Rating: 
Summary: Will influence you to take action
Review: This easy-to-read book is definitely a must have. I really enjoyed this book, as it served as a stress reliever for me. After reading each chapter, I would stop and think of how I handled various situations in my every day life. I realized that I was spending time and effort stressing over situations/people that could be viewed in a different manner. Many evenings I found myself not wanting to put this book of truth down. It really helped me to focus on many new concepts and ideas that could very easily be implemented in my life. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
Rating: 
Summary: Don't Sweat the Small Stuff... (Wr. by Richard Carlson)
Review: Dr. Carlson has all the best intentions in this fluff filled little book suggesting to people how to live a stress free, happy life. Unfortunately, Carlson often doubles up on his advice and offers up some really strange strategies that often conflict with his own sage advice.There are 100 little one and two page strategies to improve your life. The title comes from some advice Carlson was once given, that many little things in our lives are blown up into huge things. However, Carlson gives the exact same length to topics like being nice to others as he does to the joys of taking care of a house plant. It often is not enough. In one strategy, he will suggest listening to another's problems and letting them vent, and then suggest not trying to solve everyone's problems. We should spend all of our free time with those we love, but keep time out for yourself. Cut back on your activities and reflect, yet get involved with charity and service and give something back. Carlson will often repeat topics as well, mentioning the same Mother Teresa quote twice. One of his strategies calls on the reader to write heartfelt letters telling others how much you love them. If I received a letter like this from someone I have not had much contact with lately, I would be more worried about whether that person was saying goodbye to this cruel world than anything else. I have seen Carlson on TV talk shows, and he comes off as very knowledgeable and sincere, but after many dozen one and two pages strategies your eyes will finally glaze over as the helpful sap gets a little deep. Don't sweat the small stuff, and this book is just that. I cannot recommend it.
Rating: 
Summary: Like homework, but worth it
Review: Nothing I have ever read has made me feel more inadequate, but this book's seemingly endless list of character traits to practice and develop has given me some great places to improve myself.
Rating:
Summary: Happier People
Review: This cheerful book aims to make us stop and smell--if not roses--whatever is sitting in front of our noses. It offers meditations designed to make us appreciate our lives, keep our emotions in perspective, and cherish other people. I also highly recommend "Open Your Mind, Open Your Life: A Book of Eastern Wisdom" by Taro Gold. If we all followed the guidance in these books, we would be happier, more harmonious people.
Rating:
Summary: Wise and practical.
Review: I liked reading this book about self-growth, mostly because the author
shares the things he's learned along the way with a spirit of friendship.
Carlson's "DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF" is filled with day-to-day wisdom for
people who want to be free of a life that runs from one upset and complaint
to the next. The chapters are short and sweet, limited to one topic. Two
chapters I particularly enjoyed were one on criticism and one called "Will
this matter a year from now?" The chapter on criticism points out how no
good comes from criticizing yourself or others and how painful it feels in
oneself to be critical. The second is a nice way to get a perspective on
things happening in your life, and not getting too serious about them. If you're looking for additional books that impart the essence of really
loving your life, then head straight for "WORKING ON YOURSELF DOESN'T WORK" by Ariel and Shya Kane. I can't think of a better way to start off the New Year!
Rating:
Summary: No work's of Shakespeare but great nevertheless!!
Review: I have recently finished reading this book and agree that it is well worth reading. I was interested to read what other people felt about it so that is why I am visiting this website. I found the comment "you would have to be dumber than a fish" to read this and get something out of it quite unfair! Whoever wrote this review just rubbishes it without bothering to say why he/she feels that way!
While I don't believe in "drinking in" all advice from self-help books I do think this book is a little gem for acting as a reminder to those of us who worry about so many problems that aren't worth worrying about. As a result of reading this book I have managed to get my morning moods under control but not berate myself unduly for slipping back into my old habits from time to time. Maybe I am as dumb as a fish but I don't see the problem in reminding myself that every moment in life is precious and that most of what we worry about is not worth the energy!
Rating:
Summary: A book with a calm, peaceful tone for rushing people
Review: I think people gain most from this book if they read it slowly and gradually absorb its content And most important of all put it into use in their daily life. I think the book is best suited for high acheiving people who're always on a rush. It helps slow you down. But for people who don't live a very fast paced life I don't think this book will help as much. As a Buddhist I see lots of Buddhism concepts here and there in the book. Overall I'd say it's a good book for people who want to better their being.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book!!!
Review: This book is very insightful and I can relate to almost every chapter in it. This book has helped me to realize that I am in control of my life and I can change my ways. This book has helped me to begin my journey to a new happier me.
Rating:
Summary: Handbook For Difficult Times
Review: Like many, I tend to worry about problems at work or develop some anxieties while traveling through life. I just finished "Don't Sweat The Small Stuff" on a trip to Chicago. The following morning was 11 September and I was staring into the horrors in NYC and DC. It is much easier to find the right priorities and perspectives after a tragedy. You feel fortunate to be alive and blessed to have a great family and friends. Unfortunately, life moves on and the twitches and flinches return. I always want the same perspective about luck and love I held this week. "Don't Sweat The Small Stuff" is a good handbook for difficult times. This combination of good logic and common sense is an excellent process to relieve trouble and relive joy. It is easy to read and the layout makes it a decent reference. This week we witnessed the large stuff. Most of it is small stuff from now on.
Rating:
Summary: The Book That Began A New Chapter In My Life
Review: "Don't Sweat The Small Stuff...and it's all small stuff" - by Richard Carlson opened up a whole new world for me thus starting me on the road to a more peaceful life and healthier state of being. I first read this marvelous easy reading novel a couple of years ago and unlike many other's I know of who have also read the book I took my time devouring each chapter, so as to let each word, phrase and message sink in and fully understand its essence and more importantly practice each concept. Unfortunately for the other's who read it much too quickly, as if it were going to self destruct I imagine they didn't grasp the meaning of "Don't Sweat The Small Stuff." In chapter two "Make Peace with Imperfection", which pertains to its title making peace with imperfection I found myself laughing aloud inspite of myself because if "Perfection" were a town I most certainly would me mayor. Have I tried to let go of my need for constant perfection, why yes and although I find myself at times retreating back into my old habits I quickly remind myself there is nothing wrong with the way things are just as they are. Each chapter's 1 through 100 had a message that I could relate to, whether it was the way I was thinking and/or over-thinking to chapter 17, "Surrender to the Fact that Life Isn't Fair." I catch myself many times constantly going over the days events, but the beauty now is that I am equipped with the power and knowledge to catch this destructive thought process before it has time to snowball to the point of anxiety and gently remind myself to just simply let those thoughts, as scary as they may seem - GO! It certainly would be a more harmonious world if life were fair however,it's true it isn't, but that doesn't mean focusing on the negative will get us any further ahead. Life can be whatever we choose it to be, it can be positive for the most part or negative, it is up to you? We are what we think and conversly how we feel. Thanks to this insightful book, which I read twice and occasionly re-read certain chapter's, as refreshers it lead me down a path to self discovery and I had no choice, but to move forward. I went on to read other self help books, joined discussion and self awareness programs and attended seminars. I learned that once one makes the decision to change themselves or areas of themselves, as much as it would be easier and less stressful to stay where you were at, as change can be a stressor, it is impossible; the wheels have been set in motion and it is forward from here on end. Change is an essential part of ones growth and during those down times when I slip back into the old and unhealthy pitfalls of my thinking or acting I am forever greatful I have gained the knowledge to steer myself back onto the right path. If anyone would have ever told me that this book would have such an impact on my life and opened the door to a whole new world for me I would have never believed it. I work very hard every day on self improvement and I still have a ways to go, but at least now I know there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I have highly recommended Richard Carlsons writings to others as the first book they read when wanting to re-shape themselves, as well as noting that it is a book that should be read slowly; like eating a great meal - enjoy it!! There are three great quote's I once read the first is by Charles M. Schultz, and they read as follows, "There's no heavier burden than a great potential." This embodies the meaning of my goal to change and move forward. The second written by Henry Ford, "Whether you think you can or think you can't - you are right." This reminds me of how are thinking affects our well being. The third written by Muhammad Ali, "The man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life." This says it all - without change there will be no growth. The above quotes although not written word for word Richard Carlson touched on in his own unique way and they certainly touched me. "Don't Sweat The Small Stuff...and it's all small stuff" is a learning tool packed full of humor, wisdom and truths a book that should be read by everyone. Thank you Richard Carlson for your gift.
Sincerely,
Leslie C. Phillips-Arbouw
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