Thursday, June 13, 2013

Topic for Study and Discussion: Learned Optimism by Martin E.P. Seligman, Ph.D.

If you have a hard time feeling optimistic or you just want to know more about being more optimistic this is a good book. It's a bit long but the suggestions are good. Find a copy and let us know what you thought was helpful. Thanks :)

Topic for Study and Discussion: Forgive for Good by Dr. Fred Luskin

I had to read this for one of my Positive Psychology classes and it was a good book. It isn't that long and pretty easy to read. Find a copy and share what you learn or ask any questions that may come up. Hope to hear from you.

Topic for Study and Discussion: How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie

It's been years since I read this book and he suggests you read it several times, but it was insightful and with the right amount of time and effort applying his suggestions a person could make a lot of friends and influence others. Read it or share what you have learned if you are reading it or have already read it. Thanks!

Topic for Study and Discussion: Starved Stuff by Matthew Townsend

The author of this book on relationships is a very humorous man but you wouldn't guess it by the way he wrote this book, however the book is very well written and insightful. I hope you find a copy and enjoy reading it. Let us know what you learn or if you have any questions.

Topic for Study and Discussion: Out of the Shadows by Patrick Carnes

This was a somewhat difficult book for me to read but I found it insightful in understanding a man I dated, who was struggling with pornography and sex addiction. If this is one area you have or someone you know has struggled in you may find it helpful to read. Feel free to ask questions anytime.

Topic for Study and Discussion: Co-Dependent No More By Melody Beattie

This book has a lot of great information about addiction and codependency issues. It helped me recognize a lot of the behaviors both my parents displayed. Hope you can find a copy and read it. Come back for a discussion.

Topic for Study and Discussion: Thanks by Robert A. Emmons, PH. D.

The power of graditude research is shared in this book. I found it very interesting and inspiring. I hope you to do. Get a copy and read it. Let us know how it goes. :)

Topic for Study and Discussion: Getting to Yes Negotiating Agreement Without Giving in by Roger Fisher and William Ury

This is a very short book with a lot of good information. With regular practice and application of the things they teach, you could be a great negotiator.

Here's an outline:

The Problem
Don't bargain over Positions

The Method
Separate the People from the problem
Focus on Interests, Not positions
Invent Options for Mutual gain
Insist on Using Objective Criteria

Yes, But
What if they are more powerful?
(Develop your BATNA--Best Alternative to a negotiated Agreement)
What if they won't play?
(Use Negotiation Jujitsu)
What if they use dirty tricks?
(Tame the hard bargainer)

 Let us know if you have any thoughts, questions, etc. about this book or what you read. Thanks!

Topic for Study and Discussion: People Skills by Robert Bolton, Ph.D.

This is a great book if you are wanting to learn to communicate better. It has information about being assertive, listening, and resolving conflicts. Hope you find it helpful to read. Good Luck! Let us know if you have any questions or how it went reading it. You can make a comment anytime, no matter if you read it or have finished reading it. Hope to hear from you!

Topic for Study and Discussion: How to Get Along with Almost Anyone by H. Norman Wright

This book was nice to read because of the honesty and humilty of this writer. I really enjoyed reading what he had to say. I hope it is as nice to read for you. The title pretty says it all. I hope you will read it and come back and share what you learned or have questions about.

Topic for Study and Discussion: How to Hug a Porcupine by Dr. John Lewis Lund

The topic of this book and the cover picture is what got my attention at the book store years ago. It was really quite entertaining to read and I learned a lot. The author adds humor to the reality of how awlful and frustrating dealing with toxic behaviors in ourselves or others can be. I hope you'll be able to find a copy and read it. Though it is a pretty long book, it is easy reading and he repeats and reviews the important points which I like because it helps me to remember better.

I will post a website link later. In the mean time, enjoy reading the book. Feel free to share what you learned, enjoyed, or have questions about. Thanks! Have a great day :)

Topic for Study and Discussion: Forgiving Ourselves by Wendy Ulrich

I really felt like this book covered some personal challenges I have. It was insightful. If you struggle with forgiving yourself you may really enjoy reading this. Find a copy and read it. If you have in thing to share come back and share. Hope to hear from you. :)

Topic for Study and Discussion: From Panic to Power by Lucinda Bassett

This is a great book written by a woman who was challenged with anxiety and how she learned to overcome it. In her book she teaches things she did to help her sussessfully overcome her problems with anxiety. I really enjoyed reading this book. There is a lot of good and helpful information, if you are struggling with anxiety or depression, or just stress. She also has a program out by the Midwest Center for Attacking Anxiety and Depression you could look into. It covers a lot of what she shares in the book but with more detail and you can get a coach to help you also.

Good luck. Find a copy of this book and then come back and share what you learned or what you have questions about. I hope it is benefical. Thanks :)

Topic for Study and Discussion: The "Strengths Finder 2.0" Book by Tom Rath

This is a great book focused on discovering personal strengths and applying them to your life. It is short and easy to read through.

Here is an outline of the book:

Part 1: Finding your strengths-- an introduction

Part 2: Applying your strengths

The 34 Themes and Ideas for action (this is a list of the strengths talked about in the book)

Achiever
Activator
Adaptability
Analytical
Arranger
Belief
Command
Communication
Competition
Connectedness
Consistency
Context
Deliberative
Developer
Discipline
Empathy
Focus
Futuristic
Harmony
Ideation
Includer
Individualization
Input
Intellection
Learner
Maximizer
Positivity
Relator
Responsibility
Restorative
Self-Assurance
Significance
Strategic
Woo

If this has to do with one of your personal issues or challenges, find a copy of it and read it. Feel free to ask questions or make comments about it during or after you read it. I hope you enjoy it! :)