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The Tools: 5 Tools to Help You Find Courage, Creativity, and Willpower--and Inspire You to Live Life in Forward Motion

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Description

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Change can begin right now. Learn to bring about dynamic personal growth using five uniquely effective tools—from psychotherapist Barry Michels and psychiatrist Phil Stutz, subject of the Netflix documentary Stutz. “These tools are emotional game changers. They do nothing less than deliver you to your best and most powerful self.”—Kathy Freston, author of Quantum Wellness The Tools offers a solution to the biggest complaint patients have about therapy: the interminable wait for change to begin. The traditional therapeutic model sets its sights on the past, but psychiatrist Phil Stutz and psychotherapist Barry Michels employ an arsenal of techniques—“the tools”—that allow patients to use their problems as levers that access the power of the unconscious and propel them into action. Suddenly, through this transformative approach, obstacles become new chances—to find courage, embrace discipline, develop self-expression, deepen creativity. A dynamic, results-oriented practice, The Tools aims to deliver relief from persistent problems and restore control and hope right away. Every day presents challenges—big and small—that the tools transform into opportunities to bring about bold and dramatic change in your life. Stutz and Michels teach you how to: • Get Unstuck:Master the things you are avoiding and live in forward motion. • Control Anger:Free yourself from out-of-control rage and never-ending grudges. • Express Yourself: Learn the secret of true confidence and find your authentic voice. • Combat Anxiety: Stop obsessive worrying and negative thinking. • Find Discipline: Activate willpower and make the most of every minute. With The Tools, Stutz and Michels allow you to realize the full range of your potential. Their goal is nothing less than for your life to become exceptional—exceptional in its resiliency, in its experience of real happiness, and in its understanding of the human spirit. Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Random House; Reprint edition (May 21, 2013)


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Paperback ‏ : ‎ 288 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0812983041


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 43


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.17 x 0.55 x 7.92 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #4,647 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #93 in Business Motivation & Self-Improvement (Books) #156 in Motivational Self-Help (Books) #169 in Personal Transformation Self-Help


#93 in Business Motivation & Self-Improvement (Books):


#156 in Motivational Self-Help (Books):


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Top Amazon Reviews


  • Transformative and Empowering - A Must-Read Guide to Personal Growth!
"The Tools" is a life-changing masterpiece. Phil Stutz and Barry Michels have crafted a guide that goes beyond traditional self-help books. It's a profound exploration of the human psyche and a practical roadmap to unlocking one's full potential. This book introduces five remarkable psychological tools that can help anyone confront and conquer life's challenges. Stutz and Michels draw from their experience as psychotherapists, and their insights are deeply profound. Each tool is presented with real-life stories, making it relatable and actionable. The authors' approach is refreshing. They don't sugarcoat the difficulties we face but provide a path to harnessing courage, creativity, and willpower in the face of adversity. Their insights are presented in a straightforward, easy-to-understand manner, making this book accessible to all readers. What sets "The Tools" apart is its practicality. Unlike many self-help books that focus solely on theory, this one offers concrete exercises and techniques that can be applied in everyday life. I've personally found these tools to be transformative in overcoming personal and professional challenges. The book is not just about addressing problems; it's about thriving in life and finding the inspiration to live fully. The stories shared within its pages are both inspiring and comforting, showing that we all face struggles but can triumph with the right tools. In summary, "The Tools" is a true gem. It's a guide to finding courage, creativity, and willpower that is both deeply insightful and highly practical. If you're seeking personal growth and empowerment, this book is a must-read. It has earned its five stars without a doubt! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2023 by Rickey

  • This book takes a little effort and a little patience, but the results might just change your life.
The answer to the inevitable fall of religion and spirituality in our society is approached here with an interesting and powerful concept. Institutional religion in the western world is itself a relic thanks to scandal, corruption, and the evolution of the species. Science has solved the mysteries of the old world and religion has floundered as a result. The Tools allow anyone of any religion, or of none, to manage this crisis of faith by building on the foundation of social psychology. It’s not a cult. It’s not a scam. It’s not like any other discipline. It does not contradict any philosophy of ethics. It’s simple and provocative and now I have to read it again. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2023 by Eamonthemud

  • Best CBT or Psychotherapy Book for Bibliography for my patients and family/friends!
Dr. Phil Stutz has a documentary about him on Netflix right now. I highly recommend this for other Psychologists, CBT therapists, Psychiatrists and Telehealth Professionals like myself who want to help/assist their patients with their emerging transformation/self-actualizations. IT's also great for Super Life Coaches like myself at Mind Valley. I highly recommend this easy to read book with high impact "TOOLS" by Dr. Stutz. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2024 by Nelson Beltran

  • Transformative
This book has the power to transform your life. This is the most powerful book I have ever read. First time in my life that I am going to go back to the beginning and re-digest the book. This book is not meant to be read, rather digest and implemented. I will likely be referencing this book a few times a year. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2024 by Stebu

  • Like it, even tho it’s woo-woo
Love the concept and I think it’s important and accurate to call out the universal “things” we as humans just can’t articulate, even though we all “feel” them. The language gets kind of rough (higher powers), but if you can stop yourself from over analyzing the semantics and just sink into the concept, it is spot on. Also dislike the huge Marianne Williamson shout out quote on the cover. Overall an easy read that’s worthwhile. Don’t knock it until you actually, repeatedly start using the tools. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2023 by Darcy N.

  • Best book I've read on psychotherapy and change in a long time.
I give this book five stars for 5 reasons: 1) because it is so unique - there is not another book on therapy and self-help with quite this perspective. Even if it doesn't speak to you, it's a fresh take on 5 age-old issues of living life. 2) because it is practical - many self-help books give advice like "be grateful" or "love people" but are slim on how to do those things. Here's 5 really practical ways to change your inner state regarding 5 of the most common problems we all face: avoidance, anger, insecurity, negative thinking, and building persistence/motivation. 3) because it has depth -- Difficult life problems are not moralized or simplified here. The authors recognize the inevitable complexities of life and its difficulties and that the tools are "portals" -- ways to enter into our problems and begin to change our state and approach to them. 4) all the tools are basically some form of self-guided imagery and even though the authors don't really talk about this, they are in line with what neuroscience is discovering about how the brain changes -- in real-time and in context. In other words, it's hard to re-wire your brain just by talking about it. But these tools help you right in the moment of conflict, help re-orient your view of the problem and build strength and courage to tackle whatever you are dealing with. 5) There is a playful and story-like quality to the tools. Some may not like this, but I love the way the tools help you turn problems into visual metaphors and inner stories. For example, we know from neuroscience research that when you label a negative emotion, your brain instantly calms and you feel less fearful. These tools help you take very murky and overwhelming feelings and put them in a picture, label them, and then move them outside of yourself. From this perspective it's easier to see the bigger picture and have the courage to take on your problems. Many other reviewers who didn't like the book call it "new age" and criticize its references to "higher forces." I disagree that this is a book new age at all. The idea that just talking about higher forces is somehow new age doesn't understand that this is just a way of languaging the fact that when we are stuck in a problem it requires a higher way of thinking, a higher energy, and a higher level of wisdom greater than our current state. The example I would give is using a hammer to drive a nail -- using a hammer gives you a power that you would not have with your hand alone - this is not new age thinking. While some people will take it that way and call this force/energy "god" or make it into a religious or even spiritual thing, you don't have to see these "higher forces" as anything more than how a hammer helps you tap into the energy needed to drive a nail. Overall, I loved this book and recommend it to therapists of all stripes and people who are struggling with any of the five problems above. And I'm waiting impatiently for the sequel! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2012 by Zachary & Elizabeth Taylor

  • Recommend
Super easy to read I’ve learned lotta new tips and tricks
Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2024 by Amazon Customer

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