Book 9: How to Stop Worrying and Start Living

The most fascinating thing that has happened from all my reading is seeing how the books overlap. One book will say one thing and another will say something entirely different but it will somehow back up what the other book said. I wish I had an example off the top of my head but alas I don't, next time I will try to remember to write them down.

So what did I learn this week?

Worry really is worth it. I've know that my whole life but when you read a book that over and over shows why it isn't worth it, it makes you realize how foolish it is. I enjoy reading Dale Carnegie's books (He is also the author of How to Win Friends and Influence People) because they are so practical. He doesn't only show why worry isn't worth it but he shows how to combat it and what to do. I feel more capable of fighting the worry in my life and cutting it off before it grows roots. If you have every struggled with anxiety or worrying please do yourself a favor and pick this book up. It won't be a waste of your time.

This week I am taking the week off of reading but I shall pick it up on Monday of next week reading Book 10: The Magic of Thinking Big by David J Schwartz. It was recommended to me by a friend!

I can't believe I am going to be reading my tenth book!

Book 8: Authentic Happiness

I have decided that I am going to attempt to just post on Mondays. That way I read Monday to Sunday and post on Monday. I think this idea will work out for me... or it will make me continue to slack off and I will post on Tuesday (like I am today...whoops!).

What did I learn?
The number one thing I am going to take away is to focus on building on my strengths, instead of making my weaknesses less weak. There is much to glean from this book about living a more authentically happy life but for me I know I can make my life more enjoyable by taking my attention off all the things I am not very good at refocusing on what I am good at. I have gifts and talents that are often neglected because I am trying to make myself better in areas where I suck. For instance I am a terrible small talker, I have come to accept I will always be terrible and instead of trying to be an excellent small talker I am going to be an awesome authentic genuine conversationalist because really that is what I am good at.

Side not if you want to take a test on your strengths (or other random tests to learn about yourself) head on over to www.authentichappiness.org and take the strengths test.

Book 9: How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie
-I will be taking next week off (I have learned I am not productive during holidays)

Book 7: Beyond Revenge - The Evolution of the Forgiveness Instinct

First things first, Thanksgiving messed up my routine. I decided half way through the week to take it off and spend my time with family instead of reading. It was a decision I am glad I made.

So I finished the book this past week. What did I learn?

Revenge or vengeance has caused majority of the chaos in this world. In the present time we rarely use the word revenge unless it is in the context of superhero or comic book, but whether we use the word or not, it is all around us. For Americans like me, think about how we were sold war after 9/11. It was sold on the premise that we were wronged and we must punish (revenge) those who have wronged us (I realize it is much more complex than that but you get my point).

With that said, I think the realization of how revenge can often drive humanity to violence is something that we all need to take to heart. Because when we can identify that revenge is what is causing the problem we can take control and replace the revenge with forgiveness.

I enjoyed this book but it is definitely a heady book, basically a compilation of a bunch of research on revenge and forgiveness. It is not an easy read but it is fascinating.

Book 8: Authentic Happiness - Using the New Positive Psychology to Realize Your Potential for Lasting Fulfillment by Martin E. P. Seligman