The Tools
I started reading the Tools by Phil Stutz and Barry Michels. It’s a book about transforming your problems into courage, confidence and creativity. I was intrigued by reading this book after watching the Netflix documentary, Stutz (summary).
Coincidentally, I have been enamored with Shrinking, a series on Apple TV+. A lot of what the main character does in shrinking seems to be how Phil Stutz works with his patients.
In Tools, both authors cover the tools they used in their rather unconventional practice.
A tool is much more than an “attitude adjustment”. If changing your life we’re only a matter of adjusting your attitude, you would need this book. Real change requires you change your behavior - not just your attitude. A new attitude means nothing unless followed by a change in behavior. The surest way to change behavior is with a tool.
I normally take copious notes on the books I read, and then summarize the book, either in a short presentation, or in a summary post. This is where ChatGPT comes to my aid these days. Here’s how artificial intelligence summarizes the book and its tools:
“The Tools” by Phil Stutz and Barry Michels is a self-help book that presents a set of practical and accessible tools to help readers overcome their personal and professional obstacles and achieve their goals. The book is based on the authors’ experience as therapists, and the tools presented are designed to be used in everyday life to cultivate a stronger sense of empowerment and fulfillment.
The book is divided into five sections, with each section presenting a set of tools:
Section 1: The Reversal of Desire
- The Grateful Flow - This tool involves focusing on the things you’re grateful for in your life, which can help you shift your perspective and increase
- Active Love - This tool involves actively choosing to love someone or something, even if you don’t feel like it in the moment. This can help you open yourself up to positive experiences and relationships. -Inner Authority - This tool involves recognizing and embracing your own inner authority, or sense of power and control. By tapping into this authority, you can overcome self-doubt and fear.
Section 2: The Expansion
- Jeopardy - This tool involves placing yourself in situations where you are forced to take risks and face your fears. This can help you expand your comfort zone and build confidence.
- The Inner Conductor - This tool involves visualizing a conductor inside you that directs your actions and emotions. By imagining this inner conductor, you can learn to control your thoughts and feelings.
- Micro-Shifts - This tool involves making small, incremental changes in your behavior and mindset. These micro-shifts can add up to significant progress over time.
Section 3: The Relinquishing
- The Death Ground - This tool involves facing your fear of failure or loss by imagining the worst-case scenario. By embracing the possibility of failure or loss, you can reduce your fear and take action.
- The Diving Board - This tool involves taking a leap of faith and committing to a goal or decision. By jumping off the metaphorical “diving board,” you can overcome indecision and move forward.
- Emotional Objectivity - This tool involves recognizing and controlling your emotional reactions. By remaining objective in the face of emotional challenges, you can make more rational decisions.
Section 4: The Receptivity
- Reversal of the Ego - This tool involves embracing your vulnerability and accepting help from others. By letting go of your ego, you can build stronger relationships and achieve more.
- The Stonecutter - This tool involves imagining yourself as a stonecutter, chiseling away at your obstacles and achieving your goals. By visualizing this process, you can stay motivated and focused.
- The Lightening Bolt - This tool involves tapping into your intuition and taking immediate action based on a sudden insight or inspiration. By trusting your intuition, you can make bold and decisive moves.
Section 5: The Inheritance
- The Grid - This tool involves creating a visualization of your ideal life, with specific goals and milestones. By imagining this “grid,” you can stay focused and motivated.
- The Life Force - This tool involves recognizing and connecting with the energy that animates all living things. By tapping into this energy, you can feel more alive and inspired.
- The Ultimate Toolkit - This tool involves integrating all the tools from the book into your daily life. By using these tools regularly, you can build resilience, overcome obstacles, and achieve your goals.
Overall, the book offers a variety of tools and exercises that can be used to break through personal and professional limitations, gain greater self-awareness and insight, and achieve a more fulfilling life.