8 to Be Great: The 8-Traits That Lead to Great Success, by Richard St. John, Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Train of Thought Arts Inc; 2007. 224 pages, $14.95 (paperback).

This is an easy-to-read book that discusses 8 traits that can help people become successful in life and work. Each trait is illustrated by actions and quotes from people who have achieved recognition for their talents, skills, inventions, and/or services. Examples of these includes great hockey player Wayne Gretzky; playwright, Eve Ensler; and Google cofounder Sergey Brin, all of whom are quoted in the context of the 8 traits.

The 8 traits that St. John describes in his book are as follows: (1) passion, (2) work, (3) focus, (4) push, (5) ideas, (6) improve, (7) serve, and (8) persist. These traits were selected by the author after conducting interviews of more than 500 people, to find out how they defined success. Although the concepts discussed are relatively simplistic, the feedback from those who have read the book is positive because of the accessible concepts outlined therein.

The choice of these 8 traits is logical, and it would be logical to accept them as useful characteristics for people who become successful and feel contented with themselves and others. The only concern that I would offer is that often the author equates success and greatness with becoming wealthy. The statement that "you can become a millionaire in any field if you serve people well" does not hold true for many in the service professions. This is especially true with service providers who work for someone else and their salary and benefits are confined within a range. For example, certainly you could become a millionaire plumber or carpenter, especially if you owned the company. It is less likely that you could become a millionaire nurse or occupational therapist if you work for an institution. However, the exception might be if you considered the idea of becoming a millionaire over a lifelong or reasonably extended period where the accrual of resources included earnings, savings, and investments.

I would also disagree with the last third of St. John's formula: (1) do what you love, (2) serve others what they love, and (3) get money in return. The implication is that you will get considerable money by serving others, which may be true for some. Others who ably serve people but do not make a great deal of money can also be considered successful, not because of their bank account but because of the enormous personal satisfaction they feel for a job well done. As missionary doctor, Albert Schweitzer said, "the only way to achieve happiness is by serving others," a concept that could be explored more in depth in this book.^(p153) This is a concept lacking from the 8-trait model that makes the book define success as financial rather than personal, and therefore, somewhat less applicable to those who work because they love what they do, not what they earn.

-Jeanette Lancaster, PhD, RN, FAAN

Editor, Family & Community Health