Book Review - Refuse To Choose By Barbara Sher

Have you always wondered why you get bored easily, never stick to anything for long periods of time, quickly lose interest in things or change your mind about what you want to do and end up doing nothing? Good news: according to Barbara Sher's book you might just be a 'scanner'.

Summary

Barbara Sher brings us closer to a type of person who, just as described above, doesn't follow the traditional 'find out what you want, get a career and follow it with might and passion for the rest of your life' scheme.

More in details

The subtitle of this book is 'A Revolutionary Programme for Doing All That You Love' and alludes to the fact that scanners often find themselves arguing about not being able to choose one thing and stick with it. Barbara suggests otherwise: Refuse to choose.

The author identifies seven types of scanners, divided into two groups: cyclical scanners and sequential scanners. The first 3 belong to the cyclical scanners:
Double Agent: These are people who have fantasies of being two people, one who does the right thing and another who is free to live their dreams.Sybil: This is someone who has many areas of interest and they return to these over and over but rarely finish anything.Plate Spinner: They are energized by having many things going on at the same time, they love solving problems but all of this leaves little time for any of their own projects.

The cyclical scanners know what their interests are, unlike the sequential scanners who always discover a completely new interest. The following six types belong to the sequential scanners:
Serial Specialist: They often excel at whatever field they are in, commit completely but then, often when on top of their game, quit and start something new.Serial Master: For these people, interests come and go, but the love of mastery always stays. Once they have mastered something, they go looking for a new project.Jack-of-all-Trades: Jacks enjoy learning for its own sake. They are usually not passionate about any one career but the love of learning something new and helping people.Wanderer: This is someone who loves random experiences and allow themselves to move toward whatever looks attractive and interesting.Sampler: These people look for a special kind of richness in their lives and find that there are very few ways to fill it.High-Speed Indecisive: They are maybe the most misunderstood of all Scanners as the get pulled away to something new sooner than any other, but not because they lost interest, rather because they see something more fascinating.

Besides the in-depth description of the different types of scanners, Barbara also shares many valuable tools and techniques that will make scanners lives easier.

About the author

Beside being an author of six self-help books Barbara Sher is also a motivational speaker, workshop leader, business owner and has collected much experience working as a counselor, working with many scanners. In addition to that she has appeared both on national and local radio and television, including shows like Oprah, Today, 60 Minutes and Good Morning America. She lives in New York City.

Recommendation

This is a great book if you feel that you might be a scanner, have lived your life wondering: Why is it that everyone finds their passion but I can't seem to find it, start and stop many projects or never finish anything?

In my work with clients I have found it extremely valuable to assist people in finding their freedom and passion through the realization that they achieve by reading this book.

Want to know more? Have a look at my blog.

Nathalie Himmelrich is the founder of 'Reach for the Sky Therapy' on Sydney's Northern Beaches and specialises in 'relationship related issues'. She is working with individuals and couples using techniques ranging from Counselling, Neuro Linguistic Programming to Journey Therapy. She supports clients in their personal growth in a supportive and professional environment.

Visit my website: http://www.reachforthesky.com.au/ or visit my blog: http://reachforthesky.wordpress.com/ and sign up for our newsletter today.

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Book Review - Next Stop, Reloville By Peter T Kilborn

Relocation always brings challenges and Peter Kilborn writes a journalistic account of a special segment of people who move: families who are required to move in order to keep their jobs or maintain career growth. They earn high incomes by most standards - $100,000 - $400,000 - and their companies move them lavishly. One company even flew the wife's mother to babysit with the children while the couple went on a househunting trip.

These families represent middle and upper management. None was described as a CEO but some were VPs of mid-sized companies. Some worked in cubicles.

Author Kilborn focuses on the impact of moving on family dynamics. His approach is typical of contemporary journalism: focus on a handful of families in depth and chronicle every aspect of their lives that might remotely relate to moving. Thus we have children who start over in school, wives who volunteer, husbands who are away from home for long periods. We see variations from one family to the next but as I read, their stories blended together.

Kilborn notes the pressure to conform. For instance, these families need to buy homes with high resale value, so they tend to seek new homes in new neighborhoods. As a result, older neighborhoods fall into decline.

We see how some families try to escape the pressures. One family was thrilled to find a home outside a homeowners association. Surprisingly few get divorced; one woman is shown in front of her new antique store, which she opened after divorcing her mobile husband and remarrying.

This book describes a small, privileged sliver of corporate America. And, although the book's subtitle refers to a "new" rootless professional class, I don't think it's all that new. I remember when IBM used to stand for "I've Been Moved." If anything, I'm hearing that companies are cutting back because spouses now enter the picture.

And that's my major quibble with this book. Are all members of this corporate America male and married? The book finds one young single woman who talks about the difficulties of getting a boyfriend. But I've known single and divorced women over 40 who reported enormous problems fitting into this mobile class. One woman moved into a nice neighborhood; after all, she earned a good salary and she could easily afford a big house. Her female neighbors were threatened at first. They actually worried she would chase their husbands (as if she had time or inclination).

The book doesn't address other issues, such as relocating professionals who are gay, non-Christian, or of another race. In these Relovilles, will these people stand out? Will they be ostracized? Or are these towns so filled with corporate execs who have higher tolerance than longer-dwelling residents of these small towns?

Ultimately I'm not sure what we are supposed to learn from this book. Wisely, the author chooses not to draw lessons and move to the self-help genre. Perhaps the ultimate lesson is to choose a career where you are self-employed or where you just don't have to move. You might sacrifice the big pay checks (or not), but you will gain the most valuable commodity: time. And if you do choose this path, nobody can say Kilborn didn't warn you.

Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., has written a book about relocation. This book deals with the stresses and psychological challenges common to a variety of people who relocate - not just corporate families. This book includes challenges of being single, moving on a shoestring, and finding new friends. Download immediately at http://www.relocationstrategy.com/

Cathy offers one-to-one consulting for career moves that involve relocation. Subscribe to the 12-session Midlife Career Strategy ecourse to learn more about these services.
http://www.midlifecareerchoice.com/

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Brilliant Treatise on Future of Psychology - Book Review of "Humanizing Madness" by Niall McLaren

"Humanizing Madness" is an intriguing and insightful book into the nature of psychiatry, although it may not be aptly titled. The book does discuss psychiatry and the cognitive neurosciences, but more specifically its purpose is to discuss what is currently wrong with the major theories in psychiatry and to suggest a theory that will provide a future path for psychiatry to follow. This book may not be for the beginner in psychiatry, but students of psychiatry will find it a valuable alternative view on what they may otherwise be taught in university programs without questioning many of psychiatry's outdated and as McLaren expresses, ineffective and flawed theories which tend to disagree with each other anyway.

McLaren divides "Humanizing Madness" into three sections, the first giving an overview of psychiatry, its history and theories. Then he demonstrates what theories can be used to create a focused future path for psychiatry, and finally, he discusses mental disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and anorexia and how changes need to be made in their definitions and understanding to bring about more effective diagnoses.

Among the theories McLaren shows as severely flawed are behaviorist models, psychoanalysis, and eclectic models of psychiatry. Most importantly, McLaren states that no real foundational theory exists for psychiatry. While definitions of mental disorder exist, no real definition of mental order or normality has been determined. Until it is determined what a normal mental state is, psychiatry cannot accurately determine what is a mental disorder.

To determine what is the suitable definition of mental disorder and normality, the field must be narrowed down to being based on specific tenets. McLaren makes clear that psychiatry must focus on being rational, understanding that human behavior is not random, and that any theory of the mind must be able to account for mental disorder. He rejects simple ideas that mental disorders result from chemical imbalances, although he spends considerable time arguing that the mind can affect the body. (Whatever the mind is, the definition for which he also debates).

In the end, McLaren's thesis is that "human behavior is the outcome of a complex interaction between an emergent mind and the physical body." While psychiatry has focused on depression as the most popular mental disorder, McLaren believes the focus should be on anxiety, which is the result of the "fight or flight" instinct in most creatures; traumatic events that cause anxiety can lead to depression, so consequently anxiety deserves to be studied as a source of depression. McLaren emphasizes that the human mind does affect the human body, as in cases of mass hysteria, anxiety, and fear that create panic attacks.

Ultimately, McLaren says that any theory of the mind has to provide a rational explanation of mental disorder. He boldly speaks his mind throughout the book, backing up his points with multiple examples, and he is not afraid to cry "Humbug!" when necessary. McLaren has been practicing psychiatry since 1977 in Australia. His discussion of his own education and the shortcomings of the education system he went through as well as weaknesses in current psychiatric practices demonstrate that psychiatry has many more steps to take before it is a completely effective science. I believe "Humanizing Madness" may well lead to a new understanding of mental illness in future years as younger psychiatrists read his book and follow his example in rejecting the ineffective theories he derides.

For more information about Niall McLaren and "Humanizing Madness," readers may visit http://www.LovingHealing.com While this book is academic and not light reading, anyone interested in the mind will benefit from reading "Humanizing Madness," and students of psychiatry will find it invaluable.

Tyler R. Tichelaar, Ph.D., author of The Marquette Trilogy

Tyler R. Tichelaar holds a Bachelor's and Master's Degree from Northern Michigan University and a Ph.D. from Western Michigan University. His family's long relationship with Upper Michigan and his avid interest in genealogy inspired Dr. Tichelaar to write his Marquette Trilogy: Iron Pioneers, The Queen City, and Superior Heritage. Dr. Tichelaar is also a professional book reviewer and editor. For more information about Tyler R. Tichelaar, his writing, and his author services, visit:
http://www.marquettefiction.com/

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Persuasion Expert Reveals How to Become an Expert Persuader in Twenty Days Review

Persuasion expert Michael Lee reveals in his new book, "How to Become an Expert Persuader in 20 Days" powerful and if acted upon, life changing secrets. This is truly not hype or any sort of marketing tactic, but as someone who has read this book and been instantly changed by the real results it has inspired through the power of the content locked in its pages, I felt it was my duty as an author to give this book a review so that others can see how they too can become an expert of persuasion.

Michael Lee goes in depth in his book revealing actual case study statistics taken from psycho-social scientific experiments where the human behavioral system and mind is dissected and laid bare in critical detail and then explained in such a way that communicates understanding to the simplest of readers like myself.

Such laws of persuasion and how to use them to your advantage are taught step by step such as:

*Commitment and its power in not just every day relationships but how it can increase sales in business beginning immediately is revealed with examples and real life case studies that show how you can put it to work for you now.

*Reciprocation and how to really put it to work for you on a massive scale is shown with examples.

*Herd mentality and how to recognize it and also how to use it for your own advantage while helping others is covered.

*Communication in words and body language and how just using certain words and asking questions can turn situations overwhelmingly into your favor everytime is explained so easily.

*Love relationships with the opposite sex exposed and how to become the man or woman of your dreamlover's dreams is given in step by step detail. This is really powerful stuff.

*The secret to getting a promotion at work is given and once you see how easy this is to use right away and why it works, you'll laugh your way to a higher pay check.

There are literally over 20 chapters in this book and each of them give a gift of years of experience and in depth study from the masters of persuasion.

To tell you the truth, I think I was even persuaded subconsciously somehow to write this review even though the book is even better than I can describe it and a tremendous gift to give yourself and those you care about at any price, a real investment with returns several hundred fold.

If You Want to Discover How to Become a Persuasion Expert Quickly and Easily Guaranteed, Just Click Here=> Persuasion Course [http://persuasioncourse.com]

Persuasion Course=> Persuasion Course [http://persuasioncourse.com]

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Know Someone Who is Depressed? Why Not Read Up on the Subject to Help Them

All of us are affected by depression, whether we have such issues or not. For instance, 19% of our population in the United States takes depression drugs. So, with nearly 20% of our citizens taking depression drugs and considering all the depressed folks who don't but may have problems with alcohol or illegal drugs to cope, well you can see the problems we all face.

Still, how many of us really understand depression or what others around us may be going through? You would think that something so serious would be better taught in schools but it is not. Nevertheless, since this issue affects so many and perhaps even our close friends, family or those we work with, then shouldn't all of us take it upon ourselves to study this topic and subject matter?

Well, of course we should, and you ought to make it a personal mission to acquire this knowledge in your life. May I be so bold as to recommend an excellent book on the study of depression for you and your personal knowledge and on-going education?

"Understanding Depression; A Complete Guide to Its Diagnosis & Treatment" by Donald F. Klien, M.D. and Paul H. Wender, M.D.; 1993 Oxford Press, New York.

This book was written by psychiatrists with decades of experience and yet, it was written so a layman could understand. The doctors explain the symptoms of mood disorders and the issues with hereditary and environment; nurture and nature issues concerning depression and manic depression. Learn all about the potential treatments and what you can do to help your friends, family members or co-workers. Think on this.

"Lance Winslow" - Lance Winslow's Bio. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/.

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Meaning of Dreams - What Your Dreams Telling You

Ebook for Dream Explorers

You could have been trying to find out what your dreams mean through various channels and resources possible. You probably have looked into publications on dreams, psychoanalysis and even looking up a dictionary that is supposed to provide you a general guide on what your dreams can mean to you. In the process, you realize that some books provide different meanings and some of it turns out to be quite untrue and far off from your personal experiences. If you've felt this way after going through various reading materials on dreams and interpretation techniques, then you have yet to read "Meaning of Dreams."

Customizing Your Journey

Find your special formula to unlock the key to the meaning of your dreams that will provide more meaning to your life more than any other meaning given to you from previous reading materials. You deserve this benefit aimed at customized approach to help you understand your dreams better. The ebook guarantees this because the right approach to understanding the meaning of your dreams will only come from you. The book will only guide you to the process but the journey is all up to you. With this book, spiritual and personal growth will no longer be as difficult as it used to be.

Power to Better Your Life

Empower yourself with your dreams by opening your internal life as what your dreams have been trying to tell and influence you all this time. You will find that gradually, your external life starts getting better as you start understanding you inner self - mind, body and spirit. How can this be? you may ask. You will find that some of your dreams may be indicative of a troubled mind and spirit because of turmoil in personal relationships or long unheeded body signals of stress from work or school. Once you start realizing that these dreams mean to your personal life, you can start taking steps to changing your external life to better handle relationships and personal stresses.

The goal where we want to lead you is not simply to put meanings to your dream. More than that, we want to see you grow from these dream experiences to face all your fears and problems masquerading as dreams. Become the better person that you were meant to be with Meaning of Dreams. Next thing you know, you'll be dreaming of good omens and abundance of things to come. Isn't that worth anything?

Check it out at http://www.dreams-revealed.com/

About the Author:
Jenny Wolfram,
Professional Relationship Psychologist since 1994.
Jenny's expertise has taken her to places like Los Angeles, London, Madrid and more.

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Book Review of "What's Happening to My Teen?" by Mark Gregston

What's Happening to My Teen? [Soft cover]

by Mark Gregston

224 pages, $13.99

ISBN-13: 978-0736924443

Nonfiction

Review by Steven King, MBA, MEd

When children are young, they want their parents to enjoy playtime with them. Daughters are princesses and sons are the princes of their families. A delightful afternoon can be spent making mud pies in the back yard. Refrigerators and social networking sites are quickly adorned with every treasure discovered.

Then...around age 12-13, something dreadful happens. Independence looms. The one who was content to play in the backyard suddenly realizes they are not grafted to you. And to the chagrin of many fathers, the opposite sex takes on new meaning in the eyes of our children.

Perhaps you are like myriad of parents before you who are struggling, asking themselves, "What happened? How come my child wants nothing to do with me anymore?" Moving from hero to zero is one of the most deflating experiences any parent can experience.

Mark Gregston believes he can answer this question. In his What's Happening to My Teen, he attempts to share insights from his 30-year involvement with teenagers. Moving from his beginnings in youth ministry, he and his wife opened Heartlight, a residential treatment center for boys and girls in Hallsville, Texas. Since 1989, he has worked with thousands of teens who have struggled with issues of lying, selfishness, depression, or disrespect for authority. His presentation is the through the eyes of numerous "teens," from which he shares particular insight. For instance, the difficulty and transition a seven-year-old Chad experienced when his parents divorced.

While Gregston offers good insight about adolescent behavior, his book reads like an indictment of parenthood. Throughout much of the book, he is quick to point out that what parents label as rebellion, for instance, is really just "normal" behavior for any given teen. Gregston's approach to education is a little naïve, as he insinuates that frequently the problem lies with the school's inability to reach the student, instead of the student's inability to conform to the wishes of the school.

Other than that, his insight about the harmful effects of insulating students who are primarily homeschooled is perhaps some of the best instruction this writer has ever come across. Inappropriate insulation from the "real world" can, and does, have catastrophic consequences.

If your teen is out of control and you have come to the end of your rope - read this book. It might inform you about what has happened to your teen.

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