Monday, January 02, 2006

Shut Up, Stop Whining and Get a Life!

I'm reading this awesome book that I just had to share a quote with some
of my "smart"friends. The book is called, "Shut Up, Stop Whining and Get a Life!" by Larry Winget

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0471654655/qid=1136225965/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-0250889-8262466?n=507846&s=books&v=glance

"Want to have some fun? Ask people you know to name the last 5 books they've read. If they can name one it will be amazing. While this may be cruel, it will be great fun for you. Then ask them what book they are currently reading. I'll bet you 9 out of 10 aren't reading. By the way this is a clue for you: Do not hang around people who do not read."

I love book recommendations. I'm never without a book. I don't care for fiction. I most prefer books that make me a better Mom, business person, spouse, friend, etc. I have so much to learn and I love being a "sassy little know it all" as a fourth grade teacher once called me. At the time I thought it was a compliment. I realize now it wasn't, but I still take pride in knowing as much about everything as my personal hard drive space can hold. You can't be a know it all, unless you're reading! This is a hysterical twist on the typical "improve your life/business/marriage/bank account" type book. Some of the other quotes I love include:

"If your life sucks, it's because you suck." and "Knowledge is not power. That's a lie. It's the implementation of knowledge that is power." And how about this perspective to help you smile when things are going wrong... "If you don't have much going wrong in your life, then you don't have much going on in your life."
and this kick in the butt...

"Do more than you are paid to do. Soon you will be paid more for what you do. Some of you are balking at this one. That is why you do not have enough money. You hesitate to do one lick of work more than you absolutely have to. And you act surprised when someone else gets promoted? Are you kidding me? How can you be surprised that the people who do more, get more? Would you reward the person who not only did her job but went the extra mile? Of course you would! (By the way, the extra mile we have all heard about is rarely crowded.)"

If you need a swift kick in the pants, you'll flippin' love this book!

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Okay so I am a librarian and if I asked my 5 closets friends they would tell me the last 10 books they read because they are librarians and have a list of books they read on their computer! ROTFLMAO!

However, I did leave this book on the shelf at the library and picked up the latest serial killer book! (escapism at it's best)

I will read this book as I need a good, swift, kick in the bootae! Plus how can I pass up a book that has my motto in it, "Work more than you get paid for" Silly how the "haters" are usually hating when I get promoted! Is it because I go the extra lonely mile? humpf!

Thanks bunches!

g-mama

Unknown said...

Hi, Chalene.

Love your posts. Will check out the book as I am always looking for something new to read. One of my new personal favorites is "Choosing to Cheat," by Andy Stanley. A quick little read that speaks loudly to busy people. = )

XOXO

Cheryl

Anonymous said...

Some people do not read because they got out of school recently....and they felt so overwhelmed with what they HAD to read - they are taking a break from reading....your brain can only get so much.....so the comment about avoiding people who do not read seems a little weird to me - I am sorry. I dont think there is a need to generalize people like that.....

Chalene Johnson said...

Dear "anonymous":

That was actually the authors comment and not mine. A bit harsh, probably so, but his point was to make a point. He wants to make the reader uncomfortable and willing to rethink their position. It made me think.

I would say that most of the of people I adore haven't read a book since highschool (a statistic that represents 80% of Americans). However, no denying that the friends in my circle who do read and read often are the ones I learn the most from. I also thik that since the invent of the internet, you could include that in the "reading" category. If you've ever read some of Laura52's posts, you've pretty much read a great self-help book. Hey...don't take one persons comments as though they are directed at you... unless of course the shoe fits.

Always with love,

Chalene

Anonymous said...

Just finished ordering this book based on your recommendation. Got you a book too, hopefully you have not read it yet...ooooh the suspense ;)

cherriza said...

I will check out this book as well! I must say that last one is do more to a point. Depending on what job you are doing. Learn when to say no. I was doing the jobs of 5 people at my last job because the montage was "Cherri will do it give it to her" of course no raise came with it. They ended up letting me go because they said I wasn't doing my job to their satisfaction. GO FIGURE! In the end I ended up getting a better job that pays more!

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to let u know i think your awesome...thank you for being you and helping me change my lifestyle-and actually feeling good about my body. I have battled Bulimia for two years, and I have finally found the "light at the end of the tunnel". Thank you..you are truly an inspiration:)-VC

laura1952 said...

Wooohooo....Can you say HAPPY DANCING?????? :-)

Chalene! I bend down and kiss your ever loving SHOX for that comment! You have absolutely made my heart jump up to the sky and do the boxer shuffle. :-)

Mwwwwaaah. Coming from someone who I respect so much for showing the world anything is possible if you want it bad enough, I appreciate that so much. LOL, of course I had to get my hubby to come over and see that comment. LOL and he is laughing at me saying "Laura52 is smiling as she types".

I will be sure to pick up your recommended book because Lord knows I love getting real.

I came to post that the book I am currently reading that fills with with excitement of learning who I am is Positive Energy--Dr. Judith Orloff Go figure eh? :-)

I had this book given to me by a great friend who said they read it and knew I would love it.

It teaches you how to get in touch and not deny your gut instincts and learn to believe that what you feel telling you is the truth or lies is real.

The book I read before that was JK Rowlings, Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince because I love the way this woman takes me away to the land of fantasy when life is getting a little too hectic.

I have A Million Little Pieces waiting in the wind for me to read.
A Christmas present from another dear friend.

The funny thing is, I am an occassional reader of books, but a huge reader of the internet, yet have read more in the last 3 years then I ever have in my life.

Peace be with you all. It is time for bed so I can get up and shake my bootay!

Anonymous said...

I actually already love the sound of this book and will have to pick it up between my work books and my school books!

The last year or so, unless I was on break from school, I refused to pick up a book. But then I realized how much I really just missed reading, and how much I missed learning new things that were not about work or school.

So in list of 106 things to do in 2006, one of my "goals" is to read at least 12 "fun-time" books I have never read. (Another is to workout with Chalene as much as I can stand ;))

psyknife said...

I really enjoyed "A Return to Love." I can't remember the author because I gave the book to a friend right when I finished it (and it was passed to me from a friend)... but it's definitely a good read, whether you are a religious person or not.

Anonymous said...

Chalene! You absolutely trip me out girl!
I love your blog! And I just love your personality! I have been on the weight losing track for a few months now and needed an extra boost. Saw your infomercial for Turbo Jam and ordered it. Still waiting on it to arrive. Meanwhile, eating smart, checking out your blog and loving the vibe! Please keep it up. I will be logging in to get and injection of energy and spunk~Thanks!!

BTW: Currently reading, How to Administer an Estate. Good book, yucky poo subject.

Oh, I'm an east coaster born and raised. I love soy products,so, thanks for introducing me to "Edamame". I know, scary isn't it. As my cousins in cali say, "girl, get out of the caves".

:)
laree

Anonymous said...

Chalene! You absolutely trip me out girl!
I love your blog! And I just love your personality! I have been on the weight losing track for a few months now and needed an extra boost. Saw your infomercial for Turbo Jam and ordered it. Still waiting on it to arrive. Meanwhile, eating smart, checking out your blog and loving the vibe! Please keep it up. I will be logging in to get an injection of energy and spunk often if not daily~Thanks!!

BTW: Currently reading, How to Administer an Estate. Good book, yucky poo subject.

Oh, I'm an east coaster born and raised. I love soy products,so, thanks for introducing me to "Edamame".

:)
laree

Anonymous said...

Love your workout Charlene -- it's been a great way to de-stress right after work......and I gotta add that book to my "to read list". I'm in the middle of "The Power of Intention" by Dr. Wayne Dyer -- for like the 4th time. I just love his stuff. "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz is also a good one. I actually hated to read when I was a kid, even though my dad made sure we had plenty of shelf space and kept bringing those books home!... now I can't get enough of it. It's the last thing I do before I go to sleep. I'm constantly paroozing the book stores and hitting the library. Happy to say my daughter has the habit also!

Anonymous said...

Hello Chalene,

New to all of this. Love your tapes. I have many workout tapes and yours is the only ones that doesn't sit on the shelf. I'm actually working out! Oh joy! BTW, just a suggestion for future quotes so no one gets confused, put "Quote:" then after you are done "End Quote". Just a suggestion.