Shortcut through Therapy: Ten Principles of Growth-Oriented, Contented Living

by Richard Carlson

You can learn the principles of well-being in ten easy steps that help you achieve your goals without being dependent on a move with your moods, think your thoughts and let them go, and dig deep for your wisdom. Richard Carlson's principles will start you on the journey toward wellness immediately.

Genres: Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1995

About the author

Richard Carlson was an American author, psychotherapist, and motivational speaker. His book, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff... and it's all Small Stuff (1997), was USA Today's bestselling book for two consecutive years and spent over 101 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list. It was published in 135 countries and translated into Latvian, Polish, Icelandic, Serbian and 26 other languages. Carlson went on to write 20 books.

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Attention fellow crazies! This book is for you!!! Actually, this was the kind of book that I was scared to read in public, but whose lessons really could be applicable to anyone. The main idea is to not let your negative thoughts control you. From as simple to "GAH! Why did that guy cut me off! He's such a jerk! Why are people such assholes!?" to "Oh man, it didn't work out with Dave. It never works out. What's wrong with me? Ahhhh, I'm going to die alone!!!" Obviously, some negative thoughts are more extreme than others, but Carlson's point is just to catch yourself when you're thinking this way. Also, to realize that moods go up and down and to not let a bad mood MEAN something. Thoughts and moods are intertwined, and you really have to pay attention to which thoughts you give respect to and which you can see are just kind of products of a bad mood. Also, when you're feeling depressed, insecure, jealous, or angry, you lose your productivity, creative potential and your good decision-making abilities - or at least you're not making decisions in your own best interest. I'm not nearly as eloquent on this as Richard Carlson, who as a PhD is far from a self-help scammer. I've been searching for these kinds of answers to well-being for years, but therapy, soul-searching, philosophy, religion, talking to family and friends...nothing really helped me figure things out like this book did. Because, basically, thinking and talking about your problems all the time is never going to really help or inspire you! It makes you feel weak and scared, and that's really the opposite of what you really need. This is not about turning off your brain, but instead, not letting your negative thoughts control you.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

To quote from Dr. Carlson, "No one else is like you. This truth is one of the most liberating principles you can ever master." This book made me truly realize that 'being me', is a really good way to be.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m undecided about this, it has some really good advice in this, that can help everybody. It’s very accessible and easy to read. However, he really hates therapists and in my opinion quite unfairly! He must have met some really bad ones and I’m sure that they exist! Most therapists do NOT want to keep their clients in turmoil, and in my experience actually practice the 10 principles explained in this book.

Still it’s a great read!

[Elvira Millar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only book you will ever need to lead a growth-oriented, contented life. Read it once and once you finish, read it again. Mark it and go back over and over. It takes a while to change bad habits and change your self-talk.

[J Crossley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I tend to like books by Richard Carlson, and this was no different. His premise is that you don't need to take years and lots of money going over and over issues in therapy that don't move you towards growth. Here he looks at ten principles that will help you deal with your issues, grow, and move forward without spending years in therapy.

[Olafur Gudjonsson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this before the power of now and found it to be a great prerequisite.