Customer Reviews

Getting Unstuck: Breaking Through Your Barriers to Change

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As testament to its continuing usefulness, my aging copy of "Getting Unstuck" is full of highlighted passages, pencilled margin notes and post-its. I RARELY write in books. Although many (some more "popular") books have been written on the topic of "getting your life out of a rut," I have found Dr. Simon's book to be one of the best in the "Motivational" genre. I highly recommend it!

I found this book at a time when I was stuck in a dead-end relationship and a counselor had told me to "Get on with YOUR life." That was almost 10 years ago. What I continue to find particularly appealing about this book is its straightforwardness. Instead of a lot of "buzzwords," "song and dance routines" and "feel-good exercises," the author follows a simple approach of "Here's where you are, here's where you COULD be; here's what to think about to get from "here" to "there."

The early parts of the book provide an overview of the different ways in which people do get "stuck" in their lives; then-- with some simple exercises-- the author helps you identify some of the "whys" and "hows" associated with changing the direction of your life.

The bulk of the book identifies and addresses the different "obstacles" we deliberately put in our way, and the implications of changing your life in the face of them. Topics covered include Self-esteem, options in life, our values, "Letting Go" (of old ways), fear, and dealing with our needs for "Cooperation" and "Perfection." Each chapter includes simple exercises and tools for identifying your own personal "pitfalls," as well as real-life examples of how to apply the principles learned.

The final two chapters deal with the all-important concept that it's not enough to "know HOW" to get unstuck-- you also have to more forward and actually "do" it. If this book has a "flaw," it is perhaps that this section doesn't *quite* have as much "meat" on its bones as one could hope for.

The book is not specific, in terms of having to do with work, or relationships, or family or any other *particular* area. Rather, it helps people identify, deal with, and move on from, the FEELING of being "stuck" in some aspect of their lives.

Final thoughts: Excellent book! (9.5 out of a possible 10 bookmarks). "Real" change is never easy, and often it can be quite painful. This book goes a long way towards easing that pain, and there is much to learn from its pages!

I read this book many years ago and it propelled me to make changes in my life that I had been afraid to make but which were necessary to my growth and mental health. Ten years later I still go back to this book from time to time to remind myself of the major changes I went through in the past. It never fails to relieve my anxiety so that I can move forward.

Great Dan Fogelberg song. I have never been one of those people to go to self help books for help advice or support. I have been extremely fortunate throughout my life to meet large numbers of people and to make many friends some of whom are close enogh to tell me things I needed to know without fear or favour and without needing to endanger the relationship.

Fortune, favours the brave is the expression but I am not sure how true that is. I came to this book when an aquaintance confided in me about some problems that they were experiencing in daily life. As time went on and the depth of the problems as well as the breadth of them were becoming increasingly apparent, I realised that my friend was repeating the same mantras over and over again about the problems on both sides like the inability to communicate and the responses of each person involved. Our discussions came to suggestions but them in the domestic situation the same old stories were being repeated and replicated almost on a daily basis.

One day I came across this book whilst browsing through a book sale in the local library. A steal for 25c. As I read through it I firstly could not see why I might possibly need such a book but then began to recognise some of my own personal traits which I have accquired in recent years. I followed up with the exercises and persisted through to the end of the book. On reflection I saw that the main benefits I received were due to the recognition of certain behavioural routines I had sunk into which I carried on daily, not recognising that I was even in them. I resolved to change but did not find the book too helpful on that level and developed my own strategies.

But Eureka! It occurred to me that my confidant might be able to put the book to a better use given that the behaviours that were being talked about were exhibited on both sides of the divide. I purchased another copy and presented it to the person and requested that they at least looked at a few chapters before futher discussing the familial circumstances. A few weeks went by and nothing more was said or alluded to until about six weeks or so after I had made my admonition. The book had indeed, been useful. At first my friend had discarded the notion and had began to read from religious texts but after a particularly upsetting experience, despair caused her to pick it up again and read through. To cut a long story short, the book was read through once, the excercises were carried out during a second read and during a thirs read some of the strategies were brought into play. Although the book has not been shared with the other party the situation is now much improved and changes have been made.

In England, we say that the proof of the pudding is in the eating and in this case it is a clear case of digestion leading to satisfaction. On that basis I am happy to recommend this book to anyone over forty although it is just as applicable to the younger age group. Everyone can gain something from this book and because of that it is most useful.

This book is extremely well written, very easy to read, and full of advice that is sensible and doable. Sidney Simon does a great job of approaching that difficult subject, change. He offers examples, and solid alternatives and options, that all of us can use. I found it easy to read, the author was open and expressive and very real. In much of the book, it felt as though he was speaking right to you personally. The examples he provides are user friendly, and you can relate well to each. His in-depth probing of change and all of it's psychological barriers is astounding. The only parts I could have done without were the detailed step by step portions, but maybe that is because of one of my own psychological barriers to change! Much of what he had to say was so true in my own life, that I felt he wrote some of this book with me in mind. Regardless of whether you are contemplating a major life change, or simple changes to help you live better, or none at all, you will find this book useful and absorbing. I recommend you buy it and keep it on hand if you don't intend to follow it's advice right away, for all of us can use what is in this book at one time or another in our lives.

I read Dr. Simon's book several years ago and I still rave about it today. Dr. Simon identifies the barriers that can prevent us from achieving success in our life. Then he gives you the opportunity to do some activities to help you overcome those barriers. It can give you a new insight into getting things done and achieving your goals. I highly recommend this to anyone who is serious about breaking bad patterns, is tired of not getting anywhere, and wants to achieve success in their life.

As a therapist, I read many self-help books. I was quite impressed with this book, because it hits at a lot of common yet subtle barriers to change. And there are many examples to clarify how these barriers show up. If you feel stuck, check this one out.