A Message from Garcia: Yes, You Can Succeed

By Charles Patrick Garcia

Book Overview

Success can be measured in various ways, but ultimately, success is defined by the person striving to achieve it. Charles Patrick Garcia knows this well. Throughout his career, from Chairman of the Cadet Honor Committee at the U.S. Air Force Academy to White House Fellow to CEO of the nation's fastest growing Hispanic-owned business-Garcia has learned how to succeed, and now he wants to show people from all walks of life, at any age, how to do the same in both business and life.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0471448931
• ISBN13: 9780471448938
• Release Date: September 2003
• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Inc
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.13 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 0.8" x 5.8"

Customer Reviews

A Powerful Concept

Why don't more people have a go-for-it attitude? As a high school guidance counselor, I often see students who feel hopeless, trapped in circumstances they've either created or fallen into. They don't know that all they need to "be all they can be" (to borrow a phrase from the army) is initiative and determination. You don't have to resign yourself to your fate. A Message From Garcia conveys this idea in much more inspiring language than I just did. It's a powerful concept: life as a masterpiece you can shape and mold in any way you desire. I think it's a true concept-but when you look around at most people's lives you realize it's also the best-kept secret in the Universe. I wish more people would read Garcia's book and really take its words to heart.

A great combination of reason and belief

There is a story in this book that really touched me. It's the story of Charles Garcia's little daughter Olivia, who was having trouble making friends at school. Her Dad gave her a "magic bracelet" and told her to wear it when she introduced herself to new people. Guess what? It worked-the first day Olivia tried it, she came home and reported that she made three new friends! Of course the "magic" in the bracelet was only in the little girl's mind - but it was, nevertheless, real. Being a teacher for more than 20 years, I've seen how easily children grasp the concept of belief, while adults continue to find reasons and make excuses for why things won't work. This story beautifully conveys the fact that we only need self-confidence and the ability to believe in ourself in order to succeed, whatever our goals may be. It's a theme that Garcia repeats throughout the book, illustrated by many real-life stories of people who pursued their dreams and caught them. Read this book if you need a little extra push - you will come away from it convinced that you can do great things.

Good Book. Great Message.

Good book. Great message. Lots of useful information and good stories. As a person who has never quite "fit in," I liked Garcia's emphasis on forging your own path in life. Sometimes people don't fall into predictable categories and need to think creatively about how to get from Point A (where they are) to Point B (where they want to be). "Message" offers reassurance that these "outside the box" thinkers are often the ones who find the greatest success. I especially enjoyed the SuccessCompass.com -- free stuff!

A Great Message

What can I say about this book? I loved it! In less than a year I will have to face the "real world" armed only with a bachelor's degree and my own resourcefulness. A Message From Garcia makes it clear that I have everything within me that I need not only to find a job but to build a life that I love. You wouldn't believe how glad I was to receive this message. So many of my classmates are frightened about the economy and discouraged about their job prospects. Sometimes I get discouraged, too, listening to their negativity. I guess I am still nervous but now I realize that achieving my dreams is a realistic goal if I'm willing to work hard, think creatively and not give up. I don't usually write reviews like this, but I felt compelled to say that this book is definitely worth reading. It gave me hope at a time that I really need it.

A Management Must Read

I would recommend this book for two reasons. One, I am responsible for motivating a team of employees to make my company a success, and Garcia offers plenty of business related insights that can help me. I can't wait to share the four success strategies with my people. The second reason I like this book is more personal: I don't want to be stuck here in middle-management-limbo all my career. My goal is to eventually become a CEO, I have an idea for my own company and this book is giving me the personal strength and the professional techniques that can help me visualize achieving that dream. A Message From Garcia offers some very powerful advice on setting goals and meeting them. I have read many books on success and this one takes the genre to a new level. Kudos, Garcia! This is the holiday gift I am giving to my entire staff and my boss. And his website, successcompass.com is amazing...check it out!