Hidden Potential by Adam Grant

 

Title: Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater

Author: Adam  Grant

Publisher: Viking

Publication Date: October 24, 2023

Length: 302 Pages

Audible: 7 Hours and 21 Minutes

About the Author
Adam Grant is an organizational psychologist at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of TED’s most popular speakers,
His pioneering research has inspired people to rethink fundamental assumptions about motivation, generosity, creativity, and potential. 

Unlocking Hidden Potential and Achieving Greater Things
Dr. Grant believes the learning process isn't complete when we acquire knowledge. It is complete when we consistently apply that knowledge.

The author focuses on the following three concepts for unlocking hidden potential;

• Build character skills. Become a creature of discomfort - Become a sponge - Become an imperfectionist.
• Set up scaffolding to overcome obstacles. Turn practice into play - Take the roundabout path to progress - Fly by your own bootstraps.
• Build Systems of Opportunity. Design schools to bring out the best in all students - Unearth collective intelligence in teams - Discover uncut gems in job interviews and college applications.

My Thoughts
I listened to this book on Audible (twice) and then printed out the PDF summary sheets that came with the audiobook. I studied the key concepts that were presented and determined which ones I needed to consistently apply to my life.

I want to become a creature of discomfort. I tend to beat myself up when I make a mistake and live the experience over and over again in my mind. This is especially true when I play the piano in public. I have struggled with "stage fright" since I was a child. Dr. Grant suggests that when you expect to stumble, you ruminate about it less and improve more. 

I like the idea of becoming a sponge. Progress hinges on the quality of the information you take in, not on the quantity of information you seek out. I will try to determine what information is absorbed and which should be filtered out. 

I will turn practice into play. I will apply this to my piano practice and my art projects. I will measure my progress over time, not against an opponent. 

I will harness both high and low expectations as motivation. "If ignorant naysayers doubt you, take it as a challenge. Instead of letting them crush your confidence, recognize it as an opportunity to prove them wrong."

There are many interesting concepts in this book but these four ideas really resonate with me. This is an excellent book and the author does a great job reading the audiobook. I have become addicted to Audible and love it more every day.

MY RATING - 5 STARS OUT OF 5

Building a Life Worth Living

 

Title: Building a Life Worth Living; A Memoir

Author: Marsha M. Linehan

Publisher: Random House

Publication Date: January 7, 2020

Length: 343 Pages

Audible: 12 Hours and 19 Minutes

About the Author
Marsha M. Linehan, Ph.D., ABPP, is the developer of Dialectical Behavior Therapy and a professor of psychology, adjunct professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, and director of the Behavioral Research and Therapy Clinics at the University of Washington.

"You can't think yourself into new ways of acting; you can only act yourself into new ways of thinking."
Dr. Marsha Linehan shares her life story and how she developed Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). 
The four skills in DBT are;

• Mindfulness
• Distress Tolerance
• Emotion Regulation
• Interpersonal Effectiveness

These skills are designed to assist people in managing behaviors, emotions, and thoughts.

My Thoughts
I was recently introduced to DBT while reading "DBT for Everyone" for Net Galley. I was curious to learn more about this therapy and I thought this book would provide good background information. The book exceeded all my expectations!

Dr. Linehan shares her life story from the time she was growing up in Oklahoma to her long distinguished career as a psychologist and mental health researcher.

When the author was 18 years old, she entered a psychiatric hospital and stayed there for two years. She was diagnosed with schizophrenia but later believed she was actually suffering from borderline personality disorder. The time Dr. Linehan spent in the hospital inspired her to devote her life to helping other women who were suffering the way she had suffered. She taught her clients specific skills that could be used to build a life worth living. 

This book is inspiring and informative. It is written in a manner that is understandable to the lay reader. Dr. Linehan's DBT therapy offers skills and strategies that can be used by anyone who is interested in emotional intelligence. The book has prepared me to investigate DBT skills in greater detail. I listened to the audiobook on Audible and hope to revisit the information in print format.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

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DBT for Everyone - Book Review

 

Title: DBT for Everyone; A Guide to the Perks, Pitfalls, and Possibilities of DBT for Better Mental Health

Authors: Michelle Henderson and Kate Sherman

Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Pub.

Publication Date: November 21, 2023

Length: 208 Pages

About the Authors
Kate Sherman and Michelle Henderson are Licensed Mental Health Counselors and hosts of the popular podcasts, DBT and Me and The Couch and the Chair. They both have personal and professional experience of using DBT skills and are passionate about communicating the benefits of DBT more widely.

DBT - Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy that began with efforts to treat personality disorders and interpersonal conflicts. DBT skills training is made up of four modules;

• Mindfulness
• Distress tolerance
• Emotion regulation
• Interpersonal effectiveness

The authors share their knowledge and experiences using DBT therapy in their mental health counseling practices.

My Thoughts

This is the first book I have read on dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and I think it is a wonderful resource for anyone seeking information on the subject. I took my time and read small sections at a time and highlighted segments that I wanted to remember.

The authors explained all the skills that are involved in the four modules that I named above. They shared the pitfalls and benefits of the skills and provided tips from their personal experiences. Many times, Kate and Michelle would emphasize different things that they considered important about a skill.

I found it very interesting that the DBT skills can be used by anyone who wants to improve their emotional intelligence and create a life worth living. I have read many books on mindfulness, but the other three modules contained skills that I will definitely use in my efforts to improve my relationships

My Rating: 5 Stars Out of 5

Thank you to Net Galley for an excellent reading experience.

Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell - Book Review

 

Title: Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know About the People We Don't Know

Author: Malcolm Gladwell

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Publication Date: September 10, 2019

Length: 401 Pages

About The Author
Malcolm Gladwell is the author of seven New York Times bestsellers and the cofounder of Pushkin Industries, an audiobook and podcast production company. 

Stranger Danger
Malcolm Gladwell presents case studies that illustrate how we can make mistakes when communicating with strangers. We tend to think that everyone we meet has the same mindset as we do. 

"We think we can transform the stranger, without cost or sacrifice, into the familiar and the known, And we can't."

My Thoughts
This book convinced me to rethink how I communicate with strangers. First impressions are not always accurate and it takes time and experience to really know how a person thinks. You can't automatically give strangers the benefit of the doubt. You have to be in investigative mode and collect information over time. Mr. Gladwell is not encouraging the reader to be paranoid, just be smart. 

The author was especially interested in the case of Sandra Bland. This is a heartbreaking story where a young black woman had an unfortunate encounter with a Texas state trooper. This situation shows how fast things can spiral out of control and have dire consequences.

This book presents important lessons that everyone should consider and think about. I know that I have made mistakes in the past about the character and personality of new acquaintances. After reading this book, I will talk less and listen more carefully...and proceed slowly. My future depends on it.

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

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Brave Young Lady Conquors Depression and Social Anxiety - A Book Review

A Way Out: A Memoir of Conquering Depression and Social Anxiety

Author: Michelle Balge

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services LLC

Publication Date: February 27, 2018

Pages: 202 Pages



About the Author
Michelle Balge is a mental health advocate, web designer and animal lover. She holds an Honors BA in Sociology with a concentration in Critical Animal Studies, and will receive a Web Design Graduate Certificate in June, 2018.

Mental Illness Is Real
Michelle Balge provides a raw, unfiltered look into the world of mental illness.

She shares the thoughts that almost destroyed her. Suicidal thoughts invaded her mind and cast a dark shadow over her existence. They threatened to steal her future.

Michelle is a fighter. She will not surrender to the illness and let it control her life.

Here are some resources and techniques that helped the author battle her mental illness;

• See a doctor/therapist.
• Medication.
• Healthy eating.
• Exercise.
• Breathing techniques.
• Have a good support system.
• Volunteering or joining something that interests you where you can meet people.
• Meditation and mindfulness.
• Group therapy.
• Maintain a regular sleep schedule.
  

Michelle Balge learned that her mental illness can be treated and she has hope for the future.

My Thoughts
This book was difficult to read. The author's goal was to be completely transparent and share her experiences in a way that would make a difference.

Ms. Balge displayed persistence, courage and determination in her fight with depression and social anxiety during her childhood and into young adulthood. She would not allow fear to win. She set out to educate herself and find the professional help she needed to overcome and conquer the demons in her mind.

This is a very timely story in the aftermath of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. We can no longer afford to bury our heads in the sand and ignore the problem of mental illness in our society. 

Ms. Balge demonstrates a tremendous amount of insight into her illness at a very young age. She will conquer her depression and social anxiety and succeed in helping herself and others.

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

FYI ~ I received a free digital copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair review.

Thank you for visiting my blog and reading this review. Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below or tweet me @JanetteFuller.
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Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth - A Review

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance

Author: Angela Duckworth

Publisher: Scribner

Publication Date: May 3, 2016

Length: 353 pages




About the Author
Angela Duckworth, PhD, is a 2013 MacArthur Fellow and professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. She is the founder of the Character Lab, a nonprofit whose mission is to advance the science and practice of character development in children. 

“Enthusiasm is common. Endurance is rare.” 
Grit has two components: passion and perseverance.
Passion means having enduring interest in the job you are doing.
Perseverance means being persistent and never giving up.

Are You Gritty?
Dr. Angela Duckworth developed the Grit Scale to measure an individual's grit score. The Grit Scale correctly predicted which cadets at West Point would pass the Beast Barracks, which National Spelling Bee participants would advance to the next rounds and which sales people would be able to retain their jobs. 
I encourage you to test your grit level by completing this short survey.

“as much as talent counts, effort counts twice.” 
Effort helps develop skill. Talent x Effort = Skill
Effort also helps put our skills to good use. Skill x Effort = Achievement.

Interest, Practice, Purpose and Hope
You must be passionate about something that interests you most.
Practice requires that you do things that interest you better than you did yesterday.
It is essential to identify how your work is connected to your own well-being and the well-being of others.
We must be able to get up after a setback. Hope prevails. Hope is an expectation that things will be better tomorrow.

My Thoughts
I was introduced to the work of Angela Duckworth in the Foundations of Positive Psychology Specialization on Coursera. 

This book offers many examples about how effort, perseverance and resilience play important roles in achievement and success. Finding something that you are passionate about is the key. It is natural to want to practice and improve skills that you are passionate about. After many years of effort and practice, you can use your skills for the greater good of society.

In our public schools, the children who have the highest IQ scores are often put in special "gifted and talented" classes. It is good to challenge children who have natural talent, but Dr. Duckworth found that these gifted students sometimes lack the grit that is needed for academic and professional success. Grit is not the only predictor of future success but it is an important part of the equation.

The chapter on gritty parenting gives some specific strategies that can be implemented to encourage the development of grit in children. These same strategies could be used by teachers. Parents should be demanding and supportive of their children. Wise parents are loving, warm, respectful and demanding. Children will emulate their parents, so parents must demonstrate perseverance and passion for their own personal goals. 

Dr. Duckworth believes that you can grow grit from "the inside out" by developing your most passionate interests with practice, purpose and hope. Grit can be grown from "the outside in" by seeking guidance and direction from parents, coaches, teachers, mentors and friends.

There is a reading list at the end of this book that provides more information on the topics that are covered in this book. My goal is to be a "gritty reader" and read all the books listed in this bibliography. 

I found this book fascinating and highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in the subjects of psychology, achievement and success.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI - I read a print copy of this book from my public library.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below or tweet me @JanetteFuller.

The Joy Plan - A Book Review

The Joy Plan: How I Took 30 Days to Stop Worrying, Quit Complaining, and Find Ridiculous Happiness

Author: Kaia Roman

Publisher: Sourcebooks

Date of Publication: July 11, 2017

Pages: 321 pages


About the Author
Kaia Roman has a twenty-year background in public relations and marketing. She is currently a Mindfulness Teacher for elementary school students and a regular contributor to numerous mindfulness, happiness, and wellbeing blogs. She lives in Santa Cruz, CA.

Kaia Roman felt down-and-out after her business collapsed.  She was seeking direction in her role as a wife, mother, friend and business woman. She consulted a friend and decided to devote the next 30 days of her life to creating JOY!

Ms. Roman discovered that The Joy Plan was much more than a 30 day project. 
Joy and happiness became a lifestyle that would change her life and the lives of her loved ones.

This is both a memoir and a self-help book for anyone who is seeking joy and a positive lifestyle.

My Thoughts
What is a joy plan and how do you make one?

I think we would all like more joy in our lives. While happiness is a state of mind based on circumstances, joy is an internal feeling that disregards circumstances.

Kaia Roman explained how she started the joy plan by asking a single question; "Does this feel good?" As the author learned to choose positive thoughts and attitudes, her life took a joyful turn. She was attracting positive people and experiences into her life. 

I enjoyed this book very much. Ms. Roman provided a detailed account of the ups and downs that she experienced on her quest for joy. She cited an impressive number of references and resources for further study. There is an excellent discussion guide at the end of the book to be used with a study group or just a review of the reading material.

I am currently taking a MOOC on Positive Psychology at Coursera. The experiences chronicled in this book demonstrate that positive emotions CAN change your life for the better. I applaud Ms. Roman for writing this book and thank her for showing us how to "stop worrying, quit complaining, and find ridiculous happiness."

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUR OF 5

FYI - I received a digital review copy of this book from Net Galley.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below. I will reply to all comments and questions. 

Book Review: The Secret Life of Captain X By MrsXNomore

The Secret Life of Captain X: My Life with a Psychopath Pilot

Author: MrsXNomore

Publisher: Telemachus Press, LLC

Publication Date: May 5, 2014

Length: 246 Pages




About the Author
MrsXNomore was born in the Midwest, then moved to NYC to pursue an acting career. At the age of 39, she met Captain X.  After decades in a dysfunctional marriage, she realized she was living a nightmare. Reading all she could about psychopaths, she wrote her story to bring about psychopath awareness.

A Dream Life Turns Into A Nightmare
Her marriage to successful airline pilot Captain X seemed like a dream come true. In reality, it was a nightmare.

From the second they met, Captain X swept MrsXNomore off her feet, constantly showering her with gifts, flattery and attention. He never left her side unless he was working his scheduled flights. 

During their marriage, Captain X had plunged them into serious debt and ruined her credit. She discovered he was a member of a secret brotherhood involving prostitution during their entire marriage. When she confronted him, he immediately filed for divorce, moved out of their family home and took their daughter with him. She was a now a victim of parental alienation.

Since experts estimate as many as 4% of people are psychopaths, a chapter titled Understanding & Avoiding Psychopaths helps readers recognize and avoid these untreatable social predators without conscience. A final chapter, Suggested Reading and Viewing, provides readers with resources to learn more about psychopathy.

My Thoughts
The author states that the purpose of this book is to educate people about the characteristics of a psychopath and the dangers involved in relationships with them. I think the author has done a considerable amount of research and has written about her personal experiences with clarity, explicitness and honesty. This book is an excellent resource for the mental illness of psychopathy and also the problem of parental alienation during a difficult divorce.

It is very unfortunate that there are predators in the world who seek out victims to prey on. This book was not an entertaining or pleasant book to read. Many ugly things happened during the author's 22 year marriage to a man she trusted with her home, finances and heart. She learned the hard way that this man was not worthy of her trust. Unfortunately, she lived many years in a state of confusion and depression before discovering the truth about her husband. 

Education is the key to making wise choices when allowing new people to come into our lives. This book will educate you and make you think twice about the people in your inner circle. Recommended!

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I borrowed this book through my Kindle Unlimited membership.

Please Share Your Thoughts In The Comments Section Below.

Book Review: I Can See Clearly Now by Dr. Wayne Dyer

I Can See Clearly Now

Author: Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

Publisher: Hay House, Inc.

Date: February 25, 2014

Length: 389 pages




About The Author
Dr. Wayne W. Dyer is an internationally renowned author and speaker in the field of self-development. He’s the author of more than 40 books, has created numerous audio programs and videos, and has appeared on thousands of television and radio shows.

Turning Back the Years
They say that hindsight is always 20/20...Dr. Dyer reflects on his life, beliefs and writings in this autobiography.

The book begins with the author's difficult young years growing up in foster homes. The author clearly sees how these difficult times helped him learn to be self-sufficient and independent.

As a young man, Dr. Dyer spent several years serving in the U.S. Navy. During these years, the author determined that he wanted to go to college and eventually become a teacher.

The author reflects on how he wrote his first book, Your Erroneous Zones, and traveled around the country promoting the book and selling it. His love for teaching and writing led to the publication of over 40 books and his wildly popular appearances on PBS television stations.

The author touches on his personal family life but mostly focuses on his writing and teaching accomplishments. The book ends with his recent diagnosis of leukemia and how he is dealing with this chronic disease.

My Thoughts
I have been a fan of Dr. Dyer's writings since I read Your Erroneous Zones back in 1977. I have not read all of his books, but I have a pretty nice collection of Dyer books on my bookshelf.

This book provides a behind-the-scenes look at the man who became a best-selling author, teacher, speaker and a mainstay in PBS' membership drives.

I feel like reading this book was like turning back the years. I was thinking about events that happened in my own life as the author was sharing memories about his life and work.

This book demonstrates the value of looking back and clearly seeing how events, circumstances and people have come to guide you on your road to self-discovery. Dr. Dyer believes this guidance has been there for him every step of the way...and it has been there for you as well.

You don't have to agree with all of Dr. Dyer's teachings to find insight and inspiration in this book. Highly recommended.

MY RATING - 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received a complimentary digital copy of this book to read and review from NetGalley.

Please share your thoughts on the Comments Section below.

Book Review: Find Your Reason To Be Here by Laura Lee Carter

Find Your Reason to Be Here: The Search for Meaning in Midlife 

Author: Laura Lee Carter

Publisher: Mimbres Publishing

Date: January 23, 2013



About The Author
Laura Lee Carter, best known for her Midlife Crisis Queen magazine online, worked as a professional reference and research librarian for 25 years before transitioning into her present work as a midlife researcher, author, and psychotherapist. She holds three graduate degrees including one in counseling, with a specialty in midlife psychology. She is the author of "How to Fall in Love Again" and several other books.

Baby Boomers Reach Midlife
What is a midlife crisis?
"Midlife crisis, or what the Jungian analyst James Hollis calls the middle passage, often first becomes obvious when we experience difficult life circumstances that convince us that our illusions are no longer secure. We do not control our universe".

Ms. Carter faced devastating career and family changes during her midlife years. In her case, desperation led to many forms of inspiration and breakdowns led to some amazing breakthroughs.

The midlife shift begins when we stop and reassess our lives, often finding some major room for improvement. By questioning most previous assumptions about why we are here and and what we hope to accomplish, we change our hearts and minds so they can work better for us as we age.

This book is based on the writings of respected psychologists and the author's personal experiences. Ms. Carter firmly believes that midlife is a time of transition, personal change and new challenges.

My Thoughts
This is the second book that I have read by Ms. Carter. I find her writing stimulating and inspiring. She is very good at presenting her research in an interesting way that the reader can understand and apply to personal circumstances.

Midlife is a time of discovery, possibilities and hope. The author advises mid- lifers to keep evolving, learning new skills, and challenging your mind and body. The best is yet to be...indeed!

Ms. Carter includes "A Life-Changing List" for people in the midlife years. I found this list to be very inspiring. If you are stuck in a midlife rut, I think this book will open your eyes and help you see some new possibilities for your life.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ The author sent me a complimentary digital copy of this book to read and review.

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I Am Enchanted

I am enchanted. "Enchantment: The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds, and Actions", by Guy Kawasaki, is about influence and persuasion. The author defines "enchantment" as the process of delighting people with a product, service, organization, or idea. The outcome of enchantment is voluntary and long-lasting support that is mutually beneficial.
The greater your goals, the more you'll need to change people's hearts, minds, and actions. This is especially true if you have few resources and big competitors. Enchantment is a process, not an event. You want your efforts to endure, and this requires that people internalize your cause, reciprocate, and fulfill their commitments. Enchantment transforms situations and relationships. It converts hostility into civility. It changes skeptics and cynics into believers. When you enchant people, your goal is not to make money from them or to get them to do what you want, but to fill them with delight. This book is about touching hearts, building relationships and changing the world.

This Book Filled Me With Delight
Guy Kawasaki stated that he studied twenty books on the subjects of influence and persuasion before he wrote "Enchantment: The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds, and Actions". He listed these books in a bibliography at the end of this book. I believe the research that Mr. Kawasaki did for this book was outstanding. He gleaned the best information from these books and then added many stories from personal experiences that prove his research true. The following chapters are included in the book;

• Why Enchantment?
• How To Achieve Likability
• How To Achieve Trustworthiness
• How To Prepare
• How To Launch
• How To Overcome Resistance
• How To Make Enchantment Endure
• How To Use Push Technology
• How To Use Pull Technology
• How To Enchant Your Employees
• How To Enchant Your Boss
• How To Resist Enchantment

As you can see, most of the chapter headings begin with the words "How To". This book provides specific instructions and real-life stories about how to use "enchantment" to improve your business and your life. The principles in this book can be applied to all aspects of your life. It is time to change our focus from "what can I get from this?" to "how can I fill you with delight?" I believe this is one of the hottest books on the market today. Yes, I am enchanted!

Please let me know what you think in the comments below.

The Science Of Acting: A Book Review

Sam Kogan studied at the Moscow Institute of Theatre Arts under the direction of Professor Maria Knebel, who was a pupil of Stanislavski.  He established The Science of Acting, a complete stand-alone technique for drama and theatre studies.  When Mr. Kogan died in 2004, he left notes for a book detailing his life’s work. The project has recently been completed by his daughter Helen Kogan. The Science Of Acting, by Sam Kogan was published by Routledge in 2009.

I need to admit that I am not an actor or a student of theatre arts.  I did encourage and support my daughter when she participated in high school and junior college plays and musicals.  I started reading this book with the perception that I would learn acting techniques but I soon discovered that this book is also about how we think and act in everyday life.  

This book examines how our mind works and how we can use helpful thoughts to our advantage and eliminate thoughts that are holding us back.  It explains how we get in a ditch of rigid negative thinking.  This thinking occurs on the subconscious level so we don't understand why we are reacting the way we do.

Mr. Kogan uses theories on the relationship between neuroscience, psychology and acting to develop a technique for good acting and successful living.  The book is amazingly direct and easy to understand.  It is illustrated with simple drawings that help explain key concepts.  I also like the way key words are emphasized and defined.  There is an excellent glossary at the end of the book that provides a useful summary of all the key concepts in the book.

I highly recommend this book to all students and teachers of drama and theatre arts.  I also recommend this book to anyone who desires a better understanding of the thought process.  This is a life-changing piece of work!