Hard Optimism: Developing Deep Strengths for Managing Uncertanity, Opportunity, Adversity, and Change

by Price Pritchett

Hard Optimism is based on disciplined studies from an exciting new field of science called positive psychology. Some of these ideas and approaches may surprise you. They're all grounded in solid research, and organized so you can easily put them to work on the job and in other parts of your life. Follow the 12 practices of Hard Optimism and you'll muscle up mentally. That's important. Because the mind needs conditioning as much as the body.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Self Help

72 pages, Perfect Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Jo Ann]

Pritchett talks a good talk, but he falls short on explaining how one can accomplish any of his idealistic practices in optimism. “Believe this!” “Think this!” That’s lovely, but let’s discuss the physiology of optimism. Let’s discuss the physiology of depression, for that matter. This tiny book is great for a few lovely quotes, but does nothing to help one actually succeed in becoming an optimist.

[Cassi]

This book took less than 30 minutes to read, and as such, didn't really get in-depth into anything other than 'become more of an optimist' because negative thinking weighs you down. However, it seemed more to scream "ignore the bad and be ignorant and happy." In fact, some of the statments were downright clueless.

"Whenever he thought about it he felt terrible. And so, at last, he came to a fateful decision. He decided not to think about it."

"Optimists dont beat themselves up with blame- they seek to externalize it"
next page:
"Optimists take personal credit for causing favorable outcomes"

Does anyone else see major issues with this??


Here is one part of the book that I liked:
"Whats more important-
What's happening to you- or
How you are handling the situation?"

I liked the movement of "problem talk" to "solution talk"- focusing on hope- and the benefits of pessimism.

[Michael Taylor]

It teaches you to control your attitude and ‘build the brain you want’

[Crystal Johnson]

Quick and easy read. Great reminders of the basics. Gave to my mom. Loved how simple it is and backed by science.

[Jill]

For work

[Solomon]

Great content, missing a little detail - not the best read if you're an ignorant prick like me. Favourite bit, the part where Pritchett talks about gratitude and forgiveness.

[Judith Symonds]

I enjoyed this book. I was reading it alongside TheSecret: The Power. The book draws together academic research that supports the Law of Attraction. It is a very short book and it contains some most surprising facts such as, "negative thoughts and emotions are more hazardous than cigarettes" p.59 and ideas that I found very valuable such as playing to ones strengths. Another example of a short and very interesting book on the benefits of positive thinking.

Hard Optimism: How to Succeed in a World Where Positive Wins

[Omar Bravo]

Tiene un formato muy bien cuidado y los temas se presentan con fundamento en algunas investigaciones, quizá de manera superficial pero efectiva. La idea principal es dar algunas claves de como el optimismo (hard optimism) no solo implica el desarrollo de pensamientos positivos sino también combatir los negativos.

[Paul]

I was able to easily read this book in a day. The content was good, but was not very detailed. The main message is that one of the best ways to be optimistic is to avoid being pessimistic and to determine strategies to stop pessimistic thinking.

[Tonya Shaw]

This is a quick and easy read that is a great reset for professional thinking. Gives quick, practical tips for keeping your focus on the positive and ways to counteract the negative we are bombarded with every day.

[BookMouse]

There were some good ideas in this book. It's not some new idea, but common sense.

[Bellatuscana Bellatuscana]

This was really a good book! Act the way you feel. Fake it- Your brain can't tell the difference. You will perform better, and bring more of a good atmosphere to the world.

[Sylvia Gallardo]

I am determined to think more positively in all situations. I loved the quotes in this book.

[Sheila Hill]

Good quick read. Really reminds us of the things we know to do, but maybe we don't do consistently.

[Amy]

Good information, but could have easily been condensed into an essay.