Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...and It's All Small Stuff: Simple Ways to Keep the Little Things from Taking over Your Life

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Summary: How to cope with the fiendish pace of the Information Age
Review: A highly-readable little paperback with a different perspective of the generations; your own, those before you, and those soon to follow. The book is enjoying a good run as a best-seller, living proof many among us must be anxiety-ridden and looking for answers.

Say to yourself: "Life isn't an emergency" advises Dr. Carlson, and admits this is his essential strategy on how to keep little things from taking over your life. Then, along with this, he confronts the reader with the realization (often unrecognized) that life is made up of "little things."

Each of the hundred short chapters contains ideas and true-life examples of how to work around the little things so life will be more livable and enjoyable minute-by-minute, hour-by-hour. It would seem that adopting even one of these sometimes profound, sometimes simplistic concepts of living, you can relieve stress in your life; more importantly, life will be a lot more fun.

Examples: Live in the present. When you look around, it's easy to see no one has a guarantee he or she will be here tomorrow; right now is the only time we have control over. When we focus on the present moment, fear of what might happen in the future (and most of these fearful events never happen) goes away so we are more relaxed.

Become more patient. Don't interrupt others or finish their sentences (a sign of impatience that says, "I'm waiting for you to finish so I can talk"). The more patient you are, the more you will accept how it really is, rather than insisting that life should be as you would like it to be. Patience adds ease and acceptance of life so essential for inner peace. Allowing the other person to finish speaking is a mark of patience which improves relationships. Those you are talking with feel more relaxed because they feel you are listening to what they have to say. Result; you enjoy conversations more and are more relaxed rather than rushing through them.

"One thing at a time." Admonishes Carlson. When you do too many things at once, it's impossible to concentrate on the present moment. Result: You cannot fully enjoy the moment because you are less effective and focused.

Here are some chapter titles that illustrate the broad range of anti-anxiety subject matter covered in the book: "Surrender to the Fact that Life Isn't Fair; "Allow Yourself to be Bored; "Seek First to Understand; "Become Aware of Your Moods and Don't Allow Yourself to be Fooled by the Low Ones; "Practice Random Acts of Kindness; "Choose Being Kind Over Being Right; "Every Day, Tell at Least One Person Something You Like, Admire or Appreciate About Them; "Resist The Urge to Criticize; "Write Down Your Five Most Stubborn Positions and See if You Can Soften Them; "Become a Less Aggressive Driver; "Think of What You Have Instead of What You Want; "Think of Your Problems as Potential Teachers; "Get Comfortable Not Knowing; "Remember, One Hundred Years from Now, All New People; "Mind Your Own Business; "Live This Day as if it Were Your Last. It Might Be!"

"Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" is a sprightly blend of old ideas and new ideas on how to how to cope with the fiendish pace of the Information Age. You won't recognize most of the old ideas though, because Author Carlson has dressed them up to fit today. In a gentle way, there's something rewarding here for almost everybody.

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Summary: A well thought, beautifully written book
Review: Don't sweat the small stuff ... and it's all small stuff - I may not agree with the latter part "it's all small stuff", but the book sure shows how we tend to get disturbed over small, relatively insignificant, things in our lives when there are so many other things to think about and so much else to enjoy. With well thought out examples and insights the author drives this message home. Dr. Carlson takes anecdotes from his own life and shows how, with a slight change in the way we think, we can save ourselves and others who interact with us from so much agitation and pain. The chapters are short and easy to read. With practical advice supported by strong reasons and anecdotes every chapter breathes the idea --- don't sweat the small stuff! Chapters have themes like practice random acts of kindness, if you are not sure whose turn it is to throw the garbage out --- go ahead and throw it!, get up early and spend time with yourself, don't try to complete people's sentences --- it will save you a lot of energy and agitation, don't think calm composed people are not super acheivers and so on. Some of them may sound pretty commonplace, but the author shows us why they are important, how we neglect them, and the price we pay for neglecting them --- there lies the worth of this book. Some of the themes are too specific and may not apply to you --- but no doubt you will still gain from the spirit of it. A few issues are oversimplified and may not be true in real life. Nevertheless, read it, I am sure it will be worth your time and money!

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Summary: Helps One Gain Perspective
Review: Even the title of this book hints at gaining a broader perspective when life's frustrations occur. A famous quote from William James firmly establishes the book's theme: "The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitude" (p. 1). Carlson builds on James' observation by telling us that fear, worry, and doubt eat up a tremendous amount of energy, thus robbing us of creativity and productivity. Getting outside one's self is the route to gaining a fresh perspective. We're reminded that by doing good to others, we feel better about ourselves. Another hint is in living in the present, for fear resides in the future. He includes a section on the Christian virtue of patience. Carlson argues that a clear mind reduces stress and allows for more fun. He tells readers to see difficult situations as challenges in life and goes on to encourage the random acts of kindness we hear about. A lot of his teaching is based on what the Bible teaches, however he doesn't present it in a Christian framework. Since it is largely solid advice, it is to be heeded and as it is, one's quality of life is improved.

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Summary: How to Survive the Bay Area
Review: I found this book a quick read. It's not a particularly deep book but it does have some practical advice for keeping things in perspective (a very good thing when one is unemployed and trying to provide for one's family). The bit that fascinated me the most is that the author is from the Bay Area so some of his specific examples hit very close to home.

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Summary: KEEP THIS BOOK ON YOU!
Review: I love this book because it is so small that I can carry it with me in my purse. I like to get it out on a break at work and read a chapter on what I feel I need help with; it always picks me up and encourages me. What simple and brief yet wonderful advice! As I read I highlight the areas most applicable to me so that next time I read it I can read exactly what I most need to hear. Most chapters have a space that I use for notes and comments. Keep in mind that this is not a quick read. To make real changes in your life, I recommend this book should be read slowly, one to three chapters a day. When I first began, I tried to read straight through but it just goes in one ear and out the other. You have to read a chapter, stop, and think about it to best apply it to your life and make it work for you.

One of my favorite chapters is chapter six: REMIND YOURSELF THAT WHEN YOU DIE, YOUR "IN BASKET" WON'T BE EMPTY. I think the whole world should read this chapter! Here is an sample:

"SO MANY OF US LIVE OUR LIVES AS IF THE SECRET PURPOSE IS TO SOMEHOW GET EVERYTHING DONE....OFTEN WE CONVINCE OURSELVES THAT OUR OBSESSION WITH OUR "TO DO" LIST IS ONLY TEMPORARY--THAT ONCE WE GET THROUGHT THE LIST, WE'LL BE CALM, RELAXED AND HAPPY. BUT IN REALITY, THIS RARELY HAPPENS. AS ITEMS ARE CHECKED OFF, NEW ONES SIMPLY REPLACE THEM. THE NATURE OF YOUR "IN BASKET" IS THAT IT'S MEANT TO HAVE ITEMS TO BE COMPLETED IN IT--IT'S NOT MEANT TO BE EMPTY....REMEMBER THAT NOTHING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOUR OWN SENSE OF HAPPINESS AND INNER PEACE AND THAT OF YOUR LOVED ONES. IF YOU ARE OBSESSED WITH GETTING EVERYTHING DONE, YOU'LL NEVER HAVE A SENSE OF WELL-BEING! IN REALITY, ALMOST EVERYTHING CAN WAIT...THE PURPOSE OF LIFE ISN'T TO GET IT ALL DONE BUT TO ENJOY EACH STEP ALONG THE WAY AND LIVE A LIFE FILLED WITH LOVE."

The book is organized, in my opinion, to be read in any order you want. Some chapters may be useful to you and some may not now but perhaps later on in your life. I find it very motivational. I think you will enjoy it also.

DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF...AND IT'S ALL SMALL STUFF--WORDS TO LIVE BY!

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Summary: There's something to be said for clarity.
Review: I remember walking into the store about a year ago, picking this book up and flipping through it... I was hooked, I bought it and went to the nearest restraunt (a Denny's if I recall) and read the enitre thing cover to cover! I loved it so much, I had to get one for my parents for I thought it that helpful. Richard is so totally right in this book. Why cry over spilt milk, it's just milk?

As you read through Richard relates personal experiences and ancient words of wisdom to help illustrate his point. This book does work, it's hard, but if you can do your damnest to do everything in here listed, trust me, you'll find a lot less stress in life, and find it easier to live. Things as simple as making personal time, something we all know we should do, but don't, he illustrates how to, even in the his busy world.

I think this book is a godsend in an age where people are burning out faster and becoming so overloaded with information people are actually dealing with infophobia. This is the ultimate stress reducer. With each point not taking up more then two pages in this almost cd sized book, it's easy to read and digest, very fun and very accurate.

Want less stress in your life? make this your new motto: "Don't sweat the small stuff, and it's all small stuff."

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Summary: A little gem of wisdom
Review: I'm the kind of person that has a hard time living in the moment, always planning and worrying about what I have to do next. I really liked the laid-back, relaxed writing of this author and the profound and simple truths we all seem to miss from day to day. "Stop and smell the roses" is what this book is really trying to say. I like a book I can pick up and read a few pages and feel refreshed. I work at a public library and have recommended this volume to many patrons. We have a reserve list a mile long, and can't keep any copies on the shelf. My favorite chapter was "Pretend you are at your own funeral." That really said a lot to me and I'm really trying to apply some of the simple truths of this great little book to my daily life. Bravo!!!!

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Summary: Paging Dr. Carlson... "Thank you!"
Review: In "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...and it's all small stuff!", Dr. Richard Carlson continues to share his infamous wisdom. I know what you're thinking, this book can't apply to you because you or your work are detail oriented by nature. This book, actually, has nothing to do with overlooking details, it merely shows you how to avoid letting little things from taking over your life and putting things in the right perspective. In fact one of the greatest things I read in the book was a little chapter called "Remind Yourself That When You Die, Your In-basket Won't be Empty". Some other thought provoking chapters are entitled "Ask Yourself the Question: Will This Matter a Year from Now?", "Search for the Grain of Truth in Others Opinions", "See the Glass as Already Broken", "When in Doubt About Who's Turn it is To Take Out the Trash, Go Ahead and Take it Out". These and most of the 100 mini-chapters in this book are really quite refreshing in their viewpoint, and quite easy to apply in your own life. As an example, I have learned not to let bad driver's upset me anymore, I simply expect everyone on the road to have a license issued from a "cracker jack box"... so when a near miss happens, I am no longer surprised or upset! This is just one simple way to apply the techniques in "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff". This is a book that the whole office should read, as it's benefits are real and tangible. Dr. Carlson has done it again... well maybe that's why it's still a best-seller.

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Summary: Filled with helpful advice!
Review: This is a fantastic book that is filled with advice on how to live a more rewarding and fulfilling life. While little of the advice is new, it is extremely helpful and serves as a reminder to not let little annoyances and inconveniences get in the way of life. Richard Carlson does an excellent job of presenting the material in a way that's fun and informative at the same time. This book is packed full of strategies that any and everyone can use anytime, anywhere. Some of the strategies included are setting aside quiet time each day, learning to look at problems as potential teachers, ignoring negative thoughts and many more useful tips! This book can be read cover to cover or used as a reference manual when life becomes too overwhelming. By reading these effective strategies, one can almost feel their blood pressure dropping. Highly recommended!