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Wake Up to a Happier Life: Finding Joy in the Work You Do Every Day
It's hard to separate work from life, maybe because work is part of everything we do, both at home and in the workplace. But one thing is certain-- when we improve the quality of our work, we improve the quality of our lives. Having held 18 different jobs in various fields, author Amanda Dickson is keenly aware that not all work is equally enjoyable. In the trademark enthusiastic style that has made her a top-ranked radio personality and sought-after speaker, she offers practical suggestions for finding joy in whatever work you do. Included are ways to identify the work you were born to do and basic changes in attitude that will help you deal with less-than-ideal working conditions. Amanda's fresh outlook and laugh-out-loud humor will change the way you think about work . . . and life.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2007
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123 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
June 13, 2008
Amanda has some great thoughts on "how to be happy." She geared this book more on "How to be happy in your work," but everything was applicable to other aspects of life as well. The book is written like Amanda's talking to you, and as she's a radio announcer, you can just hear her voice coming out on every page. Amanda's philosophy is that we choose. We choose what we want to do with our lives. We choose our attitudes, we choose whether to be a complainer or whether to be appreciative, etc. She says "no matter what you're doing in life you volunteered. There are no slaves in this country." Therefore, what we do with our lives is up to us. The book was a good reminder of some pretty basic principles.
November 21, 2008
This is a great read with some wonderful tidbits of information for finding joy in your life. Although Amanda can sometimes be annoyingly joyful (Lol!) her thoughts on finding joy are right on. Finding joy in the simple things, letting go of a dead horse, killing with kindness, etc., etc., are wonderful reminders of what we have in our life and finding appreciation in it. I think you'll like it.
January 21, 2008
This book has a good message, and I actually do enjoy cleaning my counter tops more than before I opened the book, but I couldn't finish it. It was TEDIOUS reading, because she is just saying the same thing over and over and over, while she comes up with a zillion new anecdotes to prove her one and only point. Once I realized that, I didn't feel too guilty to quit reading.
February 17, 2009
I loved this book. Amanda Dickson speaks to women/moms. Very insightful. She teaches how to accept ownership of your own reactions to others' comments and life's experiences. So now when people ask how I'm doing, I'm tempted to answer with her little joke, "I'm obsessing about my children, or my weight, or both."
April 10, 2010
This was written by a (somewhat) well-known KSL radio personality. She's had some interesting experiences and a great attitude. This was a quick read. I found she repeated herself a lot, and she's a little too "cutesy" for me, but I think her heart was in the right place.
September 29, 2020
This book was chosen by my bookclub and it was... all right. Some good anecdotes and viewpoints, but fairly pithy and not super enlightening.
I had absolutely no connection or knowledge of the author before I even heard of this book so it was not as interesting to me as it probably could have been. The author herself seems like she could be fun to hang around, generally speaking. Or she could possibly be pretentious and condescending... It's hard to say without having heard her voice or inflection, etc., Also, the pop culture references really made this book feel dated and generational.
I don't think I would read another book by this author but I probably would be interested in skimming a blog or listening to a radio show of hers (if I were to ever stumble upon it--I don't think I would actually do any research for it). She is supposed to be somewhat of a local celebrity where I am from so who knows...?
I had absolutely no connection or knowledge of the author before I even heard of this book so it was not as interesting to me as it probably could have been. The author herself seems like she could be fun to hang around, generally speaking. Or she could possibly be pretentious and condescending... It's hard to say without having heard her voice or inflection, etc., Also, the pop culture references really made this book feel dated and generational.
I don't think I would read another book by this author but I probably would be interested in skimming a blog or listening to a radio show of hers (if I were to ever stumble upon it--I don't think I would actually do any research for it). She is supposed to be somewhat of a local celebrity where I am from so who knows...?
September 5, 2018
While not everything in this book jived with me, I enjoyed Amanda’s bright personality and perspective. One thing I completely agree with is that so much of our happiness is our choice. Don’t be a victim. If you’re unhappy what can you change. Loved listening to the audio book, which she narrates.
August 29, 2019
Good job at bragging.
February 17, 2024
I love this book! It was so hopeful, cheerful, and encouraging. Amanda have wonderful ideas on how to remember that we can choose our response. Happiness is a choice!
November 24, 2011
This book was written for women to start with. I am not sure how it showed up in my bookshelf but it could have been my wife who bought it for herself or to give to one of my daughters. I guess it is safe if you are a woman to write to women, so I will give her a break.
Amanda has issues. I know I like a book by the amount of highlight I put on it. I put a lot of highlight here and there but some pages I had to go with my eyes very fast upon them because she rambles and rambles about herself. I do have an interesting life too and I like to tell the stories to people that make them laugh. Now if I am making a point I can use my life stories, no problem with that. It is just that she goes on and on and there is something wrong with the way she is saying it, apologizing for saying what she thinks of her profession (the one she chose to graduate at - law) because of her father and all that. Well, besides making stories to long because she cannot just say it straight forward and short, when she wants to give an example she just makes a thousand references and you get tired. She goes like (not quoting the book. Just me imitating her): Do you like being sad like a child who got spanked? Like you wanted something and you did not get it? Like the sky is too gray? Like you see tears instead of sparkling dew? Like you met a frown and cannot turn it into a smile? Like, like, like, like... and it is non stop. I am warning you.
But yet, I could control myself every time she made me mad and was able to see how she believes a person can choose to be happy in life and at the workplace (she goes in between themes but I think she wanted to talk about the workplace and moves into what I like to read about: now to be happy in life.)
Should you read it? Only if you can forgive Amanda for her style. She seems to be a nice person. I think people that work with her may love her immensely except those who cannot pass the almost fake state of happiness that is stamped on her face. From what I read in this book she is happy, it is not fake. From what I read she got the perfect job for her and although most people don't she wants them to believe they can be as happy as she is (although by her examples she is not what she thinks we can be. She did not have the capacity to be happy with what she did until now, but we can do what she could not since she is so happy and figured what she was doing wrong in life until now. Oh well...
I did my best and I proudly finished the book. There are things that I still have echoing in my mind that will help me for a long time (not sure if it will for life.) The best is about getting off the dead horse. I love that part. It is honest and to the point. You may like it if you can go pass her personality. Check it out.
Amanda has issues. I know I like a book by the amount of highlight I put on it. I put a lot of highlight here and there but some pages I had to go with my eyes very fast upon them because she rambles and rambles about herself. I do have an interesting life too and I like to tell the stories to people that make them laugh. Now if I am making a point I can use my life stories, no problem with that. It is just that she goes on and on and there is something wrong with the way she is saying it, apologizing for saying what she thinks of her profession (the one she chose to graduate at - law) because of her father and all that. Well, besides making stories to long because she cannot just say it straight forward and short, when she wants to give an example she just makes a thousand references and you get tired. She goes like (not quoting the book. Just me imitating her): Do you like being sad like a child who got spanked? Like you wanted something and you did not get it? Like the sky is too gray? Like you see tears instead of sparkling dew? Like you met a frown and cannot turn it into a smile? Like, like, like, like... and it is non stop. I am warning you.
But yet, I could control myself every time she made me mad and was able to see how she believes a person can choose to be happy in life and at the workplace (she goes in between themes but I think she wanted to talk about the workplace and moves into what I like to read about: now to be happy in life.)
Should you read it? Only if you can forgive Amanda for her style. She seems to be a nice person. I think people that work with her may love her immensely except those who cannot pass the almost fake state of happiness that is stamped on her face. From what I read in this book she is happy, it is not fake. From what I read she got the perfect job for her and although most people don't she wants them to believe they can be as happy as she is (although by her examples she is not what she thinks we can be. She did not have the capacity to be happy with what she did until now, but we can do what she could not since she is so happy and figured what she was doing wrong in life until now. Oh well...
I did my best and I proudly finished the book. There are things that I still have echoing in my mind that will help me for a long time (not sure if it will for life.) The best is about getting off the dead horse. I love that part. It is honest and to the point. You may like it if you can go pass her personality. Check it out.
November 24, 2014
I am thrilled to have listened to this as an audiobook rather than having read it as a book. The author is so full of expressive energy. It is rare for anything to be better than "the book." This is one of those rare cases where hearing the author read it imparts so much more than just reading a book. It was delightful to listen to.
Based on her experience holding 18 different jobs, she shares the lessons she has learned through the good and the bad. Even if you aren't in the job market (and I'm not), this was very engaging.
Contents;
Chapter 1 David, Why Weren't You David? (Be yourself)
Chapter 2 There Is No "Just" (Don't make excuses for your chosen work)
Chapter 3 The Spirit You Bring
Chapter 4 The Volunteer Spirit
Chapter 5 Whatever You Want, Give It Away
Chapter 6 What Goes Around
Chapter 7 Handling Criticism (It tells more about the speaker)
Chapter 8 Get Off The Dead Horse (a delightful chapter)
Chapter 9 Antidote to Criticism
Chapter 10 Faith Moves
Chapter 11 Your Best Is Good Enough
Chapter 12 Just Breathe
Chapter 13 Surprise! Surprise
Calling this a "self-help" book doesn't do it justice. It was totally fun to listen to, and if I learned anything along that way, that is a delightful bonus.
What I learned from this book:
- Be yourself.
- You are where you are because you chose to be there. If you are in a job, it is because you chose to be in that job.
- Each person is responsible for what he does.
- People who are negative drain the energy from an organization, and get fired.
- Give away what you want to receive.
- Criticism tells more about the speaker than it's target. Look for truth in it that you can use, but usually it's not about you.
- If the horse is dead, get off it. How can you tell it's dead? It begins to stink.
- Overachievers (such as the author) need to schedule breaks. Your family needs you, and you need the recovery time.
- Taking slow breaths is a wonderful aid to relaxation, and is quite useful in reducing stress.
Based on her experience holding 18 different jobs, she shares the lessons she has learned through the good and the bad. Even if you aren't in the job market (and I'm not), this was very engaging.
Contents;
Chapter 1 David, Why Weren't You David? (Be yourself)
Chapter 2 There Is No "Just" (Don't make excuses for your chosen work)
Chapter 3 The Spirit You Bring
Chapter 4 The Volunteer Spirit
Chapter 5 Whatever You Want, Give It Away
Chapter 6 What Goes Around
Chapter 7 Handling Criticism (It tells more about the speaker)
Chapter 8 Get Off The Dead Horse (a delightful chapter)
Chapter 9 Antidote to Criticism
Chapter 10 Faith Moves
Chapter 11 Your Best Is Good Enough
Chapter 12 Just Breathe
Chapter 13 Surprise! Surprise
Calling this a "self-help" book doesn't do it justice. It was totally fun to listen to, and if I learned anything along that way, that is a delightful bonus.
What I learned from this book:
- Be yourself.
- You are where you are because you chose to be there. If you are in a job, it is because you chose to be in that job.
- Each person is responsible for what he does.
- People who are negative drain the energy from an organization, and get fired.
- Give away what you want to receive.
- Criticism tells more about the speaker than it's target. Look for truth in it that you can use, but usually it's not about you.
- If the horse is dead, get off it. How can you tell it's dead? It begins to stink.
- Overachievers (such as the author) need to schedule breaks. Your family needs you, and you need the recovery time.
- Taking slow breaths is a wonderful aid to relaxation, and is quite useful in reducing stress.
April 29, 2009
Books that make me think about why I do what I do always make me a happier person. I appreciate that author's peppy (my dad would say "perky") outlook. Sometimes I just need to be jolted out of a funk by someone refusing to let me wallow in it - and she does just that.
In the beginning I thought this would be a book all about being happier with work done outside the home, but it isn't. It's about finding joy, your joy no matter your work - homemaker, mother, engineer, firefighter, receptionist, celebrity, librarian, perma-student, etc.
I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy all the book had to say - and to laugh at myself. I believe a book should make you feel better about yourself or motivate you to do better in your sphere and this did just that.
In the beginning I thought this would be a book all about being happier with work done outside the home, but it isn't. It's about finding joy, your joy no matter your work - homemaker, mother, engineer, firefighter, receptionist, celebrity, librarian, perma-student, etc.
I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy all the book had to say - and to laugh at myself. I believe a book should make you feel better about yourself or motivate you to do better in your sphere and this did just that.
September 18, 2011
I listened to this book on CD in my car. It was a very uplifting and helpful book. It talks about a lot of self help type things of facing fears, following your souls path, choosing to be happy, etc. The author lives in Utah and I heard her speak at Time Out for Women.
She was inspirational to me because she tried a lot of things even if she was unsure as to whether she would be good at them. Her books give me courage to try new things and to find what I truly love to do. To live life and not take it for granted. Each day is a precious gift.
She was inspirational to me because she tried a lot of things even if she was unsure as to whether she would be good at them. Her books give me courage to try new things and to find what I truly love to do. To live life and not take it for granted. Each day is a precious gift.
February 26, 2008
Advice is given in a cheerful, often self-depracating manner that is enjoyable and quick.
Like most books of this sort, the point is made a couple of times, with several examples, sometimes to the point where you start skipping ahead.
She does tend to oversimplify some things, but that's the beauty of self-help: some things work for some, and different things work for others.
A light-hearted, encouraging read.
Like most books of this sort, the point is made a couple of times, with several examples, sometimes to the point where you start skipping ahead.
She does tend to oversimplify some things, but that's the beauty of self-help: some things work for some, and different things work for others.
A light-hearted, encouraging read.
July 19, 2009
Love it! This is the book I have been wanting to write for years, but Amanda beat me to it. What I loved most was the idea that your life can make sense to outsiders including your family and still be the wrong life. It is the hardest thing to take the leap and change to a happier existence, but that is what Amanda did. Inspiring! Read it! This is not only a Mormon book. Anyone who struggles finding their purpose with their work will appreciate Amanda's experiences.
September 8, 2009
I picked this up as an Advance Reader Copy a couple of years ago and never got around to reading it. I recently found it in my basement and decided to read it. It took me less than 2 hours, and found it was a mere collection of self-help platitudes. Almost nothing of real merit, although I gave it two stars rather than one just because I think the philosophy of the book tends in the right direction (i.e. you'll be happier in life if you love the things you do, and do the things you love).
December 6, 2007
I couldn't help but read in her voice. I listen to her almost everyday for at least a few minutes so it was like I was just hearing her talk. And she writes like she's talking. It was upbeat and fun but I did find it a bit repetitious/much and so I have to admit I never finished it before I had to return it to the library. But it's a fun book.
June 7, 2008
I listened to this talk on cd! I really liked it! Here are some of my favorite sayings from it... Death will come soon enough while I am alive I want to live. Try something new. Stand up for who you are. Your best is good enough. Do something with the precious time we have been given. Go after your dreams. Do what you love.
August 30, 2008
Great advice on how to not let people get you down. I stumbled onto this book right after a rather painful experience I had with a "friend"; and it totally helped me move on and stop dwelling on the negative experience. A good read for those of us who take it personally, even if we wish we didn't.
November 22, 2008
This was a book group book, otherwise I never would have read it. It a self-help book of sorts on being happy and doing that which brings joy to your spirit. I agreed with most of the premises for finding joy and loving what you do. It was a quick, easy read and had some funny and good insights. I liked it well enough.
March 20, 2010
I could just hear Amanda Dickson talking as I read the book. Her sense of humor is very evident. She talks about such topics as handling criticism and the antidote to critism and that faith moves us to do all things. I think the best advise for me in the whole book was to "Get Off the Dead Horse". I was very uplifted by this book!
March 21, 2011
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! I have been having some issues at work and this book made me realize that I cannot feed off of others "drama" and negativity. I know it sounds cheesy but I feel like a completly different person after reading this. I want to be and do better not only at work but with my life outside of work as well.
January 28, 2008
She is somewhat repetitive in this book. I think she's a great person - very positive - but as an author, she seemed a little too informal. But if you're looking for a conversational-toned book that is upbeat, this is it.
January 20, 2008
I read this book thinking, "I can't wait to read this again," even though I have read very few books more than once. Reading this book made me feel happy, normal, and ready to move onward and upward. Simple but enjoyable.
February 23, 2014
Some good (mostly common sense) points were made, but I didn't close the book feeling as though I'd learned much. And while the writing style was "cute", I often found my mind wandering as I read. It had an uplifting quality, but I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend it.
April 2, 2008
J-Rated.
Much loved. A fun book with a light heart, and some good advice on the art of living. I'm going to buy it so I can re-read it when I'm in a funk.
It may not completely change your life, but it definately change your life a little for good and for better.
Woot!
Much loved. A fun book with a light heart, and some good advice on the art of living. I'm going to buy it so I can re-read it when I'm in a funk.
It may not completely change your life, but it definately change your life a little for good and for better.
Woot!
April 21, 2008
This book is awesome- really really awesome. I think everyone should read it. I think I honestly feel happier and more content after reading this. It's about feeling better in the work you do everyday- moms included. Excellent!
November 6, 2008
Uncle Leslie gave us the book and we read it together. Amanda is a radio host currently in SLC. She has some good pointers on how to live and how to have the right attitude about what you are doing - mainly focused on our work.
February 26, 2009
I really like this book! It has a lot a real-life applications and does help me have a better perspective and be a better Mom and wife and teacher and daughter and sister and friend. It is a quick, fun read. My second time was just as fun as the first!
August 16, 2010
This author will be coming to Time Out For Women this year. I had never heard of her before, so I thought I would give one of her books a try. Ignore the one start rating. I accidentally clicked on it and can't get it off. I am just barely starting the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews