Rating: 
Summary: Interesting book that changes life
Review: I was rushing out of one of Dubai Malls when I saw this book for sale.I got it, read it during my flight back home and couldn`t stay till I read the last page. It is one of the good book that has excellent content,well written ,focused on self matters and how to change ones life into a better understanding of the inside . If you think you know every thing about your life ,then go and buy this book to discover the reality and if you don`t know about your inner self ,then this is the right book for you. In either cases buy it and you are a winner. I strongly recommend it.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I spent a lot of time on the first half of the book only to discover that when you get to Chapter 7, Locus of Control, there is no information on how to score the tests in appendix A and B and yet the chapter is all about how your score affects you. I am very disappointed and have emailed Dr. Phil in hopes that he will at least put the test scoring information on his website. Meanwhile I've spent a lot of time on the previous chapters and now feel like I wasted my time and my money. I must say, I feel quite disappointed.
Rating: 
Summary: Old Truths, Great Ideas
Review: I'm not a Dr. Phil fan by default... but in his book, "Self Matters: Creating Your Life from the Inside Out" he makes some great points. The short of the book: do a reality check on your life, and make necessary changes even when they hurt. * Who are you deep down? * What kind of life does that deep down person live? * What separates your current life from the way it should be? * And finally, what are you going to do about it? The answers to these questions are relatively easy. The might require some humbling realizations, but, with solid introspection, should set you on the right path. However, don't let this be the last stop. Making strides toward becoming who should be is no easy effort, and successes may only appear in small, occasional ways. Give it a few years, then look back. You'll see what Dr. Phil told you was on target. I fully recommend "Self Matters: Creating Your Life from the Inside Out" by Dr. Philip McGraw. Anthony Trendl
Rating: 
Summary: Self Matters
Review: The author is entertaining as a guest on Oprah. He often is insightful on TV.
This is not the case in this book. The author requires five pages to convey a thought which should be clearly stated in a single paragraph. Ever read a book you thought was more intended to make a buck for the author than what was stated in the title and promos ? ...
Three cheers to anyone who gets much out of this book.
Rating:
Summary: Life-Enhancing if you actually READ the book
Review: I found this book life-enhancing and came to the site expecting that other people would have intelligent responses. Instead I found reviews from people who said they hadn't even read the book or didn't like the audio tape, or decided it was only for "whiny women" because it didn't tell you how to make your family into a team! I've never seen Dr. McGraw on TV, but find his directness in the book refreshing. If you take the trouble to do each exercise and then remember to implement what you want to replace your negative scripts with, it can change your life.
Rating: 
Summary: Without buying it, still the chance to get to know yourself.
Review: I gave it 3 stars, because to be honest I haven't read it, but I do know his style is (if you like/ can handle it) very mind opening (if that's how I can put it?), because I got his first book and that there is an online version/ workbook on Oprah's [website]... of Self Matters. So spend your money on something else and still get to know your authentic self, I know I will! (BTW sorry but my native language isn't English)
Rating:
Summary: I don't see the light bulb
Review: I can summarize this book in two words: Be yourself. I listened to the CD version and he droned on and on about being your authentic self. At the same time, as he drones on about his own life, I don't see many of the points he is trying to make. He doesn't seem to have experienced anything that traumatic in his world. It seems like he experienced a mid life crises one day and figured he would write a book and make some dough. This book is interesting and helpful to a person who just wants some minor reinforcement but don't expect major revelations. It is not going to help someone in a real crisis, except maybe middle age ! He suggests some interesting exercises and makes some bold statements that 5 people made you who you are, and that 7 experiences made you who you are, etc... I disagree with that and would hope that many more people have influenced me than just 5 and I have had more than 7 life altering experiences. Not the worst book of the self help genre but well below my expectations.
Rating:
Summary: As a physician
Review: As a physician who has treated anxiety, depression and taught life skills the past 15 years ,I love Dr. Phil's antics on "Oprah" [ I "Tivo" him every Tuesday].However, his dynamic rhetoric and catchy phrases donot transfer very well to the written page. Also, I've tried, and even though the information is complete and accurate , it's tough to take some of his methods the way he presents them and apply it throughout your day. There are exceptions however, i.e. his Triple "A" [authentic accurate alternative] response to internal negative dialogue. There are better, more practical, presentations of this material, which is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Try the following three authors which I have my patients read, preferably all three.#1 Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by E. Bourne Phd. A great comprehensive approach to realization and coping in all aspects of life. #2 Anxiety, Phobias And Panic by R. Peurifoy M.A. Another comprehensive author of cognitve behavioral therapy. And, as with Bourne, you can read this and use it right away throughout your day. Chapter 5 on Distorted Thinking is a gem. #3 To be read last and after the above info. is internalized and applied-- Full Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat-Zinn Phd. I tell my patients to get out the yellow highliter and go at these three like textbooks in school. By the way, don't let the titles fool you.....these are "lifeskill" teaching books. Learn the info., memorize it, and apply to your life DAILY. Just "reading" is only the beginning, it then must be internalized and assimilated into your life to work. This can take between 6 to 12 months, so be patient, but persistent. The great thing is after you learn these new lifeskills, you get to practice them everyday and they eventually become permanent. I'm still a fan of Dr. Phil's and will continue to buy and read his material. He certainly has made our country realize how unprepared we are at handling our daily stressors and we need to be very active in learning new methods of coping.
Rating:
Summary: Looking in the mirror...
Review: I was almost scared to read this book, but coming up on my 40th birthday I decided I wanted to live a more authentic life. The way the book is written is like Dr. Phil is sitting in front of you and talking to you. For those of you that know him, he is very direct and doesn't let you get away with anything. I went through the exercises and found myself fairly drained...which I guess comes from digging deep into what has gone on in your life and what makes you who you are. Nothing "earth-shattering" in my life, but I felt I needed to make some changes. It gives encouragement, but take responsibility for yourself (which I have always believed in)...and for goodness sake GIVE UP those toxic people in your life. The basis of the book is to give up those toxic dead end friendships (or whatever is toxic) and move on and create a healthy, honest, happy life for yourself. It's not the cure all...but it sure makes you think, and dig deep.
I found it to be an excellent book.
Rating:
Summary: It Will Change Your Life!
Review: This book helped me find myself and who I really am. I have been isecure all my life and unable to find out how to change or what to do about it. Dr. Phil helped me find why I make the choices I do and how to change them. He was right when he said he helps you get all the hidden monsters out. Sometimes honesty hurts and that is why some people don't like his book. They give up before they even give it a chance to work in their lives. I have to admit doing the exercises in this book were some of the hardest things I've ever had to do in my life but they have become the best things I've ever have done in my life. I feel like I'm free from all the hurt I've been carrying around for years. He made me face my past and help me change my future. I feel like a new person.
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