“In the end, the overriding factor in whether or not you realize your dreams is going to be you. Not the world. YOU.”
~ Russell Simmons from Do You!
I didn’t know much about Russell Simmons until my friend Robin Sharma (author of The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari and The Greatness Guide) first sent me this book. There’s no way I would have guessed Russell would have such a profoundly spiritual, yet remarkably “real” and unquestionably successful expression of his spirituality in the 21st Century.
The New York Times calls Russell Simmons one of “the most innovative and influential figures in modern American business and culture.” He’s a hip-hop mogul (affectionately known as the Godfather of hip-hop, in fact), producer, entrepreneur and all around rock star. AND, he’s a yogi, vegan and deeply spiritual guy. I like that combo. And I love his book. (It kinda makes me imagine Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits written by a hip hop mogul for the 21st century.
Do You! is packed with inspiring stories, Russell’s wit and wisdom on everything from getting your mind right, living with authenticity, dreaming big and doing your best. It’s one of those books you read and at the end say to yourself, “That author is a good person.” (Which is always a standard by which I measure my favorite books...)So, without further adieu, let’s jump in to some of the Big Ideas in Russell’s 12 Laws of Success. (And, of course, don’t forget to “Do You!”