The Tools: 5 Tools to Help You Find Courage, Creativity, and Willpower--and Inspire You to Live Life in Forward Motion

The Tools: 5 Tools to Help You Find Courage, Creativity, and Willpower--and Inspire You to Live Life in Forward Motion

Phil Stutz, Barry Michels

3.88(8311 readers)
5 unique Tools ... 3 seconds each to use ... A lifetime of fulfilment

Can you imagine what your life would be like if you could tap into a new source of power – one that has been inside you all along – to solve your own problems and become the master of your life?

The Tools is an extraordinary psychological model based on the proven methods of Hollywood's greatest psychotherapists. Phil Stutz and Barry Michels have over 60 years of psychotherapeutic experience between them. Together they have helped their A-list clients work through whatever has held them back ­– be it insecurity, trauma, anger, lack of willpower, negativity or avoidance – to achieve their greatest work and find a deep level of fulfilment.

Now, at last, the acclaimed clinicians are sharing their methods in this eye-opening and empowering book. Introducing their five simple techniques, namely The Reversal of Desire, Active Love, Inner Authority, The Grateful Flow and Jeopardy, the authors clearly explain what they are plus how and when to use them. Astonishingly effective and beautifully simple – once you've learned a tool it takes only three to five seconds to use it – this book will give you everything you need to propel yourself forward to achieve your ambitions and be who you were born to be.

Publisher

Random House

Publication Date

6/20/2023

ISBN

9780679644446

Pages

288

Categories

Self-Help

About the Author

Phil Stutz
Phil Stutz
Phil Stutz graduated from City College in New York and received his MD from New York University. He worked as a prison psychiatrist on Rikers Island and then in private practice in New York before moving his practice to Los Angeles in 1982.

Questions & Answers

The central philosophy of "The Tools" is that individuals possess untapped inner resources capable of solving their own problems. It emphasizes the importance of direct action and engagement with these resources, rather than solely focusing on the problem itself. This contrasts with traditional psychotherapy, which often delves into the past to understand the root causes of issues.

"The Tools" introduces specific techniques, or "tools," that connect individuals to higher forces, like the collective unconscious or the spiritual world, to facilitate change. These tools are designed to alter behavior and mindset, moving beyond mere attitude adjustments. The approach is more proactive, encouraging individuals to actively engage with their challenges and cultivate inner strength, rather than passively waiting for change to happen.

The "Tools" are techniques designed to connect individuals to higher forces, enabling transformative change. They work by guiding users to change their state of being, allowing them to tap into these forces. The five fundamental higher forces are:

  1. Force of Forward Motion: Drives life's relentless progress and purpose, helping individuals move forward despite pain.
  2. Outflow: An infinite, spiritual force that gives without restraint, lifting individuals above their hurt feelings.
  3. Self-Expression: Allows for genuine expression without seeking approval, connecting to one's inner self.
  4. Gratefulness: A higher force that perceives the spiritual world, connecting individuals to the Source's generosity.
  5. Willpower: A force individuals must create themselves, providing the strength to overcome quitting impulses.

The "Shadow" in the book represents the hidden, unwanted, or negative aspects of our personality that we are ashamed of. It's a part of us that we often try to suppress or hide, leading to feelings of insecurity and self-consciousness. The concept of "Inner Authority" utilizes the Shadow to empower individuals. By acknowledging and connecting with their Shadow, individuals can access the Force of Self-Expression, a higher force that allows for authentic and unfiltered self-expression. This connection gives rise to inner authority, which is not dependent on external validation or approval. Inner Authority helps individuals overcome performance anxiety and express themselves freely, fostering a sense of self-worth and connection to others.

The book tackles negative thinking by introducing the "Grateful Flow" tool, which encourages individuals to focus on gratitude and positive thoughts to counteract negativity. It emphasizes the importance of perspective by connecting the individual's struggles to a higher force, suggesting that adversity is an opportunity for growth and inner strength. The book argues that by accepting and embracing challenges, one can develop resilience and a sense of meaning, which is crucial for overcoming adversity. It also highlights the role of the "Source" as a guiding force that provides perspective and helps individuals maintain balance and positivity in the face of difficulties.

The book envisions a future where spirituality is deeply integrated into daily life, transforming individuals and society. It posits that higher forces, accessible through the "Tools," are the key to this transformation. The "Tools" are practical techniques that connect individuals to these higher forces, enabling them to overcome personal challenges and contribute positively to society.

The vision is for a society where individuals embrace personal responsibility, face adversity with courage, and cultivate inner greatness. The "Tools" contribute to this vision by:

  1. Empowering individuals to create their own futures and develop willpower.
  2. Encouraging the expression of inner greatness and purpose.
  3. Promoting a sense of gratitude and connection to a higher power or Source.
  4. Fostering courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
  5. Awakening a collective willpower to drive societal change.

By using the "Tools," individuals can become creators, shaping their lives and contributing to a more compassionate, forward-thinking society.

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