THE BEST TWO BOOKS FOR AN OVERVIEW OF LIFE AND SUCCESS

The big problem is that it takes alot of time to extract what is important from books.

One principle of success is to find someone else who has already done what you would like to do - such as pull out all the principles that comprise the wisdom to run one's life at the best level to create happiness (success). 

I would recommend, while you are working with a coach of some sort and doing in-depth work, that you read on the side the following two books.  And then I recommend that you keep them on the one shelf you've set up to contain the reminders for life, for instant access, such as recommended in the key Reminders page.

A thick book, but a real masterpiece in terms of effective quick reference, understanding, and perspective is The Success Principles by Jack Canfield.  Read the whole thing and you'll be grounded in what works in life, along with the next book... I recommend you read this book several times, also.

Brian Johnson summarizes the best 100 life books for us as part of his key life purpose (see his site www.philosophersnotes.com, enjoy the videos on each book, for free).  From this cumulative wisdom, he wrote a masterpiece of a book, with great substance, called The Philosopher's Notes.  He covers the subjects masterfully, in one or two pages.  (Then you can read the books referenced, if you want to go into even greater depth or buy his summaries, which include MP3s to listen to.)

I recommend strongly that you buy these right away (Amazon, used, good condition).

These are the two books I recommend for anyone doing any program on my site or with anyone, to read on the side while following the program also. 

Do this right away...you'll get alot out of it.

Wishing you much happiness as you master the wisdom of living a great life.

Keith

One good quick reference site for emotional/psychological health is HelpGuide.org.  Peruse it and use it for reminders.

I Am Too Depressed To Bother Reading Happiness Books

Recently a "chemically depressed" friend, who is smart but keeps repeating depressing behaviors and thoughts, said to stop recommending books on happiness "as they don't help my depression."  (See Curing Depression piece.)

I think that this needs to be cleared up, as it is a viewpoint that is not valid.

The very essence of depression is having beliefs and doing behaviors that produce unhappiness, and to let go of the theoretical dependence on "out there" to create our happiness.  Therefore, it would make sense that those who are happy believe the opposite of what the depressed person feels - and it seems obvious that the person who keeps repeating the depressive thinking should change over to and adopt the healthy thinking.  (Duh!)

In ALL studies I have seen (which are a lot), happiness is mostly a natural state that can be achieved through removing that which is an obstacle:  the thoughts that are erroneous.  The thoughts that are erroneous can be spotted with a foolproof mechanism:  if you feel bad, it is due to an erroneous thought. 

In Thomas Bien's practical, understandable book The Buddha's Way Of Happiness (notice that the title doesn't say "to" happiness), he used the phrase for us "to see that the realm of nonsuffering, the realm of happiness, is right here and now."  In other words we need to stop the needless, pointless practices and thinking that are the cause of our suffering - and realize that success and happiness ain't "out there."

Many people poo-poo this idea, but if they really learn more they would certainly agree with it.

See "Moods - Causes And Cures - Removing The Obstacles".

Best Sites For Improving Emotional Health

Although I am putting together what I believe will be the best in certain key areas of life, I do, as part of that, guide you to other resources.  On the site, I have a Resources section, which lists Psychological Resources to peruse and use. 

The first website I list is one that I think would be useful for you to explore:  Helpguide.org.

It has one of the most thorough, understandable set of short to the point discussions with specifics that I have seen. 

Try it.  Especially if you want to create a higher level of emotionally healthy thinking.

Toward your happiness,

K

Use Just These Affirmations For Sound Self Esteem

L. S. Barksdale retired and then spent his life determining how to create self esteem and an understanding of life that allows one to be happy.  What he created was, in my opinion, a masterpiece.

And I used it to pull myself up from a "minus" score to a substantial high score (see The Self-Esteem Evaluation on the site, as that should be used to measure one's progress).

I would propose that you honor the learning and advice of this wise man and learn by heart, for instant and constant use in life, his Basic Daily Affirmations For Sound Self Esteem.

It will dramatically alter your life, virtually no matter who you are, as it is the healthiest way of thinking in life.

Yours toward happiness,

K

QuikView: CONTRAST OF HAPPY PEOPLE AND UNHAPPY PEOPLE - WHAT THEY THINK AND DO

This quick overview (click title for link) contrasts the key elements that make the difference between being happy and unhappy.  You can see quickly how they think and what they do.  

I would suggest that you do the items on the left!   

Although it is difficult to achieve massive happiness in one fell swoop, each of these individual items are attainable - and together they produce happiness.

It is well worth tying this down really, really clearly and committing really, really completely - for it will determine whether you achieve the true purpose of life (happiness).   

Make sure, please, that you have these down cold and follow the links until each is "complete" and installed into your life. 

This could be the most significant thing you could do in your life!

Toward your happiness,

Keith

USING A "LITTLE BIT A DAY" PROGRAM TO "BE COMPLETE"

People need to know what to do next. "I don't know what to do or read next, so I just forget about it. So frustrating!"

Or it seems too complicated: "What you ask is so complicated. I just can't do it. It's too hard!"

The solution: Use the tooltolife.com 90 day program where it takes you through each day with an audio, a video, a written piece, exercises, a brain train, etc. - all in about 20 minutes. It teaches you about life.

And you wouldn't be likely to complain of the above, especially since you will learn the point and you'll commit to "not complaining."

(Use the search engine on my site to read the Evaluation Of Tools To Life.)

There's lots to learn, a bit at a time, but alot of wisdom and frankness to get you moving forward.

Once you get a few days into the program, your conversation will be more like:

I wake up each day and I say "It's a great day! I choose to seize this day and make of it what I can!

I've decided that I'm not going to complain nor be negative! To find my opportunities.

I've developed my redlines and my personal laws, so I'm clear and ready to go!

I make things hapen in my life.

I will be a good seeker.

I've worked on my character now such that I can control myself. I'm powerful. I can take my control to a new level.

I ask empowering questions, such as "how can I live my life the best way possible?"

You can do it.

You are powerful.

You really are.

That's just a sampling of stuff you'll begin to memorize and have your brain automatically be able to recall and use. You'll have a great pep talk every day - something, I think, is incredibly valuable and missing in life (and you'll learn to devise and then use your own pep talk daily).

There is much wisdom taught in this progressive, clever program - oh, and it's free, no gimmicks.

Please consider doing this! www.toolstolife.com

Yours toward a happy life,

Keith