Change the Way You See Yourself: Through Asset-Based Thinking

by Kathryn D. Cramer

“Whatever you admire in someone, you have in yourself-if only but a glimmer. In fact, when a person’s talent, virtue, skill or attitude strikes you as amazing, you can be sure it’s something you want more of for yourself. You are ready, willing, and able to incorporate it into your repertoire of assets.”-from the Introduction Change the Way You See Everything was a breakthrough book, which presented a transformational philosophy known as Asset-Based Thinking, or “ABT.” That book was able to instill success-oriented habits in even the most die-hard cynic, and inspired thousands to shift their thinking to reap monumental rewards both in work and in life. Now the authors are back to expand this powerful notion of Asset-Based Thinking-to guide people on how to change one’s own power, influence, and impact on the world. So while the first book taught readers how to view their world differently, this next book shows them how to see themselves differently. It will reveal that everyone is a leader in their own way, and that, through ABT, every person can plug into their unique power.

Genres: Self Help, Business, Nonfiction, Psychology, Finance, Personal Development

176 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2006

About the author

Kathy Cramer, Ph.D., is the founder and managing partner of The Cramer Institute in St. Louis, MO. For more than twenty years, she and her colleagues have pioneered the development of Asset-Based Thinking (ABT) approaches to coaching, consulting, and training, and inspiring individuals and organizations. Her signature programs, keynotes, books, and online and new media offerings have passionate followers among corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, schools, psychologists, coaches, and others who are dealing with change, transition, innovation, and success in today’s world.

Kathy is an accomplished speaker, trainer, executive consultant, and the author of six books, including, Change the Way You See Yourself Through Asset-Based Thinking (2008), the first title in the ABT series, Change the Way You See Everything Through Asset-Based Thinking (2006), and When Faster, Harder, Smarter Is Not Enough (2002). The newest release in the ABT series is Change the Way You See Everything for Teens (April 2009.)

Dr. Cramer has received wide media recognition in such outlets as The Oprah Winfrey Show,Personal Excellence, St. Louis Business Journal, Realtor magazine, TomPeters.com, Forbes.com, and other national and regional venues. She has produced two films on stress, one of which received an Emmy Award.

Reviews

[Rachel B]

The jacket for this book is great, but the interiors and design are laughable. Really, the whole book is kind of nuts and the organization makes little sense. BUT, if you're like me and are a bit of a nut about self-improvement in the workplace, you'll get something out of this. It's a fast read (what with all the weird stock photography) and the governing concept (the benefit of asset-based thinking) makes a lot of sense. The good stuff could be distilled into 3-4 hardworking pages.

[Kathryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe it would be better for people who are newer to Self Help. The cover and pictures were unique and pretty, but I only made it about half way into the book because I felt they were just saying the same thing again and again with little to no new insights.

[Susan Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not sure who the audience is for this book. I purchased on a recommendation and thought would be good for my children but the stories are more suited to adults. Picture are lovely and gives this more of a feel of a coffee table book that you could dip into rather than read.

[Vicki Amoroso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy

The book has an easy and simple concept to changing your outlook on life and in turn changes your life! Brightens the way you see an feel about potential negative thoughts and it outcomes.

[Jared · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is really a 4-star book as far as information goes if you've been into self-development for a while but I gave it 5 stars as it has cool pictures and I think then it could be useful in teaching children, so its gets the 5th star for being unique and possibly serving other purposes.

[Sayo · Rating 5 out of 5]

ABT Thinking

I bought this book for a project but I am now reading it for life. Thanks e excellent structure and the beauty is commendable. Every page is a treasure House

[Justin Sturgis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this regularly and often. It is a great reminder about shifting your thought process and continually evolving perspective for personal development.

[Tara Henshaw · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 star: it’s a no from me, glad I did not take a lot of time to read it. Maybe it’s because I didn’t give it a chance but I was not interested at all :/

[Ruth · Rating 1 out of 5]

Should not be a kindle book..reads like a gossip new stand an article and can't read it anyhow as PDF in small.print.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like the art of realism is lost on many people in this day and age. Cramer discusses what it means to accept things or obstacles in you life for what they are without the notion of changing them. This allows you a level of inner peace that you can only gain through complete acceptance. Do not be mistake, Cramer doesn't want you to dwell on your hardships but rather learn to liberate yourselves from them through realistic thinking and action. As they say, "progress is impossible without change" meaning; you will never grow as a human being until you learn to accept yourself (limitations and all).

[Semi-Academic Eric]

"When you change the way you see things, the things you see change." - Anonymous

So begins and ends this book, on the inside of the front and back cover, with a mysterious image and an explanation of the image that might surprise you.

I'm not sure if the rest of the book might surprise any of us. It seems like it contains some of the same 'positive-thinking' 'self-help' messages that other classics already contain. However, this one has some beautiful pictures and a more modernized graphic design that might delight the eyes. If that catches your fancy, then I hope you enjoy the book.

I think I will continue to glance through it to see if it's worth reading more of. - Apr 30, 2012



There just seem to be so many better books that I think I will just leave this off. - May 23, 2012

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I know that any book that falls into the 'self-help' or 'self improvement' category can be met with the same sort of eye rolling and skepticism that I would give to someone telling me to read The Secret for the solution to all my problems.

But, this book isn't so much a self help book but one that highlights ways that you can look at finding solutions to your situation as opposed to allowing yourself to be mired in the fact that a situation or your life isn't going the way that you want it.

I really just suggest that you get the book, work the exercises and see how they work out for you.

[Kellyann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really wonderful in multiple ways. First off, it's an extra-large, hard cover, "picture-book" type format. Inspiring even just to look at. Then, the methods it outlines are presented in a short and sweet, easily acceptable AND implementable way. "Self-help", be a better person type books like this are often waaay too long, overly drawing out every point they're trying to make instead of just getting to the point. I really appreciated that this wasn't this way. Definitely one to keep on the shelf and pull down often.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was insightful as to how to look on the asset based side of things, as to who we are, what moves us,and use those things to enrich our life, rather than what is lacking- how this can open our lives to great possibilities. It is inspiring to read. I kind of lost interest towards the end, I thought most of the good information was towards the front of the book.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard about this book from a co-worker and decided to read it. Now that I've read it I recommend it to many. It is not a "Pollyanna" way of living or looking at things or an unrealistic way of living; it is about looking at situations and issues differently. A way to change your perspective and evaluate the good in the situation at hand.

[megHan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a fan of self-help books. They have been very helpful on my quest to find myself and make myself a better person. This one I found at the library and I was pleasantly surprised at how interesting it was. It is full of information, given to you in a fun and creative way, plus several activities to help you along the way.

[Kevin Eikenberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t go into bookstores as often as I used to. But Sunday I did, and I’m glad I did. I looked at books, and kept thinking about how many were at home and at my office on the reading list. I looked but didn’t … - See more at: http://blog.kevineikenberry.com/leade...

[Kiersten · Rating 4 out of 5]

A feel-good book. I loved how they gave several lists in the book about the "old way" of saying something and then a new "Asset-based thinking" way. I was able to print them out and reference them quickly. I even shared them at the office

[نورة الحصان · Rating 2 out of 5]

i was really fascinated with the design and the photo of this book

but what really matter is the content and the text was not that helpful ,

i can count the pages on my hand which added new thing to my knowledge.

i will give it a read again to see if i miss something :(

[Rusty · Rating 4 out of 5]

The space between "Your Present Action" and "The Future You Want To Create" is IMPACT! What fuels your impact? I suddenly see the chasms I must cross as opportunities that must be taken with BIG steps. (You can't jump a chasm with baby steps.) Excellent for the right-brained person.

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful book! This one caught my eye on the way out of the Self-Help section and was definitely an impulse purchase. I love it when those impulse purchases turn out to be treasures.

[Katherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I am done with the book. I didn't finish it but it was interesting just not what I wanted right now.

[Anne Walbridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not too much new here (basically focus on the positive) but it's presented in an invigoratingly fresh way. Best graphic design I've seen in a book, ever.

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not tons of "meat" like you will get with Tolle, but a great book to pick up whenever you desire a change of latitude.

[Alfred Lucena]

free your mind!

[Justin Zamora · Rating 3 out of 5]

an interesting book on how a shift in our perspective about our life can lead to some pretty remarkable benefits.... nothing groundbreaking, but a good read.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very meaty book for how few WORDS there are! Photos are gorgeous and the message is beautiful.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

READ AUG 2012

Well produced piece and solid material on accountability and initiative.

[John Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

helpful to get you going

[Patrick Fassnacht · Rating 4 out of 5]

quick, inspirational, and nice positive-minded focus. For someone who likes Asset-Based thinking already, this still offered some gems.
quick and light-hearted.