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Why go through all the trouble of working hard and being successful if it won't make you a happier person? That is the question noted author and leadership expert David Fischman asks of readers in his new book "The Secret of the Seven Seeds" (Jossey-Bass
$22.95).

First published in Latin America
this engaging book tells of the successful entrepreneur and writer's personal struggle for happiness in his out-of-control life.

In it
Fischman reveals his personal story through the fictional character Ignacio Rodriguez
who
like many businesspeople from New York to New Delhi
is desperately trying to keep up with the speed of life.

The 40-something stressed-out entrepreneur is utterly overwhelmed
at risk for a heart attack
losing money at his business and has no time or energy for his family. His doctor recommends that he try meditation to regain balance in his demanding life.

A Spiritual Guide

Instead
Ignacio's journey leads him to a spiritual guide
who helps him heal by finding his path in the secret of the seven seeds
which represent self-knowledge
meditation
egolessness
service to others
goodness
balance and freedom.

"'The Secret of the Seven Seeds' begs the question: Why go through all the trouble of working hard and being successful if it won't make you a happier person?" said Fischman about writing a book mostly based on his life. "The old clich้ says that money can't buy you love
but research is proving that it can't buy you happiness either." Being happy
he asserts
should be one of our primary goals in life and this book will take readers on a path to get there through seven simple steps. True happiness comes from learning to be
getting in contact with your inner self
helping others and living a balanced life. Ignacio was caught in the classic ego trap
but gradually becomes liberated and ultimately sated.

How To Define Happiness

The book redefines success
proposing that it is measured in happiness and not in assets. "I am certain
he states,
that when a person takes their last breath he/she will never repent how many cars they did not buy. They probably will regret not having been close enough to their family or not having helped other people."

But far from suggesting quick-fix prescriptions
this book
based on ancient Oriental wisdom and written as an easy-to-read novel
uses ancestral stories
anecdotes
analogies and humor. It is now available in bookstores.