Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy

Book Review: 2/5 Impact On Me (Book By Sheryl Sandberg, Adam M. Grant)

Read more about the book here

I rate this book's impact on me 2/5. While the stories were touching, I found limited practical advice that I could apply without experiencing similar situations. Many of the insights weren't actionable for me, and several concepts I had already encountered in other books like Super Better, which I rated 5/5.

When someone goes through a loss, people often say "I can't imagine what you're going through." But if or when you experience loss, you learn there's only one way forward - you must continue.

The Three P's of Grief

When dealing with loss, we face three challenges:

• Personalization

  • We might blame ourselves

  • Tip: Avoid saying "I'm sorry" or "I apologize" - these words don't help

• Pervasiveness

  • Everything seems awful

  • Solution: Stay engaged with work and school - they help distract your mind

• Permanence

  • Feeling like this will last forever

  • Watch for words like "always" and "never" - they show you're thinking in permanent terms

  • Try this: Write down negative thoughts like "I'll never be happy again" and find examples that prove them wrong (like laughing at a joke that day)

Supporting Someone in Grief

Don't avoid talking about loss with friends. They think about it every day anyway. When we don't mention their loss, they feel invisible.

Better ways to help:

• Ask "How are you today?" instead of "How are you?"

• Say "I'm here if you want to talk" instead of "Do you want to talk about it?"

• Make specific offers of help rather than asking "Is there anything I can do?" Example: "I'm bringing you a burger. What toppings don't you want? I'll be in the hospital lobby for an hour."

Recovery and Growth

Self-compassion helps people recover faster from tragedy. Journaling helps process emotions, though it's challenging like meditation - many people know it helps but find it hard to do.

Some helpful practices:

• Write down three daily joys

• Do one enjoyable activity each day

• Look for silver linings - even in difficult situations, you might find things to be grateful for

Teaching Resilience

Four key lessons for children:

1. They have control over their lives

2. They can learn from failure

3. They matter as humans

4. They have strengths to rely on

Resilience isn't fixed - it's something we learn throughout life. The book shares Sheryl Sandberg's personal journey through loss and recovery.