Book review: Find Your Power

click on image to go to Chris Johnstone’s website

Subject matter: self management
Author: Dr. Chris Johnstone
Publisher: Permanent Publications, May 2010

Find Your Power describes how to strengthen your ability to bring about positive change, both in your life and our world. Drawing on insights from addictions recovery, positive psychology, storytelling and holistic science, it includes proven strategies for improving mood, building strengths and increasing effectiveness.

The first part of the book introduces motivational enhancement tools that help you become clearer about your direction and more inspired to move that way.

The second part offers tools for getting through blocks by looking at creative problem solving strategies, ways of dealing with fear and methods for transforming crisis or failure into turning points.

The third part explores how to keep yourself going in the marathon of longer term change by strengthening support around you, tapping into purposes bigger than yourself and making what you do more enjoyable.

The tools described can be used for any kind of change, from tackling depression and improving your life through to addressing world issues like peak oil and climate change.

 

Reviews of the book:

“I have read many, many books relating to the concepts of personal power/change, and I think this is by far the most helpful and useful”.
Patricia Gaya Wicks, Lecturer in Leadership Studies, University of Exeter.

“Have you ever been told: ‘You can’t change it, you just have to accept it’? This book turns that view on its head. Chris Johnstone focuses on helping people access their own motivational force; redesigning elements of the way that they think so they are not held back; integrating positive visionary thinking, planning, doing and reviewing; and developing trust and confidence in oneself.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book.”
Richard Velleman, Professor of Mental Health Research, University of Bath

“You are going to love this book. It is fun and encouraging as well as being full of good tips and activities. It brings the complex notion of personal power to life, offers insight into our errors as a species and invites a sense of soul and purpose to our journey. I can’t recommend it more highly.”
Jane Reed, Senior Lecturer, Institute of Education, University of London

“Simple to use but powerful in effect, this is a remarkable book”
Dr Kathleen Sullivan, Consultant to the United Nations, New York

 

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