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The Present: The Gift that Makes You Happy and Successful at Work and in Life Audiobook, by Spencer Johnson Play Audiobook Sample

The Present: The Gift that Makes You Happy and Successful at Work and in Life Audiobook

The Present: The Gift that Makes You Happy and Successful at Work and in Life Audiobook, by Spencer Johnson Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Dennis Boutsikaris Publisher: Random House Audio Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 0.83 hours at 1.5x Speed 0.63 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: September 2003 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9780739310571

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

7

Longest Chapter Length:

14:43 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

08:30 minutes

Average Chapter Length:

10:47 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

7

Other Audiobooks Written by Spencer Johnson: > View All...

Publisher Description

A Timely Gift From the Author of Who Moved My Cheese?

Spencer Johnson, M.D.

Dr. Spencer Johnson’s stories of timeless, simple truths have changed the work and lives of millions of readers around the world. Now comes an insightful new tale of inspiration and practical guidance for these turbulent times.

The Present

The Present is the best gift you can receive because it makes you happy and successful!

Whether it means …

• Having peace of mind and feeling more alive; or

• Being more productive and more prosperous; or

• Finding whatever is important to you and to those you work and live with.

The Present

The Gift that Makes You Happy and Successful at Work and in Life

For over two decades, Spencer Johnson has been inspiring and entertaining millions with his simple yet insightful stories of work and life that speak directly to the heart and soul.

The Present is an engaging story of a young man’s journey to adulthood, and his search for The Present, a mysterious and elusive gift he first hears about from a great old man. This Present, according to the old man, is “the best present a person can receive.”

Later, when the young boy becomes a young man, disillusioned with his work and his life, he returns to ask the old man, once again, to help him find The Present. The old man responds, “Only you have the power to find The Present for yourself.” So the young man embarks on a tireless search for this magical gift that holds the secret to his personal happiness and business success. It is only after the young man has searched high and low and given up his relentless pursuit that he relaxes and discovers The Present—and all of the promises it offers.

The Present will help you focus on what will make you happy and successful in your work and in your personal life. Like the young man, you may find that it is the best gift you can ever give yourself.

Download and start listening now!

"Self help, executive coaching, life management. Takeaways: (a) Live in the present - When you want to be happy and successful. Focus on what is right now. Use your purpose to respond to what is important now; (b) Learn from the past - When you want to make the present better than the past. Look at what happened in the past. Learn something valuable from it. Do things differently in the present; (c) Plan for the future - When you want to make the future better than the present. See what a wonderful future would look like. Make plans to help it happen. Put your plan into action in the present."

— Greg (4 out of 5 stars)

Quotes

  • Many of the people I have observed could have been even happier and more successful, in their careers and their lives, had they been given the gift of The Present.”

  • Norman Augustine, Fmr. Chairman and CEO, Lockheed Martin Corp., Fmr. Chairman, American Red Cross, Fmr. Lecturer, Princeton University

The Present Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 3.888888888888889 out of 53.888888888888889 out of 53.888888888888889 out of 53.888888888888889 out of 53.888888888888889 out of 5 (3.89)
5 Stars: 13
4 Stars: 10
3 Stars: 10
2 Stars: 2
1 Stars: 1
Narration: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 (5.00)
5 Stars: 2
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 (5.00)
5 Stars: 2
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " It explains why purpose and staying in the moment are so important. I like Spencer Johnson’s books find them real treasures. "

    — Halit Sert, 3/23/2024
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — 11/16/2020
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " The most wonderful present at all. "

    — Mona, 2/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Nice simple lessons. Author of Who Moved my Cheese. "

    — Victor, 2/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " A quick reminder to live in the now and not when something finally happens that will make you happy. "

    — Nickie, 2/5/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I LOVED the calligraphy--so pretty! I read this to my Mom as she was making soup this morning and I was drinking coffee in my fleece pajamas. It reminds me that I need not ruminate about the past or worry about the future; I can learn from the past and plan for the future but to be happy I can experience the present moment. "

    — Christine, 2/2/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Spencer Johnson's approach to self motivation and personal change is always so simple. You can't help but smack your forehead and let out an audible, "Duh!!" when you read his books. Simple doesn't take away from the overall message. I have gifted this book on more than one occasion. Be cognizant of where your stepping today. "

    — Mark, 1/29/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " EVERYONE needs to read this at least once a year!! It takes about 10-20 minutes to read and is the ultimate, simple truth about appreciating what we have and not dwelling on what we want. Living in the present is a simple, understandable concept but, let's face it, how many of us actually do it???? This may be a little sentimental and cheesy, as one reviewer put it, but a little cheese is necessary sometimes to offset the whine of regret and desire. Read it to your children too...they get it!! "

    — Natalie, 1/24/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This should be read about once a month! "

    — Mary, 1/14/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " A terse introduction to mindfulness for the uninitiated. "

    — Anthony, 1/1/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Great Book! One of my favorites.... "

    — Hope, 12/31/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This book has a simple but special message. I really liked it so much. I recommend it. "

    — Fernandon, 11/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " What a load of cheesy drivel. "Be happy, and you'll be happier in life." "Work hard and work smart, and you'll be better at work." This book was a waste of half an hour. I'm glad I borrowed it from the library instead of shelling out $14 for it. "

    — Brian, 11/3/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " A wonderful parable about priorities in life. I have given this as a gift and shared this as a Children's story in Church various times. The gift of the present. Amazing! "

    — Robin, 10/25/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " A quick and empowering read! "

    — Cara, 10/7/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " i love the person who gave me this book "

    — Daisy, 7/28/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " The Precious Present is a great book for introspection. Short, the most words per page was probably twenty. So if you want to be inspired and you only have one minute to spare this is your book. "

    — Bryan, 7/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This book was interesting and contained some worthy ideas. "

    — Ernest, 11/21/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " short and nice story..... one read.... and still remember the line that one day i might find the present..... "

    — Shakti, 8/3/2012
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This book is about the supposed "best present" that you will get in your entire life. I've never really liked books of this genre, and this one wasn't that different. "

    — Garma, 7/19/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This book prompted me to look at the way I live...especially my balance between work, family, and my creative endeavors. I would recommend this to anyone who wonders if they have a balanced and ultimately happy life. "

    — Steven, 5/8/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Very inspirational. Makes you want to get up and help everyone. "

    — Sheri, 3/10/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I love all of Spencer Johnsons books and this one is no exception. "

    — Tina, 2/18/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Everyone should read this book. "

    — Margaret, 10/8/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " It's a book that takes 5 minutes to read but will leave the reader thinking about its valuable message for a long time. "

    — Angela, 10/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Another self-help book on establishing leadership skills that my boss assigned to me. Quick read. "

    — Mary, 9/25/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I had to read this for work. It definitely has a great message and I for one need to live in the present more often. Its kind of cheesy but a really quick read. "

    — Angela, 6/18/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Quick read with a good message that remind us to learn from the past, live the present and build for the future. "

    — Juankc, 5/9/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " It's a nice easy read that helps one get over rejections and seemingly bad times "

    — Hashim, 4/2/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This book prompted me to look at the way I live...especially my balance between work, family, and my creative endeavors. I would recommend this to anyone who wonders if they have a balanced and ultimately happy life. "

    — Steven, 3/30/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Very nice writing, simple examples, straight forward facts & best of all intense attraction. "

    — Ahmad, 3/12/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " a nice story telling us to appreciate the present and showing us the benefits and what we can achive. <br/>Good Book. "

    — Anithaaarumugam, 2/12/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " It was a cute story. I can see some usefulness in the book. "

    — Cheryl, 2/7/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " One of my favorite books of all time. I read this first a little kid and when I came back to it I saw it with new eyes. Wonderful and enlightening. "

    — Askaniblue, 1/11/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " A great litte book to remind one to focus on the present while learning from the past and preparing for the future. This is the same author who wrote Who Moved My Cheese. Both good books and both worthwhile reads as reminders on how to live life. "

    — Alison, 12/14/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This should be read about once a month! "

    — Mary, 12/10/2010

About Spencer Johnson

Spencer Johnson, MD, is one of the world’s most respected thinkers and beloved authors. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Southern California, an MD from the Royal College of Surgeons, and medical clerkships at the Mayo Clinic and Harvard Medical School. He is a co-author of the New York Times bestseller The One Minute Manager, and more than forty-six million copies of his books are in print worldwide in more than forty-seven languages.

About Dennis Boutsikaris

Dennis Boutsikaris is a two-time OBIE award winner. He has received five Audie Awards and seven Golden Earphone Awards for his work in over 100 audiobooks and was voted one of the Best Voices of the Year by AudioFile magazine. He has appeared in numerous Broadway, television, and film roles. He played Mozart on Broadway in Amadeus and has appeared on television shows including Shameless, The Good Wife, House M.D., Grey’s Anatomy, ER, and Law & Order.