Turn Your Obstacles into Opportunities! (Think and Grow Rich)(Official Publication of the Napoleon Hill Foundation)

This book has some pretty basic concepts that most of us all have learned earlier in life.
Initially, I had to force myself not to lose my patients with this book. But as you get into
it you enjoy it more and more.

Before writing this review, I did something I very rarely do; I went in and read a few of the other reviews. I purposely don't do that because I don't want the other reviews to influence my own words, but I had already made up my mind on what I wanted to say and something caught my eye in the reviews. So anyway, THREE FEET FROM GOLD, by Sharon Lechter and Greg Reid has some mixed reviews, to say the least.

I'm going to give some credibility to the nay-sayers first. It is quite a stretch to believe that a total stranger, after a one-time meeting of only a few minutes, would put up thousands of dollars of their own money to send someone on such a pilgrimage as what is described here. I love parables, but even as parables go, that is a bit of a stretch. So we can certainly settle on this; the story is a little hoaky and more than a little unbelievable.

Now, putting that aside, let's look at the content and relevance of this book. The book begins by taking it's namesake from the story Napoleon Hill tells of in "Think and Grow Rich" about R.U. Darby, the man who sold his gold mine to a junk dealer, only to learn later that he was only 3 feet from a major vein. The moral being, never give up, you may only be 3 feet from gold.

From this lesson, the subject of the story, Greg, goes on a once in a million lifetimes journey to meet some of the most incredible mentors and successes of our time. The cast of characters in this portion of the "parable" are 100% real, their stories are real, and their message is real.

If you destroy books the way I do, you'll end up with highlights, underlines, arrows and margin notes of virtually every page. The cast of mentors is broad and obviously a lot of work went into gathering this information. The story may not be all that, but the information contained within the story is worth it's weight in gold.

If you judge your reading material solely on the basis of believability, you will be disappointed here. But if you judge your reading material on the value of the content, then you want this on your "must read" list. From that aspect of it, this is one of the best books I've read this year. If you're looking for a great story, read "To Kill a Mockingbird". If you're looking for a great message, read this book.

While times may have changed, the story has not. Becoming the best version of your Self is strictly up to you. And more often than not, we are our own worst enemies.

This book is a modern day version of the classic Think and Grow Rich. This should come as no surprise, though really, as the book was supported by the Napoleon Hill Foundation.

Reading this book reminded me of the saying: strategies are many, principles are few; strategies may change, but principles never do.

There were several things I liked about this book. I liked how the principles were separated out and not buried within the text. I also appreciated the short chapters as this contributed to my feeling that I was making progress getting through the book. I found the book to be an enjoyable read.

History will be the judge of whether Three Feet from Gold becomes a classic like Think and Grow Rich. While I think not, that does not, in my mind anyway, suggest that you should not read this book.

I view the two books this way. I see Think and Grow Rich as being the initial immunization shot and Three Feet from Gold as being the follow-up booster shot (updating and reinforcing the original immunization).

Read both books, but also remember you need to take action. Taking action is a necessary and key step in the self-development journey.

"Three Feet From Gold is an extraordinary work of art displaying the challenges and struggles of people in real life situations. A continuation of the brilliant work of Napoleon Hill's legendary classic Think and Grow Rich, Greg S. Reid and Sharon L. Lechter embrace the compelling life changing stories of ordinary people discovering their passions, talents, and dreams. Truly they understand the meaning of believing in themselves by never giving up and learning to become highly successful individuals. Isn't it true that deep down we would all like to have a career doing what we love to do? What's your passion? This heartfelt genuine book will guide you to finding that answer. Truly inspired by an amazing spirit Napoleon Hill who has left his mark on humanity that can never be erased! Never Let Go of your faith."

Michelle Rossi (White) author, All About Me
Multi Contributor Chicken Soup for the Soul

In 1937, Napoleon Hill wrote the classic Think and Grow Rich after spending twenty years interviewing the wealthiest and most successful men of his time. Although this book is still as applicable today as it was when it was written, Greg S. Reid felt the need to update some of this wisdom, accounting for changes that have happened since Napoleon Hill's day.

In Three Feet From Gold Reid and his co-author Sharon Lechter share the success secrets of some of today's business leaders. Don Green, CEO of the Napoleon Hill Foundation, assisted and supported this venture in carrying on its founder's tradition.

Although it's told as a story, with several fictional characters added to give it some depth, the wisdom Reid and Lechter impart in this book are profound. Nuggets like "A dream is just a dream until it is written down -- then it becomes a goal" and "Never make a major decision in a valley" are scattered throughout the text, as the main character learns from his new mentors.

Nothing can ever take the place of Hill's classic work, but Three Feet From Gold is an inspiring book that picks up where Think and Grow Rich leaves off. This new classic belongs in every positive thinker's library.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

If you are going through challenges in your personal or professional life, then Sharon Lechter and Greg Reid's newest book THREE FEET FROM GOLD is a title you need to add to your reading list NOW. They are able to take you into the lives of professionals who have been through the hard times and are not afraid of sharing their lessons with you, and I think everyone will be able to find something they can apply. The overall message of the book is something I saw repeated throughout: the only way to make moves is to MOVE. Don't allow fear of failure or the unknown stop you from making a difference in your life or the lives of others.

THREE FEET FROM GOLD is a treasure, and you would yourself a favor to discover it.

I really like that this book was in story format. Made it easy to follow and you got to feel like you were discovering truths right along with the authors.

I didn't think it gave me enough to feel I really understood what it was all about, but I think that is what makes it such a great book. It gave me a hunger to learn more, and now I am eating up, "Think and Grow Rich," which I probably would never have read if I hadn't first read this book.

I bought the book on Saturday and read small parts every day. Am almost through and love it! Being a 'do-er', it motivated me to start a master-mind group with several other women do-ers to brainstorm. We'll have our first meeting next week. Love the story-board format, like Rich Dad, Poor dad. I've noticed several negative reviews here and I think they are done by people that are extremely detail oriented, so that they put so much emphasis on each tree, that they don't see the forest. If you look at the big movers and shakers, they are people that are able to look at the 'Big picture' and that's what this book is about. It's about the attitude, the motivation, the overall situation and how to address it. If you're someone that gets completely hung up on little details, then this is probably not for you.

Three Feet from Gold is one of the more enjoyable self development books I have read. The book immediately captured my mind, placing me inside the storyline, as though I were experiencing the journey along with its characters. The book is to the point, encapsulates much of the ageless wisdom from Napoleon Hill, and presents the golden nuggets in an easy to understand practical format useful for everyone. I have recommended this book to several friends, they all have enjoyed it as much as I did. Thank you Sharon Lechter and Greg Reid for writing and sharing this great book. I look forward to the next one.

"Three Feet from Gold" picks up where the classic "Think and Grow Rich" leaves off. It teaches anyone how to keep on going on when the going gets rough. This easy to read and fun to read book is filled with great examples of people who could have quit but decided to persevere. It will help you develop the mental toughness to persevere in the face of life's storms.

Greg Reid spent over a year criss crossing America to personally interview everyone in the book. Buy it, read it and apply it's timeless lessons and you will realize your goals and dreams.

When I heard that The Napoleon Hill Foundation had endorsed the efforts of Greg Reid and his project "Three Feet From Gold", I knew it had to be good. The book is filled with numerous nuggets of wisdom, and I refer to it often. I'd recommend this book to anyone that is committed to their own personal development, and who's looking for inspiration and insights that can help them move toward their goals. In life, and when facing my own adversities, his message continues to remind me that I'm only three feet from gold.

There is more than one way to improve yourself with a self-improvement book. You can read it cover-to-cover and commit to its complex plan - or you can flip through it randomly for inspiration and come up with a handful of nuggets, one of which always seems to be eerily opportune.

I value these books by their nugget yield. By this standard, Lechter and Reid's "Three Feet From Gold" approaches Richard Carlson's "Don't Sweat The Small Stuff... And It's All Small Stuff," the epitome of the genre.

"Three Feet" has taken flak for being a parable and an allegory. Its premise requires some suspension of disbelief: a down-and-out seeker, Greg, lucks onto a benevolent master who sends him on (and funds) a number of errands designed to uncover secrets to success. Carping about this is like faulting Aesop's fables because animals can't really talk. The book is nugget-rich: that's the point.

Greg's serial encounters with real-world entrepreneurs give him frequent cause to jot pithy gleanings into his ever-open notebook. These maxims, centered in bold italics, are scattered throughout. "Your first five minutes dictate your day" is my current koan.

The episodes link together into a quest narrative whose goal becomes the writing and publication of "Three Feet" itself - the first metafictional self-help book? Side plots involving Greg's on-the-rocks relationship and his brother in rehab keep things moving on several fronts.

The title means: Don't quit. Don't be like the miner who labored long and hard without reward, and then gave up never realizing he had been only three feet from gold. Open "Three Feet From Gold" and find yourself already surrounded by the stuff - in the form of golden nuggets.

Seriously, I believe this book is an absolute winner. I have read Napoleon Hill's Think and Grow Rich countless times, and this fabled version is just as powerful... although anyone interested in this form of self-improvement should definitely read the original.

I took notes from start to end and have reviewed them so many times I nearly have them memorized. Every word is true... there is gold all around you... you just need be grateful for what you have first, then take a look around.

Thank you both so much for writing this. You've truly helped make a positive change in my world.

Pretentious, superficial and shallow are the three words that can aptly describe this book.
The central message of this book is "Don't give up" when you are three feet from gold. To convey the message the authors cooked up a superficial story which is cheesy and cliched to the extreme. To support the "Don't give up" message the authors created artifical struggles for the protoganist (author himeself).
The interviews of famous people are shallow and lack depth and inspiration. I just endured the tortue just to see how bad a book can be. I'm really suprised with all the positive reviews for the book and makes me wonder if I read the same book as the others who gave high stars. I highly recommend to stay of from this book and stick to the original.

From the moment you start reading, you are hooked. Anyone can relate to this book. The inspiration comes from the title itself and when you read it, you understand why. I've been sharing my copy with all of my friends and family. The feeling you have after reading this book is that you can do anything and the best part is - you will! Whether you are at that point in your life where you are needing a change or things have really started to spiral downward and you don't know where to go or what to do - you answers will come from this book. Even if you are already there, it's one of those tale's that can be enjoyed over and over again as a reminder of the endless opportunities. A must read!

This is an outstanding read! The way the story is told makes you feel as if you are living it. The highs, the lows make this story real! This book shows that through hard work, perseverance and dedication anything is possible. It's a must read!!! Leaves you feeling inspired to be more and do more. This book should be part of the school curriculum! 5* all the way!!!

As an entrepreneur, this book has been a driving force that has allowed me to persevere through my toughest obsticles. The insight that the book offers has brought me great value that I use everyday. The Napoleon Hill foundation made the right choice by choosing Greg Reid to carry out the mission. The collaboration of the work presented in this book has changed my life, as the words that I have read still echo in my head today.

Three feet from Gold is one of the most inspirational reads of all time.

An authentic blueprint to success for all audiences, young and old.

Set in a story line that carries the reader along through the journey and personal development of the main character.

You are compelled to become emotionally involved as the authors raise a champion straight from the ashes.

This book offers all the magical nuggets necessary to propel its audience towards achieving ultimate success.

A true depiction of the consequences that result from taking affirmative action. Nothing is left out.

This is an absolute must.

Savannah Brooklyn Ross
[...]

Absolutely one of my favorite books of all time. I recommend this book often and give it as gifts... Greg and Sharon have managed to "modernize" the world favorite "Think and Grow Rich" into this version. Lots of great takeaways and nuggets here...Always great to reread and glimmer even more. Excellent book and I recommend it to everyone!

I am a veracious reader and love personal development books so i picked up 3 Feet from Gold since I heard it was the next edition of "Think and Grow Rich." I was sorely dissapointed. Most of the book Talked about Greg Reid and him overcoming which I thought, "Who cares about this nobody Greg Reid."

The only positive I can say if it's your first Personal Development book then it will be an easy read and entertaining.

Not just for those looking for business opportunities... a great self-help book in general. As I was reading it I was thinking about my 17 year old son who feels he can't do anything, and life hasn't been easy for him. This book teaches you to take responsibility for your own future. Very motivating for much more than just business opportunities.

This book needs to be added to your library! Greg Reid is a class act and is a great communicator! This book will inspire you to take your life, career, family, etc to a new a new level.

Living through this economy the message to never give up and to keep going is something most of need to hear every day.

Thanks Greg this book will go down in history inspiring millions.

"Three Feet from Gold" is a definite MUST READ! Greg Reid literally teaches you how to turn your obstacles of your everyday life into a powerful mastery of successes. His story will move you and you will soon realize the absolute timeless lessons from the master Napoleon Hill. "Three" thumbs up from me. ~ The Motivated One

This book on CD was very inspirational and motivaltional. I recommend it to everyone who wants to develop a different attitude about business and life in general. It will encourage not to stop just before you reach your goal which is the very reason so many do not attain that goal.

I read a lot of business books and inspirational books and this has to be the worse book of this type that I have ever read. The people giving it 5 stars must be friends of the authors. I don't want to waste my time reviewing this other than to save others from wasting their money. This "parable" is very unbelievable and poorly written. Would you believe a story where a struggling fellow meets a stranger who then immediately pays thousands of dollars to fly him all over the world to meet rich people just so he can teach this young man some lessons about business? Come on -- it's absurd. It also uses every cliche imaginable. It also seems like it was written by someone way past their business prime i.e., someone who had a handle on business years ago but has been out of the business world for say -- the last 20 years.

Bottom line - there are so many better books than this out there. Don't waste your money on this one.

I absolutely love this book. One word to describe it: AWESOME. I really enjoy Greg Reid's story and see him as truly a person with a "burning desire" to succeed. I love the stories of obstacles, perserverance, and the mindset of successful people. It gives me my own "mastermind" group at anytime. I have read this book many times, and each time it motivates me and gives me the correct mindset to succeed. I recommend this book for anyone looking for their own "GOLD".