Why Don't I Do the Things I Know are Good for Me?: Taking Small Steps Toward Improving the Big Picture

by B.J. Gallagher

Women know what they should be doing, but still often don't do it. Gallagher explores the reasons why, and helps women to help themselves.

Women know what they ought to do-eat right, exercise more, get plenty of rest, save money, and make smart decisions in their own best interest. But instead, it seems that women often take care of everyone else, yet neglect themselves. It's time they realize they're not hopeless or helpless. Here, sociologist and self-care expert BJ Gallagher shares fifty-two ways they can put themselves first on their priority list-rather than last.

The book begins by exploring the most common reasons women don't take good care of themselves, and how those barriers can be overcome once they are recognized. Readers will discover step by step how small changes can have a big impact; how to replace poor habits with good ones; and finally, how to avoid the "quick fix" traps. BJ Gallagher's tips, tools, and suggestions will guide every woman to a life she deserves-taking better care of themselves and their loved ones.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction

253 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Writer and speaker. Also known as Barbara "B.J." Hateley.

Reviews

[Jodi]

Was hoping for more of why I don't do the things I know are good for me. Guess I have to go to therapy for that. Did read this in a day even though you are to read it a section per week. Not trying to sound smug, but I know that to do the things I should, I have to start doing them be it one small step at a time. So, maybe what I got out of this book is the enforced goal that this summer I will to try to eat one more serving of either fruits or veggies per day. That is a small step and perhaps I'll even achieve it. Notice I didn't say anything about not eating sugary snacks and/or ice cream. Wonder if I'd stop that if I knew more of why I do it? Nah, I doubt it.

[Allison Lynch]

Personal development is one of my interests - and her chapter ends on reflecting on the topic were valuable. Some of the content in th chapters was to self involved and presumed conditions were universal for all women.

[Elena Soriato]

Consigli molto utili, con domande a fine di ogni capitolo per fare un autovalutazione su se stessi e sul rapporto con gli altri.

[Katya Kean]

I stopped reading on page 30, when she related how she used to feel oppressed and dominated by men, and how she was dependant on her dad to pay for her grad school, and her ex-husband to pay alimony, and how horribly resentful she was of them for it. She shared how she purposely bought an expensive coffee table, outside of her budget, as an act of rebellion, to show them that she owned herself, when they came by and saw that nice piece of furniture. That'll show them.
I found this attitude and action so repulsive and idiotic, I immediately closed the book.
"Oh no, poor me, someone else is paying my bills and helping me become eventually financially independant... must be a sign of male dominance in society..." Sweet Mercy, woman. If you want independence, you should have invested that coffee table money. Or maybe not chosen a useless degree in Sociology.

[Lori]

Understanding does not solve the problem. Actions solve the problem. Only actions alleviate anxiety. Do something. If it works, do more. If it does not work, do something else! Brilliant!

People who feel good about themselves produce great results and people who produce great results feel good about themselves. – Ken Blanchard

Don’t tell me where your priorities are. Show me where you spend your time and money and I’ll tell you what your priorities are.

The mind is everything. What you think, you become. – The Buddha

You can tell a lot about a person by the way they handle these 3 things: a rainy day, lost luggage and tangled Christmas tree lights. – Maya Angelou

[Stephanie]

Highly recommended by a patron when they returned it, this little self-help book is quite good. Gallagher keeps things short and sweet, and structures the book in a way that you can read through it, or come to it bit by bit. The idea that we can change our behavior by changing our language -- instead of saying "I should go to the gym tomorrow," saying "I want to go to the gym tomorrow" -- is a simple, and yet fascinating one.

[Kristina]

Rather than being especiall enlightening or having better advice than anything else I've ever read, it really just got me thinking. Some of the exercises are kind of a waste of time and most of the advice is stuff you already know. But it did get me thinking and made me truly look at why I don't do the things I know are good for me.

[Jennifer Schwindt gorder]

Simple advice that you can get in any magazine. I do like her basic and easy writing style. Also, she occasionally interjects her own entertaining bits, i.e. "I pissed away the day" which I like, but a pretty simplistic book overall. Check out from the library but don't buy.

[Sally]

Has several helpful suggestions, and is written in a very accessible, friendly style. Not holier-than-thou.

[Elle]

This was a pleasant read. I didn't do any of the exercises it recommends, but that is common for me and self-help books. Overall, 3 stars.

[Miranda Kalhorn (Smith)]

Sure, the advice was fine and all, but this is kind of how this book made me feel:

[Sara]

"letto", ma anche no. Magari avrebbe potuto non essere nemmeno male, ma perché indirizzarlo solo alle donne? E perché farne (quasi) unicamente un problema di genere?

[Brenda]

I never finished because I still can't do the things I know are good for me! Maybe I will check it out again!