Life Strategies: Doing What Works, Doing What Matters

I found that this book was very helpful to me, primarily because I don't have any one big problem, just a desire to improve an average life. And it has indeed helped, in a very short time. I agree that if you have a significant psychological issue, reading the book and following the "Life Laws" to fix it may be insurmountable. One-on-one counseling on how to use the life laws would probably be necessary. However, if you want to tweek your life a little like you would the settings on your computer...the book is worth its weight in gold (to me anyway!). I always felt that I wasn't really "happy" even though I didn't have anything making me particularly "unhappy". Dr. McGraw has helped me realize that I never pin-pointed what I needed to do to give myself the feelings that signal happiness to me. And as Life Law #10 proclaims "you have to name it to claim it". All of the "Life Laws" are really basic common sense, but all of us need to be reminded every now and then.

Each of us has the power to make those decisions which ultimately determine the course of our precious lives."Life Strategies" is one of those rare finds, a self-help book that does not wallow in big words or esoteric concepts. Mr. McGraw outlines his steps for success in life in simple, direct, yet engagingly written chapters. The organization of the book is excellent throughout and reflects an author who has had extensive experience in dealing with people from all walks of life. He deals with concepts such as self-reliance, individual responsibility and similar notions often downplayed (or ignored outright) by other authors seeking to play into the culture of victimization. You will find none of that in Mr. McGraw's book; his main theme is that we are responsible for our own lives and we do not have to allow ourselves to be knocked about like a punching bag on a windy day.Once you pick up the book, it is difficult to put down; you will find yourself nodding your head at what you have always known in your heart, but do not always acknowledge in your daily life. This book is well worth the time.

A review from the author of DREAMING YOUR REAL SELF: A PERSONAL APPROACH TO DREAM INTERPRETATION; and DREAM BACK YOUR LIFE: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO DREAMS, DAYDREAMS, AND FANTASIES.Phil McGraw's LIFE STRATEGIES presents a no-nonsense approach to getting your life together and feeling good about yourself. But this is no easy "feel good" book with affirmations empty of action. His 10 Laws of Life remind us that having a good life (and a happy one) means taking responsibility for every aspect of it-including our attitude about our experiences and the wrongs done to us by others. Until we take control of our lives instead of talking about "someday," we stay stuck in our problems. I did not take issue with any of Dr. McGraw's "laws," nor with any of his examples. Well done. I'd like to see this book assigned in schools to fifteen-year-olds. His chapter, "A guided tour of your life," really gets down to the specifics people can use to get their lives on track.

Dr. McGraw forces us to look deeply within ourselves to find the sources of our problems and behaviors. At times, this can be startling. This book can change your life if you are willing to accept responsibility for your decisions. Once I was willing to face my fears and suppress my ego, I was able to grow as a member of society. As a teacher, I have used much of the information contained in Dr. McGraw's book to motivate them towards better learning.

This book is great; I recommended it to all the friends whom I thought needed it. I agree fully with all the life laws, they are the basics of human improvement. I do, however, think that Dr. McGraw's style is a little too intimidating and I did lend the book to someone who got either depressed or frightened on numerous occasions throughout the book. If you are strong and willing to change your life to a more effective, more productive one, read this book.