Introducing Dr. Jordan Peterson…..oops, I forgot – he needs no introduction!

This is Your Summer-Must-Read (Listen) Book.

You can order your Audible Download or Hardcopy right here and now.

The nation is talking about Dr. Jordan Peterson.

Positively. Negatively.

You decide.

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Dr. Peterson speaks and writes in a profoundly unique vernacular.  His words are cleanly chosen with an unabridged honesty and candor.

Forget the commonality and generic advice in most books written for life instruction….12 Rules For Life is in a different class and category.

The unsanitized. unmeasured. unfiltered. TRUTH.

Truth….without worry of political correctness or socio-economic politeness.

He is who he is…

without apology or footnotes to make his words more digestible for the general reading public.

Is my description a little too hyperbolic or dramatic for you?

The reason for my book review is:

Dr. Jordan B. Peterson changed my life.

12 Rules for Life:  An Antidote to Chaos changed the way I do life.

It goes without saying that I didn’t agree or understand every concept or precept in the book.  But then again, that disclosure doesn’t dilute the positive impact for one second.

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Yes, as the the title indicates, there are 12 rules which are clearly and succinctly outlined and explained.

To avoid making this blog post an unbearably long manuscript, I will choose one of my favorite rules today and will try not regurgitate the book’s content verbatim, but rather give you my personal perspective.

I will paraphrase using my own thoughtful summaries….of course, preemptively apologizing to Dr. Peterson if I have misinterpreted or misconstrued any of his sage wisdom.

This is how Rule #3 spoke to me.

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Rule # 3.  Make friends with people who want the best for you.

Do you believe you deserve to be surrounded by good people?

It’s appropriate to seek companionship of people who are NOT bringing you down on purpose.

If you find that you are consistently in the company of people who are offering you a cupcake the day after you join a diet club…. or begging you to meet them for Happy Hour right before your AA meeting… or inviting you to shop at Nordstrom’s the week after you announce you’ve just attended a Dave Ramsey Total Money Makeover seminar…..

Find a new friend.  Really!  Right Now!

Break the cycle.  Learn from the past.

You are obligated to shed people who are contributing to an unproductive and negative lifestyle.

Don’t choose friends to satisfy your need to rescue others because this desire could just be YOUR inner need to become a candidate for canonized sainthood or a modern-day martyr.  It is a fine and noble gesture to help and render aid to those in need.

Do devote your time, talent, and treasure to generously give to others.

But for your close circle of friends –  choose people who are trying to help you become the best version of yourself.

Dr. Jordan Peterson – 2018 Live Lecture Tour

My son bought GREAT tickets as my gift!

It was a fantastic evening.

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For many years now, I’ve read and heard variations of the following quote:

“Notice who’s not clapping when you are winning.”  

Really notice.

Find a Real Friend who genuinely cheers profusely when you succeed…. and publically & privately supports your dreams and aspirations.

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I have a very personal story to share this morning….

There is a smart, generous woman that I have called “my friend” for over a decade+ now.  After reading 12 Rules, I started to make numerous mental notes about Rule #3.

[Please note, if you have been a routine reader of my blog, you will surely know my feelings on discussing your Personal Purse.  Don’t Brag how much you have.  Don’t complain how much you don’t have. I have never, ever discussed my private, personal financial details with FRIENDS, FAMILY, or FOES. My golden rule.]

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During a dinner party, my friend asked a question which enveloped me for the duration of the evening.  “How bad are you suffering financially?” referring to the current WTI (West Texas Intermediate) crude oil spot price at that time.

After recovering from sheer shock at this out-of-the-blue question, I composed a straightforward answer with as much kindness as I could muster.  “We’re not suffering. But thanks for your concern.” 

Even though her words were right …“Okay, good.” 

Her reaction was wrong…undeniable and distinct disappointment quickly distorted her entire face.

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On another light-hearted, social occasion – she wanted to know if “things have gotten any better for us?”

What?  Not that same song and dance.  I quickly retorted….“Things are not bad.”  And once again, her appropriate verbal response was followed by visible discouragement.  Her miscalculation of my financial misfortunes was so obviously troubling.  It was almost visible in words across her forehead.

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“How are you holding up with oil prices so depressed – for so long?”

 “Are you struggling?” 

Following each polite answer….was a visible sadness too real to mask.  

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After each encounter with this friend…..I would remember Dr. Jordan Peterson’s third rule.

Is this lady a bad person?  Absolutely not.  She is a good person.  Just not a good candidate for close friendship.

After reading this book and truly practicing the principles….I took to heart the advice of rule number three.  I realized there are many different requisite characteristics of friendships.

Friends are not emotionally letdown when you are doing well.

Friends do not rejoice when you are not doing so well.

Rule # 3.  Make friends with people who want the best for you.