Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life

This book is beautifully written, reads like a thriller, and packs plenty of wisdom in each page. The author not only understands the field as an expert but writes well, and conveys the core ideas in a useful way. This book showed me how much of a pessimist I was in certain areas. Many of us "realists" unfortunately are pessimists too - I realized, and limit ourselves unnecessarily in areas where such self-imposed limits are not warranted.This book has a toolkit for us to evaluate the "narrative" that we have within ourselves, and it also allows us to evaluate the narratives that others have based on statements they make. I have not seen this toolkit presented in this manner anywhere else. The author requires us to behave as a scientist or detective, exploring the inner-dialogs and how it shapes our views and feelings - not just in ourselves but in others too. This ties in to ideas of mindfulness or awareness, because, without mindfulness or deeper awareness, it is difficult to engage in the "watching" of the inner narrative. I was hoping the author provide more details on the CAVE technique that he speaks about, but the specifics of that were not disclosed in this book.I have added plenty of highlights and notes, and plan to revisit them periodically, also try to practice the techniques that the author shared (ABCDE, PPP etc). I think the techniques in this book will not only lead to better or more accurate cognition of events, and situations, but also, an overall improved, hopeful and optimistic outlook in general.

While this book could be one third the size, I think a great deal of the extra content can really add a huge amount of emotional and mental investment to acquire that optimism you need, to make your life better. This content does serve a purpose, at least it did to me. It was a magnifying glass for the events and relationships I had growing up that shaped my view point. It allowed me to realize how it all connected and how those connections played a part in my later years.While some sections can be skipped, I would advise against that as you never really know where that sentence or paragraph that harkens back to your past is hidden. These eureka moments add depth and appreciation for the book, and hopefully brings changes to your life for a lasting better.

I cannot say enough positive things about this book. In my opinion, most books in the mental health or "self-help" genre all follow the same outline and are filled with puffy catch phrases and overly simplistic (and I would argue- ineffective) ways to change your mental health positively. However, Dr. Seligman approaches how to change your outlook from pessimistic to optimistic from a scientific, tested, and clinical perspective. I know that doesn't sound appealing but hear me out.Most self-help books just tell you to smile more and give you a bunch of fluff and demand money for it- but Dr. Seligman and his decades of research can prove clinically how his methods work and how his methods for gaining an optimistic mindset can actually improve your quality of life and physical health. His countless experiments, research, teaching fellowships, and partnerships with some of the biggest names in Psychology have resulted in tangible and measurable proof for his theories and methods. No unmeasurable mysticisms or magic- actual evidence.I have read other books on mental health, but his book actually helped me and isn't just a money grab.Full Disclosure: Dr. Seligman began his research in the 70's. What scientists were allowed to do for experiments back then is obviously different then today and Dr. Seligman's Pavlovian experiments on dogs and rats would not necessarily be allowed today. I find such experiments deplorable, but don't let that dissuade you from reading this book and from benefiting from the knowledge gained. What's done is done and the information gained has been gained.

A valuable tool to managing the psyche.Read it.

Great book, came in good condition

Fabulous. It's the best book I read in decades. Very exciting to read. Concrete examples and tools to use.

I am so lucky to have discovered this book. It has had a profound effect on me. After so many years I know where I am going wrong and more importantly tools to change my way of thinking and beat depression.

Came across Seligman and his books about fifteen years ago. I am not qualified to judge his writings from a scientific point of view but as an ordinary person, I can say that his books have -positively- transformed my life. This is my nth purchase of this book, to be given as a gift to people I care about.

Excellent book for coaches for self transformation as well as coachee transformation with flexible optimistic approach. Maximal self has strengths and pitfalls, however this book guides u to overcome walls or pitfalls created by this egoistic self.