The Twelve Pillars – a Review

I just re-read a small book that made a huge impression on me, and wanted to share it.
In “The Twelve Pillars”, Jim Rohn and Chris Widener have created, in fictional form, one man’s journey towards building a life-changing foundation, based on 12 principles for success.
With the down-to-earth advice and mentorship of Charlie, Michael Jones transforms himself from a frustrated unsuccessful and unfulfilled sales man to … well, I’ll let you find out. Written in easy conversational style, this may seem like a quick read. I guarantee you’ll come back to it again and again.
Jim Rohn has been a master success expert and business philosopher for over 40 years, and is the mentor to almost any success coach you can think of. Even though Jim has passed away, his legacy of teachings through books and audios is still launching thousands on a life-changing journey to success and happiness. Co-author Chris Widener is one of the top international speakers today.

What are the 12 Pillars for Success?

1.  Work harder on yourself than you do on your job.
2. Nourish all parts of yourself – body, mind and spirit, to live a life of well-being and health.
3. Work hard on your relationships – they are a gift.
4. Choose where you want to go and build a plan to get you there.
5. Spend your time wisely – on things that are important, not urgent.
6. Surround yourself with the best people – ones who inspire and challenge you.
7. Become a lifelong learner – pursue ideas that will move you forward in life.
8. All life is sales – learn the art of influencing others.
9. Work full time on your job and part time on your fortune.
10. Become a great communicator – how you speak and how you listen.
11. Become a leader by creating a vision, communicating it and influencing others to do the same.
12. Leave a legacy that will help others live life to its fullest potential.

Twelve Pillars is short, only 120 pages, and very easy to read. The lessons are very simple, but that does not mean they are not extremely powerful. If you really take what Rohn and Widener are teaching through this story to heart, you will undoubtedly achieve more and live a more productive and happy life.
Just because the lessons are simply put, does not mean they are necessarily easy to incorporate into your life. However, if you have this little book there to remind you and keep you on track, you will surely become a more successful person.
I really enjoyed the story and I’m sure I’ll re-read it whenever I need a quick boost and a reminder of what to focus on. It is such a quick read with so powerful a message, I’d encourage everyone to read it more than once. Let the lessons these two teach sink in and make sure you act upon them.