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Are You Fully Charged?: The 3 Keys to Energizing Your Work and Life
Tom Rath, author of six influential bestsellers, reveals the three keys that matter most for our daily health and well-being, as well as our engagement in our work. Drawing on the latest and most practical research from health, psychology, and economics, this book focuses on changes we can make to create better days for ourselves and others. Are You Fully Charged? will challenge you to stop pursuing happiness and start creating meaning instead, lead you to rethink your daily interactions with the people who matter most, and show you how to put your own health first in order to be your best every day.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published March 10, 2015
197 people are currently reading
3972 people want to read
About the author
Tom Rath
24 books639 followersTom Rath is an author and researcher who has spent the past two decades studying how work can improve human health and well-being. He has two books slated for publication in 2020, Life's Great Question: Discover How You Best Contribute to the World and It's Not About You: A Brief Guide to a Meaningful Life, published in partnership with Amazon Original Stories.
In total, Tom's 10 books have sold more than 10 million copies and made hundreds of appearances on global bestseller lists.
Connect with Tom at:
- www.tomrath.org
- Twitter.com/TomCRath
- Facebook.com/AuthorTomRath
- Google.com/+TomRath
- Linkedin.com/in/trath/
In total, Tom's 10 books have sold more than 10 million copies and made hundreds of appearances on global bestseller lists.
Connect with Tom at:
- www.tomrath.org
- Twitter.com/TomCRath
- Facebook.com/AuthorTomRath
- Google.com/+TomRath
- Linkedin.com/in/trath/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
August 21, 2015
One of the more famous Steve Jobs quotes is from his 2005 Stanford University speech to new grads: "When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: "If you live each day as if it was your last, some day you'll most certainly be right." It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" And whenever the answer has been "no" for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something."
Tom Rath had a harsher introduction to this kind of philosophy: when he was 16, he lost an eye to cancer and was diagnosed with Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome, a genetic disorder that spurs growth of cancerous tumors. Every year, he spends a week at the National Institutes of Health undergoing scans and blood tests to keep track of the cancers he has in his eye, kidneys, adrenal glands, pancreas, and spine. If everything goes well (and sometimes surgery or chemotherapy is needed), he leaves hospital with effectively a new 12-month lease on life.
Thanks to this experience, Rath has devoted his life to studying health and the choices he can make to prolong his own life. He also challenges himself to find a way to make a difference every single day. "Are You Fully Charged?" is a concise summary of his last two decades of research. It brings together a lot of ground that is covered in other books but he boils a lot of great information down to the essentials. In particular, he lays out the 3 Keys that impact on your energy and happiness. Since reading the book, I've found myself mentally running through the 3 Keys each day to see how I've done and it's been really helpful.
The book is full of fascinating insights. Some of the ones I highlighted:
- A study found that the mere presence of a smartphone can ruin a conversation. "Any time the phone was visible [even simply placing it on the table], the quality of the conversations was rated as less fulfilling when compared to conversations that took place in the absence of modern devices."
- "We need at least three to five positive interactions to outweigh every one negative exchange. Bad moments simply outweigh good ones. Whether you're having a one-on-one conversation with a colleague or a group discussion, keep this simple shortcut in mind: At least 80 percent of your conversations should be focused on what's going right." (I'm pretty sure I've read this one before as a key to a successful marriage!)
- "... society keeps telling you that you can be anything you want to be ... if you just try hard enough. This age-old aspirational myth does more harm than good. While people can overcome adversity and are remarkably resilient, the most potential for growth and development lies in the areas where you have a natural talent to start with. The more time you spend building on who you already are, the faster you will grow." (Something I already knew but want to remind myself of.)
- [In a chapter talking about how buying material goods does not bring happiness] "One notable exception is spending on material goods that help you learn and grow, such as books, videos, sporting goods, and musical instruments. A 2014 study found that experience-oriented products do lead to increases in happiness." (Goodreads members: you have full permission to keep on with that book addiction!!)
Rath is a good writer. I read this on a flight back from Europe to the US where I was exhausted and trying to stay awake. "Are You Fully Charged?" kept me engrossed and even led to me passing the book across to my husband so he could read passages too.
Overall, I really liked this book and recommend it. I found it was most useful in being a handy reference of things I had already learned as well as giving me a framework on how to think about using my time and looking after my health. I haven't read any of Rath's books before, but it looks like he has included some information from those so if you've already read something like Eat, Move, Sleep, you'll likely find the third key to be old information.
Thanks to NetGalley for the copy.
Tom Rath had a harsher introduction to this kind of philosophy: when he was 16, he lost an eye to cancer and was diagnosed with Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome, a genetic disorder that spurs growth of cancerous tumors. Every year, he spends a week at the National Institutes of Health undergoing scans and blood tests to keep track of the cancers he has in his eye, kidneys, adrenal glands, pancreas, and spine. If everything goes well (and sometimes surgery or chemotherapy is needed), he leaves hospital with effectively a new 12-month lease on life.
Thanks to this experience, Rath has devoted his life to studying health and the choices he can make to prolong his own life. He also challenges himself to find a way to make a difference every single day. "Are You Fully Charged?" is a concise summary of his last two decades of research. It brings together a lot of ground that is covered in other books but he boils a lot of great information down to the essentials. In particular, he lays out the 3 Keys that impact on your energy and happiness. Since reading the book, I've found myself mentally running through the 3 Keys each day to see how I've done and it's been really helpful.
The book is full of fascinating insights. Some of the ones I highlighted:
- A study found that the mere presence of a smartphone can ruin a conversation. "Any time the phone was visible [even simply placing it on the table], the quality of the conversations was rated as less fulfilling when compared to conversations that took place in the absence of modern devices."
- "We need at least three to five positive interactions to outweigh every one negative exchange. Bad moments simply outweigh good ones. Whether you're having a one-on-one conversation with a colleague or a group discussion, keep this simple shortcut in mind: At least 80 percent of your conversations should be focused on what's going right." (I'm pretty sure I've read this one before as a key to a successful marriage!)
- "... society keeps telling you that you can be anything you want to be ... if you just try hard enough. This age-old aspirational myth does more harm than good. While people can overcome adversity and are remarkably resilient, the most potential for growth and development lies in the areas where you have a natural talent to start with. The more time you spend building on who you already are, the faster you will grow." (Something I already knew but want to remind myself of.)
- [In a chapter talking about how buying material goods does not bring happiness] "One notable exception is spending on material goods that help you learn and grow, such as books, videos, sporting goods, and musical instruments. A 2014 study found that experience-oriented products do lead to increases in happiness." (Goodreads members: you have full permission to keep on with that book addiction!!)
Rath is a good writer. I read this on a flight back from Europe to the US where I was exhausted and trying to stay awake. "Are You Fully Charged?" kept me engrossed and even led to me passing the book across to my husband so he could read passages too.
Overall, I really liked this book and recommend it. I found it was most useful in being a handy reference of things I had already learned as well as giving me a framework on how to think about using my time and looking after my health. I haven't read any of Rath's books before, but it looks like he has included some information from those so if you've already read something like Eat, Move, Sleep, you'll likely find the third key to be old information.
Thanks to NetGalley for the copy.
March 11, 2018
ได้เวลาชาร์จพลัง(Are you fully charged?) เขียนโดย Tom Rath แปลโดย รสลินน์ ทวีกิตติกุล สนพ. open worlds
น้องชายสุดหล่อยื่นหนังสือเล่มนี้ให้ค่ะ
คุณน้องช่วงนี้ดูออร่าเปล่งประกาย พลังงานชีวิตล้นเหลือมาก น้องบอกให้เราเอาเล่มนี้ไปอ่าน น่าจะตอบโจทย์คนพลังชีวิตหมดไวอย่างเราได้ 555
ไม่ได้อ่าน non-fiction สายจิตวิทยาประยุกต์ ผสมเศรษฐศาสตร์พฤติกรรมมานานแล้ว เล่มนี้เขียนดีและแปลดีมากนะคะ เราอ่านแล้วจะไม่รู้สึกแข็งๆ หรือเซ็งอีโก้คนเขียนแบบบางเล่มที่เคยเจอ
คุณ Tom Rath เองป่วยเป็นมะเร็งมาตั้งแต่วัยรุ่น ทุกวันนี้ก็ยังไม่หาย ดังนั้นเค้าจะค่อนข้างให้ความสำคัญกับการมีชีวิตอยู่และการใช้ชีวิตอย่างมีคุณภาพ
ในเล่มจะพูดถึง 3 องค์ประกอบที่ทำให้วันๆ นึงเรารู้สึกสดชื่นสดใส เต็มเปี่ยมไปด้วยพลัง นั่นคือ
1. ความหมาย - งานที่เราทำมีความหมายไหม อย่างไร ทั้งต่อตัวเอง ต่อคนอื่น
2. ปฏิสัมพันธ์ - ความสัมพันธ์เชิงบวกที่เรามีต่อคนอื่น
3. พลังงาน - กิน นอน ออกกำลังกาย อย่างมีคุณภาพ
ช่วงแรกที่พูดเรื่อง 'ความหมาย' ทำให้เรานึกถึง So Good They Can't Ignore You เพราะเป็นเนื้อหาประเภทแนะแนวอาชีพและการทำงาน แต่เล่าด้วยภาษาสุขุมกว่า และแตกประเด็นมาแบบย่อยง่าย สบาย และอ่านได้ไวกว่า
ช่วงกลาง เรื่อง 'ปฏิสัมพันธ์' เราชอบเรื่องฮอร์โมนคอร์ติซอลกับออกซิโทซิน เรื่องฮอร์โมนนี่ทำให้ต้องหันมามองพฤติกรรมตัวเองใหม่เลยทีเดียว และเราชอบการใช้ชีวิตในจังหวะก้าวเท้าเล็กๆ อย่างที่คุณ Tom Rath บอก
ช่วงท้าย เรื่อง 'พลังงาน' ทำเอาเราอยากไปหาหนังสือเล่มก่อนหน้าของคุณ Tom Rath มาอ่าน ชื่อเรื่อง Eat Move Sleep ค่ะ เนื้อหาช่วงนี้สนุกและตื่นเต้นมาก เล่าเรื่องการดูแลสุขภาพได้สนุก ตื่นตาตื่นใจ กระตุ้นให้ตระหนักเรื่องการกิน การนอน และการออกกำลังกายด้วยมุมมองในแง่ใหม่ๆ ดี(อาจจะใหม่สำหรับเราเองคนเดียวก็ได้ค่ะ เพราะปกติเราไม่อ่านหนังสือแนวสุขภาพ)
สรุป
อ่านได้เพลินๆ ดี
มีประโยคน่าขีดไฮไลท์โผล่มาเป็นพักๆ
มีเนื้อหาความรู้อ้างอิงงานวิจัย ที่อ่านแล้วก็โอ้โหมากันต่อเนื่อง
สนุกดีค่ะ :-)
น้องชายสุดหล่อยื่นหนังสือเล่มนี้ให้ค่ะ
คุณน้องช่วงนี้ดูออร่าเปล่งประกาย พลังงานชีวิตล้นเหลือมาก น้องบอกให้เราเอาเล่มนี้ไปอ่าน น่าจะตอบโจทย์คนพลังชีวิตหมดไวอย่างเราได้ 555
ไม่ได้อ่าน non-fiction สายจิตวิทยาประยุกต์ ผสมเศรษฐศาสตร์พฤติกรรมมานานแล้ว เล่มนี้เขียนดีและแปลดีมากนะคะ เราอ่านแล้วจะไม่รู้สึกแข็งๆ หรือเซ็งอีโก้คนเขียนแบบบางเล่มที่เคยเจอ
คุณ Tom Rath เองป่วยเป็นมะเร็งมาตั้งแต่วัยรุ่น ทุกวันนี้ก็ยังไม่หาย ดังนั้นเค้าจะค่อนข้างให้ความสำคัญกับการมีชีวิตอยู่และการใช้ชีวิตอย่างมีคุณภาพ
ในเล่มจะพูดถึง 3 องค์ประกอบที่ทำให้วันๆ นึงเรารู้สึกสดชื่นสดใส เต็มเปี่ยมไปด้วยพลัง นั่นคือ
1. ความหมาย - งานที่เราทำมีความหมายไหม อย่างไร ทั้งต่อตัวเอง ต่อคนอื่น
2. ปฏิสัมพันธ์ - ความสัมพันธ์เชิงบวกที่เรามีต่อคนอื่น
3. พลังงาน - กิน นอน ออกกำลังกาย อย่างมีคุณภาพ
ช่วงแรกที่พูดเรื่อง 'ความหมาย' ทำให้เรานึกถึง So Good They Can't Ignore You เพราะเป็นเนื้อหาประเภทแนะแนวอาชีพและการทำงาน แต่เล่าด้วยภาษาสุขุมกว่า และแตกประเด็นมาแบบย่อยง่าย สบาย และอ่านได้ไวกว่า
ช่วงกลาง เรื่อง 'ปฏิสัมพันธ์' เราชอบเรื่องฮอร์โมนคอร์ติซอลกับออกซิโทซิน เรื่องฮอร์โมนนี่ทำให้ต้องหันมามองพฤติกรรมตัวเองใหม่เลยทีเดียว และเราชอบการใช้ชีวิตในจังหวะก้าวเท้าเล็กๆ อย่างที่คุณ Tom Rath บอก
ช่วงท้าย เรื่อง 'พลังงาน' ทำเอาเราอยากไปหาหนังสือเล่มก่อนหน้าของคุณ Tom Rath มาอ่าน ชื่อเรื่อง Eat Move Sleep ค่ะ เนื้อหาช่วงนี้สนุกและตื่นเต้นมาก เล่าเรื่องการดูแลสุขภาพได้สนุก ตื่นตาตื่นใจ กระตุ้นให้ตระหนักเรื่องการกิน การนอน และการออกกำลังกายด้วยมุมมองในแง่ใหม่ๆ ดี(อาจจะใหม่สำหรับเราเองคนเดียวก็ได้ค่ะ เพราะปกติเราไม่อ่านหนังสือแนวสุขภาพ)
สรุป
อ่านได้เพลินๆ ดี
มีประโยคน่าขีดไฮไลท์โผล่มาเป็นพักๆ
มีเนื้อหาความรู้อ้างอิงงานวิจัย ที่อ่านแล้วก็โอ้โหมากันต่อเนื่อง
สนุกดีค่ะ :-)
September 5, 2017
A book that delivers big time on the thoughts about creating happier, more fulfilling lives.
Three key ideas around which the book is built:
1) Meaning: doing something that benefits another person
2) Interactions: creating far more positive than negative emotions
3) Energy: making choices that improve both mental and physical health.
It's a 240 page package, I listened it as an audiobook, just a bit over three hours with 1X speed. I can easily recommend it to anyone who is interested in living more fulfilling life.
Three key ideas around which the book is built:
1) Meaning: doing something that benefits another person
2) Interactions: creating far more positive than negative emotions
3) Energy: making choices that improve both mental and physical health.
It's a 240 page package, I listened it as an audiobook, just a bit over three hours with 1X speed. I can easily recommend it to anyone who is interested in living more fulfilling life.
April 29, 2015
Tom Rath, of StrengthFinders fame, writes about living a life of meaning and purpose. Starting with his own personal story, and digging into decades of research, he sets out a compelling argument that meaning is more important than happiness, that interactions with others fuels meaning and that energy is required to live a life of meaning. He expands on each element in an easy to read and understand, yet compelling style. Well worth reading, contemplating and putting into practice!
July 5, 2025
Tom Rath is an American business consultant who's written a number of books aimed at businesses and employees like Strengths Finder 2.0 (which I read and found of limited utility) and How Full Is Your Bucket?. In a similar vein to Strengths Finder 2.0, 2015's Are You Fully Charged? is a brief, superficial approach to another topic that many other books and resources go into much more deeply - this time, energy management. Most of this book is eminently obvious to anyone who's reasonably self-aware - like, did you know that getting adequate amounts of good quality sleep boosts your productivity and mood during your waking hours? I spent less than an hour reading this, not finding any appreciable bits of novelty. I've read other books on this topic that do a better job at giving practical advice, like Jon Gordon's The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy, Tony Schwartz and Jean Gomes' The Way We're Working Isn't Working: The Four Forgotten Needs That Energize Great Performance and Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz' The Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy, Not Time, Is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal.
My statistics:
Book 207 for 2025
Book 2133 cumulatively
My statistics:
Book 207 for 2025
Book 2133 cumulatively
June 12, 2020
ตอนเเรกนึกว่าเป็นหนังสือเเนวปฏิบัติ ไปๆมาๆกลายเป็น How to เฉยเลยครับ เเต่ก็เป็น How to ที่กลมกล่อมดีทีเดียว
Are you fully charge เป็นหนังสือที่มุ่งให้เราปรับเปลี่ยนวิธีคิดในการใช้ชีวิต เพื่อให้ชีวิตอย่างมีความสุข โดยชีวิตจะมีความสุขได้ ถังพลังงาน (ขอใช้คำนี้นะครับ 555 ) ทั้ง 3 ด้านจะต้องมีพลังงานเต็มเปี่ยมเเละจะต้องได้สมดุลอีกด้วย ซึ่งถังทั้ง 3 ด้านนี้ ได้เเก่ การทำงาน ความสัมพันธ์ เเละ สุขภาพ
ดังนั้นหนังสือจึงเเบ่งออกเป็นบทใหญ่ๆ 3 บท ในเเต่ละบทก็จะเล่าถึงการปรับเปลี่ยนวิธีคิดเพื่อให้ชีวิตในด้านนั้นๆ มีคุณภาพที่ดีขึ้น โดยคอนเซปหลักในเเต่ละด้านคือ การค้นพบความหมายของงานที��ทำ การสร้างความสัมพันธ์ที่ดี เเละการรักษาสุขภาพเพื่อให้สามารถทำ 2 ด้านที่เเล้วได้อย่างเต็มที่
คือดูเนื้อหาเเล้วพบว่า ก็เหมือนกับที่เคยผ่านตากันมาบ้างจากเล่มนู้นเล่มนี้นะครับ เเต่จุดเด่นของเล่มนี้คือ ภาษาการบรรยายที่กระชับได้สัดส่วน มีผลการวิจัยอ้างอิงชัดเจน เเละมีการจัดลำดับหมวดหมู่ ทำให้เข้าใจได้ง่าย อีกทั้งเเต่ละบทย่อยก็ไม่กี่หน้าเองครับ เเค่ 5-6 หน้า จึงเหมาะกับการพกติดตัวไปอ่านเวลารอนู่นนี่ หรือ เป็นหนังสือติดตัวเวลาต้องเดินทาง
ด้วยตัวเนื้อหาเเล้ว เป็น How to ที่อ่านจบเเล้วสามารถนำมาปรับใช้ได้ในชีวิตทันที ไม่ใช่เเนวฟุ้งๆคำคมที่จับหลักอะไรไม่ค่อยได้ อ่านวันบท 2 บท เเล้วมาทบทวนตัวเองว่าเราขาดเหลืออะไรหรือไม่เเล้วปรับใช้เลยทันที ก็เป็นหนังสือที่อ่านเพลิดเพลินดีครับ
Are you fully charge เป็นหนังสือที่มุ่งให้เราปรับเปลี่ยนวิธีคิดในการใช้ชีวิต เพื่อให้ชีวิตอย่างมีความสุข โดยชีวิตจะมีความสุขได้ ถังพลังงาน (ขอใช้คำนี้นะครับ 555 ) ทั้ง 3 ด้านจะต้องมีพลังงานเต็มเปี่ยมเเละจะต้องได้สมดุลอีกด้วย ซึ่งถังทั้ง 3 ด้านนี้ ได้เเก่ การทำงาน ความสัมพันธ์ เเละ สุขภาพ
ดังนั้นหนังสือจึงเเบ่งออกเป็นบทใหญ่ๆ 3 บท ในเเต่ละบทก็จะเล่าถึงการปรับเปลี่ยนวิธีคิดเพื่อให้ชีวิตในด้านนั้นๆ มีคุณภาพที่ดีขึ้น โดยคอนเซปหลักในเเต่ละด้านคือ การค้นพบความหมายของงานที��ทำ การสร้างความสัมพันธ์ที่ดี เเละการรักษาสุขภาพเพื่อให้สามารถทำ 2 ด้านที่เเล้วได้อย่างเต็มที่
คือดูเนื้อหาเเล้วพบว่า ก็เหมือนกับที่เคยผ่านตากันมาบ้างจากเล่มนู้นเล่มนี้นะครับ เเต่จุดเด่นของเล่มนี้คือ ภาษาการบรรยายที่กระชับได้สัดส่วน มีผลการวิจัยอ้างอิงชัดเจน เเละมีการจัดลำดับหมวดหมู่ ทำให้เข้าใจได้ง่าย อีกทั้งเเต่ละบทย่อยก็ไม่กี่หน้าเองครับ เเค่ 5-6 หน้า จึงเหมาะกับการพกติดตัวไปอ่านเวลารอนู่นนี่ หรือ เป็นหนังสือติดตัวเวลาต้องเดินทาง
ด้วยตัวเนื้อหาเเล้ว เป็น How to ที่อ่านจบเเล้วสามารถนำมาปรับใช้ได้ในชีวิตทันที ไม่ใช่เเนวฟุ้งๆคำคมที่จับหลักอะไรไม่ค่อยได้ อ่านวันบท 2 บท เเล้วมาทบทวนตัวเองว่าเราขาดเหลืออะไรหรือไม่เเล้วปรับใช้เลยทันที ก็เป็นหนังสือที่อ่านเพลิดเพลินดีครับ
April 25, 2015
Building on his earlier business and leadership books, Tom Rath takes a holistic look at personal and work satisfaction in "Are You Fully Charged?" Rath explores three core areas: meaning, interactions, and energy, which are equally critical to being "fully charged" in life. For each area Rath provides research and practical advice to make life improvements. This is especially detailed at the end of the book with a series of questions for self-reflection and a comprehensive resource section.
"Are You Fully Charged?" will provide you with the information you need to start making positive changes in your life today.
**Thank you to Netgalley and Missionday for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review**
"Are You Fully Charged?" will provide you with the information you need to start making positive changes in your life today.
**Thank you to Netgalley and Missionday for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review**
May 16, 2015
None of this was new information. Sure, I got my hypotheses backed up with research, but honestly, this book is just a rehash of info I already know. (Exactly what I'm doing in this review, repeating without purpose)
December 9, 2018
Kiitos Janne Piiroinen kirjasta!
September 22, 2023
Great stuff
“To discover what creates a full charge, my team and I reviewed countless articles and academic studies, and interviewed some of the world’s leading social scientists. We identified and catalogued more than 2,600 ideas for improving daily experience. As we narrowed down the concepts to the most proven and practical strategies, underlying patterns continued to surface. Three key conditions differentiate days when you have a full charge from typical days:
• Meaning: doing something that benefits another person
• Interactions: creating far more positive than negative moments
• Energy: making choices that improve your mental and physical health ...
The good news is that you don’t have to go on a retreat in the woods to find meaning, you don’t need to find new friends at a cocktail party to have better interactions, and you certainly don’t need to run a marathon or embark on a fad diet to create physical energy. The biggest changes for your daily well-being start with a few small steps.” ~ Tom Rath from Are You Fully Charged?: The 3 Keys to Energizing Your Work and Life
Are you fully charged?
Tom Rath tells us it’s all about what we do DAILY and that if we want to improve the quality of our lives (and sense of aliveness!), we need to focus on optimizing three key conditions: Meaning + Interactions + Energy.
Tom himself is an incredibly inspiring guy. Diagnosed with cancer at 16, he discovered that he has a rare gene mutation that shuts off a powerful tumor suppressor. As a result, he lost his left eye and has spent a week in the hospital every year getting tests to make sure his various cancers (in his eye, kidneys, pancreas, adrenal glands, and spine) are in check before getting a new 12-month lease on life. (Wow.)
Being the superhero he is, this has catalyzed him to make the most of every day. He’s written a number of books (including StrengthsFinder 2.0 and Eat Move Sleep) that have sold over 6 million copies and spent 300+ weeks on The Wall Street Journal bestseller lists.
Tom also wrote one of our absolute favorite children’s books (which complements this book) called The Rechargeables featuring two little kids (Poppy and Simon) who learn how to get their charge up via moving, eating and sleeping then go on a mission to help the rest of their town. Emerson LOVES it. (As he runs to the park or eats “brain food” he’ll often say, “I’m getting my charge up!” (And, when he wakes up from a nap I love to take a look at his charge. :)
Below are some of my favorite Big Ideas from this book. You can hear more about this book here:
1. The 3 Conditions - = Meaning + Interactions + Energy.
2. Meaning - = Strengths + Interests + Needs.
3. Your Talents - Double down every turn.
4. 45 + 15 - Work. Rest. Repeat.
5. 500 Million Moments - Use them wisely
Here’s to getting our charge way up as we optimize, actualize and give ourselves most fully to the world!
I’ve added Are You Fully Charged?: The 3 Keys to Energizing Your Work and Life by Tom Rath to my collection of PhilosophersNotes. (Which help you change your life, 20-minutes at a time, with the best Big Ideas from 600+ of the best books on Optimizing your life via 6-page PDFs/20-min MP3s on the go!)
Get instant (free) access to all 600+ PhilosophersNotes AND all 50 Optimal Living 101 classes AND 1,000+ Optimize +1s as part of our free 2-week trial: http://optimize.me/
“To discover what creates a full charge, my team and I reviewed countless articles and academic studies, and interviewed some of the world’s leading social scientists. We identified and catalogued more than 2,600 ideas for improving daily experience. As we narrowed down the concepts to the most proven and practical strategies, underlying patterns continued to surface. Three key conditions differentiate days when you have a full charge from typical days:
• Meaning: doing something that benefits another person
• Interactions: creating far more positive than negative moments
• Energy: making choices that improve your mental and physical health ...
The good news is that you don’t have to go on a retreat in the woods to find meaning, you don’t need to find new friends at a cocktail party to have better interactions, and you certainly don’t need to run a marathon or embark on a fad diet to create physical energy. The biggest changes for your daily well-being start with a few small steps.” ~ Tom Rath from Are You Fully Charged?: The 3 Keys to Energizing Your Work and Life
Are you fully charged?
Tom Rath tells us it’s all about what we do DAILY and that if we want to improve the quality of our lives (and sense of aliveness!), we need to focus on optimizing three key conditions: Meaning + Interactions + Energy.
Tom himself is an incredibly inspiring guy. Diagnosed with cancer at 16, he discovered that he has a rare gene mutation that shuts off a powerful tumor suppressor. As a result, he lost his left eye and has spent a week in the hospital every year getting tests to make sure his various cancers (in his eye, kidneys, pancreas, adrenal glands, and spine) are in check before getting a new 12-month lease on life. (Wow.)
Being the superhero he is, this has catalyzed him to make the most of every day. He’s written a number of books (including StrengthsFinder 2.0 and Eat Move Sleep) that have sold over 6 million copies and spent 300+ weeks on The Wall Street Journal bestseller lists.
Tom also wrote one of our absolute favorite children’s books (which complements this book) called The Rechargeables featuring two little kids (Poppy and Simon) who learn how to get their charge up via moving, eating and sleeping then go on a mission to help the rest of their town. Emerson LOVES it. (As he runs to the park or eats “brain food” he’ll often say, “I’m getting my charge up!” (And, when he wakes up from a nap I love to take a look at his charge. :)
Below are some of my favorite Big Ideas from this book. You can hear more about this book here:
1. The 3 Conditions - = Meaning + Interactions + Energy.
2. Meaning - = Strengths + Interests + Needs.
3. Your Talents - Double down every turn.
4. 45 + 15 - Work. Rest. Repeat.
5. 500 Million Moments - Use them wisely
Here’s to getting our charge way up as we optimize, actualize and give ourselves most fully to the world!
I’ve added Are You Fully Charged?: The 3 Keys to Energizing Your Work and Life by Tom Rath to my collection of PhilosophersNotes. (Which help you change your life, 20-minutes at a time, with the best Big Ideas from 600+ of the best books on Optimizing your life via 6-page PDFs/20-min MP3s on the go!)
Get instant (free) access to all 600+ PhilosophersNotes AND all 50 Optimal Living 101 classes AND 1,000+ Optimize +1s as part of our free 2-week trial: http://optimize.me/
June 30, 2015
Read my full review here: http://mimi-cyberlibrarian.blogspot.c...
I once heard my nephew being asked how his job was going. His response was: "Working for the weekend; just working for the weekend."
Although I had never read any books by Tom Rath, I knew about his work from helping business students with their coursework, particularly the Strengthsfinder 2.0 assessment, an assessment tool that many university students take as they are deciding on a career path. Are you Fully Charged? is the latest of several books Rath has written about life and work. This book has a feature-length movie, an app, and a website. There are self-assessments, resources, and discussion guides included.
Rath looks at the motivation behind work through several lenses. He believes that people enjoy their life's work more when they are engaged in their work; when their interactions are positive, and when they have the energy to fulfill their obligations. His advice is sound, and although somewhat obvious, it apparently must be said again and again. Rath uses examples from his own life, which has been fraught with illness, to illustrate the points he makes about finding happiness in daily life and work.
Rath believes that the meaningfulness of work is more important than happiness at work. Workers can put up with a lot if they believe that their work is doing good for the world. The current research shows that more than any generation, the Millennials are looking for meaningful work.
Some of the best advice includes putting purpose before busyness. My husband came from his office late in the evening, telling me that he had just finished reading 150+ emails. It's a common story. The problem of busyness plagues today's workers. It is very difficult to get away from work. I read recently that the average person checks their smart phone 150 times a day.
One reviewer says that Are You Fully Charged? will help you take your life back. The section on energy is particularly useful because I believe many people are running on empty when it comes to energy. His advice on exercise, food, and sleep, while tried-and-true, need to be read again and again.
Later today I will take a look at Rath's children's book The Rechargeables which will be published soon and deals with energy.
If you enjoyed this book, you will also enjoy The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.
I once heard my nephew being asked how his job was going. His response was: "Working for the weekend; just working for the weekend."
Although I had never read any books by Tom Rath, I knew about his work from helping business students with their coursework, particularly the Strengthsfinder 2.0 assessment, an assessment tool that many university students take as they are deciding on a career path. Are you Fully Charged? is the latest of several books Rath has written about life and work. This book has a feature-length movie, an app, and a website. There are self-assessments, resources, and discussion guides included.
Rath looks at the motivation behind work through several lenses. He believes that people enjoy their life's work more when they are engaged in their work; when their interactions are positive, and when they have the energy to fulfill their obligations. His advice is sound, and although somewhat obvious, it apparently must be said again and again. Rath uses examples from his own life, which has been fraught with illness, to illustrate the points he makes about finding happiness in daily life and work.
Rath believes that the meaningfulness of work is more important than happiness at work. Workers can put up with a lot if they believe that their work is doing good for the world. The current research shows that more than any generation, the Millennials are looking for meaningful work.
Some of the best advice includes putting purpose before busyness. My husband came from his office late in the evening, telling me that he had just finished reading 150+ emails. It's a common story. The problem of busyness plagues today's workers. It is very difficult to get away from work. I read recently that the average person checks their smart phone 150 times a day.
One reviewer says that Are You Fully Charged? will help you take your life back. The section on energy is particularly useful because I believe many people are running on empty when it comes to energy. His advice on exercise, food, and sleep, while tried-and-true, need to be read again and again.
Later today I will take a look at Rath's children's book The Rechargeables which will be published soon and deals with energy.
If you enjoyed this book, you will also enjoy The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.
November 14, 2016
Self help book.
Not really enlightening for me.
It is one those arcticle that are made longer to be published as a book.
Some facts are interesting though, so I don't rate it lower.
Not really enlightening for me.
It is one those arcticle that are made longer to be published as a book.
Some facts are interesting though, so I don't rate it lower.
May 24, 2021
I read this book as part of a program called Love of God, Love of Self, that is a product of The Mission Driven Mom organization.
This book was written by the author of StrengthFinder 2.0. Until probably my early 40’s, I focused heavily on how to recognize and improve the weaknesses in myself and in my children, to the point of having a lot of self-doubt about my contributions to the world, my strengths, and my abilities as a mother. I can’t even identify when my paradigm began to shift, but I remember having an “a-ha” moment about the perceptions of weaknesses vs. strengths when teaching a group of home schooled students. It led me to discovering many related insights from many different experiences in my life. Rath’s StrengthFinder 2.0 was just one stop on that journey. Now, I find great value in searching for natural talents and strengths in my children as I lead them to find their paths in this life rather than focusing so much on correcting deficits, even though this is a necessary part of an education. I just find that we put too much focus on deficits which holds people back from identifying and embracing their strengths, so they can, in turn, have confidence in their abilities to uplift others and give back to their communities.
This is where this book’s value came into play for me. He speaks of three keys to live a fully charged, or energized, life. The first area he addresses is the importance of finding meaning in our daily lives and our chosen professions. He talks about when we focus on how we can use our strengths to bring meaning into the lives of others, rather than seeking for our own personal happiness, we can increase our energy from the positive momentum that comes from this approach. This is right in line with the the Thomas Jefferson Education philosophy which I have used to inform how I educate my children.
I also really appreciated the focus of the second key: Interactions and Relationships with others. There were some unique insights, supported by studies, that I want to take the time to study more and write down.
The section addressing the third key of how to increase your physical energy included good reminders of the importance of eating well, getting enough sleep and exercise, but it only contained a couple of new ideas that I hadn’t heard before. It was the first two sections of this book that I found helpful and insightful.
This book was written by the author of StrengthFinder 2.0. Until probably my early 40’s, I focused heavily on how to recognize and improve the weaknesses in myself and in my children, to the point of having a lot of self-doubt about my contributions to the world, my strengths, and my abilities as a mother. I can’t even identify when my paradigm began to shift, but I remember having an “a-ha” moment about the perceptions of weaknesses vs. strengths when teaching a group of home schooled students. It led me to discovering many related insights from many different experiences in my life. Rath’s StrengthFinder 2.0 was just one stop on that journey. Now, I find great value in searching for natural talents and strengths in my children as I lead them to find their paths in this life rather than focusing so much on correcting deficits, even though this is a necessary part of an education. I just find that we put too much focus on deficits which holds people back from identifying and embracing their strengths, so they can, in turn, have confidence in their abilities to uplift others and give back to their communities.
This is where this book’s value came into play for me. He speaks of three keys to live a fully charged, or energized, life. The first area he addresses is the importance of finding meaning in our daily lives and our chosen professions. He talks about when we focus on how we can use our strengths to bring meaning into the lives of others, rather than seeking for our own personal happiness, we can increase our energy from the positive momentum that comes from this approach. This is right in line with the the Thomas Jefferson Education philosophy which I have used to inform how I educate my children.
I also really appreciated the focus of the second key: Interactions and Relationships with others. There were some unique insights, supported by studies, that I want to take the time to study more and write down.
The section addressing the third key of how to increase your physical energy included good reminders of the importance of eating well, getting enough sleep and exercise, but it only contained a couple of new ideas that I hadn’t heard before. It was the first two sections of this book that I found helpful and insightful.
January 15, 2024
A great volume of information on what keeps us energized in life. How giving can revitalize our living. What doing for others can do for ourselves. How more meaningful and purposeful work gives us drive. The importance of rest and recovery, as well as motion and movement. Recommend this to anyone looking for an extra battery pack in life. To get the energy flowing and to never stop growing.
March 14, 2020
This book is one of the greatest books I read this year. It goes straight to the point, easy to before because of the mini chapters, and it's one of those books that really opens your eyes in order for you to see what is wrong/not working in your life and to change it.
September 2, 2018
Definitely a good read if you’re trying to be a better employee (both now and in the long term). Made me think about how I am treating my body and my spirit as well as how I can better impact others. Rath did a great job of reminding the reader to focus on their strengths as well, which I really liked.
Currently reading
March 8, 2024Pág. 17 "Três condições-chave diferenciam os dias em que temos energia dos dias típicos:
- Sentido: fazer algo que beneficie outra pessoa
- Interações: criar mais momentos positivos do que negativos
- Energia: fazer escolhas que melhorem a nossa saúde mental e física."
1 - Sentido
Capítulo 5 - Questione-se sobre aquilo que o mundo precisa
Pág. 48 "Uma das críticas legítimas ao tipo de conselho «segue a tua paixão» é presumir que somos o centro do mundo e que viver em função da busca da nossa própria felicidade é o objetivo da vida. Os que fazem realmente a diferença começam, pelo contrário, por questionar-se sobre o que podem dar. Começar por esta pergunta permite que direcione os seus talentos para o que mais interessa ao próximo.
Dê um passo atrás por um instante e analise algumas das necessidades mais prementes no seu círculo de amizades, na sua organização ou na sua comunidade. Procure problemas específicos ou questões que requeiram tempo e atenção. À medida que refletir naquilo que as pessoas que o rodeiam mais necessitam, identifique as áreas que coincidem com os seus pontos fortes e interesses."
Pág. 50 "Esta é a principal lição que aprendi com o meu falecido mentor e avô, Don Clifton, que passou a vida a estudar os pontos fortes das pessoas. Em vez de aspirar a ser o que quiser ser, deveria procurar ser mais do que já é. Começar pelos seus talentos naturais - depois investir tempo a praticar, desenvolver capacidades e aumentar o conhecimento - leva a um maior retorno.
O estudo da Gallup sugere que, quando usamos a nossa vocação, podemos duplicar o número de horas de trabalho semanal de alta qualidade de 20 para 40. Revela também que as pessoas que se concentram nos seus pontos fortes todos os dias têm seis vezes mais probabilidade de se envolverem com o que fazem e mais de três vezes de ter altos níveis de satisfação da vida em geral."
Pág. 52 "Mas quanto do seu tempo, num dia típico, é dedicado a atividades que lhe dão energia positiva ou contribuem a longo prazo para a sociedade?" (...) "Se deixar de fazer um trabalho significativo que faz a diferença hoje, o dia perdeu-se para sempre. Pode tentar compensar no dia seguinte, mas provavelmente não o vai fazer. Antes que se aperceba, terão passado vários dias, depois alguns anos. Uma década depois, pode olhar para trás e perceber que perdeu a oportunidade de contribuir para o crescimento de outra pessoa, procurar um novo interesse ou lançar um novo produto. Porém, a oportunidade de fazer algo de que gosta estará sempre lá, desde que comece hoje."
Capítulo 6 - Não caia na rotina
Pág. 56 "Deve ser capaz de passar diariamente algum tempo envolvido em atividades que o energizam e recarregam. Tornar um dia mais produtivo e gratificante demora apenas alguns momentos. Até mesmo nas situações mais difíceis pode encontrar oportunidades de crescimento. A solução é desviar a sua atenção do que os outros fazem e que o frustra - ou de situações de trabalho fora do seu controlo - e, em vez disso, procurar pequenas coisas que lhe permitam fazer progressos diários. Pode sempre fazer algo que anime um colega ou cliente, apesar do que está a acontecer em outros aspetos do seu trabalho.
Mesmo que se sinta paralisado num trabalho que está longe de ser ideal, tem capacidade para criar um pouco de significado à margem. Fazer voluntariado na sua comunidade é uma ótima maneira de passar tempo de forma significativa."
Pág. 57 "Um novo estudo sugere que as pessoas moldam ótimos trabalhos com esforço, em vez de os encontrarem através de anúncios de emprego. Esta investigação, conduzida por uma equipa da Universidade do Michigan, revelou que podemos moldar trabalhos já existentes para conferir mais sentido ao que fazemos. «Moldar» verdadeiramente o trabalho significa analisar desde logo o tempo que dedica a tarefas específicas que lhe dão energia. Implica também olhar para a forma como se relaciona e a sua perceção quanto ao sentido que cria para os outros. Se refletir sobre estes três pontos, então será certamente capaz de incorporar alguns dos seus sonhos no seu trabalho atual.
Reveja a formação que teve e a sua carreira. Identifique alturas em que sentiu uma energia de tal modo positiva que perdeu a noção do tempo a executar as suas tarefas. Anote exatamente o que estava a fazer e quem o acompanhava nesses momentos. Depois veja se consegue refletir essa atitude no seu trabalho atual e pense em algo que possa fazer no dia seguinte para passar mais tempo no seu elemento.
Considere também de que forma pode despender mais tempo em torno de pessoas que emprestam energia ao seu trabalho e menos em torno daquelas que não o fazem. Pode fazer mais pelos outros se se mantiver afastado dos que constantemente o abatem ou desanimam. O trabalho é como uma rede social: as emoções, tanto negativas como positivas, propagam-se de forma viral."
Capítulo 7 - Comece a moldar o futuro
Pág. 57 "O que vai importar na sua vida um dia mais tarde é o que começar hoje - encetar uma conversa que leve a uma nova amizade, compartilhar uma ideia com alguém no trabalho que se transforme num novo produto ou oferta, ou investir no crescimento de outra pessoa e vê-la prosperar ao longo dos anos. Se quiser criar energia positiva para os outros, a sua capacidade de o fazer será quase diretamente proporcional à quantidade de tempo que despende a começar algo em vez de reagir.
Contudo, é muito mais fácil reagir e responder ao que os outros querem. Faça um cálculo rápido do tempo que gasta a reagir ao que lhe vai surgindo num dia típico (responder a emails, telefonemas, etc.). Compare com o tempo que despende a começar ações. Na maior parte dos casos, o tempo de reação supera em muito o tempo proativo. A melhor altura para repensar na sua situação e no que pode fazer para a mudar é quando estiver com problemas no trabalho ou a sentir-se paralisado."
Pág. 61 Em vez disso, anseie por uma rotina diária que lhe permita ter tempo suficiente para fazer o que quer, para trabalhar em projetos que fazem a diferença e para passar tempo com as pessoas que são importantes para si. Eu comecei a obrigar-me a substituir a resposta «estou ocupado» por «preciso de gerir melhor o meu tempo». Este pequeno truque mental ajuda-me a estabelecer prioridades. Quer adote esta resposta ou outra qualquer, o importante é encontrar uma melhor do que estar permanentemente ocupado. Trabalhe de forma mais inteligente, não mais difícil."
Pág. 62 "Tentar fazer um pouco de tudo leva a não fazer nada de substancial. Quando deixa que as exigências de um dia o dispersem em 20 direções diferentes, elas fazem exatamente isso, ou seja, fazem com que reaja a um monte de pequenas coisas em vez de fazer algo importante. Trabalhar enquanto está distraído diminui igualmente os níveis de desempenho e qualidade. Na maior parte dos casos, a mente humana funciona melhor quando está altamente concentrada.
Dizer não às distrações pode constituir um desafio. Mas é algo que tem de fazer para se concentrar nas coisas que mais importam."
Capítulo 8 - Concentre-se durante 45 minutos, faça um intervalo de 15
Pág. 68 "O que as pessoas mais produtivastêm em comum é a capacidade de fazerem pausas efetivas. Essa elite de 10% trabalha durante 52 minutos de cada vez, depois faz um intervalo de 17 minutosantes de mergulhar novamente no trabalho.
Embora os rácios ideais variem de acordo com a profissão e a ocupação, há um apoio alargado à ideia de se trabalhar intensamente durante um determinado período, combinado com um período de tempo de descanso."
Pág. 72 "Encontre uma maneira de incutir em cada dia um lembrete da sua missão. Pode ser tão simples quanto ter uma história do impacto do seu trabalho ou uma imagem, uma citação, uma declaração que o relembre da sua «razão de ser». Se quiser manter-se motivado na forma como contribui para a sociedade, tenha sempre a sua missão em mente."
2 - Interações
Capítulo 9 - Faça com que cada interação conte
Pág. 76 "Cada uma das nossas interações faz-se assim repercutir em toda uma rede. «Quando perde peso, quando está feliz e quando age de forma generosa está a afetar outras pessoas e essas pessoas, por sua vez, afetam outras. De acordo com as nossas estimativas, as suas ações podem condicionar dez, cem e às vezes ainda mais pessoas», diz Christakis, agora professor e codiretor do Yale Institute for Network Science."
"(...) uma pessoa que tenha uma dúzia de ocorrências ligeiramente positivas durante um dia sentir-se-á melhor do que alguém que apenas teve uma, ainda que deveras surpreendente. Mesmo num único dia, são as pequenas coisas que contam."
Pág. 77 "Com cada interação vem uma escolha. Quando se depara com alguém cheio de raiva ou agressividade ou que o ignora por completo, essa negatividade pode anular quaisquer trocas positivas que possam ocorrer."
Pág. 78 "Não demorou muito até que eu percebesse que a reação das outras pessoas é mais importante para o seu bem-estar do que para o meu. Os que assumem más intenções estão a prestar um desserviço a si próprios. Como descreveu Indra Nooyi, CEO da Pepsico: «Quando assume uma intenção negativa, sente-se zangado. Ficará surpreendido se se livrar desse sentimento e assumir uma intenção positiva... Não fica na defensiva. Não grita. Está a tentar entender e a escutar.»
Mesmo quando é confrontado com más intenções premeditadas - o que é raro -, continua a ser do seu melhor interesse tentar transformar a situação em algo positivo. Depois evite ficar esgotado e a remoer no assunto o resto do dia. À medida que interage com amigos e estranhos, tome como missão garantir que o maior número possível de intercâmbios termina melhor do que começou."
Pág. 80 "Este estudo deixa assim claro que as pessoas subestimam muitíssimo a forma como as interações do dia a dia influenciam a sua experiência diária. Todas as pessoas com quem comunica numa base diária, quer os considere amigos ou de quem apenas sabe o nome, influenciam o seu bem-estar. Significa também que tem a capacidade de adicionar energia positiva a todas as conversas que mantém durante o dia."
Capítulo 10 - Seja 80% positivo
Pág. 81 "Estudos mais recentes ajudam a explicar por que razão estas breves trocas realmente importam. Quando experiencia emoções negativas, como resultado de críticas ou rejeições, por exemplo, o organismo produz níveis mais elevados de cortisol, a hormona do stresse, que desativa grande parte do pensamento e ativa os mecanismos de defesa e conflito. As situações parecem-lhe assim piores do que realmente são quando dá por si em modo lutar ou fugir. A libertação de cortisol é também uma reação prolongada, portanto perdura algum tempo, especialmente se insistir nas ocorrências negativas.
Quando experiencia uma interação positiva, é ativada uma reação muito diferente. As trocas positivas libertam a produção no organismo de oxitocina, a hormona do bem-estar, o que aumenta a capacidade de comunicar, de ser colaborativo e de confiar nos outros. Quando a oxitocina ativa as redes no córtex pré-frontal, leva a pensamentos e ações muito expansivos. Contudo, a oxitocina metaboliza-se mais rapidamente do que o cortisol, o que faz com que os efeitos de um afluxo positivo sejam menos dramáticos e duradouros do que para os negativos.
Precisamos pelo menos de três a cinco interações positivas para compensar toda e qualquer troca negativa, pois a verdade é que os maus momentos superam os bons. Independentemente de estar a ter uma conversa franca com um colega ou uma discussão em grupo, tenha em mente este simples propósito: pelo menos 80% das vossas conversas devem convergir para os aspetos positivos.
Nos locais de trabalho, por exemplo, é frequente fazer-se o contrário. Durante as avaliações de desempenho, os gestores costumam despender 80% do seu tempo em pontos fracos, lacunas e «áreas a melhorar» e cerca de 20% nos pontos fortes e aspetos positivos. Porém, é preciso que invertam essa proporção."
Pág. 83 "Quando precisar de contestar alguém, lidar com problemas difíceis ou dar más notícias, certifique-se de que menciona também algumas coisas positivas. Equilibre a conversa com mais palavras positivas do que negativas. Depois tente concluir a conversa com ações específicas e promissoras. Ajude a outra pessoa a ver as consequências positivas de qualquer alteração que tenham discutido. Se bombardear o destinatário com observações negativas, que surtem um efeito desproporcionado, o mais provável é que ele desligue e deixe sequer de o ouvir."
Pág. 85 "Até mesmo o feedback negativo é melhor do que nada. Quando os outros o criticam, pelo menos sabe que se importam o suficiente para prestar atenção. O cenário ideal é quando uma dose de realidade é servida com várias porções de encorajamento."
Capítulo 11 - Parta de objetivos simples e claros
Pág. 88 "(...) aprendi que é mais fácil começar a conversar com estranhos quando me concentro na pertinência das perguntas que quero fazer e na vontade que tenho em ouvir as respostas. Fazer perguntas reduz a minha ansiedade social na medida em que deixo de sentir a necessidade de dizer algo interessante, de modo a participar na conversa, ou de tentar inserir-me no grupo. Embora conquistar a simpatia das pessoas não seja o meu forte, adoro observar e aprender o que posso acerca de pessoas interessantes.
(...) No Reino Unido, uma equipa de investigadores que desde há muitos anos analisa gravações de especialistas em negociação descobriu que fazer perguntas é uma das formas mais eficazes de levar as pessoas a um acordo. (...)
As pessoas adoram falar sobre si próprias. Estima-se que 40% do discurso do dia a dia seja elaborado por pessoas que dizem a outras o que pensam e sentem. Segundo os cientistas, falar sobre nós estimula os mesmos centros de recompensa no cérebro que a comida ou o dinheiro. (...)
Quanto mais aberto for acerca da sua vida, o que inclui revelar momentos embaraçantes e erros ocasionais, mais outra pessoa confia em si. Portanto, aceite os pequenos erros, os deslizes e as bizarrias naturais. Uma série de estudos sugere que ser humilde e autodepreciativo é uma mais-valia, não algo de que nos devamos envergonhar. Resumindo, a humildade gera confiança."
Pág. 90 "Eu costumava hesitar bastante em expor as minhas próprias inseguranças e vulnerabilidades, especialmente em contexto profissional. Porém, aprendi que rir de mim mesmo é, muitas vezes, a coisa mais segura a fazer, dado o riso de ofender terceiros em contextos estranhos. Falar sobre os medos, defeitos e tolices implica frequentemente uma troca de histórias divertidas, o que por vezes leva a relacionamentos duradouros. Ser franco sobre quem sou - bom, mau e difícil - também me poupa muito tempo, porque nunca estou a fingir quem não sou.
É fácil rejeitar a necessidade de criar relacionamentos de proximidade no trabalho para se concentrar no que mais importa. Claro que pode deixar o trabalho do dia seguinte arrumado se não se levantar da secretária e fizer tudo a eito. Mas se não cultivar relacionamentos nem os mantiver, essa atitude virá, a seu tempo, a atrasá-lo.
Qualquer coisa de substância na vida é criada no trabalho que é feito com os outros. Os relacionamentos promovem realizações e criam eficiência. Se precisar de explicar algo a um colega com quem não trabalho frequentemente demoro cerca de 15 minutos a fazê-lo. Para explicar a mesma questão a um colega que me é próximo, bastam-me 60 segundos.
As amizades aceleram o andamento do trabalho porque as emoções espalham-se mais rapidamente do que as palavras."
Capítulo 17 - Alimente-se bem para dias melhores
Pág. 129 "Fazer escolhas alimentares melhores, por outro lado, pode melhorar a saúde e o bem-estar diários. Estudos sugerem que nos dias em que consumimos mais frutas e vegetais sentimo-nos mais calmos e felizes e temos mais energia do que habitualmente. Sempre que decide o que vai comer, molda os seus dias e as suas interações com os outros."
- Sentido: fazer algo que beneficie outra pessoa
- Interações: criar mais momentos positivos do que negativos
- Energia: fazer escolhas que melhorem a nossa saúde mental e física."
1 - Sentido
Capítulo 5 - Questione-se sobre aquilo que o mundo precisa
Pág. 48 "Uma das críticas legítimas ao tipo de conselho «segue a tua paixão» é presumir que somos o centro do mundo e que viver em função da busca da nossa própria felicidade é o objetivo da vida. Os que fazem realmente a diferença começam, pelo contrário, por questionar-se sobre o que podem dar. Começar por esta pergunta permite que direcione os seus talentos para o que mais interessa ao próximo.
Dê um passo atrás por um instante e analise algumas das necessidades mais prementes no seu círculo de amizades, na sua organização ou na sua comunidade. Procure problemas específicos ou questões que requeiram tempo e atenção. À medida que refletir naquilo que as pessoas que o rodeiam mais necessitam, identifique as áreas que coincidem com os seus pontos fortes e interesses."
Pág. 50 "Esta é a principal lição que aprendi com o meu falecido mentor e avô, Don Clifton, que passou a vida a estudar os pontos fortes das pessoas. Em vez de aspirar a ser o que quiser ser, deveria procurar ser mais do que já é. Começar pelos seus talentos naturais - depois investir tempo a praticar, desenvolver capacidades e aumentar o conhecimento - leva a um maior retorno.
O estudo da Gallup sugere que, quando usamos a nossa vocação, podemos duplicar o número de horas de trabalho semanal de alta qualidade de 20 para 40. Revela também que as pessoas que se concentram nos seus pontos fortes todos os dias têm seis vezes mais probabilidade de se envolverem com o que fazem e mais de três vezes de ter altos níveis de satisfação da vida em geral."
Pág. 52 "Mas quanto do seu tempo, num dia típico, é dedicado a atividades que lhe dão energia positiva ou contribuem a longo prazo para a sociedade?" (...) "Se deixar de fazer um trabalho significativo que faz a diferença hoje, o dia perdeu-se para sempre. Pode tentar compensar no dia seguinte, mas provavelmente não o vai fazer. Antes que se aperceba, terão passado vários dias, depois alguns anos. Uma década depois, pode olhar para trás e perceber que perdeu a oportunidade de contribuir para o crescimento de outra pessoa, procurar um novo interesse ou lançar um novo produto. Porém, a oportunidade de fazer algo de que gosta estará sempre lá, desde que comece hoje."
Capítulo 6 - Não caia na rotina
Pág. 56 "Deve ser capaz de passar diariamente algum tempo envolvido em atividades que o energizam e recarregam. Tornar um dia mais produtivo e gratificante demora apenas alguns momentos. Até mesmo nas situações mais difíceis pode encontrar oportunidades de crescimento. A solução é desviar a sua atenção do que os outros fazem e que o frustra - ou de situações de trabalho fora do seu controlo - e, em vez disso, procurar pequenas coisas que lhe permitam fazer progressos diários. Pode sempre fazer algo que anime um colega ou cliente, apesar do que está a acontecer em outros aspetos do seu trabalho.
Mesmo que se sinta paralisado num trabalho que está longe de ser ideal, tem capacidade para criar um pouco de significado à margem. Fazer voluntariado na sua comunidade é uma ótima maneira de passar tempo de forma significativa."
Pág. 57 "Um novo estudo sugere que as pessoas moldam ótimos trabalhos com esforço, em vez de os encontrarem através de anúncios de emprego. Esta investigação, conduzida por uma equipa da Universidade do Michigan, revelou que podemos moldar trabalhos já existentes para conferir mais sentido ao que fazemos. «Moldar» verdadeiramente o trabalho significa analisar desde logo o tempo que dedica a tarefas específicas que lhe dão energia. Implica também olhar para a forma como se relaciona e a sua perceção quanto ao sentido que cria para os outros. Se refletir sobre estes três pontos, então será certamente capaz de incorporar alguns dos seus sonhos no seu trabalho atual.
Reveja a formação que teve e a sua carreira. Identifique alturas em que sentiu uma energia de tal modo positiva que perdeu a noção do tempo a executar as suas tarefas. Anote exatamente o que estava a fazer e quem o acompanhava nesses momentos. Depois veja se consegue refletir essa atitude no seu trabalho atual e pense em algo que possa fazer no dia seguinte para passar mais tempo no seu elemento.
Considere também de que forma pode despender mais tempo em torno de pessoas que emprestam energia ao seu trabalho e menos em torno daquelas que não o fazem. Pode fazer mais pelos outros se se mantiver afastado dos que constantemente o abatem ou desanimam. O trabalho é como uma rede social: as emoções, tanto negativas como positivas, propagam-se de forma viral."
Capítulo 7 - Comece a moldar o futuro
Pág. 57 "O que vai importar na sua vida um dia mais tarde é o que começar hoje - encetar uma conversa que leve a uma nova amizade, compartilhar uma ideia com alguém no trabalho que se transforme num novo produto ou oferta, ou investir no crescimento de outra pessoa e vê-la prosperar ao longo dos anos. Se quiser criar energia positiva para os outros, a sua capacidade de o fazer será quase diretamente proporcional à quantidade de tempo que despende a começar algo em vez de reagir.
Contudo, é muito mais fácil reagir e responder ao que os outros querem. Faça um cálculo rápido do tempo que gasta a reagir ao que lhe vai surgindo num dia típico (responder a emails, telefonemas, etc.). Compare com o tempo que despende a começar ações. Na maior parte dos casos, o tempo de reação supera em muito o tempo proativo. A melhor altura para repensar na sua situação e no que pode fazer para a mudar é quando estiver com problemas no trabalho ou a sentir-se paralisado."
Pág. 61 Em vez disso, anseie por uma rotina diária que lhe permita ter tempo suficiente para fazer o que quer, para trabalhar em projetos que fazem a diferença e para passar tempo com as pessoas que são importantes para si. Eu comecei a obrigar-me a substituir a resposta «estou ocupado» por «preciso de gerir melhor o meu tempo». Este pequeno truque mental ajuda-me a estabelecer prioridades. Quer adote esta resposta ou outra qualquer, o importante é encontrar uma melhor do que estar permanentemente ocupado. Trabalhe de forma mais inteligente, não mais difícil."
Pág. 62 "Tentar fazer um pouco de tudo leva a não fazer nada de substancial. Quando deixa que as exigências de um dia o dispersem em 20 direções diferentes, elas fazem exatamente isso, ou seja, fazem com que reaja a um monte de pequenas coisas em vez de fazer algo importante. Trabalhar enquanto está distraído diminui igualmente os níveis de desempenho e qualidade. Na maior parte dos casos, a mente humana funciona melhor quando está altamente concentrada.
Dizer não às distrações pode constituir um desafio. Mas é algo que tem de fazer para se concentrar nas coisas que mais importam."
Capítulo 8 - Concentre-se durante 45 minutos, faça um intervalo de 15
Pág. 68 "O que as pessoas mais produtivastêm em comum é a capacidade de fazerem pausas efetivas. Essa elite de 10% trabalha durante 52 minutos de cada vez, depois faz um intervalo de 17 minutosantes de mergulhar novamente no trabalho.
Embora os rácios ideais variem de acordo com a profissão e a ocupação, há um apoio alargado à ideia de se trabalhar intensamente durante um determinado período, combinado com um período de tempo de descanso."
Pág. 72 "Encontre uma maneira de incutir em cada dia um lembrete da sua missão. Pode ser tão simples quanto ter uma história do impacto do seu trabalho ou uma imagem, uma citação, uma declaração que o relembre da sua «razão de ser». Se quiser manter-se motivado na forma como contribui para a sociedade, tenha sempre a sua missão em mente."
2 - Interações
Capítulo 9 - Faça com que cada interação conte
Pág. 76 "Cada uma das nossas interações faz-se assim repercutir em toda uma rede. «Quando perde peso, quando está feliz e quando age de forma generosa está a afetar outras pessoas e essas pessoas, por sua vez, afetam outras. De acordo com as nossas estimativas, as suas ações podem condicionar dez, cem e às vezes ainda mais pessoas», diz Christakis, agora professor e codiretor do Yale Institute for Network Science."
"(...) uma pessoa que tenha uma dúzia de ocorrências ligeiramente positivas durante um dia sentir-se-á melhor do que alguém que apenas teve uma, ainda que deveras surpreendente. Mesmo num único dia, são as pequenas coisas que contam."
Pág. 77 "Com cada interação vem uma escolha. Quando se depara com alguém cheio de raiva ou agressividade ou que o ignora por completo, essa negatividade pode anular quaisquer trocas positivas que possam ocorrer."
Pág. 78 "Não demorou muito até que eu percebesse que a reação das outras pessoas é mais importante para o seu bem-estar do que para o meu. Os que assumem más intenções estão a prestar um desserviço a si próprios. Como descreveu Indra Nooyi, CEO da Pepsico: «Quando assume uma intenção negativa, sente-se zangado. Ficará surpreendido se se livrar desse sentimento e assumir uma intenção positiva... Não fica na defensiva. Não grita. Está a tentar entender e a escutar.»
Mesmo quando é confrontado com más intenções premeditadas - o que é raro -, continua a ser do seu melhor interesse tentar transformar a situação em algo positivo. Depois evite ficar esgotado e a remoer no assunto o resto do dia. À medida que interage com amigos e estranhos, tome como missão garantir que o maior número possível de intercâmbios termina melhor do que começou."
Pág. 80 "Este estudo deixa assim claro que as pessoas subestimam muitíssimo a forma como as interações do dia a dia influenciam a sua experiência diária. Todas as pessoas com quem comunica numa base diária, quer os considere amigos ou de quem apenas sabe o nome, influenciam o seu bem-estar. Significa também que tem a capacidade de adicionar energia positiva a todas as conversas que mantém durante o dia."
Capítulo 10 - Seja 80% positivo
Pág. 81 "Estudos mais recentes ajudam a explicar por que razão estas breves trocas realmente importam. Quando experiencia emoções negativas, como resultado de críticas ou rejeições, por exemplo, o organismo produz níveis mais elevados de cortisol, a hormona do stresse, que desativa grande parte do pensamento e ativa os mecanismos de defesa e conflito. As situações parecem-lhe assim piores do que realmente são quando dá por si em modo lutar ou fugir. A libertação de cortisol é também uma reação prolongada, portanto perdura algum tempo, especialmente se insistir nas ocorrências negativas.
Quando experiencia uma interação positiva, é ativada uma reação muito diferente. As trocas positivas libertam a produção no organismo de oxitocina, a hormona do bem-estar, o que aumenta a capacidade de comunicar, de ser colaborativo e de confiar nos outros. Quando a oxitocina ativa as redes no córtex pré-frontal, leva a pensamentos e ações muito expansivos. Contudo, a oxitocina metaboliza-se mais rapidamente do que o cortisol, o que faz com que os efeitos de um afluxo positivo sejam menos dramáticos e duradouros do que para os negativos.
Precisamos pelo menos de três a cinco interações positivas para compensar toda e qualquer troca negativa, pois a verdade é que os maus momentos superam os bons. Independentemente de estar a ter uma conversa franca com um colega ou uma discussão em grupo, tenha em mente este simples propósito: pelo menos 80% das vossas conversas devem convergir para os aspetos positivos.
Nos locais de trabalho, por exemplo, é frequente fazer-se o contrário. Durante as avaliações de desempenho, os gestores costumam despender 80% do seu tempo em pontos fracos, lacunas e «áreas a melhorar» e cerca de 20% nos pontos fortes e aspetos positivos. Porém, é preciso que invertam essa proporção."
Pág. 83 "Quando precisar de contestar alguém, lidar com problemas difíceis ou dar más notícias, certifique-se de que menciona também algumas coisas positivas. Equilibre a conversa com mais palavras positivas do que negativas. Depois tente concluir a conversa com ações específicas e promissoras. Ajude a outra pessoa a ver as consequências positivas de qualquer alteração que tenham discutido. Se bombardear o destinatário com observações negativas, que surtem um efeito desproporcionado, o mais provável é que ele desligue e deixe sequer de o ouvir."
Pág. 85 "Até mesmo o feedback negativo é melhor do que nada. Quando os outros o criticam, pelo menos sabe que se importam o suficiente para prestar atenção. O cenário ideal é quando uma dose de realidade é servida com várias porções de encorajamento."
Capítulo 11 - Parta de objetivos simples e claros
Pág. 88 "(...) aprendi que é mais fácil começar a conversar com estranhos quando me concentro na pertinência das perguntas que quero fazer e na vontade que tenho em ouvir as respostas. Fazer perguntas reduz a minha ansiedade social na medida em que deixo de sentir a necessidade de dizer algo interessante, de modo a participar na conversa, ou de tentar inserir-me no grupo. Embora conquistar a simpatia das pessoas não seja o meu forte, adoro observar e aprender o que posso acerca de pessoas interessantes.
(...) No Reino Unido, uma equipa de investigadores que desde há muitos anos analisa gravações de especialistas em negociação descobriu que fazer perguntas é uma das formas mais eficazes de levar as pessoas a um acordo. (...)
As pessoas adoram falar sobre si próprias. Estima-se que 40% do discurso do dia a dia seja elaborado por pessoas que dizem a outras o que pensam e sentem. Segundo os cientistas, falar sobre nós estimula os mesmos centros de recompensa no cérebro que a comida ou o dinheiro. (...)
Quanto mais aberto for acerca da sua vida, o que inclui revelar momentos embaraçantes e erros ocasionais, mais outra pessoa confia em si. Portanto, aceite os pequenos erros, os deslizes e as bizarrias naturais. Uma série de estudos sugere que ser humilde e autodepreciativo é uma mais-valia, não algo de que nos devamos envergonhar. Resumindo, a humildade gera confiança."
Pág. 90 "Eu costumava hesitar bastante em expor as minhas próprias inseguranças e vulnerabilidades, especialmente em contexto profissional. Porém, aprendi que rir de mim mesmo é, muitas vezes, a coisa mais segura a fazer, dado o riso de ofender terceiros em contextos estranhos. Falar sobre os medos, defeitos e tolices implica frequentemente uma troca de histórias divertidas, o que por vezes leva a relacionamentos duradouros. Ser franco sobre quem sou - bom, mau e difícil - também me poupa muito tempo, porque nunca estou a fingir quem não sou.
É fácil rejeitar a necessidade de criar relacionamentos de proximidade no trabalho para se concentrar no que mais importa. Claro que pode deixar o trabalho do dia seguinte arrumado se não se levantar da secretária e fizer tudo a eito. Mas se não cultivar relacionamentos nem os mantiver, essa atitude virá, a seu tempo, a atrasá-lo.
Qualquer coisa de substância na vida é criada no trabalho que é feito com os outros. Os relacionamentos promovem realizações e criam eficiência. Se precisar de explicar algo a um colega com quem não trabalho frequentemente demoro cerca de 15 minutos a fazê-lo. Para explicar a mesma questão a um colega que me é próximo, bastam-me 60 segundos.
As amizades aceleram o andamento do trabalho porque as emoções espalham-se mais rapidamente do que as palavras."
Capítulo 17 - Alimente-se bem para dias melhores
Pág. 129 "Fazer escolhas alimentares melhores, por outro lado, pode melhorar a saúde e o bem-estar diários. Estudos sugerem que nos dias em que consumimos mais frutas e vegetais sentimo-nos mais calmos e felizes e temos mais energia do que habitualmente. Sempre que decide o que vai comer, molda os seus dias e as suas interações com os outros."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2020
An easy and straight forward read, highly recommended!
I have to say, adulting is tough, challenging and hard, but with the help of great books, exposing oneself to more knowledge it keeps your learning process more lively and motivated. It can be the things that make your life more full and rewarding and in return creates a positive charge.
I started reading this book after my internship and it really speaks to me and resonate with me on different levels. I realized I need to love myself more and be alert of what my body is telling me. I will need to make my every bite count (the food I consume) and get enough of rest and adequate sleep hours. Sit less, move and exercise more, keeping myself at a healthy condition.
I realized during my internship, my daily routine and schedules were so messed up and I felt I was not my normal self (adapting to work life). I realized I have focused too much on work alone and not giving myself adequate me time and spending more time with my family, the abnormal imbalance I have created. Not making my every bite count neither having adequate sleep to start the day, I realized I was lacking that positive charge and felt awfully unwell both physically and mentally.
Here are some lines from the book that I have highlighted which I agree and resonate with.
“The future of work lies in redefining it as doing something that makes a difference each day. Work is a purpose, not a place. Work is about productively applying your talent. Work is about making your life, and the lives of other people, stronger as a product of your efforts. But getting to this point starts by moving beyond the pull of a paycheck.”
“…substitute thinking “I’m busy” to something else rather having this mindset all the while… and to “Work smarter, not harder.”
“If you want to make a difference – not just today, but for many years to come – you need to put your health and energy ahead of all else.”
“You simply think better when you move more”
“…every hour of sleep does not cost you in terms of efficiency, Instead, it will give you a positive charge for the upcoming day”
“Start with work that creates meaning. Invest in each interaction to strengthen your relationships. Make sure you have the energy you need to be your best. Doing these three things, in combination, is the definition of being fully charged and adding a positive charge to those around you.” (Rath, 2015) — Yes, I cannot not agree enough! This book is definitely a recommended read!
After reading this book, it has really made me understand and realized I need to rejuvenate myself and know when is time to take a break from all these unwanted stress and unhealthy routine when my body tells me so. Learning how to eat my way to a better day. To search for the balance, the initial routine and schedule once again. Be myself, love myself and Be who I am. Build that energy, being fully-charged and in return radiate that positive charge to people around me.
I have to say, adulting is tough, challenging and hard, but with the help of great books, exposing oneself to more knowledge it keeps your learning process more lively and motivated. It can be the things that make your life more full and rewarding and in return creates a positive charge.
I started reading this book after my internship and it really speaks to me and resonate with me on different levels. I realized I need to love myself more and be alert of what my body is telling me. I will need to make my every bite count (the food I consume) and get enough of rest and adequate sleep hours. Sit less, move and exercise more, keeping myself at a healthy condition.
I realized during my internship, my daily routine and schedules were so messed up and I felt I was not my normal self (adapting to work life). I realized I have focused too much on work alone and not giving myself adequate me time and spending more time with my family, the abnormal imbalance I have created. Not making my every bite count neither having adequate sleep to start the day, I realized I was lacking that positive charge and felt awfully unwell both physically and mentally.
Here are some lines from the book that I have highlighted which I agree and resonate with.
“The future of work lies in redefining it as doing something that makes a difference each day. Work is a purpose, not a place. Work is about productively applying your talent. Work is about making your life, and the lives of other people, stronger as a product of your efforts. But getting to this point starts by moving beyond the pull of a paycheck.”
“…substitute thinking “I’m busy” to something else rather having this mindset all the while… and to “Work smarter, not harder.”
“If you want to make a difference – not just today, but for many years to come – you need to put your health and energy ahead of all else.”
“You simply think better when you move more”
“…every hour of sleep does not cost you in terms of efficiency, Instead, it will give you a positive charge for the upcoming day”
“Start with work that creates meaning. Invest in each interaction to strengthen your relationships. Make sure you have the energy you need to be your best. Doing these three things, in combination, is the definition of being fully charged and adding a positive charge to those around you.” (Rath, 2015) — Yes, I cannot not agree enough! This book is definitely a recommended read!
After reading this book, it has really made me understand and realized I need to rejuvenate myself and know when is time to take a break from all these unwanted stress and unhealthy routine when my body tells me so. Learning how to eat my way to a better day. To search for the balance, the initial routine and schedule once again. Be myself, love myself and Be who I am. Build that energy, being fully-charged and in return radiate that positive charge to people around me.
July 9, 2015
This is an easy to read book that's surprisingly packed with lots of research on a number of topics related to achieving personal growth. The author's points are well-taken, if not totally self-evident. However often the simplest, most-self-evident concepts need to be expressed, and it's well done. The message is that little, everyday changes add up, and that finding meaning in your life and work, having meaningful interactions with others, and creating energy through eating, physical activity, and sleep, will greatly enhance your life. Can't argue with that. This short, easy-to-read packs a surprising punch.
May 8, 2015
I'll proudly admit that I am a big fan of Tom Rath. His writing style is very conversational and easy to digest. His newest book, Are You Fully Charged?, is packed with tidbits of insight for both the workplace and life in general. I walked away with severable actionable ways to find energy and inspire others around me. This is a quick and easy read to recommend to friends, colleagues, and family!
June 23, 2015
*ARC kindly provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
I really enjoyed this book and learned so much from the examples provided. I wouldn't say that any of the insights were revolutionary, but they were definitely good reminders, backed by data and current/relevant narratives. I just really like Rath's writing style. It's easy to understand and has great flow/cadence. I would definitely recommend this book to readers, especially those who are Rath fans.
I really enjoyed this book and learned so much from the examples provided. I wouldn't say that any of the insights were revolutionary, but they were definitely good reminders, backed by data and current/relevant narratives. I just really like Rath's writing style. It's easy to understand and has great flow/cadence. I would definitely recommend this book to readers, especially those who are Rath fans.
August 22, 2015
Nothing new, but the writer sounds sincere in wanting to help others. I like the chapter summary and sets of questions at the end (which you can also download at the author's website, www.tomrath.org).
Personally I find that there are too many chapters. While they are grouped under the three themes (meaning, interactions, energy), the chapters seem rather disconnected and lack coherence. At least the chapters are short and very easy reads.
Personally I find that there are too many chapters. While they are grouped under the three themes (meaning, interactions, energy), the chapters seem rather disconnected and lack coherence. At least the chapters are short and very easy reads.
August 28, 2016
لا أدرى لماذا ما زلت أقرأ في كتب تطوير الذات، ولا أتعلم من خطأ قراءة الكتب المكررة، فكل هذا الكتاب سبق وأن قرأت ما فيه في غيره، أما فالعيب المؤذي في هذا الكتب هي كثرة الدراسات والتجارب مجهولة المصدر والمكان والمبالغ فيها، أخيرًا أدعوا الله أن يشفيني من تكرار الأخطاء
February 23, 2020
All the data in this book is research backed but most of the info feels re-hashed.
December 13, 2023
Bought this book months ago, but for some reason did not pick it up until recently. I should have read it sooner as it is full of great thoughts for a front line leader. So many points to highlight but the best are below.
- When you are fully charged, you get more done. P3. PJK: quick, simple… and true.
- In the U.S. for example, daily well-being does not show any statistically significant increases after someone reaches $75,000 of annual household income… Essentially, a certain income level is necessary for food, shelter, and preventing daily worries, but once you have reached that basic level of financial security, making more money is unlikely to lead to better days. P5.
- Three key conditions differentiate days when you have a full charge from typical days: Meaning, Interactions, Energy. PJK: need to think about these three things more; and try to incorporate them into daily life.
- According to researchers from Harvard… To discover what leads to better work and lives, they sorted through 12,000 diary entries and 64,000 specific workday tasks collected from 238 workers in seven different companies. Their conclusion: Of all the events that engage people at work, the single most important – by far – is simply making progress in meaningful work. P 13. PJK: so true. My current job has far more job satisfaction than my previous one as I’m able to make great progress on tasks almost every day.
- … “the pursuit of happiness” is a shortsighted aim. People who spend their life seeking happiness are unlikely to find it. Much like chasing fame or wealth, seeking happiness alone is misguided and can lead to poor decisions. P14. PJK: I’ve obviously heard of the pursuit of happiness my entire life, but the author’s perspective is interesting… and probably true.
- “Happiness without meaning characterizes a relatively shallow, self-absorbed or even selfish life.” P15.
- Finding a higher purpose in life is considered the ultimate existential and philosophical goal. P17.
- Most job descriptions do not list checking email and social networking sites as a core part of anyone’s daily responsibilities. Yet people often spend more time on these activities than they do on more productive investments of their working time. P57. PJK: I fought this in my last job. Emails would arrive by the hundreds very day. I could easily “work” all day long by just responding to the email. Trying to break away was necessary several times a day… but the email would never stop. :(
- Nearly a quarter of workers basically sit around watching their inboxes, and read information the second it arrives. P57.
- We need at least three to five positive interactions to outweigh every one negative exchange… At least 80 percent of your conversations should be focused on what’s going right. P80. PJK: great information for a front line leader to understand.
- People commonly underestimate the value of simply paying attention to another person. When people are ignored, they have a tendency to assume the worst. P83.
- Recent experiments suggest that the best way to produce sustainable increases in well-being is to appreciate what you already have and to continue creating new positive experiences with the people who matter most. P95.
- When you are fully charged, you get more done. P3. PJK: quick, simple… and true.
- In the U.S. for example, daily well-being does not show any statistically significant increases after someone reaches $75,000 of annual household income… Essentially, a certain income level is necessary for food, shelter, and preventing daily worries, but once you have reached that basic level of financial security, making more money is unlikely to lead to better days. P5.
- Three key conditions differentiate days when you have a full charge from typical days: Meaning, Interactions, Energy. PJK: need to think about these three things more; and try to incorporate them into daily life.
- According to researchers from Harvard… To discover what leads to better work and lives, they sorted through 12,000 diary entries and 64,000 specific workday tasks collected from 238 workers in seven different companies. Their conclusion: Of all the events that engage people at work, the single most important – by far – is simply making progress in meaningful work. P 13. PJK: so true. My current job has far more job satisfaction than my previous one as I’m able to make great progress on tasks almost every day.
- … “the pursuit of happiness” is a shortsighted aim. People who spend their life seeking happiness are unlikely to find it. Much like chasing fame or wealth, seeking happiness alone is misguided and can lead to poor decisions. P14. PJK: I’ve obviously heard of the pursuit of happiness my entire life, but the author’s perspective is interesting… and probably true.
- “Happiness without meaning characterizes a relatively shallow, self-absorbed or even selfish life.” P15.
- Finding a higher purpose in life is considered the ultimate existential and philosophical goal. P17.
- Most job descriptions do not list checking email and social networking sites as a core part of anyone’s daily responsibilities. Yet people often spend more time on these activities than they do on more productive investments of their working time. P57. PJK: I fought this in my last job. Emails would arrive by the hundreds very day. I could easily “work” all day long by just responding to the email. Trying to break away was necessary several times a day… but the email would never stop. :(
- Nearly a quarter of workers basically sit around watching their inboxes, and read information the second it arrives. P57.
- We need at least three to five positive interactions to outweigh every one negative exchange… At least 80 percent of your conversations should be focused on what’s going right. P80. PJK: great information for a front line leader to understand.
- People commonly underestimate the value of simply paying attention to another person. When people are ignored, they have a tendency to assume the worst. P83.
- Recent experiments suggest that the best way to produce sustainable increases in well-being is to appreciate what you already have and to continue creating new positive experiences with the people who matter most. P95.
August 12, 2018
You should read it if...
#1 - You are looking to get some perspective about your career (especially if you work in an organisation with more than 20 people)
#2 - You need a reminder of the 'big rocks' in your life
#3 - You work best when there is a 'to do' list for you to action (towards the end of the book --- there is a list of things you could do...like focusing on the positive interactions you have)
#4 - You seek opportunities to 'level yourself up' and find ways to be closer to your best self.
#5 - You're an accountability coach and need a recommendation for a book you can read and word together with clients.
You should consider another book if...
#1 - You already know what your calling is and are investing time to either build a brand around it or are helping brands to connect with their audience more.
#2 - You know what sort of things you spend time on and shouldn't...and are in the process of taking action.
#3 - You already have a structured day. (For example: You are able to have enough sleep, eat healthy, and exercise for endurance/building muscle mass)
Note about my reviews: Keep in mind that whenever I rate a review below 3 stars, that just means it wasn't a fit for me. If you are a writer (or reader!) and would like to know what specifically didn't help me be engaged, you are more than welcome to reach out (there is a link in my profile page on how to send me an email). The reason I've decided to display all ratings, is that I'd like to see the sort of books Goodread's Algorithm would recommend me. And yes! I am wondering why there isn't a Goodreads for film (I guess Netflix is close enough with their rating system and user behaviour right?)!
#1 - You are looking to get some perspective about your career (especially if you work in an organisation with more than 20 people)
#2 - You need a reminder of the 'big rocks' in your life
#3 - You work best when there is a 'to do' list for you to action (towards the end of the book --- there is a list of things you could do...like focusing on the positive interactions you have)
#4 - You seek opportunities to 'level yourself up' and find ways to be closer to your best self.
#5 - You're an accountability coach and need a recommendation for a book you can read and word together with clients.
You should consider another book if...
#1 - You already know what your calling is and are investing time to either build a brand around it or are helping brands to connect with their audience more.
#2 - You know what sort of things you spend time on and shouldn't...and are in the process of taking action.
#3 - You already have a structured day. (For example: You are able to have enough sleep, eat healthy, and exercise for endurance/building muscle mass)
Note about my reviews: Keep in mind that whenever I rate a review below 3 stars, that just means it wasn't a fit for me. If you are a writer (or reader!) and would like to know what specifically didn't help me be engaged, you are more than welcome to reach out (there is a link in my profile page on how to send me an email). The reason I've decided to display all ratings, is that I'd like to see the sort of books Goodread's Algorithm would recommend me. And yes! I am wondering why there isn't a Goodreads for film (I guess Netflix is close enough with their rating system and user behaviour right?)!
August 7, 2019
# فكرة الكتاب الرئيسية :
هناك ثلاثة مفاتيح لتشحن طاقتك كل يوم..
أن تقوم بالعمل الذي يحقق معنى وقيمة لحياتك
والتفاعل الإجتماعي الإيجابي مع الآخرين
والعناية بصحتك حتى تكون لديك الطاقة التي تحتاجها
للقيام بالأمرين الأولين.
⁃ " حين نتطلع إلى مستقبلنا وننتظر الغد، يجب ألا نغفل يومنا وننسى حاضرنا"
⁃ " الخطوات البسيطة والإنجازات الصغيرة التي نعيشها الآن هي التي تحدد مدى
سعادتنا اليوم وغدا وطول حياتنا"
⁃ أعظم التغيرات تبدأ بأبسط الخطوات.
⁃ الذين يفنون أعمارهم بحثا عن السعادة قلما ينعمون بمذاقها.
⁃ إن محاولاتك الجري وراء سعادتك الشخصية فقط يمكن أن يشعرك بالوحدة
والعزلة. ولكن إعطاء الكثير للآخرين يمكن أن يعزز من شعورك بالسعادة
ويعطي قيمة لحياتك.
⁃ ما يجعل لحياتك معنى هو البحث عن القيمة فيما تفعله وتعيش من أجله.. وليس
البحث عن السعادة.
⁃ اتخذ من العمل الذي تمارسه يوميا غاية لا وسيلة.. لأن عملك هو الطريقة التي
تضع بها لمستك على هذا العالم.
⁃ تحكم في تفاعلاتك أيا كانت حالتك المزاجية، لأنك تستطيع دائما أن تتخذ قرارا
واعيا بتحويل دفة التفاعل من سلبية إلى إيجابية، ومن تشاؤم إلى تفاؤل.
⁃ لا تركز على مظاهر العجز والقصور عند الآخرين، لأن ذلك يفقدهم الثقة بأنفسهم
وبقدراتهم.. بالمقابل ركز على محاولاتهم الجادة لأن ذلك يولد بداخلهم استقرارا
نفسيا وثقة عالية.
⁃ اتخذ قرارات واعية حول العادات الصحية الثلاثة التي تعزز من طاقتك وحيوتك :
الحركة والغذاء والنوم
⁃ ابتسم.. وتعامل مع المؤرقات المزعجة والضغوط بهدوء وتريث.
⁃ الأشخاص الذين ينفقون الأموال على التجارب والخبرات أكثر سعادة من أولئك
الذين ينفقونها على الأشياء المادية.
لتحميل ملخص الكتاب :
https://muslim-library.com/books/2018...
هناك ثلاثة مفاتيح لتشحن طاقتك كل يوم..
أن تقوم بالعمل الذي يحقق معنى وقيمة لحياتك
والتفاعل الإجتماعي الإيجابي مع الآخرين
والعناية بصحتك حتى تكون لديك الطاقة التي تحتاجها
للقيام بالأمرين الأولين.
⁃ " حين نتطلع إلى مستقبلنا وننتظر الغد، يجب ألا نغفل يومنا وننسى حاضرنا"
⁃ " الخطوات البسيطة والإنجازات الصغيرة التي نعيشها الآن هي التي تحدد مدى
سعادتنا اليوم وغدا وطول حياتنا"
⁃ أعظم التغيرات تبدأ بأبسط الخطوات.
⁃ الذين يفنون أعمارهم بحثا عن السعادة قلما ينعمون بمذاقها.
⁃ إن محاولاتك الجري وراء سعادتك الشخصية فقط يمكن أن يشعرك بالوحدة
والعزلة. ولكن إعطاء الكثير للآخرين يمكن أن يعزز من شعورك بالسعادة
ويعطي قيمة لحياتك.
⁃ ما يجعل لحياتك معنى هو البحث عن القيمة فيما تفعله وتعيش من أجله.. وليس
البحث عن السعادة.
⁃ اتخذ من العمل الذي تمارسه يوميا غاية لا وسيلة.. لأن عملك هو الطريقة التي
تضع بها لمستك على هذا العالم.
⁃ تحكم في تفاعلاتك أيا كانت حالتك المزاجية، لأنك تستطيع دائما أن تتخذ قرارا
واعيا بتحويل دفة التفاعل من سلبية إلى إيجابية، ومن تشاؤم إلى تفاؤل.
⁃ لا تركز على مظاهر العجز والقصور عند الآخرين، لأن ذلك يفقدهم الثقة بأنفسهم
وبقدراتهم.. بالمقابل ركز على محاولاتهم الجادة لأن ذلك يولد بداخلهم استقرارا
نفسيا وثقة عالية.
⁃ اتخذ قرارات واعية حول العادات الصحية الثلاثة التي تعزز من طاقتك وحيوتك :
الحركة والغذاء والنوم
⁃ ابتسم.. وتعامل مع المؤرقات المزعجة والضغوط بهدوء وتريث.
⁃ الأشخاص الذين ينفقون الأموال على التجارب والخبرات أكثر سعادة من أولئك
الذين ينفقونها على الأشياء المادية.
لتحميل ملخص الكتاب :
https://muslim-library.com/books/2018...
December 20, 2017
While I agree with a few reviewers who mentioned this book doesn't present anything that hasn't been strongly recommended in other self-help books, I like the way the author organizes all the key ideas under 3 major interconnected pillars, which makes the entire book a very coherent and convincing read. The 1st pillar Meaning really sets the tone, proding us to take a 10,000-foot view on life as a whole and, in particular, what makes a life well lived. Instead of chasing happiness (i.e. the hedonic treadmill), meaning and purpose are what we should always ponder and pursue, regardless of the end results. If Meaning is the why, the other two major pillars, Interactions and Energy, are essentially about how exactly we should approach the lifelong pursuit of meaning and purpose.
The book is not very long, and the writing is sincere and easy to read, complete with numerous scientific research to support the author's suggestions. In addition, there are several question sets at the end to help readers put the book's ideas into action, which makes it a pretty useful reference guide that one can flip though again and again over time.
The book is not very long, and the writing is sincere and easy to read, complete with numerous scientific research to support the author's suggestions. In addition, there are several question sets at the end to help readers put the book's ideas into action, which makes it a pretty useful reference guide that one can flip though again and again over time.
July 21, 2017
Tom Rath presented recently here in Denver, and I was fortunate enough to attend. He presented the same ideas as those found in this book, which was given to each person in attendance.
Did it all change my life? That sounds way too dramatic, but it definitely got me thinking about some things I hadn't in a while, as well as framing old questions in new ways.
The first part of his book is really the strongest, about giving work meaning. Workplaces that focus on that one thing alone have a huge leg up on the competition, both from personal experience, and from the research Tom presents here (and in the presentation).
The other parts are also interesting, though I thought the last little bit about diet fell just a bit flat. I think that was on purpose, since he said he didn't want to run into any of these fad diet things, but the other sections were more fleshed out, and the last little bit seemed more like, "oh, yeah, you should also do this stuff."
Anyway, definitely a good read. I'm curious about Tom's other stuff now. Maybe I'll dive into those books once I get a chance.
Did it all change my life? That sounds way too dramatic, but it definitely got me thinking about some things I hadn't in a while, as well as framing old questions in new ways.
The first part of his book is really the strongest, about giving work meaning. Workplaces that focus on that one thing alone have a huge leg up on the competition, both from personal experience, and from the research Tom presents here (and in the presentation).
The other parts are also interesting, though I thought the last little bit about diet fell just a bit flat. I think that was on purpose, since he said he didn't want to run into any of these fad diet things, but the other sections were more fleshed out, and the last little bit seemed more like, "oh, yeah, you should also do this stuff."
Anyway, definitely a good read. I'm curious about Tom's other stuff now. Maybe I'll dive into those books once I get a chance.
January 6, 2022
this book was so interesting!! we have a bunch of random books downstairs so i decided to give this one a shot. nonetheless i learned so much! it’s a super straightforward and fast read. it discusses many topics that can help fuel our personal growth. it ranges from topics like human interactions, sleep, lifestyle habits, positive attitudes, and so much more!! the author also backs up any claim he makes by specific studies done by science which allowed me to visualize what he was saying even better and i thought the studies were so interesting!! the author also put a ton of discussion questions at the end which i can use as journal prompts. i can seriously talk about it for HOURS it’s like little deep personal discussion questions. brb might have to start a book club just for these discussion questions hmu for serious inquires 💅💅 but seriously i really recommend this book to anyone the information can benefit anyone who needs it !!
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