Working on Yourself Doesn't Work: The 3 Simple Ideas That Will Instantaneously Transform Your Life

by Ariel Kane, Shya Kane

The acclaimed, life-changing book that shows you how to stop "working" on yourself--and start living in the moment

Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to go through your life without stress or self-doubt? To have a real sense of inner peace and fulfillment? Now you can--through the three simple principles in this book. Just as they do in their world-renowned workshops, Ariel and Shya Kane teach a refreshingly natural approach to living that is easy to do yet dramatically transformative. The three simple ideas that form the foundation of their approach are: What you resist persists and grows stronger. You can only be exactly as you are in the moment. Anything you allow to be exactly as it is completes itself.

Once you grasp these three straightforward but enlightened concepts, you can stop "working" on yourself and start living the life you've always wanted--free from your old perceptions, and open to world of possibilities for discovering the ins and outs of who you are.

""Working on Yourself Doesn't Work" has much to offer to anyone who wants a more meaningful and spiritual life."
--"New York Spirit" magazine

"This may be the most profound and life-transforming book you'll ever read. If you want a life filled with excellence, well-being, and happiness, read this book now!"
--Marie Forleo, author of "Make Every Man Want You"

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Personal Development, Psychology, Spirituality

160 pages, Paperback

First published July 10, 1999

Reviews

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always used to think that 'living in the moment' was an abstract concept that you could only achieve by meditating for years on a mountaintop. I wanted it, but couldn't understand how it could possibly work for me, with my busy life and all of the goals I wanted to acheive. Well, Ariel and Shya Kane and their incredible book have shown me that not only is it possible, but it can be fun! The Kane's approach to living in the moment puts the light back in enlightenment; their book is written with humor and compassion and is a joy to read. It combines simple, profound ideas with their own personal stories and experiences. After reading this book and attending their workshops in NYC, I have experienced so much transformation in my own life. So much of the stress and pain I created by "working on myself" for years has dissolved and been replaced with a sense of ease and an urgency and passion for living my life! Possibilities and opportunities have emerged that were once beyond my wildest dreams. If you are tired of living in a constant loop of thoughts and are interested in experiencing more satisfaction in all areas of your life, pick up this book today!

[Nathalie Meurens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great no non-sense to living in the moment and make more out of life.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant and simple. I wish I had read this earlier

[Bebe Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Simple and straight forward, BUT effective. The truth is life is simple but we've over complicated life by adding elements of control (and greed). We've become so caught up on what we (mankind) has created (each society's norms and expectations) that we forget to EXPERIENCE LIVING. Being in the moment IS living and this book does a fantastic job at guiding you.
If you're frustrated, stressed, have an open mind about life and living and are ready to take control of YOURSELF you will find this book pleasantly fulfilling.
TIP: common sense required. As with any new concept practice makes progress which in turn becomes habit. Just as you have habits now remember it took repetitive action/ thoughts for those to stick, even with the way you live now, it was over years of doing it over and over until It became second nature. The same applies here.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book doesn't contain any new ideas, but what sets it apart from many books in this genre is the clarity and simplicity with which they are expressed.

The central theme of the book is about living "in the moment". If you are being in this moment, all problems disappear automatically because problems are a projection towards the future of possible realities based upon past experiences.

The authors set out 3 basic principles of transformation, the first of these is "what you resist persists". Part of the reason most people's lives are not happy is that they have designated "happy" as a desired state and then they resist or judge all those states that are not. This locks them into the emotion or condition they are resisting.

This book is for you if you enjoy reading books such as Eckhart Tolle's "The Power of Now".

[Kitty · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple but powerful message - live in the moment. I'm not sure if this book can "create" the "transformation" it preaches, but I enjoyed reading it.

[Joy]

Recommended

Listened twice

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really think this has been the single best book I read. It has already changed my life and my mindset/view and I just finished reading it. Completely recommend to everyone.

[Anju Pruthi · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been rated as one of the most profound and life transforming book, one would ever read. And I would lean on the side of agreeing with this statement.

Three SIMPLE principles, no theoretical constructs or concepts, easy readable form. The authors of this book, point the way to clarity of the PRESENT moment. While the application and the efficacy of the principles is brought home, with the help of numerous real life examples ( from the lives of their workshop participants); the Kanes also offer a deceptively simple way to leading a fulfilling and satisfying life ; IRRESPECTIVE of the circumstances of one's life.

Would recommend this read, for anyone who is genuinely seeking to examine their reflexive and mechanical behaviors in life, and improve the quality of their life choices, so as to remain CENTRED and HAPPY.

[Natasha Holme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great title. And pretty accurate. Stop trying to change things, and get present. I found this remarkably similar (down to details sometimes) to what I learnt on The Landmark Forum in 2003. I wondered who had borrowed from whom?

[Jill · Rating 1 out of 5]

As a counselor, this book caught my attention. Interesting approach in dealing with our internal dialogue. It runs along the lines of cognitive-behavioral approach somewhat, but mainly deals with changing the negative thought process and not so much the bad behavior.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

All it takes to have your life transform is getting into and living from the moment--this current moment of now.

[Islin Munisteri · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a real shame (and a miracle) that the laws of physics also applies to emotions.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting ideas. Would like to read more from these authors

[Liza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is worth reading several times and at least once a year to keep the principles in mind. Very enjoyable and easy to read.

[Roxanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting concept. I'm going to have to reread this again to let it all sink in.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

if you resist, it will persist.

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has some good ideas, but the delivery isn't great. Enjoyed it though!