Habit Changers by M.J. Ryan book review

in , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Monday, January 23, 2017

What would you like to change in your life? Be more focused at work? Communicate more effectively? Find work-life balance? Those three questions were in the introduction email review request I received from Blogging for books for Habit Changers- 81 game changing mantras to mindfully realize your goals by M.J. Ryan. My answer to all three questions was yes!  Is your answer yes to one or more of those questions too? Then this book may be for you.



Habit Changers by M.J. Ryan book review



About Habit Changers- 81 game changing mantras to mindfully realize your goals by M.J. Ryan:

“Often, the biggest obstacle to change lies in our most deeply ingrained habits:  those automatic thought processes that operate outside our consciousness, and yet have a profound impact on our behavior, shaping everything from how we respond to challenges to how we engage with others. 

The good news is that we can literally rewire our mental habits for the better.  In Habit Changers, executive coach M.J. Ryan shares the secret weapon that has helped her highest performing clients improve their focus, better manage under pressure, enhance their emotional intelligence, become more effective leaders, and more.



Inspired by the Buddhist tradition of Lojong, or "slogan practice," habit changers are simple, one-line aphorisms that, when recited, reprogram your brain’s automatic responses. Here, Ryan explains how to use the 81 Habit Changers that have demonstrated the most profound and lasting results. They include:

  •   You can’t say yes if you can’t say no
  •   Don’t push buttons that don’t need to be
  •   Handshake your fear
  •   Stand where you’d rather not
  •   Remember your highest intention
  •   Outsource your worry 
  •   Reach for the better thought




My Thoughts:

Even though I’ve never used slogans, or mantras to improve my life or work goals, I was open to the idea of trying a new way of improving myself. As soon as I received this book, I flipped through the table of contents and landed on the chapter for happiness. I think I’m a pretty happy person, so I was intrigued at the idea of learning something new.  

The two mantras under happiness are:

  • Reach for the better thought
  • Change it, leave it, or accept it


According to the How to Use Habit Changers chapter, I was off to a great start. The author, M.J. Ryan explains to begin you are to scan the table of contents which are grouped together by the issues they address. Pick one topic, (like I picked happiness) don’t pick ten, or even two! It’s the single-pointed focus that makes this work says M.J.  Now- this is the tricky part, stay with the phrase that resonates the most with you, adapting it so it feels right for you and your situation. Turn it into a question if you need to.  There is no right or wrong way here. Just stay focused on one key mantra before you move on to another. 



Exploring:

As happy as I am- or thought I was, I’m still on the happiness chapter. Folks- this is deep stuff that is working! I’m allowing myself to analyze my work/life balance and ask myself tough questions like is what I’m doing today is truly making me happy? That’s me reaching for the better thought and fully exploring the change it, leave it, or accept portion of this chapter.


Final Takeaway:

I feel confident in saying that while this book isn’t to be read or used in the traditional read chapter one and move forward style we are accustomed to, I will read and utilize every page in this book this year because I want 2017 to be a good year in ALL aspects of my life. 


Connect:


M.J. Ryan states that our capacity to change is our greatest gift as human beings. Habit Changers will help you take control of your destiny and more easily achieve the success and happiness you desire. That sounds like a fantastic plan to me!


I invite you to learn more about the author here  and on Good Reads here . I’d love for you to follow me on Good Reads too here.




Please share in comments: What goal would this book help you achieve this year?




Disclosure: I received this book from Blogging for books for this review. No other form of compensation was given and all opinions stated are my own.