<p>I retired two years ago, and soon afterward my 401K and other retirement investments were hammered by the dive in the stock market. Like so many others, I hadn’t planned carefully enough, both through fault of my own and bad advice from a professional investment advisor. And believe me, I spent a lot of time blaming myself and my advisor. The worst part of looking back is realizing that a part of me knew better and that I let myself be guided by overconfidence. Until you’ve been in a situation like this, you don’t know how bad it feels. And it’s a situation where there are no easy answers.</p> <p>I was doubtful when my brother sent me a copy of Peaks and Valleys, but I am really glad he insisted on my giving it a try. In sum, the book has given me perspective and a sense of what to do next.</p> <p>I owe to Spencer Johnson my ability to get past the self-blame, which after a point isn’t helpful, and to see how to strategize to take advantage of what I still have left. The book’s lessons helped me to make a plan that will enable me to stay retired without sacrificing the many things I want to be able to do.</p> <p>It’s my sincere hope that as many people as possible who are in a similar valley will learn from Peaks and Valleys and get their lives back on track. We all deserve a sense of hope and a way back up!</p> 12 2009-03-02T18:02:05+00:00 0 1 1 1 2009-03-02T18:02:05+00:00 2 0 <p>I had not read any of Spencer Johnson's books before so when I was given a copy recently it was a new experience for me.</p> <p>Reading the book helped me to take a larger view of my life rather than focusing on just what's happening right now--such as watching my 401K take a nose dive. In this simple story I came to understand how much my attitude and perspective contribute to my well being in both the short--and long term.</p> <p>I am happily recommending this book to friends and thank Spencer for his message. It could not have come at a better time.</p> 12 2009-03-02T18:02:05+00:00 0 7 7 1 2009-03-02T18:02:05+00:00 9 0 <p>I was lucky enough to have been lent an early copy of this book by a friend of mine who works for the board of ed.</p><p>I mention that my friend works in education because as it's fitting that the book she lent me taught me something important.</p><p>I've always been taught and taught my kids and grandkids to react responsibly and wisely to success because around the corner could be an obstacle that you need to navigate.  Putting money away fro a rainy day would be a simple way of explaining my philosophy.</p><p>But using those obstacles and "valleys" as a means to learn how to better manage your "peaks" was a concept I never could have come up with on my own.  It really was a "light bulb" experience for me.</p><p>Thank you Dr. Johnson (and you Lilian for putting this book in my hands) for giving me new philosophies to instill in my family and new ways to teach them to excel in life.</p> 12 2009-03-02T18:02:05+00:00 0 8 8 1 2009-03-02T18:02:05+00:00 10 0 After reading Peaks and Valleys, I realize that you don't have to stay in the valley you are currently in, and of course you shouldn't be so naive to believe the peak will last. I am using what I have learned from Dr. Spencer Johnson and applying it to my financial life. Even though I may be seeing rewards from my hard work, it won't mean anything if I loose it all in a valley I am not prepared for. By preparing for the worst and not letting my ego think the high life will last, I am able to see a balance that is a little more assuring. Thanks for the practical vision! 12 2009-03-02T18:02:05+00:00 0 14 14 1 2009-03-02T18:02:05+00:00 15 0 A terrific book. I guess the author has written this and has been realeased just at the right time when the things are going tough in the world and everyone needed some hope and strength to come out of the "Valley" and turn it into a "Peak". Kuidos Sir.. looking out another such book. Neville 12 2009-03-02T18:02:05+00:00 0 49 49 1 2009-03-02T18:02:05+00:00 125 0