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Easier Than You Think ...because life doesn't have to be so hard : The Small Changes That Add Up to a World of Difference
All of us are looking for ways to take control of our lives, whether in our relationships, our families, our work, our health, or our future plans. Daily challenges have a way of overwhelming us, making life harder than it needs to be. The good news is that the answers are out there. And they are Easier Than You Think. In the phenomenal bestseller Don't Sweat the Small Stuff, Richard Carlson taught millions of readers how to stop the little things in life from driving them crazy. Now, in Easier Than You Think, Carlson demonstrates how making simple yet effective changes can get our life back on course. With his unique blend of storytelling and advice, Carlson offers proven ways that even the smallest amounts of change can add up to become a fortune of difference in our lives.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2005
121 people are currently reading
796 people want to read
About the author
Richard Carlson
3,555 books1,069 followersRichard Carlson was an American author, psychotherapist, and motivational speaker. His book, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff... and it's all Small Stuff (1997), was USA Today's bestselling book for two consecutive years and spent over 101 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list. It was published in 135 countries and translated into Latvian, Polish, Icelandic, Serbian and 26 other languages. Carlson went on to write 20 books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
March 28, 2019
More like 3.5 stars. I have heard of a lot of these suggestions, but I gained some new insights as well. I was really sad when I found out the author passed away in 2006, because he seemed like a great guy and wanted the best for others.
March 9, 2012
*Small is big*
Don't let the small size of this book fool you. It's actually a nice metaphor for the overall message of the book: small is big.
As the author notes in the introduction, this book is all about "making small changes that bring great rewards to your life works." His approach is divided into four sections. The first, " A Penny for Your Thoughts," focuses on helping you to change the way you think. The second, "Take Five," provides ways to learn how not to react out of impulse or fear but instead respond with calm and cool. "Turning on a Dime", the third section, offers ways to change how you relate to others, and the final section "My Two Bits" shows that it is the little things that matter most in life.
This little book is kind of like an instruction manual for life, broken down into these 39 small steps:
1. A penny for your thoughts:
Recognize your thoughts patterns and realize that you have the power to change them.
2. Paving your own way:
Live your life based on your own individual dreams and desires.
3. Be there for yourself:
"You can give to others only what you yourself have to give. And one of the best ways to have more love to give is to first give that love to yourself."
4. Your life can change at the drop of a hat:
"Living life with awareness that things are going to change helps prepare you for the unavoidable. Rather than being shocked or thrown off when a change comes, you can react with an unruffled sense of acceptance."
5. The most basic choice of all:
Although you may not be able to choose your circumstances, you can choose your attitude towards them.
6. Remember the power of hope:
As quoted by Desomnd Tutu: "There is no set of circumstances that cannot be turned about by ordinary human beings and their natural capacity for love of the deepest sort."
7. "I won't go there:"
Focus on "what is" instead of ruminating on the "what ifs."
8. Watch your thoughts:
Stepping back to watch your thoughts allows you to be responsive rather than reactive.
9. The grass is as green as it needs to be:
Focusing on what _is_, and not on what_ isn't_ ,makes it possible for us to be happy right now.
10. Take five:
Creating time for the emotional space within ourselves allows us to respond to life instead of automatically reacting to it.
11. Take a vacation every day:
Set aside a short amount of time each day to bring fun and balance back into your life.
12. Notice what gets you:
"If you start paying attention to the events, statements, and behaviors that get to you, you'll soon realize that it is not these specific things that cause you stress but rather the way you react to them."
13. Recognize when you're fighting reality:
Be aware of the difference between what you can control and what you can not, and use your energy accordingly.
14. Focus on the blessings:
Instead of focusing what's wrong with your life, notice what is going right.
15. A golden pause:
Stop. Relax. Appreciate. Resume. (Regularly repeat.)
16. Plant a seed of doubt:
Open your mind to the seed of possibility that there may be a different perspective to consider.
17. Believe it or not, this too shall pass:
Remember that a mood is just a mood--and it will change.
18. Set your expectations to zero:
Do all that you can do, and then let go of your expectations.
19. Are you in there?:
The art of being present: "Nothing is more important than what you are doing right now."
20. Find a way to laugh every day:
Laughing serves as a "reset button" and "is the easiest and most natural way we have of feeling better immediately."
21. Turning on a dime:
We all have the capacity "turn on a dime" and use our resilience and flexibility to reverse patterns and decisions.
22. Lay out the welcome mat:
Reach out to others to become more welcoming--even if it's in a seemingly small way.
23. A small secret:
Use flashcards to organize, grasp, and retain important information.
24. Learn to say no:
Say yes to saying no.
25. Stop the blame game:
"Happy people take responsibility for what happens in their lives--the good and the bad."
26. Be careful what you do and say:
"Everything we do has the potential to influence another human being."
27. First things first:
Prioritize by first focusing your energy and time on that which is most productive.
28. Innocent until proven guilty:
Assume that people are good-natured and tend to act with good intentions.
29. No more regrets:
Take a step forward and eliminate regrets that hold you back.
30. Listen without interrupting:
"Listen to that person as if you were listening to music. Just let it in all the way."
31. Save for a rainy day!:
Small changes in how you use your discretionary money can add up big.
32. Don't take notes:
Instead of getting lost in the details, see the big picture, and let it sink in.
33. My two bits:
Listen to your inner wisdom to figure out what changes are most important to you--and then focus on them.
34. Give a little:
Even small increases in generosity can make a big difference.
35. Reading is for everyone:
Reading just a few pages a day can offer significant life enhancements.
36. A little kindness just might keep the doctor away:
Remember the (contagious) power of kindness.
37. Leave things as you found them:
Take the time to leave things as (or better than how) you found them.
38. Make a small difference in someone's life every day:
"Making others feel good and doing nice things for people simply makes you feel better in the process--a win-win situation."
39. Sail away with small change.
"A few carefully selected small changes can make life easer and more enjoyable every single day."
It really is easier than you think--small steps do add up to big changes. Read on and see for yourself.
Don't let the small size of this book fool you. It's actually a nice metaphor for the overall message of the book: small is big.
As the author notes in the introduction, this book is all about "making small changes that bring great rewards to your life works." His approach is divided into four sections. The first, " A Penny for Your Thoughts," focuses on helping you to change the way you think. The second, "Take Five," provides ways to learn how not to react out of impulse or fear but instead respond with calm and cool. "Turning on a Dime", the third section, offers ways to change how you relate to others, and the final section "My Two Bits" shows that it is the little things that matter most in life.
This little book is kind of like an instruction manual for life, broken down into these 39 small steps:
1. A penny for your thoughts:
Recognize your thoughts patterns and realize that you have the power to change them.
2. Paving your own way:
Live your life based on your own individual dreams and desires.
3. Be there for yourself:
"You can give to others only what you yourself have to give. And one of the best ways to have more love to give is to first give that love to yourself."
4. Your life can change at the drop of a hat:
"Living life with awareness that things are going to change helps prepare you for the unavoidable. Rather than being shocked or thrown off when a change comes, you can react with an unruffled sense of acceptance."
5. The most basic choice of all:
Although you may not be able to choose your circumstances, you can choose your attitude towards them.
6. Remember the power of hope:
As quoted by Desomnd Tutu: "There is no set of circumstances that cannot be turned about by ordinary human beings and their natural capacity for love of the deepest sort."
7. "I won't go there:"
Focus on "what is" instead of ruminating on the "what ifs."
8. Watch your thoughts:
Stepping back to watch your thoughts allows you to be responsive rather than reactive.
9. The grass is as green as it needs to be:
Focusing on what _is_, and not on what_ isn't_ ,makes it possible for us to be happy right now.
10. Take five:
Creating time for the emotional space within ourselves allows us to respond to life instead of automatically reacting to it.
11. Take a vacation every day:
Set aside a short amount of time each day to bring fun and balance back into your life.
12. Notice what gets you:
"If you start paying attention to the events, statements, and behaviors that get to you, you'll soon realize that it is not these specific things that cause you stress but rather the way you react to them."
13. Recognize when you're fighting reality:
Be aware of the difference between what you can control and what you can not, and use your energy accordingly.
14. Focus on the blessings:
Instead of focusing what's wrong with your life, notice what is going right.
15. A golden pause:
Stop. Relax. Appreciate. Resume. (Regularly repeat.)
16. Plant a seed of doubt:
Open your mind to the seed of possibility that there may be a different perspective to consider.
17. Believe it or not, this too shall pass:
Remember that a mood is just a mood--and it will change.
18. Set your expectations to zero:
Do all that you can do, and then let go of your expectations.
19. Are you in there?:
The art of being present: "Nothing is more important than what you are doing right now."
20. Find a way to laugh every day:
Laughing serves as a "reset button" and "is the easiest and most natural way we have of feeling better immediately."
21. Turning on a dime:
We all have the capacity "turn on a dime" and use our resilience and flexibility to reverse patterns and decisions.
22. Lay out the welcome mat:
Reach out to others to become more welcoming--even if it's in a seemingly small way.
23. A small secret:
Use flashcards to organize, grasp, and retain important information.
24. Learn to say no:
Say yes to saying no.
25. Stop the blame game:
"Happy people take responsibility for what happens in their lives--the good and the bad."
26. Be careful what you do and say:
"Everything we do has the potential to influence another human being."
27. First things first:
Prioritize by first focusing your energy and time on that which is most productive.
28. Innocent until proven guilty:
Assume that people are good-natured and tend to act with good intentions.
29. No more regrets:
Take a step forward and eliminate regrets that hold you back.
30. Listen without interrupting:
"Listen to that person as if you were listening to music. Just let it in all the way."
31. Save for a rainy day!:
Small changes in how you use your discretionary money can add up big.
32. Don't take notes:
Instead of getting lost in the details, see the big picture, and let it sink in.
33. My two bits:
Listen to your inner wisdom to figure out what changes are most important to you--and then focus on them.
34. Give a little:
Even small increases in generosity can make a big difference.
35. Reading is for everyone:
Reading just a few pages a day can offer significant life enhancements.
36. A little kindness just might keep the doctor away:
Remember the (contagious) power of kindness.
37. Leave things as you found them:
Take the time to leave things as (or better than how) you found them.
38. Make a small difference in someone's life every day:
"Making others feel good and doing nice things for people simply makes you feel better in the process--a win-win situation."
39. Sail away with small change.
"A few carefully selected small changes can make life easer and more enjoyable every single day."
It really is easier than you think--small steps do add up to big changes. Read on and see for yourself.
March 18, 2010
In law, a process known as "shepardizing" involves researching cases related to the one that you're representing, using Shepard's Citations. In each case that you look up, you can find other cases, which leads you to others, etc. Shepardizing should be thorough, and in theory could lead on forever; so how do you know when to stop? When the cases you find start referring back to cases you've already read.
Dr. Carlson's book is much the same. There are segments of this book that have already been covered by Stephen R. Covey, David Bach, Leo Buscaglia, and no doubt a dozen more. Self-help books don't help much if you've already seen the information in another form.
I will say that this book is a swift and easy read, with very short segments that can be dwelled upon while seated upon the porcelain throne. (That's precisely how I got through it, thanks.) In this way, the book provides those little tidbits for thought that one might find in Guideposts, and in that form, such bite-sized nuggets can be worth perusing. Beyond this, however, reading this book provided the same sensations that I had when shepardizing for my paralegal course. Not necessarily a bad thing, but I confess I'd hoped to find new information, new insights.
Keep a copy handy in the john for your guests and visitors; they might appreciate it.
Dr. Carlson's book is much the same. There are segments of this book that have already been covered by Stephen R. Covey, David Bach, Leo Buscaglia, and no doubt a dozen more. Self-help books don't help much if you've already seen the information in another form.
I will say that this book is a swift and easy read, with very short segments that can be dwelled upon while seated upon the porcelain throne. (That's precisely how I got through it, thanks.) In this way, the book provides those little tidbits for thought that one might find in Guideposts, and in that form, such bite-sized nuggets can be worth perusing. Beyond this, however, reading this book provided the same sensations that I had when shepardizing for my paralegal course. Not necessarily a bad thing, but I confess I'd hoped to find new information, new insights.
Keep a copy handy in the john for your guests and visitors; they might appreciate it.
May 27, 2020
Richard Carlson #1 theme before he would compete in a sports game and his approach to life is the same strategy of Bill Murray in "What About Bob."
Take it 1 step at a time.
A mentor taught 18 year old Richard Carlson to read 8 pages every day for a whole year and to put more into life then you take out of it.
Take it 1 step at a time.
A mentor taught 18 year old Richard Carlson to read 8 pages every day for a whole year and to put more into life then you take out of it.
May 3, 2023
Great coffee table book. Ultimately, it’s about how small positive changes in your life will effect the outcome of your world. Instead of focusing on the big, focus on changing the small.
December 2, 2018
Could have used a little more substance to this book. However, for as concise as it is - it truly packed a punch. The suggestions for being a better listener are easy ways to improve our life at home and at work... and something I know I need to work on.
May 4, 2024
Some decent ideas on making life easier and happier. I agree that small changes made daily can make a world of difference. Great ideas on dealing with anger and relationships.
January 23, 2010
The unabridged audiobook has four star advice and Richard Carlson does a four star job of reading his book. I give the book only three stars because almost all of the techniques he taught were things I've already learned from other sources. They are good techniques and I was happy to be reminded of some of them, but this book was less useful for me personally than it will be for many others. I'd suggest reading or listening to Richard Carlson's Don't Sweat the Small Stuff, and It's All Small Stuff first. If you enjoy the techniques taught in that book, which Carlson refers to as reactive strategies, and you are interested in some proactive strategies in that same vein, check out Easier Than You Think. If nothing else, this book is very affirming of the concept that we have a remarkable ability to change the experience of our lives by simple techniques that shift the way we think.
January 23, 2018
"Há cerca de vinte e cinco anos, o meu bom amigo Joseph apresentou-me um desafio interessante, e agora vou apresentá-lo a si. Como tantas outras pessoas, eu achava que não tinha tempo suficiente para ler. Mas Joseph, que era um antigo amigo da família, ajudou-me a ver que, se formos um bocadinho motivados, todos nós temos tempo para ler. Ele sabia que uma das razões pelas quais as pessoas não lêem é por não terem apanhado o bichinho da leitura. Por outras palavras, não sabem como é divertido estar sentado, entusiasmado, a imaginar o que vem a seguir, incapaz de pousar o livro; ainda não descobriram que a leitura pode entreter-nos completamente, onde quer que se vá, a qualquer hora do dia. Quando ficamos presos à leitura, as nossas vidas tornam-se muito mais ricas e interessantes. Se leres dez páginas por dia dá exactamente 3650 páginas por ano. Em dez anos, se leres 10 páginas por dia na cama antes de adormeceres, são 36 500 páginas! Como os números se multiplicam tão depressa..."
September 22, 2010
This book is perfect for those in a rut and can only see the negative in everything. It basically tells you to change your thoughts to positive ones. Easier said sometimes than done. If you are looking for a way to change your life by doing something really simple read "29 Gifts" by Kami Walker.
September 5, 2023
Good book on how small changes in your life can improve it.
July 31, 2014
If everyone would do all the things Richard Carlson says in this book the world would be a better place.
July 3, 2016
I love this book! It was a life saver for me when I first read it. I frequently pull it out and re-read my favorite parts as reminders that life doesn't have to be so hard.
October 20, 2024
Dr. Richard Carlson wrote several books over the years, and this book is one of them. Easier Than You Think is a book focused on your self-talk and inner voice. A sizable portion of what you feel depends on how you frame events. For example, you may have a rebellious teenager. You should be thankful for that connection and for having a child to love.
The book is practical. It contains advice that is immediately applicable to anyone's life. Another piece of advice is to make a reading goal. Anyone can read ten pages a day. Ten pages a day is 3650 pages a year when it isn't a leap year. That amount adds up quickly. However, it isn't a piece of advice I need.
Altogether, the book contains thirty-nine pieces of advice. They are all small, petty things you can do to improve your life. Listen to people. When aggravated, pause for five seconds to ask yourself why.
I enjoyed the book. Thanks for reading my review, and see you next time.
The book is practical. It contains advice that is immediately applicable to anyone's life. Another piece of advice is to make a reading goal. Anyone can read ten pages a day. Ten pages a day is 3650 pages a year when it isn't a leap year. That amount adds up quickly. However, it isn't a piece of advice I need.
Altogether, the book contains thirty-nine pieces of advice. They are all small, petty things you can do to improve your life. Listen to people. When aggravated, pause for five seconds to ask yourself why.
I enjoyed the book. Thanks for reading my review, and see you next time.
August 19, 2024
It felt like a load of commercials (ie "if you try this small change then this would happen" or "You won't believe how big of a difference this would make" etc) than anything else. The author gave some examples of how the small changes affected others in each chapter, which is honestly pretty nice for those who aren't too persuaded, but his little commercials at the end ruined them a bit. I recommend it for people who are more on the emotionally immature side, because he really wrote it for them instead of the rest of the population who actually can control their feelings (which is basically 70% of the book's topic). It's good to learn a bit more, sure, but it can get boring if your understanding of yourself, your own worth, and your needs are slightly above the so-called average.
July 12, 2019
If you’re looking to make few changes in your current lifestyle but not sure of the direction to take, then this your go to book.
The chapters are small with about 2-3 pages with very clear examples on how a small a change can make a major difference. It’s easy to get hooked on to this book and finish asap.
It is also one of those books that you can just pick anytime you want and read a chapter that will help you get back on track.
Just the book I needed for my current lifestyle.
The chapters are small with about 2-3 pages with very clear examples on how a small a change can make a major difference. It’s easy to get hooked on to this book and finish asap.
It is also one of those books that you can just pick anytime you want and read a chapter that will help you get back on track.
Just the book I needed for my current lifestyle.
December 26, 2017
- Not bad but also not great
- Each chapter was so short that it lacked depth, though I suppose the point is that each change is small and simple so that not a whole lot of elaboration is needed
- Some of the advice felt slightly repetitive and I'm not sure whether there was any logical categorisation of them
- Might be good to go through the book a second time and take notes on things that particularly resonated
- It's a lot of common sense and perspective when you get down to it
- Each chapter was so short that it lacked depth, though I suppose the point is that each change is small and simple so that not a whole lot of elaboration is needed
- Some of the advice felt slightly repetitive and I'm not sure whether there was any logical categorisation of them
- Might be good to go through the book a second time and take notes on things that particularly resonated
- It's a lot of common sense and perspective when you get down to it
September 5, 2021
This was an easy read. Carlson adroitly hammers home what you have known all along, those simple truths that are so common but yet super powerful. Simple mind shifts that can catapult you to new heights if adhered to and practised consistently. Why not start by giving people the benefit of the doubt? Give a little, mmh? How about putting first things first including setting some funds aside for the rainy day?No, the latter is not a contradiction. All these and more, if you read this book.
August 19, 2024
Sure, Easier Than You Think has a couple of decent chapters, but most of it feels like padding. It’s as if Carlson had a word count to hit and just decided to throw in some fluff. The advice? Let’s just say it’s easier to say than to actually do. Easier Than You Think? More like Harder Than He Makes It Sound. Carlson might have you believe you’re about to unlock the secrets to a stress-free life, but spoiler alert: it’s not as easy as he pretends it is.
April 9, 2025
Small changes can make a difference.
I really enjoyed this book. It made me think of all the changes I could make in my life. The chapter on reading was my favorite because I love to read. I started thinking of ways to get other people to read, especially younger people. It can change your life. I have learned so much from reading through the years. I have learned so much that even I'm amazed!
Thank you for sharing your life!
I would recommend this book to everyone.
I really enjoyed this book. It made me think of all the changes I could make in my life. The chapter on reading was my favorite because I love to read. I started thinking of ways to get other people to read, especially younger people. It can change your life. I have learned so much from reading through the years. I have learned so much that even I'm amazed!
Thank you for sharing your life!
I would recommend this book to everyone.
October 24, 2025
I found the book practical and accessible. However, I could not help feel that I had read this book, perhaps with a slightly modified narrative, many many times. All the concepts felt too familiar. “Don’t sweat the small stuff” is still one of my favorite books and this book inspired me to go back and read it again.
December 24, 2017
Excellent quick read listing a number of small daily "course corrections" that one can make to change the quality of our lives! I only wish that the author (Rchard Carlson) was still with us to write more books.
March 15, 2018
This book was a simplistic review of different small changes you can make in your life to improve your mood. I could see this as a quick, easy read to make positive changes in different areas either as an adjunct to therapy or as a self help book.
January 6, 2020
This book had some good nuggets but overall it is a privilege to just ignore the hard parts of life and oversimplifies patterns of thinking and behaving. It’s chapter after chapter of “put on rose colored glasses”. And I struggled through it.
March 26, 2023
For someone new to self-development, great book, for a pro, still a great book for a refresher in good habits. I enjoyed it, it's a good easy ready. Perfect for revisiting when you need an adjustment.
August 14, 2024
Not perfect but very helpful. Breathe through your nose. Be present. Focus on one thing when spiraling. Stop to think before reacting. Follow your own priorities rather than the “urgency” of your inbox.
March 9, 2018
Quick collection of good advice.
August 26, 2018
Cute little book I found at the library
March 6, 2019
Amazing reminders of how to have a more fulfilled and joyful life.
August 1, 2019
Easy read
It is great for light reading before bed (not too overwhelming) but it also comes with a big life impact
It is great for light reading before bed (not too overwhelming) but it also comes with a big life impact
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews