On choosing this book for review I was reminded of the old title Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. Actually, Think and Grow Rich is cited in this book as a reference. Both titles promise much. How many became rich by thinking is probably how many will reach their true potential by reading From Sabotage to Success.

Yes, I want to overcome self-defeating behavior. Yes, I want to reach my true potential. However, the chances of that happening as a result of reading this book are about as likely as my walking through a field of sheep coming out dressed in a wool suit. Every platitude, aphorism, banality, and affirmation known assaults the reader. Enough with the affirmations. If I want affirmations I’ll call Stuart Smalley (SNL character played by Al Franken), because I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and, doggone, it people like me. This book comes under the heading of “any port in a storm” reading. Those clutching disparately for something to latch on to will find it. But those searching for anything other than the flotsam and jetsam of the last ten years of self-help therapy will be thwarted.

This book reads more like an encyclopedia/dictionary. There are countless lists of self-defeating behavior. Lists of affirmations. Lists of reasons we are depressed. There is even a list (as if one would need it) of possible ways to reward yourself: Go to a movie or a play, go out dancing, go to the beach, get out of debt, sing, paint, play a sport, buy fresh flowers, go on a picnic. (p.137-138) If I were in such dire psychological straits that I needed a list to figure out how to reward myself, I would surmise that I was in need of much more critical help than this book can give.

Categories: SelfHelp, ClientReviews, Addiction