12 Books - Author Led Business Book Group discussion

This is our official May discussion.

Here is the link to register for our webinar with Omar Manejwala: http://www.12booksgroup.com/omarwebinar

The first two chapters are heavy with medical terminology (perhaps the entire book is) but Dr Manejwala does a masterful job of engaging even a novice in the process. The early use of humor, as when he described the blow to his ego in medical school when he learned of the similarity between human and rat brains, always helps to keep a readers attention in a more technical work as this is. His teasing future chapters as he touches on some topics also helps to keep you wanting to come back for more. Clever technique, especially if it helps to create a "craving" to read on.

Jary wrote: "The first two chapters are heavy with medical terminology (perhaps the entire book is) but Dr Manejwala does a masterful job of engaging even a novice in the process. The early use of humor, as whe..."

Well said. I agree.

As I have been reading this book I've been wondering about what cravings are driving my own action. I have identified for example that I crave praise, harmony, and chocolate peanut butter treats among other things.

What have you identified as your own cravings?

Jacob wrote: "As I have been reading this book I've been wondering about what cravings are driving my own action. I have identified for example that I crave praise, harmony, and chocolate peanut butter treats am..."

Recognition
Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Reading
Cooperation
Understanding

That is the fascinating thing about this book. Although one has the tendency to diagnose oneself with all kinds of "cravings" as they begin reading,(a common habit after reading medical, psychological, or personality related articles) after Manejwala continues the explanation we get past that urge and begin to really understand the pathology of cravings and how they relate to addictive behaviors. This book is really eye-opening in many ways . . . don't you think?

I opened the Foursquare app on my phone this morning and noticed that in the search box is displayed the text, "I'm craving..."

I've only begun to read the book, but one think that really stood out to me was how we can be cognizant of how a craving can be bad for us, without any sort of introspection or help from an outside source we never really notice how our cravings have control of us. I know I felt a bit guilty while reading, wondering how I could be aware of my own cravings but not have enough common sense to identify the long term effects.

Excellent book so far, I'm eager to read more.

I used to be addicted to nicotine, so I can definitely identify with the symptoms that Dr. Manejwala describes in the first few chapters of the book. I used nicotine to help me destress, and as I still think about it sometimes when I'm at my highest point of stress. However, the craving and addiction are no longer there. Sometimes I feel that I can just smoke one cigarette and be done, but I know that isn't a smart choice. I like how Dr. Manejwala relates how ego to some of the bad choices that we make.

I was especially interested in Chapter 2, where Dr. Manejwala describes neurotransmitters and receptors. I was only able to quit smoking after taking Welbutrin and Chantix, which "blocks" nicotine receptors.

When I joined the military back in 2000, I was able to quit smoking during the 6 weeks because I had no choice in the matter. However, the odd thing for me was that a) I never craved it once b) I never experienced withdrawals. This may have been because it was a high stress time (basic training), but it would be great to hear Dr. Manejwala's expert opinion.

Thanks to the posters and I’m delighted to hear that you are enjoying the book.  I agree with the comments above that cravings for healthy things like love, compassion and joy are possible.  In the book I mention that the actions used to produce recovery from craving eventually become even more desirable than the thing you originally craved, and it sounds like some of you have already experienced that, which is really awesome.

Regarding nicotine cravings and why you had an easier time before than recently, there are many possible explanations.  One is that your addiction may have progressed (addiction is described as a progressive condition), and so what worked before might not work again.  This is common, and explains why some people who struggle with cravings can’t break free, because they assume that something that worked before should work again.  They might not realize that although the cigarettes haven’t changed, they have!

Interestingly, Kendra’s observation and experience are actually very common.  Even severe alcoholics will sometimes describe periods of time in their drinking histories when they didn’t crave at all, and when they were able to put it down because of some overriding concern.  Cravings may be a crude marker of the severity of addiction, so that it may be that the worse your cravings are, the more severe your addiction. 

Perhaps most important:  congratulations Kendra!  Quitting smoking is a big deal.  I strongly emphasize that people should use every tool at their disposal to manage their cravings, including medications like you did when appropriate. 

Kendra wrote: "I used to be addicted to nicotine, so I can definitely identify with the symptoms that Dr. Manejwala describes in the first few chapters of the book. I used nicotine to help me destress, and as I ..."

Congrats on quitting smoking! People such as yourself are positive examples for others.

Thank you :). It's been 4 years now, and I have to attribute my success to medication and a boyfriend who would never put up with a smoker! I don't think I could have done it on sheer will power alone.

Each chapter that I read is so interesting, and at this stage in my life I can relate it to many different experiences. I am familiar with some of the biases that you have described in Chapter 3, but not all. I would say that the biases that were described not only affect cravings, but we should recognize that they affect our decision-making holistically in our personal lives and at work. With hundreds of biases that can affect us, how can we trust ourselves at all?

Has anyone read the book further? I have finished the book and am writing my reviews for posting on my blogs, etc. and would be interested in seeing what other people's overall take-away on the book might be. I always like to include a paragraph comparing my impression of the book to others' and seeing as how the discussion here has not really addressed the book directly (not that I am not impressed with someone quitting smoking) I am wondering if anybody has actually made it past the first few chapters. I appreciate your input!!

Aradia wrote: "Has anyone read the book further? I have finished the book and am writing my reviews for posting on my blogs, etc. and would be interested in seeing what other people's overall take-away on the bo..."

I'm down to the last 30 pages and I'm planning on finishing it this weekend along with my review. It is the first book that I have read about addiction (other than articles and documentaries). One of my impressions is that from a particular point of view one is replacing addiction with another, kinder, gentler form of addiction. What I mean is attending the ongoing help group meetings. I'll have more in detail over the weekend.

Hey, thanks for responding Casey. I was wondering if perhaps the subject matter or the approach was causing people to put the book down and not pick it up again or something. I know I tend to enjoy a good discussion that covers impressions of the books itself, the subject, how it is handled and the over all "voice" of the book. I tend to want a bit more than most people have the time to give in a forum such as this, and I do realize it is difficult so I appreciate the effort!

I've had a busy month but I'm really into the book. I'm about half way through so I will finish it before our live webinar with Omar. So far so good.

Fascinating reading for me, personally. I feel that I will be unpacking the implications of the book's lessons for quite some time. The hopeful message is that we can choose to outgrow our cravings by replacing negative habits with more positive choices. The new learnings about neuroplasticity and how our brains change in response to repeated actions are really eye-opening to me. While this has implications for personal health and wellness concerns (and public policy, as well), I think it also informs matters of personal productivity and effectiveness as we try to steer our ways through ever more complex busy environments.

I didn't receive my book until end of last week. I'm over half way through, and am thoroughly enjoying it.

As I'm finishing up this book, I have found that an earlier selection of the group "The Power of Habit" ties in nicely with some of the points that Omar is making in "Craving." If you haven't read it, I would strongly recommend it.

I'm immediately drawn in by Dr. M.'s sense of humor & keen descriptions of brain mechanics. I also find a number of scenarios that hit home, with me personally, in the way of cravings,that I was not completely cognizant of. It's proving to be a very interesting & informative read, at this point.

I still have a couple of chapters left but I am thoroughly enjoying the book. I especially was intrigued by chapters 5-7, Plasticity, Spiritual Recovery, and You Can't Do It Alone. I loved the authors comment, that speaks to so many areas of our lives and not just cravings, when he wrote, "The reality is that you should 'fail' as many times as you need in order to succeed" as well as the thought that followed from Nasrudin, that good judgment comes from experience and experience comes from bad judgements. Ouch and amen to both!

I'm intrigued by the idea that people who suffer from cravings generally don't see things correctly. They suffer primarily from a different reality in which they don't understand their own situation. It has me wondering what about my own reality is wrong.

I agree, craving does affect your reality. The best example is in chapter 3 of the ex-smoker who tells himself that he can only smoke one cigarette and throw the rest away. Later, he justifies keeping the pack because otherwise he would be wasting money, which leads him to finish the entire pack. I am guilty of that very act multiple times before I finally quit smoking for good! Obviously that type of thinking is completely insane, but in those situations my reality was warped. Here I was, working hard to give up a addiction that was destroying my health and finances, but it seemed so reasonable to just buy a pack and smoke just one.

Great webinar last night with Dr. Omar. The recording is available on our site in the member section.

Jacob

Jacob wrote: "Great webinar last night with Dr. Omar. The recording is available on our site in the member section.

Jacob"

Thanks. I'll view it when I get back home.