Hoops-And-Freedom-Final
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Hoops and Freedom i www.neelraman.com Hoops and Freedom ii Copyright © 2007, 2012 by Home Connection Pty Ltd. All rights reserved worldwide. No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilised in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author, except where permitted by law. ISBN: 978-0-9803125-0-8 (E-Book) 978-0-9803125-1-5 (Paperback) www.neelraman.com Hoops and Freedom iii Praise for Hoops and Freedom “Hoops and Freedom is a great story filled with timeless success principles. Buy it and read it today!” − Ruben Gonzalez, Three-time Olympian, Author of The Courage to Succeed “This book is brilliant! It conveys powerful messages in a simple and compelling story that keeps you wanting to know more. Neel Raman has masterfully integrated universal principles in such a way that will appeal to athletes, business people, parents, teenagers and everyday people alike. I’m sure you will enjoy uncovering his password for life.” − Kris Barkway, Golf Professional, Author of The New Golf Paradigm “Hoops and Freedom is truly one of the most inspiring, encouraging, motivational books of the year. It speaks to everyone who has ever had a dream. In it, Neel Raman definitely challenges you to the next level in life and work... and that challenge is going to reach out and touch the world.” − Christopher Guerriero, Best-selling author of “Maximize Your Metabolism” and Business/ Personal Coach “A captivating, intriguing, revealing and inspiring read! It reads visually! Wow! Food for mind, body and soul! In his book, Hoops and Freedom, Neel Raman has masterfully combined: metaphysics, archetypes, street gangsters, wisdom and rap. Rich in its themes and wisdom, elegant and skilful in it’s writing - this book is profound, clever, funny, captivating, motivating. Shawn’s story becomes so very familiar… His journey of enlightenment - becomes our own. A compilation of truths – some new and some known. Elegant in its simplicity. The perfect book for ‘in the home’ and ‘in the zone’. Read this book just to discover the password!” − Julieanne Formosa, Actor, BA (Performance) “This is a book for anyone who knows that there has to be more to life than the daily grind. This is a remarkable book which will touch all of us in some profound way no matter what our age, creed or culture. It is for those who are prepared to learn more about themselves than they could possibly have imagined. Neel brings inspiration, compassion, and his own www.neelraman.com Hoops and Freedom iv experience as a coach to a story that takes you through the personal growth of a young man who learns along the way that, like all of us, he does have a purpose in life and that the only person stopping him creating and living his dreams is himself.” − Suzanne Bosworth, Writer and photographer “It is a rare book that speaks the truth of how to go for a life that you truly love. It shatters the myth that you have to be someone or something in this world to make it and that you are not free to go for what is true in your heart. The lessons that you are taught are like ancient wisdom, simple and uncomplicated, every bit relevant to today’s world. It is a gift that you can apply to your everyday life and not only for our young people to be taught practical lessons to learn to go for their dreams but for everyone who wants to live from their hearts. It has given me the tools to use to go for a life of freedom.” − Carmen Perez, Mother of 2 “To move beyond the fear of change and honour who we truly are. Hoops and Freedom is a beautifully written book about a young man’s journey through life. With clarity, vision, and in a language that speaks to all people-that of the heart, Neel offers the reader the gift of knowledge and awareness of our own power in choosing to live a fulfilling, joyous and abundant life. A reminder that ‘change happens in an instant, all you have to do is make the decision.’ Inspirational!” − Rosemary Spiteri, Small Business Trainer “If we have courage to believe in ourselves, then we can be whoever we want to be and A wake-up call! Extraordinary! A well written book, with the main character relating to all of us at some level and at some time in our lives. It made me realize that the choices we make are not always in our best interest and we choose whatever we wish to choose. If only I had known all this when I was a child! Every school child should learn this about themselves. One thing I know for sure now is that I will be in control of my own life from now on.” − Colette Ogle, Wife and Mother of 2 “I would recommend this book to anyone who is trying to find a reason to greet the day with passion and enthusiasm. I checked my emails this morning with the intention of getting them www.neelraman.com Hoops and Freedom v over and done with before proceeding with the tasks at hand. Your book had arrived and all of a sudden it is mid afternoon and I have done nothing I started out to do! I was caught up in the main character’s journey. I just love the way his teacher explains things to him. I can hear myself so often in the main character’s responses and his resistance to let something new into his life. I am not a basketball fan and felt a little awkward following in the first few paragraphs, but the story unfolded very quickly and I was swept up in it.” − Ghislaine Achkar, Mother of 5 “This is a great book for anyone who wants to learn about ones’ true visions, and the skills needed to achieve those visions. A book that combines sport with practical tools which helps you to identify what are your true visions, and the techniques you need in order to ensure your visions and goals are reached. A fantastic read! It captures you with modern day characters and leadership, and is written so well that you don’t want to put the book down; you eagerly want to know what the next lesson is for the main character and of course, for yourself.” − Ken Thompson, Factory Manager “Read this book if you want more out of life! In the past, I haven’t always been successful in staying focused on my goals but after reading this book, I knew exactly why I lost focus. Now, I am more disciplined, have more energy because I understand my emotions better. The book is powerful and entertaining, and discusses principles that are relevant in today’s world. I loved the way the lessons are taught and it showed me that I can have what’s in my heart. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to start living the life of their dreams.” − Ramesh Choudhary, Graphic Designer www.neelraman.com Hoops and Freedom vi Dedication To my parents, who have always wanted the best for me and gave me more than I could have ever asked for. To all the people of Fiji, both present and former residents, who wish for a united and peaceful country again, and want Fiji to be the home of paradise it once was. www.neelraman.com Hoops and Freedom vii Acknowledgements Firstly, I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to my parents for their love and support throughout my life. Their only wish for me was to be the best I can be. I wouldn’t be where I am in life today without their influence. I would also like to express my gratitude to all my teachers, trainers, coaches, fellow students and colleagues for sharing their knowledge and wisdom with me. I know that my life has changed as a result of their honesty, integrity and dedication to the truth. Finally, I would like to thank you, the reader, for making a decision to invest in yourself and taking the step to improve the quality of your life. I have a simple philosophy in life: Life is a game and you can choose to play your game of life. As you assimilate what this book has to offer, you will be on your way to playing your game and living the life you have always wanted. I wish you every success and happiness that you desire in life. Here’s to your freedom. www.neelraman.com Hoops and Freedom viii Table of Contents ContentsPreface........................................................................................................................... 1 1. The Wake-up Call.............................................................................................. 3 Certain Events in Life Are the Triggers for a Change to the Old Ways of Doing Things and/or Behaviours 2. In the Club.......................................................................................................... 16 When the Student is Ready, the Teacher Will Appear 3. What’s the Password?...................................................................................... 27 Introducing the Password for Life, and Implementing the Cornerstone of Every Creation 4. The Two-for-One Offer.................................................................................... 47 Uncover Why You Do What You Do, and Connect With Your Most Creative Skill 5. The Purpose of Life.......................................................................................... 61 Everything in Life Serves a Purpose – Learn the Most Important Thing about Yourself 6. It’s All About the Focus................................................................................... 75 Discover What Determines Your Experience of Life and How Your Beliefs and Values Shape the Direction of Your Life 7. Action Speaks Louder than Words................................................................ 91 It’s Not about Talking or Being Busy – This is About Going Directly for What You Want 8.