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Peaks and Valleys: Making Good and Bad Times Work for You - At Work and in Life
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Who Moved My Cheese?, a brilliant new parable that shows readers how to stay calm and successful, even in the most challenging of environments.
A young man lives unhappily in a valley. One day he meets an old man who lives on a mountain peak. At first the young man doesn’t realize that he is talking to one of the most peaceful and successful people in the world. But in the course of further encounters and conversations, the young man comes to understand that he can apply the old man’s remarkable principles and practical tools to his own life to change it for the better. Spencer Johnson knows how to tell a deceptively simple story that teaches deep lessons. The One Minute Manager (co-written with Ken Blanchard) sold 15 million copies and stayed on the New York Times bestseller list for more than twenty years. Since it was published a decade ago, Who Moved My Cheese? has sold more than 25 million copies. In fact there are more than 46 million copies of Spencer Johnson’s books in print, in forty-seven languages—and with today’s economic uncertainty, his new book could not be more relevant. Pithy, wise, and empowering, Peaks and Valleys is clearly destined to becomeanother Spencer Johnson classic.
A young man lives unhappily in a valley. One day he meets an old man who lives on a mountain peak. At first the young man doesn’t realize that he is talking to one of the most peaceful and successful people in the world. But in the course of further encounters and conversations, the young man comes to understand that he can apply the old man’s remarkable principles and practical tools to his own life to change it for the better. Spencer Johnson knows how to tell a deceptively simple story that teaches deep lessons. The One Minute Manager (co-written with Ken Blanchard) sold 15 million copies and stayed on the New York Times bestseller list for more than twenty years. Since it was published a decade ago, Who Moved My Cheese? has sold more than 25 million copies. In fact there are more than 46 million copies of Spencer Johnson’s books in print, in forty-seven languages—and with today’s economic uncertainty, his new book could not be more relevant. Pithy, wise, and empowering, Peaks and Valleys is clearly destined to becomeanother Spencer Johnson classic.
112 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
305 people are currently reading
3783 people want to read
About the author
Spencer Johnson
121 books2,354 followersLibrarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Patrick Spencer Johnson was an American writer. He was known for the ValueTales series of children's books, and for his 1998 self-help book Who Moved My Cheese?, which recurred on the New York Times Bestseller list, on the Publishers Weekly Hardcover nonfiction list. Johnson was the chairman of Spencer Johnson Partners.
Patrick Spencer Johnson was an American writer. He was known for the ValueTales series of children's books, and for his 1998 self-help book Who Moved My Cheese?, which recurred on the New York Times Bestseller list, on the Publishers Weekly Hardcover nonfiction list. Johnson was the chairman of Spencer Johnson Partners.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 457 reviews
April 10, 2017
خیلی معمولی و کلیشهای. چه حیف که اسپنسر جانسون مدام خط داستانیش رو تو کتابهای مختلفش تکرار میکنه و چیز جدیدی به خواننده نمیده.
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بخشهای یادگاری از کتاب:
همه او را از رفتن به جایی که خودشان نرفته بودند، منع میکردند.
...
تو برای تبدیل دره به قله، باید یکی از این دو عامل را تغییر دهی: آنچه اتفاق میافتد یا احساسی که نسبت به آن اتفاق داری.
عالی است اگر بتوانی شرایط را تغییر دهی. در غیر این صورت، میتوانی احساساتت را تغییر دهی تا به نفع تو عمل کنند.
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بخشهای یادگاری از کتاب:
همه او را از رفتن به جایی که خودشان نرفته بودند، منع میکردند.
...
تو برای تبدیل دره به قله، باید یکی از این دو عامل را تغییر دهی: آنچه اتفاق میافتد یا احساسی که نسبت به آن اتفاق داری.
عالی است اگر بتوانی شرایط را تغییر دهی. در غیر این صورت، میتوانی احساساتت را تغییر دهی تا به نفع تو عمل کنند.
July 23, 2020
یک کتاب جالب برای بهتر مواجه شدن با پستی بلندی های زندگی یا کسب و کار
قسمت هایی از کتاب:
قله ها و دره ها به هم متصل هستند
اشتباهاتی که در لحظه های خوب امروز مرتکب می شوی لحظه های بد فردایت زا به وجود می آورند.کارهای خردمندانه ای که در لحظه های بد امروز انجام می دهی لحظه های خوب فردایت را ایجاد می کنند
***
پیرمرد گفت.در مورد اکثر ما منشا ترس،غرور است.غرور باعث می شود که در قله متکبر و در دره وحشت زده شوی.این احساس سبب می شود از واقعیت دور بمانی
قسمت هایی از کتاب:
قله ها و دره ها به هم متصل هستند
اشتباهاتی که در لحظه های خوب امروز مرتکب می شوی لحظه های بد فردایت زا به وجود می آورند.کارهای خردمندانه ای که در لحظه های بد امروز انجام می دهی لحظه های خوب فردایت را ایجاد می کنند
***
پیرمرد گفت.در مورد اکثر ما منشا ترس،غرور است.غرور باعث می شود که در قله متکبر و در دره وحشت زده شوی.این احساس سبب می شود از واقعیت دور بمانی
April 10, 2019
داستان شباهت زیادی به کتاب حکایت دولت و فرزانگی داشت و من اون رو ترجیح میدم چون احساس میکنم تاثیر اون بیشتر بود
در کل کتاب خوبی بود طی یک داستان به شما یاد میده که چطور دره های زندگی رو مدیریت کنید و به نکات مثبتش توجه کنید و اون رو تبدیل به قله کنید
در کل کتاب خوبی بود طی یک داستان به شما یاد میده که چطور دره های زندگی رو مدیریت کنید و به نکات مثبتش توجه کنید و اون رو تبدیل به قله کنید
March 14, 2023
Talk about your peaks and valleys, this book is filled with them!
Self-help books are usually not my thing and honestly, my mind wasn't much changed by Peaks and Valleys: Making Good and Bad Times Work For You - At Work and In Life blah blah blah, get a longer title why don't you?!. I gave it three stars because it's not horrible by any means or too preachy, plus there is a redeeming quality to it. It strives and mostly succeeds in making you feel like you just received a promotion with a fat raise and your mom is giving you a big lovey hug...and your mom is a huge fuzzy bunny.
But as is the case with most self-help books I've read, they tend to offer common sense ideas and wrap them up in a philosophic tone, perhaps to make it all sound more complex than it is or to imbue the author with a guru-esque importance. I'm not saying I know it all or that Johnson is looking to start a cult, but...well, maybe he is. Like I said, I don't know everything.
Self-help books are usually not my thing and honestly, my mind wasn't much changed by Peaks and Valleys: Making Good and Bad Times Work For You - At Work and In Life blah blah blah, get a longer title why don't you?!. I gave it three stars because it's not horrible by any means or too preachy, plus there is a redeeming quality to it. It strives and mostly succeeds in making you feel like you just received a promotion with a fat raise and your mom is giving you a big lovey hug...and your mom is a huge fuzzy bunny.
But as is the case with most self-help books I've read, they tend to offer common sense ideas and wrap them up in a philosophic tone, perhaps to make it all sound more complex than it is or to imbue the author with a guru-esque importance. I'm not saying I know it all or that Johnson is looking to start a cult, but...well, maybe he is. Like I said, I don't know everything.
June 5, 2017
داستان دره ها و قله ها درباره ی جوانی است که زندگی غمگینی دارد تا اینکه در اثر ملاقات با پیرمردی دانا به دیدگاه جدیدی در زندگی می رسد و زندگی اش متحول می شود . او در این ملاقات می آموزد که لحظه های خوب و بد ، قسمتی از زندگی همه ماست . کلید زندگی بهتر ، درک صحیح تر از این لحظه های خوب و بد است . در این کتاب می آموزید که چگونه در زندگی با مدیریت بهتر ، لحظه های خوب بیشتری و لحظه های بد کمتری داشته باشید .
December 3, 2019
فقط و فقط تکرار مکررات
March 6, 2009
Peaks and Valleys is a wonderful book. A very quick read - I read it over one of my lunch hours. I have always liked Who Moved My Cheese and repeatedly had brought that book out to re-read when I am feeling a little stuck. Peaks and Valleys encourages me to look at things differently - I may get stuck in a valley occasionally, but it all depends on how I look at it. What maybe a valley, could actually be a peak - it's all in my focus. I encourage everyone to read it and can't wait to start sharing it with my family.
August 19, 2015
اسپنسر جانسون معروف به"ساده بيان كردن پيچيده ترين مسائل" است. طورى مسايل را ساده توضيح مي دهد كه در عين قابل فهم بودن، تمام جزييات آن حفظ مى شود. "قله ها و دره ها" كتاب كوتاه بى نظير و مفيدى است براى اينكه بفهميم قله ها و دره ها يا روزهاى آرام و روزهاى سخت زندگيمان را چطور مديريت كنيم. چطور بيشتر بر قله بمانيم و زودتر از دره بيرون بياييم. در نهايت همه چيز به نوع نگرش و بهره بردارى از موقعيت برمى گردد. خواندن اين كتاب كوچك اما مفيد را به همه ى دوستانم پيشنهاد مى كنم:)
November 9, 2024
Was recommended this by a supervisor and I am glad I read it. I took notes & hopefully I can learn and use the knowledge to get through the lows better. Use the information in this book to help guide me.
Quotes:
Replace fear with love
Be a better version of yourself
Never take for granted the people closest to you
To stay on a peek longer be humble and grateful, do More of what got you there, keep making things better, do more for others.
It's really a fear-based idea that you'll be hurt by the truth.
I think once you learn how to trust the truth, it's remarkable, how much more calm and peaceful you'll be.
You can't just escape your valley You have to learn from it
The purpose of the valley is to learn about life the purpose of the peak is to celebrate life
Truly managing things in your bad times.
While It is unhealthy by blocking out reality, It can also be very healthy to just relax , and rest and trust things will get better
Between peaks there are always valleys, how you manage your valley determines how soon you reach your next peak.
If you don't learn in a valley you become bitter
If you learn something valuable you'll become better
Quotes:
Replace fear with love
Be a better version of yourself
Never take for granted the people closest to you
To stay on a peek longer be humble and grateful, do More of what got you there, keep making things better, do more for others.
It's really a fear-based idea that you'll be hurt by the truth.
I think once you learn how to trust the truth, it's remarkable, how much more calm and peaceful you'll be.
You can't just escape your valley You have to learn from it
The purpose of the valley is to learn about life the purpose of the peak is to celebrate life
Truly managing things in your bad times.
While It is unhealthy by blocking out reality, It can also be very healthy to just relax , and rest and trust things will get better
Between peaks there are always valleys, how you manage your valley determines how soon you reach your next peak.
If you don't learn in a valley you become bitter
If you learn something valuable you'll become better
June 22, 2019
بخشی از کتاب:
قله لحظاتی ست که قدر آنچه را دارید می دانید, دره لحظاتی است که مشتاق چیزی هستید که از دست داده اید. اگر میخواهیم دره ی کمتری داشته باشیم باید از مقایسه خودداری کنیم.
اگر از خوبیهای هر لحظه لذت ببریم بیشتر احساس بر قله بودن می کنیم. مسیر خروج از دره زمانی پدیدار می شود که تصمیم می گیرید اوضاع را به شکلی متفاوت بنگرید.
دلیل قالب زود ترک کردن قله خودستایی, و نقاب اعتماد به نفس زدن به آن است. دلیل قالب زیاد ماندن در دره وحشت, و نقاب آرام شدن به آن است.
.
خود را در حال لذت بردن از آیندهای بهتر, آنقدر با جزئیات خاص و قابل قبول تصور کنید که بتوانید از آنچه شما را به آنجا می برد نیز لذت ببرید.
.
.
ی کتاب کم حجم و عالی که باید حتما خوندش
قله لحظاتی ست که قدر آنچه را دارید می دانید, دره لحظاتی است که مشتاق چیزی هستید که از دست داده اید. اگر میخواهیم دره ی کمتری داشته باشیم باید از مقایسه خودداری کنیم.
اگر از خوبیهای هر لحظه لذت ببریم بیشتر احساس بر قله بودن می کنیم. مسیر خروج از دره زمانی پدیدار می شود که تصمیم می گیرید اوضاع را به شکلی متفاوت بنگرید.
دلیل قالب زود ترک کردن قله خودستایی, و نقاب اعتماد به نفس زدن به آن است. دلیل قالب زیاد ماندن در دره وحشت, و نقاب آرام شدن به آن است.
.
خود را در حال لذت بردن از آیندهای بهتر, آنقدر با جزئیات خاص و قابل قبول تصور کنید که بتوانید از آنچه شما را به آنجا می برد نیز لذت ببرید.
.
.
ی کتاب کم حجم و عالی که باید حتما خوندش
November 21, 2015
Short story but had some real golden nuggets in here, as do all his books. Can't recommend this author enough. There's a reason why he's the number one best selling author on Amazon of all time.
May 7, 2009
A new book which took author Spencer Johnson over 20 years to write, just like his previous bestseller, Who Moved My Cheese.
This is another parable which happens to speak to our current economic state, as well as life in general. It was not a plan to release this book during this time of upheaval in America, it just turned out that way.
I've come to believe that everyone is going through something major just about everyday of their life. Certainly with what's happening in our culture, economy and government, this is true. That's why I believe this book will be helpful to read.
Like Who Moved My Cheese?, Dr. Johnson developed a short simple story to illustrate the common blocks to moving forward in life. These blocks can be event driven, or they can be triggered by changes in relationships or employment. There are many reasons to feel stuck and maybe even a little bitter. However, we all know that we do not want to stay there! How to get on with it? That's the question.
I was reminded of two pieces of wisdom by this story. One is that Reality is my friend. Discern reality and accept it. The other piece is that there is wisdom to be learned in looking for what's true in a situation. Knowing the truth helps with acceptance.
Feeling stuck in my personal life, I was able to separate from the mire and remember that when I'm stuck, I am usually too self-absorbed. The way out is to look for ways to serve others. In Mary Kay, we say "get out of yourself and into others"...it's good to be validated on this again.
This is another parable which happens to speak to our current economic state, as well as life in general. It was not a plan to release this book during this time of upheaval in America, it just turned out that way.
I've come to believe that everyone is going through something major just about everyday of their life. Certainly with what's happening in our culture, economy and government, this is true. That's why I believe this book will be helpful to read.
Like Who Moved My Cheese?, Dr. Johnson developed a short simple story to illustrate the common blocks to moving forward in life. These blocks can be event driven, or they can be triggered by changes in relationships or employment. There are many reasons to feel stuck and maybe even a little bitter. However, we all know that we do not want to stay there! How to get on with it? That's the question.
I was reminded of two pieces of wisdom by this story. One is that Reality is my friend. Discern reality and accept it. The other piece is that there is wisdom to be learned in looking for what's true in a situation. Knowing the truth helps with acceptance.
Feeling stuck in my personal life, I was able to separate from the mire and remember that when I'm stuck, I am usually too self-absorbed. The way out is to look for ways to serve others. In Mary Kay, we say "get out of yourself and into others"...it's good to be validated on this again.
February 15, 2018
As usual, the author had to implement a tale to deliver some important points in an easy and clear fashion.
Normally, I would give a 5-stars rate only when I feel I learned something valuable and helpful, which I did in this case. But what I didn't like is that reading this book was like reading " The Present " for the same author, both books shard almost the same tale with almost the same circumstances! I kind of felt sad because I wanted to read something new and genuine, especially when you aim for someone like Spencer Johnson, you would expect a great content, but not just a replica of some other books!
But to put all of that aside, I think I learned some new things, I really like how the author delivers his words and points, clear and straightforward.
I had some fun while reading the book, besides it's only like 100 pages so it won't be taking much of your time.
Normally, I would give a 5-stars rate only when I feel I learned something valuable and helpful, which I did in this case. But what I didn't like is that reading this book was like reading " The Present " for the same author, both books shard almost the same tale with almost the same circumstances! I kind of felt sad because I wanted to read something new and genuine, especially when you aim for someone like Spencer Johnson, you would expect a great content, but not just a replica of some other books!
But to put all of that aside, I think I learned some new things, I really like how the author delivers his words and points, clear and straightforward.
I had some fun while reading the book, besides it's only like 100 pages so it won't be taking much of your time.
February 11, 2016
A beautiful book spreading the philosophy of life during bad and good times. How one should look at his/her own life when they are in trouble, when they are having a difficult time and also when they are in peaceful state of mind. Theories of how to maintain the peaceful state of mind for long time and so on. Overall I would recommend this book to everyone. The time invested in reading this small book will be very useful. Go ahead and pick up your copy.
June 10, 2017
Why isn't there an option of Zero star?
Well Self-Guide books aren't really my type. but this book was boring & the story couldn't get any more monotonous. it was supposed to encourage you & empower you through your ups & downs in life (so the idea wasn't actually bad), but instead it seemed like a childish story.
Well Self-Guide books aren't really my type. but this book was boring & the story couldn't get any more monotonous. it was supposed to encourage you & empower you through your ups & downs in life (so the idea wasn't actually bad), but instead it seemed like a childish story.
May 18, 2012
what an amazing book...in the beginning i thought it was a fiction and it doesn't speak reality.
but now, after i finished, i know how to use my moments very well...especially i am a very moody person.
but now, after i finished, i know how to use my moments very well...especially i am a very moody person.
April 21, 2015
Good, quick read. It was enjoyable to listen to the audio book.
June 21, 2018
My notes while reading
A good response in the valley-
You look like you're in a good place despite the bad times understand you've been through. She responded I am in a good place both in my work in my life but it's not in spite of the bad times it's because of them.
Three things to remember-how to get out of a valley sooner how to stay on a peek longer and how to have more peaks and fewer valleys in my future.
Share what you learn with others. There are two reasons why you should share what you learned with others. First to help them and second to help yourself. When people around you know how to make both good and bad times work for them they worry less and do better. And that makes working and living with them more enjoyable for you.
How you feel depends largely on how you view your situation. The key is to separate what happens to you and How good and valuable you feel you are as a person.
Peaks and valleys are connected. The errors you make in today's good times create tomorrow’s bad times. And the wise things you do in today's bad times create tomorrow's good times.
When you're in the bad times return to the basics and concentrate on what matters most. Also don't be a person who fails to manage the good times: do not waste too many resources Forget too far away from the basics or ignore what matters most.
The secret is to truly appreciate and enjoy each time for what it is while you're living it. Peaks are moments when you appreciate what you have valleys are moments when you long for what is the missing. How can someone win a silver medal for outstanding performance and be unhappy? By comparing it to winning a gold medal. So if we want to have fewer valleys avoid comparisons. If you enjoy what's good about the moment you may feel like you are on a Peak.
To change a valley into a peak you need to change one of two things; what is happening or how you feel about what is happening. Choosing a better belief usually leads you to a much better result.
If you do not learn in a valley, you can't become bitter. you truly learn something valuable, you can become better.
The chapter on resting
When he had been in the valley, it seemed like a good idea to go to the plateau. But now he wondered why he was still there. A plateau, he thought, was a neutral time when you Felt neither high nor low. So what was this plateau for him? Was he just taking and well deserved break, and resting? Or was he here to escape? And if so, what was he escaping from? And what about his friends? Were they just trying to escape reality by condoling their senses? The clarity he found on the peak was certainly different then the dullness he felt on the plateau. Wow it is unhealthy to try to escape by blocking out reality, it can often be very healthy to just relax and the rest and trust that things will get better. A plateau can be a time for you to rest reflect and renew.
You will no longer feel like you are on an emotional roller coaster, when you become more peaceful, by realizing that you are not your peaks, your good times, and you are not your valleys, you're bad times.
You can have fewer bad times when you appreciate and manage your good times wisely. When you are on a peek your ego makes you see things is it better than they really are. And when you are in a valley, your ego makes you see things as worse than they really are. It makes you think of peak will last forever and it makes you fear a Valley will never end. So ask yourself what is the truth in this situation? How can I be of more service?
I knew that fear could chase away truth. So I ask myself, what is the truth in this situation? And the truth was sampling I love her. What would be the most lovely thing I can do right now? And soon, the situation didn't seem like such a deep valley. Because I saw that my wife realize how much I loved her. It made her feel better. I knew I had not been as thoughtful before as I could have been. Soon, I enjoyed the feeling that comes with becoming a better person. To my surprise, I began feeling more peaceful and successful, even in the terrible circumstances we found ourselves in. I realized that many of my fears were really about me, not about her. In looking for ways that I could be more loving, I shifted my focus from me to her.
Imagine how your future peak will look, smell, sound, taste, feel, until it becomes so real to you that the image of getting their pools you through the valley.
Imagine yourself enjoying your better future in such specific believable detail that you soon enjoyed doing what takes you there.
One day I will look back on this and laugh. Then he thought why wait until later. Why not laugh at it now. Hey laughed out loud and felt a little better as he was going through his valley. The pain in the valley can wake you up to a truth you have been ignoring.
You can stay on the peaks longer when you learn some humility. When you learn to appreciate that the valleys are an opportunity for you to grow.
What is the truth in this situation-when the men's team was faced with a marketing challenge they came up with the following good that was hidden in the bad time. What if we focus on staying ahead of a competition by coming up with a much better product than theirs? Suddenly the young men's team saw the hidden good: the competitors big marketing campaign would make people more aware of this kind of product-but they would have the better product. In a way, their competitor would be doing their marketing for them. The young man asked the team if they wanted to create and follow a sensible vision-a picture of a better future that made sense to them. The team agreed and begin to imagine in specific and believable detail what it would be like to have a far better product-one that customers love so much they would buy it use it and tell others about it.
To stay on a peak longer: be humble and grateful. Do more of what got you there. Keep making things better. Do more for others. Save resources for your upcoming valleys.
A good response in the valley-
You look like you're in a good place despite the bad times understand you've been through. She responded I am in a good place both in my work in my life but it's not in spite of the bad times it's because of them.
Three things to remember-how to get out of a valley sooner how to stay on a peek longer and how to have more peaks and fewer valleys in my future.
Share what you learn with others. There are two reasons why you should share what you learned with others. First to help them and second to help yourself. When people around you know how to make both good and bad times work for them they worry less and do better. And that makes working and living with them more enjoyable for you.
How you feel depends largely on how you view your situation. The key is to separate what happens to you and How good and valuable you feel you are as a person.
Peaks and valleys are connected. The errors you make in today's good times create tomorrow’s bad times. And the wise things you do in today's bad times create tomorrow's good times.
When you're in the bad times return to the basics and concentrate on what matters most. Also don't be a person who fails to manage the good times: do not waste too many resources Forget too far away from the basics or ignore what matters most.
The secret is to truly appreciate and enjoy each time for what it is while you're living it. Peaks are moments when you appreciate what you have valleys are moments when you long for what is the missing. How can someone win a silver medal for outstanding performance and be unhappy? By comparing it to winning a gold medal. So if we want to have fewer valleys avoid comparisons. If you enjoy what's good about the moment you may feel like you are on a Peak.
To change a valley into a peak you need to change one of two things; what is happening or how you feel about what is happening. Choosing a better belief usually leads you to a much better result.
If you do not learn in a valley, you can't become bitter. you truly learn something valuable, you can become better.
The chapter on resting
When he had been in the valley, it seemed like a good idea to go to the plateau. But now he wondered why he was still there. A plateau, he thought, was a neutral time when you Felt neither high nor low. So what was this plateau for him? Was he just taking and well deserved break, and resting? Or was he here to escape? And if so, what was he escaping from? And what about his friends? Were they just trying to escape reality by condoling their senses? The clarity he found on the peak was certainly different then the dullness he felt on the plateau. Wow it is unhealthy to try to escape by blocking out reality, it can often be very healthy to just relax and the rest and trust that things will get better. A plateau can be a time for you to rest reflect and renew.
You will no longer feel like you are on an emotional roller coaster, when you become more peaceful, by realizing that you are not your peaks, your good times, and you are not your valleys, you're bad times.
You can have fewer bad times when you appreciate and manage your good times wisely. When you are on a peek your ego makes you see things is it better than they really are. And when you are in a valley, your ego makes you see things as worse than they really are. It makes you think of peak will last forever and it makes you fear a Valley will never end. So ask yourself what is the truth in this situation? How can I be of more service?
I knew that fear could chase away truth. So I ask myself, what is the truth in this situation? And the truth was sampling I love her. What would be the most lovely thing I can do right now? And soon, the situation didn't seem like such a deep valley. Because I saw that my wife realize how much I loved her. It made her feel better. I knew I had not been as thoughtful before as I could have been. Soon, I enjoyed the feeling that comes with becoming a better person. To my surprise, I began feeling more peaceful and successful, even in the terrible circumstances we found ourselves in. I realized that many of my fears were really about me, not about her. In looking for ways that I could be more loving, I shifted my focus from me to her.
Imagine how your future peak will look, smell, sound, taste, feel, until it becomes so real to you that the image of getting their pools you through the valley.
Imagine yourself enjoying your better future in such specific believable detail that you soon enjoyed doing what takes you there.
One day I will look back on this and laugh. Then he thought why wait until later. Why not laugh at it now. Hey laughed out loud and felt a little better as he was going through his valley. The pain in the valley can wake you up to a truth you have been ignoring.
You can stay on the peaks longer when you learn some humility. When you learn to appreciate that the valleys are an opportunity for you to grow.
What is the truth in this situation-when the men's team was faced with a marketing challenge they came up with the following good that was hidden in the bad time. What if we focus on staying ahead of a competition by coming up with a much better product than theirs? Suddenly the young men's team saw the hidden good: the competitors big marketing campaign would make people more aware of this kind of product-but they would have the better product. In a way, their competitor would be doing their marketing for them. The young man asked the team if they wanted to create and follow a sensible vision-a picture of a better future that made sense to them. The team agreed and begin to imagine in specific and believable detail what it would be like to have a far better product-one that customers love so much they would buy it use it and tell others about it.
To stay on a peak longer: be humble and grateful. Do more of what got you there. Keep making things better. Do more for others. Save resources for your upcoming valleys.
July 28, 2024
Liked it. Kinda knew I would - this author writes these kinds of books so you know going in that it will be a quick, inspirational read. I would have awarded three stars - except I tripped across it at a time I really needed to read it. That kind of context carries weight….
May 17, 2022
This is a review of four readings of this book. You probably want to start at the first read and read backwards
Fourth read: It's clear that the valley experience - the way we are in darkness and blindness - is highly significant and even determinative of the peak experience, if any, that follows. There's a lot of subtle shifts in the yin state that the book doesn't or perhaps can't describe. It's also clear the valley experience is way more devastating than Johnson presents it as in this little business parable, and for that books like If You Should Fail by Joe Moran is vital. I also recommend learning about the spirit of the valley from Lao Tzu in the Tao te Ching, because it's not what one does on the peaks that matters most but how one handles the valley. It's not that this book is just superficial (it is), but that it is pitched at success-obsessed Americans who would not have read on if Johnson had told the dark truth about the valley experience: that we all must end up there, and indeed must spend most if not all of our time there.
Third read: I cannot add to the notes of the previous two reads except to say that the role of attention and intention in the valley experience is vital to grasping the idea, and that this is an act of IMAGINATION, not will or wishing.
Hopefully a fourth reading will bear more fruit.
Re-read immediately after the first read,.
I was more impressed by the second third of this book, describing the struggle at the river.
Also vital were the two praxis questions - "What's the truth here, how can I make friends with reality?" and "How can I be more humble and serve others more?"
I will probably have to read it a third time. It's got a lot of deep practical wisdom hidden behind shallow practical advice.
First reading:
Summary of the first third:
APPLYING GOOD IDEAS: Good ideas in themselves are useless unless they reveal hidden opportunities. When you choose to see things differently, the path out of bad times appears. Bad times are an opportunity to discover what makes things better. In good times we make errors that lead to bad times. In bad times we do wise things that lead to good times. So in truth we mostly create our own good and bad times.
Fourth read: It's clear that the valley experience - the way we are in darkness and blindness - is highly significant and even determinative of the peak experience, if any, that follows. There's a lot of subtle shifts in the yin state that the book doesn't or perhaps can't describe. It's also clear the valley experience is way more devastating than Johnson presents it as in this little business parable, and for that books like If You Should Fail by Joe Moran is vital. I also recommend learning about the spirit of the valley from Lao Tzu in the Tao te Ching, because it's not what one does on the peaks that matters most but how one handles the valley. It's not that this book is just superficial (it is), but that it is pitched at success-obsessed Americans who would not have read on if Johnson had told the dark truth about the valley experience: that we all must end up there, and indeed must spend most if not all of our time there.
Third read: I cannot add to the notes of the previous two reads except to say that the role of attention and intention in the valley experience is vital to grasping the idea, and that this is an act of IMAGINATION, not will or wishing.
Hopefully a fourth reading will bear more fruit.
Re-read immediately after the first read,.
I was more impressed by the second third of this book, describing the struggle at the river.
Also vital were the two praxis questions - "What's the truth here, how can I make friends with reality?" and "How can I be more humble and serve others more?"
I will probably have to read it a third time. It's got a lot of deep practical wisdom hidden behind shallow practical advice.
First reading:
Summary of the first third:
APPLYING GOOD IDEAS: Good ideas in themselves are useless unless they reveal hidden opportunities. When you choose to see things differently, the path out of bad times appears. Bad times are an opportunity to discover what makes things better. In good times we make errors that lead to bad times. In bad times we do wise things that lead to good times. So in truth we mostly create our own good and bad times.
September 6, 2022
This book can be read in one sitting—and that would be a mistake. My first read through I rated the book three stars. I gave the book a second chance by rereading it in fifteen minute increments, first thing in the morning. Then, I upgraded my rating.
Sometimes simple is better. This book provides a simple approach to keeping your head on straight. Perhaps individual personality can't be changed, but outlook on life can be altered. The secret lies in learning to take advantage of bad times.
We all feel highs and lows—Peaks and Valleys. Peaks and Valleys are a metaphor for Life. When we are in a Valley, sometimes all we need to is change what we are looking at.
This book explores strategies for the following:
~ how to get out of a Valley sooner
~ how to stay on a Peak longer
~ how to have more Peaks and fewer Valleys in the future
If you currently find yourself in a Valley, pick up this book and start reading in small chunks every day. How you experience your current Valley has a lot to do with how long you'll remain in it. Then, create a vision of a future Peak you want to be on and begin taking steps daily to walk out of that Valley and toward the next Peak.
Simple, yes. Daily, yes. Simple + daily works.
Access Gene Babon's reviews of books on Business Leadership and Business Strategy at Pinterest.
Sometimes simple is better. This book provides a simple approach to keeping your head on straight. Perhaps individual personality can't be changed, but outlook on life can be altered. The secret lies in learning to take advantage of bad times.
We all feel highs and lows—Peaks and Valleys. Peaks and Valleys are a metaphor for Life. When we are in a Valley, sometimes all we need to is change what we are looking at.
This book explores strategies for the following:
~ how to get out of a Valley sooner
~ how to stay on a Peak longer
~ how to have more Peaks and fewer Valleys in the future
If you currently find yourself in a Valley, pick up this book and start reading in small chunks every day. How you experience your current Valley has a lot to do with how long you'll remain in it. Then, create a vision of a future Peak you want to be on and begin taking steps daily to walk out of that Valley and toward the next Peak.
Simple, yes. Daily, yes. Simple + daily works.
Access Gene Babon's reviews of books on Business Leadership and Business Strategy at Pinterest.
August 14, 2011
I really liked this book! The author DOES follow a pattern and his story IS very predictable, yet (at least to me) it was an inspiring read.
As the very title says, the story speaks of one's up's and down's in life..failures and successes (peaks and valleys), and about the "art" of achieving equilibrium in life. One of the basic characteristics of life is RHYTHM. This principle says, that even if we are in the valley today, we may reach the peak one day, only if we are willing to work on ourselves, becoming our best SELF. The principle of rhythm is a constant parameter which defines this ever changing world, and the up's and down's in one's life are inevitable! People must be aware of this! By embracing the changes life brings to us, no matter if they come dressed up as a failure or success, we have the chance to learn and take the best from each situation.
I enjoyed this book (though, I repeat, it was predictable) and will definitely come back to it's pages when I feel I'm stuck in a "valley".
As the very title says, the story speaks of one's up's and down's in life..failures and successes (peaks and valleys), and about the "art" of achieving equilibrium in life. One of the basic characteristics of life is RHYTHM. This principle says, that even if we are in the valley today, we may reach the peak one day, only if we are willing to work on ourselves, becoming our best SELF. The principle of rhythm is a constant parameter which defines this ever changing world, and the up's and down's in one's life are inevitable! People must be aware of this! By embracing the changes life brings to us, no matter if they come dressed up as a failure or success, we have the chance to learn and take the best from each situation.
I enjoyed this book (though, I repeat, it was predictable) and will definitely come back to it's pages when I feel I'm stuck in a "valley".
February 27, 2012
Another typical motivation book. The content are so simple. I didn't enjoy as i didn't gain anything from it. Maybe this book is for those who haven't gain much experience in life.
I take Abdullah Muslem (2011)'s review :
I felt like a child when I read this book. The author talks to you as you are lost or you dont know what to do and he keeps repeating the same stuff again and again. The book was boring and very short and did not add anything to my knowledge except for things I knew before but It just reminded me of it. It is a book for someone who had not much experience in life and dont know how to deal with problems. Most of the information included in the book are common sense and you dont need to know it at all. That's just my opinion.
I take Abdullah Muslem (2011)'s review :
I felt like a child when I read this book. The author talks to you as you are lost or you dont know what to do and he keeps repeating the same stuff again and again. The book was boring and very short and did not add anything to my knowledge except for things I knew before but It just reminded me of it. It is a book for someone who had not much experience in life and dont know how to deal with problems. Most of the information included in the book are common sense and you dont need to know it at all. That's just my opinion.
September 16, 2024
Ładna i bardzo prosta przypowieść o Młodym Człowieku, który miał dość życia w dolinie i postanowił zdobywać szczyty. Na pierwszym z nich spotyka Starego Człowieka, który uczy go co robić, żeby jak najdłużej utrzymać się na szczycie, jak wykorzystać okresy przebywania w dolinach i jak wygląda świat z perspektywy wysokości. Chyba już łatwo się domyśleć, że chodzi o nasze wzloty i upadki życiowe.
Autor jest bardziej znany z równie mądrej książeczki "Kto zabrał mój ser?".
Autor jest bardziej znany z równie mądrej książeczki "Kto zabrał mój ser?".
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March 28, 2016دره، نه تنها كنايه از دوران سخت زندگي و قله، نه تنها كنايه از دوران خوش زندگي دارد، كه نشان دهنده احساسات دروني ما و واكنش مان به اتفاقات بيروني نيز هست.
قله ها و دره ها به ما مي نماياند كه چگونه بيشتر بر قله بمانيم و چگونه زودتر از دره بيرون بياييم.
قله ها و دره ها به ما مي نماياند كه چگونه بيشتر بر قله بمانيم و چگونه زودتر از دره بيرون بياييم.
May 3, 2019
It is not focused enough.
It has pointed out only different words I would rather say ,here and there without specialisation and showing proper way.
I know it’s supposed to be small guidebook but I was expecting more.
It has pointed out only different words I would rather say ,here and there without specialisation and showing proper way.
I know it’s supposed to be small guidebook but I was expecting more.
February 2, 2010
Read for work. Not really into the allegorical method of improving work situations or life choices.
January 20, 2015
Bleh. Good concept but poorly and boringly executed.
January 30, 2016
Valleys are for learning about life, whilst peaks are for celebrating live.
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