Don't Sweat the Small Stuff: Simple ways to Keep the Little Things from Overtaking Your Life: Simple Ways to Keep the Little Things from Taking Over Your Life Paperback – 5 Feb. 1998

When I first picked up this book I did my usual flick through the (kindle) pages to see if it would 'fit the bill' for me. Initially, on first glance, I had already prejudged the book as a probable three star read. Well, don't judge the book by the cover stands true on this one. It is not just a run of the mill self-help book. It is a book of strategies one can apply to life and living. 100 strategies to be precise. Each strategy is given it's own heading and explanation in chapter format which works very well for readers who wish to have the 'bullet-point' list to refer to on a regular, perhaps daily, basis. On the Kindle edition it is even more convenient by the ability to click the link from the contents list straight to the relevant strategy or chapter. The Kindle edition also means it is easily transportable and accessible throughout the day (or night for those who read in the wee small hours of sleeplessness).The author has a good balance of both the 'I' and the 'You' statements. The chapters (aka the strategies) are not too long or full of woolly self-praising explanations. There is enough information about how and why to apply each strategy to one's life without being extensive or limiting. The author's 'voice' comes through as an encouraging close friend without being the 'I am right, you must do' authoritive figure found in a lot of other self-help books. Carlson seems to get the right balance of personal examples and reasoning within his writing. The layout of the book makes for an easy 'dip in, dip out' approach. One doesn't necessarily need to read through it in the order it it written, although I did. This is a book I will be dipping into on a frequent basis, reminding myself that I don't need to 'Sweat the Small Stuff' of my life.I have found this book to be both encouraging and motivational. I can honestly say that my positive attitude has increased, and the negativity that creeps into life has subdued, by reading and applying these strategies. On that basis I feel this book deserves a full five star rating. I can recommend this as a very useful tool to anyone wanting to develop their emotional strength and live life in a more positive, self-caring way.

Great book. The chapters are just one or two pages, but each one really makes you stop and reflect.Best book I’ve read (amongst many) to slowly make changes and improvements to myself and my life.Now I’ll start back at the beginning and keep it as par of my morning ritual.

Useful when you need a reality check.

Wow this book has really made me take stoke of the things in my life that I give my energy to. That it’s okay to have thoughts but not to give them too much head space. That when the negativity ensues that I can shoo them away and not let them take residence in my mind. My mind is a precious pop ace and I should only let the good in.Thank you so much for writing this book it has been amazingly helpful.God bless you and all who read this book.

great read

Over the years I've read numerous self help, success, motivational and business books and I have to say this is easily one of the most applicable, in that you can directly apply it to your life.You get 100 short chapters where each idea is introduced and then briefly explained in plain, accessable language. Some ideas may seem a little rudimentary or simplistic, but it is in this simplicity that the real benefit lies. The ideas are easy to absorb, easy to implement and quick to see a result from.This book is perfect to dip into and I often read one or two chapters each day to get a little boost of positivity and ideas to cope with stressful situations. I'm not saying I'm now all peace and light, but I've definitely been able to use the ideas written about here on more than one occasion.If other books of this type have left you a little cold or if you're looking for a daily kick in the behind, this could well be the book for you.

The book itself is great, I had an e-book before but wanted a physical copy. Unfortunately it's been printed rather wonky, although I haven't noticed anyone else with this issue in the reviews. I must have been unlucky!

Positive or negative, whatever your predominant character type you wont be one or the other all of the time.I consider myself to be a glass half full kind of person for the most of the time, but for those other times, I find that reading something positive helps me put some perspective on things.I have read this book many times, I love the short chapters and common sense descriptions. Much of the stuff in this book is not new to self help book lovers, but it is how it is written that makes the difference.Richard Carlson wrote this with simple examples of things we do or feel in everyday life. You can read a chapter or a few chapters when you feel that everything is a little too much for you. It won't necessarily wave a magic wand, but it does give you some perspective.I have bought several copies of this over the years, my original copy I still have; as for the others, well they have been for friends or family at times in their lives when a perspective shift couldn't hurt.