This week I’ve been a little stuck.
The washing is behind
The dishes are done late
The kids are watching more TV
The floors need cleaning
The list goes on…..

All because of a book
Yes I’ve been reading in any ’spare’ minute I get.
And the Book?
Richard Branson’s first autobiography ‘Losing My Virginity’

It is honest and personal, engaging and inspiring, entertaining and informative and at times very surprising. There also some incredibly exciting ballooning moments as well.
I am impressed by the man.
He is courageous in business and in life.
He is creative and imaginative.
He has an amazing sense of fun and adventure (and a willingness to “try anything once”)
He thinks laterally,
He produces ways to solve peoples problems (I think this may be one ‘key’ to his success)
He is warm and kind
He looks after his people, who in return look after his business
And finally, his family comes first.

The book reads so easily, like a good novel, and is full of insights about making the most out of business and life.

I have been most impacted by how the book has made me think and feel about parenting.
Personally, I am have been highly influenced by my parents opinions (even silence can be opinionated!), and now wonder how my opinions could limit my sons?
Branson’s parents only gave him their opinion when he asked them!

I wonder where he’d be today had his parents ever doubted him?

As parents we all have ideas and hopes for our children, and we can also be their biggest critics. In an attempt to protect them and guide them to where we believe they should be going, we may also be limiting their potential….. Certainly food for thought.

I would definitely recommend this book whether you’re in business or not, (and whether you can remember the 60s or not!)

It has left me a little breathless

In the words of Branson himself…

“…to be successful you have to be out there, you have to hit the ground running, and if you have a good team around you and more than your fair share of luck you might make something happen. But you certainly can’t guarantee it just by following someone else’s formula.”

Losing My Virginity: How I’ve Survived, Had Fun, and Made a Fortune Doing Business My Way

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1. Book Review – ‘Addition’ by Toni Jordan