Don't Sweat the Small Stuff at Work

Let me first express that I typically have great condescension for most "self-help"-type books. Most of them seem very intent on getting one to do yoga or meditation or breathing exercises....activities I'm just not naturally inclined to do. This book, in contrast, suggests improved perspectives and outlooks. So, it is "intellectual" in that way, rather than the typical "touchy-feely." It provides gentle, insightful wisdom into modifying the only things you can control: your own outlook, your own behavior. Quite frankly, I'm very impressed by this Richard Carlson. This book was exactly what I needed to help me through a very negative phase of my career as a government lawyer, with bizarre stressors coming from every direction, including judges, opposing attorneys, and peers. I can't say this book made me glad that I became a lawyer, but it helped quell the storm. This book is written so that virtually anyone can understand it, and yet it contains brilliant insights and what I would have to almost call "ultimate truths." Some of them are so obvious that it's disconcerting I couldn't identify them by myself; others are more transcendental, and Carlson very sagely unveils the phenomenon and associated principles.I think anyone in a stressful work environment would benefit from reading this book. I read it very closely and highlighted about half the book. I know it will take some time for me to assimilate all of the suggestions, but this book planted the seeds and should surely help me cope better in the future with work-related difficulties.You should be forewarned: you'll probably realize a lot of your stress is self-induced. I found myself cringing with the sudden realization of several self-destructive behaviors which I've had through the years. I think you need to be particularly open to effectuating personal change and breaking out of bad habits. For example, I never previously thought of myself as a "back-stabber"; instead I thought of myself as a rhetorically amusing and insightful critic and identifier of "office realities." Carlson really sensitized me as to the need to be circumspect about any kind of negative commentary about others, bearing in mind that whatever one says about someone or something is inevitably going to be spun by office gossips into the most negative light conceivable. That results in tension and resentment and stress. I now try to reserve my commentary (usually humorous anecdotes) about co-workers, etc. to acquaintances far outside my office. He also really brought home to me the principle of the destructive effect of complaining and griping about one's job; all that is accomplished is that one's negative view is reinforced, emphasized, perhaps even exaggerated by those other parts of your mind that hear you complaining. It becomes a vicious, snow-balling cycle of discontent. I suspect a lot of people intuitively think of it as "ventilating" one's frustrations and bei

I've read this and another 2 books written by Richard Carlson (with his wife as a contributor), and I felt like I was listening to a good friend. We all need healthier habits to survive in such a fast paced world. Richard shares his view of many stupid habits we have (excuse my language: I meant negative mental and/or emotional habits that "we let happen"), at the same time showing how simple to change or discard them. Since I believe it's all in our hands (most of the times), I say it's never too late to pay attention to his great advises, and start improving your life today! Very light and positive thinking.

I strongly recommend this book because it puts all of our work challenges in perspective and gives us solutions to deal with everyday madness. It is easy to read and offers useful advice that transcends our work and personal lives.For additional advice on coping and getting the job done from the manager's and team member's perspective, I also recommend the highly regarded book "The Leader's Guide: 15 Essential Skills."

Make room on your desk at home and in the office for this little gem. It is crammed with words of wisdom, quick snip-its of advice, inside peeks in human nature, personal mantras to recite to yourself when the going gets rough. You won't want to read this one just once; rather, keep referring to it whenever the right circumstance presents itself. And don't loan it to a colleague, for you might never get it back. Buy them a copy of their own!

I loved the format of this book, short, to the point chapters. I was able to summarize each chapter in one or two sentences at the top of the page and now I can refer back quickly to reinforce and destress easily. I admit to being a control person, a perfectionist, someone who cannot say no, with a difficult boss, in a customer service job this book solved lots of my problems !! I highly recommend it.