Life's Too Short!: Pull the Plug on Self-Defeating Behavior and Turn on the Power of Self-Esteem [Hardcover]

Abraham J. Twerski (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1995

The author of When Do the Good Things Start? examines the painful impact of low self-esteem and a poor self-image, explaining how to identify negative behavior patterns and develop the confidence and self-awareness to overcome them.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

People set themselves up to fail, according to Twerski (When Do the Good Things Start?), not from lack of ability but through self-defeating behavior stemming from low self-esteem. These behavior patterns take many forms: fear of rejection, codependence, narcissism, compartmentalizing, alcoholism and eating disorders, to mention a few. By "turning on the power of self-esteem" through self-assessment, changing old habits and using techniques borrowed from AA and other 12-step programs as well as traditional psychotherapy, we can overcome these self-defeating patterns that prevent us from realizing our potential. Case histories of how people have overcome low self-esteem, as well as many cartoons, add humor to this compassionate guide for living life to its fullest.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

A psychiatrist who has written a number of books on alcoholism, Twerski concentrates on self-esteem in this title. In simple lay terms, interspersed with well-chosen cartoons and brief case histories from his practice, Twerski explains why people have low self-esteem and how to build esteem in yourself and your children. The benefits of individual and group therapy are discussed and tips for recognizing low self-esteem and correcting it are given. Considering the continued popularity of books on self-esteem, this practical, easy-to-read, self-help title will find an audience in public libraries.?Marguerite Mroz, Baltimore Cty. P.L.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 175 pages
• Publisher: St Martins Pr; 1st edition (April 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312118465
• ISBN-13: 978-0312118464
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,144,123 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

59 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hit the Problems on the head for me!, November 5, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Life's Too Short!: Pull the Plug on Self-Defeating Behavior and Turn on the Power of Self-Esteem (Hardcover)

While this book is very basic, it is very clear and precise, easy to understand. It clearly defines many issues and specifically what they are that cause one to get into self-defeating behavior. Where there is the knowledge and understanding of what a person is doing, comes the ability to make the choice to change. That's what this book does-paints a picture of clearly what is going on-and gives people a choice to change the direction they are going in or the particular behavior. What is particularly helpful is, most of the defeating behavior patterns would be normally accepted as normal life patterns, when in fact, they are all a choice. Understanding that gives one the ability to step into new and exciting life changes to a happier and healthier life. This book confirmed everything that I had been thinking and reading from other sources and is "right on".

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Thorough Book on Self Esteem, July 17, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Life's Too Short!: Pull The Plug On Self-Defeating Behavior And Turn On The Power Of Self-Esteem (Paperback)

At the root of all our psychological/life obstacles and problems is the concept of lack of self esteem. Self esteem can lead to almost everything; not getting the promotion you deserve, not asking for what you want, not making the right choices, self defeating behaviour that prohibit your growth.

After reading Twerski's book, now I get it. Twerski does a great job outlining the problems associated with low self -esteem, and leads us to ways of overcoming it. This obviously is not an overnight treatment but rather something that may take years to overcome behaviour pattersn that's been ingrained in us since sometimes childhood.

Basically, I liked this book alot, not just for it's in-depth discussion about self-esteem, but also for it's much larger application in personal self-help.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Transcending Hope, September 13, 2005

By 

Suzy Zeigler - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Life's Too Short!: Pull The Plug On Self-Defeating Behavior And Turn On The Power Of Self-Esteem (Paperback)

This is an excellent book, once again showcasing Dr. Twerski's gifted understanding of human behavior and his masterful ability to translate the complex building blocks in life into understandable, recognizable, and workable terms. This book transcends hope and places clear, easy to follow solutions at our feet. The vignettes are rich in character and Dr. Twerski's personal experiences validate his expert insights. I wouldn't hesitate to buy this book as a gift for anyone because it is a power-packed very easy read.