Change the Way You See Everything Through Asset-Based Thinking

I have been a fan of asset-based thinking (ABT) since learning about the concept in Kathy and Hank's first book, "Change the Way You See Everything." What I love about ABT is that it provides a language for those of us who focus on what we have/strengths versus dwelling on what you lack (deficits). All too often if you look at the positive side of things, you become labeled a bright-eyed optimist, or a Pollyanna. Asset-based thinking is much more than a 'the glass is half-full.' This second book in the series, "Change the Way You See Yourself" maps out the tools step-by-step to help the reader discover their strengths, source of power, ways to influence and more. It's perfect for those trying to figure out what they want/should do with their life... It's just as good for the seasoned leader hoping to refine their focus. What's also great is asset-based thinking is a strong foundation for other self-help methods... It doesn't conflict, but serves as a base... a foundation. I highly recommend "Change the Way You See Yourself," as well as their first title "Change the Way You See Everything." (You don't need the first to understand the second... but they *do* support each other).

I was thrilled to see a second book from these authors..what I am appreciating most about Change the Way You See Yourself is the awareness it is bringing into my life. There are many simple exercises, and lots of great stories to draw attention to how my own thoughts ultimately manifest my personal happiness. I bought it for my best friend for her birthday, and she's already called me raving about it!

Change the Way You See Yourself is a nicely written and packaged book about the power of positive thinking. The book begins: "Asset-based thinking is a way of viewing reality. Asset-Based Thinkers embrace the positive side of life and free themselves of the deficit-based negative side (DBT.) ABT reveals how even the slightest shifts in your thinking can lead to seismic differences." I liked how, in "Call yourself to action," the reader is encouraged to be proactive, not reactive. Being proactive means gaining control of our lives. There are lots of photographs and white space in this attractive book. Some pages have only a couple of sentences with photographs to slow down reading and make us ponder the phrases. For example, on the left side of one page is the following: "Showing up is a straight forward act, but it's how you show up that makes the difference...And that is not as simple as it sounds. Showing up emphatically can feel awkward at first... On the right side of the page is a half inch strip of a photograph that runs across the page. The photograph depicts a red curtain with a face popping out. The rest of the page, along with the preceding page, is white. This book is inspiring and uplifting. By the author of the award winning book, Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify and Energize Your Life, Your Home and Your Planet.

No New Year's resolutions for me. Every spring I like to take stock and re-focus my attitude. Lucky me. I found "Change the Way..." extremely positive and upbeat while packed with serious thoughstarters and guidelines. I had fun reading it. I never felt beaten down with heavy self-help negativity but rather uplifted by the light style and photographs. "Change the Way..." actually practices as it preaches! I'll go back to this book again and again to reflect, refocus and re-enter my life. I highly recommend it.

Although it takes a simplistic perspective, the ideas are very powerful and can be applied instantly to produce dramatic results in daily living. I have hundreds of books on management, motivation, self-development and business. One of the things I really liked about this book is it's wholistic approach to life and living. It gives you the mentality that any problem can be looked at in a better light and as a result will produce favorable outcomes. One of the ideas it poses is about approaching problems. Instead of asking yourself Why do I have to deal with this now? You should ask, "How can this be the best problem I've had?" If you honestly use and think about the ideas, they can give you more power and a positive attitude to tackle just about anything you're dealing with in life.