Good Intentions: The Nine Unconscious Mistakes of Nice People - Hardcover

Robinson, Duke

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0446520853 ISBN 13: 9780446520850

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing, 1997

Synopsis

With the poignant honesty of Robert Fulghum and the good sense of "Dear Abby", this practical guide shows effective ways to avoid being "too" nice and reclaim a satisfying and fulfilling life.

Most people are raised to be "nice". But some just overdo it. They want to be perfect: always helpful, always available, never distinguishing between their own needs and those of others. Inside they're frustrated and unhappy. By analyzing the nine most common pitfalls, "Good Intentions" shows how the afflicted can liberate themselves from this damaging behavior, assert their own needs, and still remain the "good person" they've always wanted to be.

About this title

From the Author:

Potential buyers should know that this book is the original (1997) award-winning, hardback version of TOO NICE FOR YOUR OWN GOOD: How to Stop Making 9 Self-Sabotaging Mistakes (2000)--the first of my two nonfiction books.

It's out-of-print and is the VERY SAME BOOK as the paperback edition, TOO NICE FOR YOUR OWN GOOD, with a different title, a different cover and a photo of the author--hardly worth the difference in price, unless you insist on buying hardback books. All of the high praise you see here for this book pertains also to TOO NICE FOR YOUR OWN GOOD.

From the Inside Flap:

HIGH PRAISE for GOOD INTENTIONS:  The Nine Unconscious Mistakes of Nice People
"I hope many people will read this book and benefit from its honesty, eloquence and wisdom."
Rabbi Harold S. Kushner, author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People and How Good do We Have to Be?"
"Highly readable, insightful, and compassionate...Duke Robinson extracts powerful, eminently practical lessons for everyday living from sound psychological principles."
Martin V. Covington, professor of psychology. University of California at Berkeley
"His eloquent message is addressed to all who are striving to live good lives...an upbeat and honest message."
The Library Journal
"Profound, provocative, and practical...A thoughtful and deeply felt gift to all of us who get caught between the goodness of our hearts and our own naivete."
Shirley Nice, The Corporate Coach
"Do-gooders: Here's why you burn out...In this book, Robinson show how too much of a good thing can lead to emotional and physical exhaustion. His goal is to liberate do-gooders from their self-sacrificing bondage."
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"The wit and wisdom of Duke Robinson is about to become national knowledge. And he does more than simply analyze the mistakes we all make as nice persons. Attention to this very readable and practical book can make a good difference in the way we live."
Paul H. Gertmenian, CEO, Henry Gertmenian Co.
"The mistakes described in this book are like the common cold...Duke Robinson has done a masteful job defeating these emotional viruses...Reading this book and taking it seriously could save hundreds of hours in therapy, and it's a lot more fun."
Dr. Robert R. Ball, executive director, the State of California's Self-Esteem Task Force, and author of Walking on Water
"A 'how-to' book that breaks new ground...and shares unexpected new approaches that can open doors to more creative living."
Robert McAfee Brown, author, professor emeritus, Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley, CA
"Robinson's nine chapters turn the qualities of niceness inside out: 'trying to be perfect,' 'taking on too much,' 'not saying what you want,' ' suppressing anger,' 'reasoning with irrationality,' 'telling little lies,' 'giving advice,' 'rescuing others,' and 'protecting those in grief. Sound familiar? He says he can help you get over it without becoming an ogre."
The Dallas Morning Newspapers
"I wish this book had come along earlier in my career...These practical steps toward authenticity help us put our lives in order and feel good about it."
Darrell Floyd, retired human resources manager, Nissan Motor Corporation, USA
"An unsentimental blueprint for complete living as well as a provocation to the highest humanity in all of us."
Leroy Aarons, founder and board member, National Gay and Lesbian Journalists Association and author of Prayers for Bobby
"A superb book...transforming...In clear and simple language, Dr. Robinson shows how being 'nice' often means living by a tyranny of expectations."
Stanley F. Hogle, former executive director, Interface-Samaritan Counseling Centers

About this edition

• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0446520853
• ISBN 13: 9780446520850
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 288