When it comes to self-help books, I’m leery, especially ones that have titles like Think and Make It Happen. Wow, it’s that easy? This book by Dr. Augusto Cury claims to be the breakthrough book for “conquering anxiety, overcoming negative thoughts, and discovering your true potential” or so says the cover. Unfortunately, Dr. Cury is merely regurgitating cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques for the Christian community.
However, his book has some merit. In each chapter, he discusses one of the following 12 principles–be the author of your own story; direct your thoughts; manage your emotions; protect your memory; learn to listen and dialogue; learn the art of self-dialogue; contemplate beauty; unleash creativity; be restored in your sleep; live an enterprising lifestyle; think existentially; and turn life into a celebration.
I like these principles. I would seriously consider hanging the list on my wall to remind me to “unleash creativity” daily. Besides these 12 steps, I mean, principles, the meat of Dr. Cury’s programs comes through use of DCD (doubt, criticize, determine) technique, which calls readers to re-determine past events to make new and positive outcomes.
Sounds good, right? It’s good, but it’s nothing new. It’s a mix of post-modernity, cognitive behavioral therapy and modern thought all wrapped up 240 pages complete with cover. The book’s terminology may be too cumbersome for those not schooled in psychology and too simple for those who are!
She is Beloved 
I was hoping for more and had difficulty getting into this book. Love the concept of writing your own story, taking responsibility for your own thoughts, etc. but, I am concerned that our Christian books are becoming so in-tune with the modern, think and make it happen ideology.
I am concerned that more and more of our Christian books are taking on the titles such as we would expect to find in any bookstore. In fact, I might have still bought this book, even if it were in a non-Christian bookstore. But, these types of title reinforce the false belief that even as Christians, we are the captain of our own ship. These types of titles are disconcerting to me, and I have to admit that it may have colored my thoughts about the book.
Janet, I’m glad I’m not the only one who thought the book was pretty much a waste of paper.
I HAVE ONLY READ THE FIRST TWO CHAPTERS OF THE BOOK BUT I AM MOTIVATED INSPIRED AND FOCUSSED IN AUTHORING MY OWN LIFE STORY.ITS AN AMAZING BOOK AND GOOD TO BE A FOUNDAMENTAL FOR TEENAGEERS AS THEY NEED TO TAKE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF AUTHORING THEIT STORYAT A VERY AERLY AGE