• Don't Sweat the Small Stuff, and It's All Small Stuff

  • By: Richard Carlson
  • Narrated by: Richard Carlson
  • Length: 4 hrs
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (2,883 ratings)

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Don't Sweat the Small Stuff, and It's All Small Stuff  By  cover art

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff, and It's All Small Stuff

By: Richard Carlson
Narrated by: Richard Carlson
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Publisher's summary

Are the little things in life driving you crazy? Isn't it time you put these small annoyances into perspective once and for all? This #1 New York Times best seller - now available unabridged - offers suggestions for daily changes that can add up to a more relaxed, stress-free you. In thoughtful and insightful language, author Richard Carlson reveals ways to calm down, live in the present moment, let others have the glory at times, lower your tolerance to stress, trust your intuitions, and ultimately live each day as if it might be your last.
©2005 (c)1997 Richard Carlson, Ph.D. All Rights Reserved.

(P) 1997 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

What listeners say about Don't Sweat the Small Stuff, and It's All Small Stuff

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Highly enjoyable & worthwhile

I found this book very helpful for my everyday living. It is simple and to the point psychology. I listen to it at work and whenever I feel stressed. What I like best about this one, is that it is read by the author himself, and he is a very very clear speaker and has soothing tone to his voice. I recommend this to anyone who wants to hear a few simple tips to help cope with life. I only wish I could put to practice at least 25% of what Dr. Richardson suggests.

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23 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Well Worth It

Techniques and habits discussed in the book in combination with stories to illustrate the application of the techniques have great application in today's society. Many of us are very stressed over what is happening in our lives and seem to be overwhelming at the time--and at that time, it probably is. Life is filled with many, many instances/occurrences which cause us to get stressed, be it related to work, family, money, really anything. R. Carlson discusses techniques to change perspective. In November 2005, there was a 3-day period I was continually reflecting over a great monetary loss. I had not slept much over that period. Some time was spent during the 3rd day listening to 'Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...,' I heard just one technique and in a moment my perspective changed; instantly, the pressure I felt in my chest from the stress caused by my loss vanished and I felt great peace.
Life my not be easy, but, we don't need to be stressed out over everything.
Great listen/read, well worth the investment.

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16 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Great for a

I love this book! I keep it on my Otis and when the stresses of daily life start getting to me I simply sit down and listen to it for 5 minutes. It really helps you to put things into perspective!

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13 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Concise, easy to follow

I really like how this is done. Unlike other audio downloads, a separate voice announces each new section. Carlson is a very good speaker and his diction is very clear. The concept behind the book is to learn how to not sweat the small stuff in numerous different settings, and it is well done. By the time I finished the book, I had calmed immensely. Well worth the money and time.

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10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

"Lukewarm" is The Best Word I Could Find.

What would have made Don't Sweat the Small Stuff, and It's All Small Stuff better?

Richard Carlson is a very monotone reader. In addition, for some odd reason he repeats some points several times without mention he covered the topic before... as if he had to add copy to the book for length and decided to repeat topics to do so. The woman who speaks to introduce each topic is just as bland. I have listened to many self help books. Eckhart Tolle, Louise Hay, Rhonda Byrne.. all are making very similar points but with much more passion and emotion. This feels so bland in comparison and as if he lifted some of their earlier ideas,,, and Eckhart Tolle can be bland to listen to, so that is saying something.

He also, oddly, seems to add "plugs" for "how lovable his wife is" and "how great his daughters are" and I think he adds plugs in the middle of chapters for other people in his life that just don't fit. The reader doesn't want to hear Carlson earn points with his family by making sure to mention them each as the book goes on in glowing terms. All those comments should have been dropped from the text, they are distracting and make you roll your eyes.

He also makes sure we know that every selfish and bad behavior he talks about he used to display himself, until he learned these valuable lessons.... Carlson must have been such a joy to be around if all this is true.

Please know, I am not trying to "bash" this title. I am sure it's well intentioned and I had to think a bit before writing this, but there are much better books covering most of the same material.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

I had picked up some interesting tips I will note, but not much new.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Richard Carlson?

Anyone who could read the test with some passion. Even when Carlson attempts to sound excited or upset, it sounds like he's reading to a 1st grade class. I'm surprised they cast him to read it.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

This book DOES have redeeming qualities. It does have tips that are useful. I am glad I listened to it. I just felt it was too long, repeated itself needlessly and should have been read by someone else.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great info to live by

I really like listening , there is a lot of insight on how to live happier

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

I LOVE THIS BOOK! GET IT!

This book was giving to me in print form first. I loved it so much that I had to buy it on audio. I love the in your face perspective. I live by this perspective. This has helped me with making decisions with my magazine and my photographer career.

God Bless Richard Carlson, Ph. D.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Life Changing

I shared this book with everyone that I knew was struggling with the same issues in life that I was.
Sixteen years ago, I brought 6 books and shared them with coworkers, with the promise that they'd pass it on to someone else in need, or that they'd return it to me so I could share it with another. This book went around our shop that consisted of over 1000 people for quite some time, and many people went out and bought more to share within the shop and with family & friends. It is extremely easy to read, very down to earth & to the point, and I still find myself returning to it over & over again. Sometimes, I need reminders on what is really small stuff & how to deal with it. I love that it is on Audible, and I can go to bed listening to a chapter every night. Richard Carlson's voice is very pleasing, and I love the way that he uses everyday life examples to help readers understand the messages he's putting out there. He really helped me remove a LOT of stress & aggravation from my life. I'm so thankful that a friend passed this on to me.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

This book keeps lifes challenges in perspective

What made the experience of listening to Don't Sweat the Small Stuff, and It's All Small Stuff the most enjoyable?

Richard Carlson's soothing tone of voice and knowing that life can be taken one day at a time.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes,this book is a stress reliever.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful

Enjoyable and insightful. You'll want to listen to it more than once!

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5 people found this helpful