Alternative Viewpoints

I’ve noticed a recent tendency for some Bloggers to drop in weekly links pages to other blogs that they read and think are worthwhile. Well, never one to miss out on some good old fashioned bandwagon jumping I have decided to dismiss originality and follow suit. I do like the idea because I know I’ve found some great self-development sites that I’d never have found otherwise and I’m always up for sharing the wealth so to speak.

I have read some great posts this month and below are links to seven of the best. I’m sure there were others as good that haven’t sprung immediately to mind, so if you’re hungry for more, check out my Stumble account to see what I have been voting on. Alternatively, click on any of the links to the right. Now I trust you guys to go and read these and still come back here. Don’t be seduced into thinking they’re better than mine, even if they are, because I expect you here bright and early tomorrow morning and ready to go.

Jason’s Story: Life Lessons from a Tragedy – John Place

This is one of my favorite blogs and one of a handful I read without fail. I really like the writer’s style as he tells stories that connect and doesn’t simply make lists. Not that lists aren’t useful on occasions, but stories are the things that pass the test of time in my humble opinion. This is not an upbeat story at all and if you are feeling a bit down I wouldn’t advise reading it (check out his ‘Life Lessons From A Cranky Old Man instead). It’s s rather harrowing tale of a friend who’s life doesn’t pan put like he or anybody else would have wished.

Arête: The Meaning of Life – Scott H Young

Scott is a very consistent blogger with a mature writing style that defies his years. I don’t always agree with what he says, but I always respect his opinion because he backs up what he has to say with sound research and a knowledge of the subject he is talking about. This post takes a look at arête or quality to me and you, and does a fabulous job of looking at ways of achieving it in your life. I’m not a philosopher (no really I’m not!), but I know a good post when I read one, and the fact that he suggests reading the brilliant Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is good enough for me.

Oops, I did it again: bubbles, balls and burn-out  - Jonathan Fields

Jonathan Fields ‘Awake At The Wheel’ is another blog I subscribe to. I like his writing because he doesn’t care what conventional wisdom says. He offers his own opinions and doesn’t simply regurgitate those of others. This is a really clever take on the age-old topic of comfort zones. Using the metaphor of bubbles and how they expand, contract and even merge he puts a new slant on the topic, and no doubt gets people that are burned out by talk of comfort zones to think differently. I like his use of alliteration too, almost as clever a title as my blog: Shopping & Sulking Shenanigans

Research Sources for Writers: A Guide to Backing up Your Words – Clay Collins.

This is a guest post by Clay Collins at the ‘Write To Done’ site. I have absolutely no idea what Write To Done means, but I know this is a fantastic article from a strong up and coming blogger. Like a lot of people, I rely on Google for my research. Not having a background in academia I was in blissful ignorance at the amount of great free research tools there are out there for writers. If you are a writer and/or serious blogger than I feel sure you’ll get a lot from this article.

5 Not So Q.U.I.E.T. Methods of Personal Growth and Development – Aaron Potts

Ok, ok, so this is a list, but it’s a clever one. Aaron hasn’t read 3 books and then lifted the bits he liked best and made a list. No, he’s read 4 books and listed the bits he liked best and made a list…. I’m kidding. Aaron has been around the blogging scene for some while and it shows in his professionalism. This is his unique take on ways to take a quantum leap forward in your own personal development and I can recommend it unequivocally.

All Roads Leading To Costa Rica (For Me) – Todd Goldfarb

Todd’s site ‘We The Change’ takes an holistic approach to self-development. Todd isn’t purely interested in succeeding; he wants to succeed on his terms and doing what he believes to be the right thing to do. This post goes to show that when opportunity knocks on your door, don’t just invite her in, open a nice bottle of wine, put on some relaxing music and nail the door shut so she can’t go anywhere. Check out the link to The Shift whilst you’re there.

Fat Burning’ Zones explained – Pete Swaile

Pete is a highly qualified fitness coach, triathlete as well as a life coach and NLP guy. He proves here that posts don’t need to be long or literary works of art to be effective and useful. Here he offers professional advice that can help anybody that doesn’t really understand what’s necessary to shed those extra pounds.

By the way, if you are a member of Stumble, Digg or any other social networking group give these little suckers a help in hand if you enjoy them as much as I did. If you’re not a member, join one (I prefer Stumble Upon myself) and check out some of the great stuff that you may be missing out on.

I think I’m going to make this a regular monthly thing, at least until I get bored and/or realize all my traffic has buggered off to other peoples sites. If you have a blog you’d like me to consider, please let me know.

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