but checking social media in a library ?
Most are also completely unaware of Orson Welles’ “1984,” a book that predicted a dystopian future from the perspective of someone living in the 1930s. Revisiting the book today, I realize that its predictions have not only come true but are even more alarming than depicted in the text. Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter (now “X”), and TikTok have become breeding grounds for misinformation, particularly among younger generations. The older generation, those above 40, still maintains their critical thinking skills, but anyone below that age is vulnerable to manipulation.
In one of my previous blogs, I discussed the importance of staying informed and mastering the gap between forecasts, social media hype, and reality. I bring up this topic again because I see many young clients hindering their career growth by not seeking out reliable sources of information and falling prey to self-appointed career coaches and gurus who possess little or no professional background besides what they have read. Many make “Youtube” their new search engine and get stucked in the labyrinth of “entertainative” knowledge.
I always tell my clients, “Please do yourself a favor and read this or that book. (it does not need to be Shakespeare). Turn off your phone and computer and remove yourself from the network for a few hours. Many have lost the ability to let go and delve into a good book. Whether fiction or nonfiction is inconsequential, but enjoying a good book is “quality of life lost” coming back to you.
I advocate intensely reading a book that speaks to you, especially those focused on self-improvement. While there are countless books on the subject, sticking with the originals like Peale, Carnegie, Hill, Murphy, and Robbins can save you time and money. They all follow the same thought. Their way of sharing crucial information may be different and more complex for some; they give you all the information and tools you need to adjust your life and career. Most importantly, they save you time.
In “The Perfect Hotel Career,” I stress the importance of planning efficiently and disconnecting from digital distractions. Rediscovering the joy of reading in today’s hyper-connected world can be transformative, reducing stress and boosting cognitive function, which is essential for career planning. As a career mentor, I empower young hoteliers to chart their paths confidently. I’ve faced setbacks with self-belief and am here to support others similarly.
This takes me back to Peale’s “Power of Positive Thinking.” It was a less complicated read than Napoleon Hill’s or Tony Robbin’s complex works. I also found the book to have a calming impact on the reader. The text fits into any age, and even though it was written in the 1950s, sections of the book would fit our situations today just perfectly. In brief, the book offers simple strategies to manage mindset. I want to help young hoteliers embark on successful careers. “Reading books” should be part of the journey. Vincent Peales’s book will be of some help as it is an easy read. Just a few pages daily will help navigating career and life challenges. Of that, I am sure.
If you find yourself to worry or be of a more negative disposition, this book adresses this in an easy and well organized manner. Make it a regular “Read” – just a chapter or half a day and you will begin to see changes taking place in the way you think, you interact and you handle challenges.
It benefits those who do not possess the sunnier disposition some people have all their lives. His lesson about cultivating positivity is elementary and understandable for people who are not born with a positive mindset and fall victim to overthinking and expecting the worst outcome. No matter how many people consider themselves positive thinkers, they all face similar challenges at one point or another in their careers. People who have experienced real hardship have a better understanding of the concept of positive thinking.
Guiding young minds in managing their thought patterns can lead to resilience and well-being. By learning and embracing positivity, practicing mindfulness, and taking time to unplug and reconnect with life’s simple pleasures, one can cultivate a sense of inner calm that transcends the noise of the external world. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, let us remember the power we hold within ourselves to cultivate peace and resilience. Success is not just a distant dream; it’s within our grasp!
Choose your book and Enjoy!
Helmut
