Review: Positive thinking for people who shun hippies, gurus and mumbo-jumbo
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 16, 2013
Rounding up the wisdom of philosophers, psychologists, students of human nature, and even theoretical physicists, this book offers a brief introduction to the value of being able to change your own perceptions of the world around you. While I am not the typical target for a self-help book, I found this book to be an interesting and valuable take on the concept that perception is reality.One of the most important points that the author makes is that no matter what happens in life, you always have the power to choose how you feel about a given situation. It is not words that hurt us, but the way we feel about them - and CHOOSE to feel about them - that gives them that power. Additionally, we have the ability to choose between being right and being happy. Put together, these two premises allow human beings to achieve great things, if only we'll get out of our own way!I was surprised to learn that most people, including those who are considered successful in life, engage in such a huge amount of negative self-talk on a daily basis. But when you stop to consider it, this makes sense. We are, indeed, bombarded with negative messages from friends, family, coworkers, and society at large. No wonder we are stuck in these negative cycles! But all is not lost, as we can interrupt this feedback and reinterpret it positively. Not to get too hippie-dippy, but that sounds like a great idea. Who wants to deal with a world of cynics when they could instead opt for a world of peace and love?The best thing about this book is that it's not just a bunch of theories or self-help guru-style mumbo-jumbo. Instead, it offers realistic ways to explore day-to-day situations in which you might find yourself feeling stuck, frustrated or even hopeless. It offers specific exercises and ideas to try, in order to turn those situations around so that you can move forward and succeed in your goals.Theories are fun, but putting ideas into practice is even better. Schäfer has succeeded in creating a practical self-help book that everyone in need of a positive boost can use.