Taking the fear out of changing: Guidelines for getting through tough life transitions

By Dennis E. O'Grady

Book Overview

Whether you want to reawaken a career dream, rid yourself of resentment, break a bad habit, cope more assertively with difficult people, improve intimacy or express your hidden talents -- this... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0962847607
• ISBN13: 9780962847608
• Release Date: January 1992
• Publisher: New Insights Press
• Length: 1 Pages
• Weight: 1.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Like a favorite pair of tennis shoes, I use it often.

A REVIEW OF "TAKING THE FEAR OUT OF CHANGING" BY DR. DENNIS O'GRADY I'm thinking of buying a second copy of this book. Like a favorite pair of tennis shoes, this book doesn't just sit on the shelf, I use it often. I've taken the book to work, copied favorite sections, and loaned it out to friends. I first read this book five years ago, when my husband and I had identity crises at the same time. We separated, changed careers, and then reunited. Talk about changes! I read many self-help books during that time, but this book was, and continues to be, the most useful. In essence, "Taking the Fear Out of Changing" has become a mentor that I consult often, to relearn a lesson, to check my progress, and to inspire me to continue changing. As a psychotherapist in independent practice for more than 20 years, O'Grady is well-qualified to write this book. He has helped couples, families, and businesses, such as AT & T and the U.S. Air Force, with the processes of change. The Dayton-based author is also a professional speaker and columnist. Most importantly, O'Grady is a comforting and knowledgeable writer. With a refreshingly honest writing style, O'Grady delineates five stages of change: Crises, Hard Work, Tough Decisions, Unexpected Pain, and Joy and Integration. Each chapter presents information, advice, and relevant questions to help the reader navigate the tricky waters of change. O'Grady also trusts the reader with his own stories of change crises. He describes his struggle to quit smoking, and his fears when he became a new parent. In one of my favorite passages, he states, "What to do when faced with the unexpected pain of change? Throw up high a prayer to the God of your faith. Then look toward the horizon of your heartfelt goals and crawl forward." Not many psychologists would admit or advocate crawling. But isn't that what we do? O'Grady inspir!es real change because he accepts the honest truth or us, the messy, imperfect, change-reluctant people we are. You don't just read this book. You participate in it. There are checklists, quizzes, quotes, and tips in this user-friendly book. But what I found the most helpful were affirmations, such as, "Take responsibility for your happiness." I cut out that list and taped it to my desk at work. It took time, but by reading O'Grady's book, I learned that, in my case, the fear of change, was really the fear of anger and the fear of being different. I can honestly say that this book helped me grow up. It helped me grown into myself, "Taking the Fear Out of Changing" taught me to appreciate who I am, and that appreciation turned, slowly but surely, into confidence. And a confident person can handle change. -- Kristina Onder

Truly a handbook for dealing with Change in Positive Ways

An easy reference book for any topic you may wish to find, due to its format and extensive Table of Contents. Also written so that each chapter stands on its own - a MUST for busy people that struggle to find the time to read. I also enjoyed the interactive nature of the point/counterpoint and quiz at the end of each chapterMy wife and I have personally used this book as an on-going reference during two job changes, the construction of 2 new homes and a 550 mile move. As a matter of fact, we each have our own copy. When I made the first job change, I gave a copy of this book to each of my reports when I left. They have used and appreciated it. I highly recommend this book, whether you fear change or enjoy it! Makes a great gift for someone you care about. And it truly keeps on giving!