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THE FOLLOWING PRINCIPLES are from the book
Self-Help Stuff That Works. Choose one principle
to practice for now. Pick one that excites you to contemplate.
Write the principle on a card and carry it with you for a week
or so, actively trying to practice that principle at every opportunity.
Then stop practicing it consciously. The skill or point of view
will become available to you when you need it.
Chapter 3
When bad happens:
Assume it won’t last long,
look to see what isn’t affected,
and don’t indulge in self-blame.
When good happens:
Consider its effects permanent,
see how much of your life is affected,
and look to see how much you can take credit for.
Chapter
4
Become more optimistic.
Chapter 5
Talk to yourself in a confident, reassuring, positive way.
Chapter 6
Do some honest good in the world.
Chapter
7
Come up with alternative ways
of interpreting an event.
Chapter
8
Change the details of your thoughts.
Chapter 9
Tell yourself you can handle it.
Chapter 10
No matter what happens, assume it’s good.
Chapter 11
Keep persisting until the change you want happens.
Chapter 12
Describe upsetting situations to yourself
in emotionally neutral words.
Chapter 13
Control what is your responsibility.
Chapter
14
Direct your thoughts to what
you appreciate and say it.
Chapter 15
If your own greed is making you discontent,
quit cramming so much into your days.
Chapter
16
Direct your mind by asking yourself a good question.
Chapter
17
When something “bad” happens,
say to yourself, “That’s good!”
Chapter
18
Relieve negative feelings by turning your attention to purposeful
activities.
Chapter 19
Let go of an idea that causes you needless stress.
Chapter
20
Find a way to turn your problems into an advantage.
Chapter
21
Interpret events in a way that helps you.
Chapter 22
Wonder about what good things might be happening.
Chapter 23
Be skeptical of your feelings of certainty.
Chapter 24
When you hit a setback in life:
Assume the problem or its consequences won’t last long,
see how you can prevent the same problem in the future,
and don’t jump to the conclusion that this setback will
ruin everything.
Chapter
25
To improve your self-esteem:
Gain more ability,
become more honest,
do something worthwhile,
and acknowledge people.
Chapter 26
Make up your mind you will succeed.
Chapter 27
Think thoughts that give you strength and make you tough.
Chapter 28
Exercise regularly.
Chapter
29
Act as though you already feel the way you want to feel.
Chapter 30
Remind yourself you don’t need much to be happy.
Chapter
31
Fortify your integrity.
Chapter 32
Breathe deeply, loosen tensed muscles,
and say to yourself, “Relax.”
Chapter 33
Pursue the interests that make you come alive.
Chapter 34
Criticize the assumptions behind your negative feelings.
Chapter
35
To turn good ideas into real change, use repetition.
Chapter 36
Improve yourself, but also relax and enjoy the ride.
Chapter 37
Reminisce about the best times.
Chapter 38
Ask yourself, “How is this like an adventure?”
Chapter 39
Find a purpose that enthralls you and then actively pursue it.
Chapter
40
When you’re angry, argue with yourself first.
Chapter
41
Clear your head and relax by going for a long walk.
Chapter 42
Instead of asking why you have a problem,
ask how you can get what you want.
Chapter
43
To become happier:
Strengthen your integrity,
get better control of your time,
become more optimistic,
and practice good human relations.
Chapter
44
Ask yourself and keep asking, “Given my upbringing and circumstances,
what Good am I especially qualified to do?”
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