Pain is Inevitable, Misery is Optional

by Hyrum W. Smith

No one wants to experience pain. But there seems to be "no other way" to teach us some of the valuable lessons of wisdom and humility, patience and endurance that we need to experience in this life. Though pain comes to us in different ways-sometimes self-inflicted, sometimes a natural result of mortality- there are things we can do to minimize our misery and maximize our learning, regardless of its source. This book explores how understanding our heritage as sons and daughters of God, learning to take the Spirit as our guide, avoiding self-deception, and accepting the Atonement can all help us deal better with the pain that will inevitably come into our lives

Author's InfoHyrum W. Smith is founder and chairman of the board of The Galileo Initiative, a team of business consulting, training, development, and communication professionals. In 1984, he helped create the widely used Franklin Day Planner and formed Franklin Quest Co. He is the author of several nationally published books and has received many honors and awards, including three honorary doctorate degrees. He and his wife, Gail, enjoy life at their ranch in Gunlock, Utah, close to their children and grandchildren.

Gerreld L. Pulsipher is a writer and graphic designer, the coauthor of several books, and has worked closely with Hyrum W. Smith over the years in writing and editing his books. Born in Nevada and growing up in southern Utah and Salt Lake City, he is a former managing editor of the
Millennial Star magazine and has served twice as bishop in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He and his wife, Nancy, reside in Holladay, Utah, where they enjoy close association with their six children and seventeen
grandchildren.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Self Help

153 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2004

About the author

Hyrum W. Smith is a distinguished author, speaker, and businessman. Hyrum was one of the original creators of the popular Franklin Day Planner. In 1983 he co-founded the Franklin Quest Company to produce the planner and train individuals and organizations in the time management principles on which the planner was based. In 1997 it became the Franklin Covey Company. Hyrum stepped down as Chairman & CEO in 1999. He continued as Vice-Chairman of the Board until 2004.

For four decades, he has been empowering people to effectively govern their personal and professional lives. Hyrum’s books and presentations have been acclaimed by American and international audiences. He combines wit and enthusiasm with a gift for communicating compelling principles that incite lasting personal change.

Hyrum is the author of several nationally-acclaimed books, including The 10 Natural Laws of Successful Time and Life Management, What Matters Most, The Modern Gladiator, You Are What You Believe and he co-authored Excellence Through Time Management.

Hyrum grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii, and then spent two years in London, England. He returned from London and was drafted into the army.

He was married in 1966 to Gail Cooper while on leave. They have six children (five living) and 24 grandchildren (22 living).

After graduating Honor Graduate from Officers Candidate School, he commanded a Pershing Missile unit in Germany. Hyrum graduated from Brigham Young University in 1971 in Business Management.

Hyrum has received numerous honors and community service awards, including the following:

• International Entrepreneur of the Year by Brigham Young University’s Marriott School of Management in 1993
• Three honorary doctorate degrees
• SRI Gallup Hall of Fame and Man of the Year Award in 1992
• Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America
• Inducted into the Utah Business Hall of Fame

Hyrum enjoys golfing, shooting pistols and rifles, listening to classical music, horse riding and spending time with his family at his ranch in southern Utah.

He has recently founded a new business called 3 Gaps

His new book, "The Three Gaps: Are You Making A Difference?", will be released January 11, 2016.

Reviews

[Cara]

Powerful book. I picked it up with physical pain in mind, and it deals with an entirely different pain, but there are some great teachings in this book. My favorite line is "your sorrows will outnumber your joys, but your joys will outweigh your sorrows."

[Sean Neahusan]

This is a great book for dealing with the inevitable pain of life. A warning though, this has a strong LDS emphasis and includes references from the Book of Mormon, so if you are afraid of Mormon cooties, not the book for you.

[Jennybug]

I really did like this book. It was a really quick read. There are many good quotes and scripture references. I particularly liked chapter 3 "Why is pain part of the plan?" This book deals with many different kinds of pain. I appreciate the authors willingness to share his experiences, through this book.

“No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God . . . and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven.”
― Orson F. Whitney

[Celestia]

I have heard Hyrum speak on tape. Finally in this book I have a scripture to back up a statement he made on the tape, that he believes Satan can imitate the burning of the bosom and ever other feeling, except for peace.

The story he tells of his excommunication and rebaptism into the church was touching. Of course my inquiring mind wanted more details but he didn't spill them. I loved the story he tells of the sign of a dove appearing after the death of a friend's friend to comfort the grieving family.

[Michelegg]

This was an interesting book. I have mixed feelings about it. I didn't like the chapters where he was promoting his own agendas (the Belief Windows). But I did learn some things. I was very moved by some of the experiences he related. His advice to use our pain to make us better, and to learn and grow, was good.

I think that Mr. Smith covered much of the same ground others have covered lately, but he didn't cover it as well. Not much new here.

[Laura]

I like the way the author was able to make me think outside the box. Everyone feels pain, but how long we choose to wallow in it makes all the difference.

[John]

I appreciated his authenticity in relaying his experiences with the subject matter.

[Chels]

Not what I expected, but what I needed! Great messages and reminders

[Elizabeth Ricks]

Before I even started the book, I worried about what the tone would be. I shouldn't have worried. It was wonderful.

[Julia]

This was just okay for me. It had a few good "take homes" but for the most part was a little watered down for me.

[Matt Evans]

The Miracle of Forgiveness is a much better book. However, and I'm kind of ashamed to admit this, I read Mr. Smith's book strictly for the gossip factor. I used the Franklin Planner way back when and I was interested in what led to Mr. Smith's fall from grace. The book really didn't disappoint in that regard, but $10 is a lot to pay for People-Magazine-caliber scoop.

[Erin]

Wasn't what I thought it would be. The title is captivating, but the book wasn't so much. Pain is such a broad topic; however, the book only covered one type, spiritual pain that comes from sin. I would have liked to have the book go into more detail about the physical pain some individuals have to endure and what can be learned from that. The book could have been so much more.

[Mililani]

I loved this book, read it right through, couldn't put it down. Knowing the author and some of what he went through himself, helped me to delve further into the subject matter, which prompted me to read another book, Believing Christ, by Stephen Robinson, the next day

[Sheree]

This is an excellent book - I found it very interesting with great insights. I could feel the spirit as I read it. One story that I really liked in the end talks about "moving on." It is a great story.

[Judy]

Interesting thoughts on pain and forgiveness. Okay for a quick read.
Agree that the Miracle of Forgiveness is better. This was to much of a confessional for Mr Smith.

[Jeff Nielson]

this book teaches you how to deal with tragedy or persoanl suffering-a must read for Mormons especially those that demand they be perfect!

[Darryl]

A nice read to understand the atonement better, but it would have been more powerful if he had made it more about his personal story and less a doctrinal deposition.

[Sara]

Read this years ago and enjoyed it a lot.