'Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway started my journey in self-development': Rob Donker

The co-founder of Fitness In DXB talks about his favourite books

What books are you reading?
Currently, I'm reading Be More Pirate by Sam Conniff Allende. It discusses the golden age of piracy in the 1700s and how pirates weren't the bloodthirsty crusaders we all perceived them to be. In fact, they had a lot of ideas and policies that were ahead of their time. This book talks about going against the grain of a typical business setup in a way that benefits the company.
What are the books that changed your life?
The book that started my journey in self-development, self-employment and entrepreneurship is Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers. One of my favourite analogies from this book is that there is no necessary right or wrong decision only decision A or decision B, which leads to destination C. People are always worried they are making the wrong decision, when, in fact, by not making a decision, they are suffering even further.
Most memorable literary character (and why)?
One of my favourite characters is Aslan from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. He is a powerful lion, with a killer instinct. However, he is also wise and willing to serve others to the point of self-sacrifice.
A book you think is underrated?
Eckhart Tolle's The Power of Now. The reason it is underrated is due to the fact that people think it's an airy fairy spiritual book. However, most of it is about simple methods to go through day-to-day life without suffering and pain. He is not saying that there is no suffering or pain, what he is saying is that you would be able to deal with the reality of life and live in a state of joy (a basic state of happiness) rather than the constant search for pleasure (instant gratification).
- Staff reporter