Taming Your Gremlin (Revised Edition): A Surprisingly Simple Method for Getting Out of Your Own Way

"This book was specifically recommended to me by a lifecoach I've been working with. Like many people I frequently get in my own way. I related to the idea of "Taming your Gremlin", believing that the gremlin is that part of my brain or habit that tells me what to do and what I had better not do all the time. The lifecoach calls it the Saboteur. This book explores the problem of our powerful and deeply internalized voices that tell us what we can and cannot do,what we do and don't deserve to have in our lives. This author is clear,direct and amusing in his approach. The book describes common situations and scenarios, offering advice and guided exercises. Illustrations, imagery and anecdotes are used to connect readers to concepts that might otherwise be somewhat abstract. I haven't completed the book or gone through all of the exercises yet but I plan to keep using it for a while. It is handy to pick up when you are anxious, stressed, feeling stuck or stymied by your own fears. It can definitely be helpful to increase awareness and offer simple and effective strategies to deal with these deeply ingrained thoughts and habits.

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~ Written on 2008-07-31

"The voice that keeps you awake or wakes you up at 2am is that gremlin described. I have started using the taming technicques and wish I had learned how to notice, decide and choice options years ago."
~ Written on 2008-07-17

" I have read the book several times and keep going over the chapter on awareness. It is the most helpful information in the book and very practical. Mr. Carson presents the "gremlin" as a means to convey these ideas, so take it with a grain of salt.

In truth this book has led me to search for others on the same subject and as such has been tremendously valuable. "
~ Written on 2008-06-18

"This is a great book for readers who are willing to engage in some potentially serious self exploration with a real sense of humor. In the end there is no right or wrong way to "do" self exploration. The important thing is that we do it.

Carson offers some excellent strategies, insights and suggestions for raising awareness around the self talk (Gremlin) that holds us back from achieving our full potential. I particularly enjoy and appreciate the reminders to simply observe our own process -- to remain mindful and in the current moment context.

Fun illustrations engage our childlike (and sometimes childish) desires to bring the Gremlin to life, encouraging curiosity, imagination and play while downgrading the potential power of the Gremlin itself.

This is definitely not for everyone, but as a coach the question I would ask is: what is it you are resisting and why? The information is solid and has the potential to be life changing. Sometimes that which we resist has the most to offer. And sometimes it just isn't a good match. Open the book and see what happens for you."
~ Written on 2008-06-18

"Rick Carson does a great job of providing a practical approach to managing one of the most common challenges for people of all ages and stations. If you are looking for detailed clinical case studies you will be disappointed with this book. On the other hand if you have a sense of humor, or did at one time, this book will entertain as well as inform you. When you apply the concepts to your own life you will be even more pleased."
~ Written on 2008-05-16