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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Talking to Crazy summary
How to Deal with the Irrational and Impossible People in Your Life
19 mins
Brief summary
Talking to Crazy by Mark Goulston is a guidebook for handling difficult people in our lives. It provides insights and techniques for empathizing with and disarming challenging personalities, allowing us to communicate more effectively and sustain healthier relationships.
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Talking to Crazy
Summary of 9 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 9
Accept that everyone – even yourself – can sometimes act or simply be a little crazy.
Even the most seemingly rational people have moments when they’re surprised by their own irrationality.
Really, anyone can have a moment in which the following statement holds true: You’re crazy!
But what does “crazy” in this context really mean? We’re not talking about the mentally ill, people who may be called “crazy” unfairly. You don’t have to be clinically ill to have a period of craziness.
In these blinks, the term crazy refers to irrational behavior which can manifest in a few ways. A crazy person might have a distorted view of reality, or refuse to listen to reasonable arguments. This person could also say nonsensical things or act out against his own interests.
If you want to reduce this kind of behavior in yourself, the first step is admitting to your own craziness. Acknowledging your own issues is an important step in dealing with other crazy people!
When you understand your own crazy tendencies, you’ll be able to empathize with the craziness in others. Because if you can’t empathize with those people, you might just end up screaming or acting irrationally yourself. And who’s the crazy one, then?
If on the other hand you can keep your cool when things get nuts, you might just help calm a crazy person down. Instead of getting upset, try to understand what exactly triggered the person’s craziness. You’ll then be less vulnerable to that person’s attempts to drive you batty!
For example, imagine you have a problem where you completely shut down if someone questions your honesty. If you acknowledge this tic, you’ll recognize it in others who might have a similar reaction. You’ll then know how to work toward finding a solution, instead of making things worse.
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What is Talking to Crazy about?
Talking to Crazy (2015) acknowledges that each person has the potential to be a little crazy, giving into irrational behavior when the mood strikes. These blinks offer sound advice on how to empathize and communicate with a person in “crazy mode” so you can keep yourself from going off the deep end, too.
Talking to Crazy Review
Talking to Crazy by Mark Goulston (2015) is a thought-provoking book that explores effective strategies for dealing with difficult people. Here's why it's worth reading:
- Offers practical techniques and tools for managing challenging individuals, empowering readers to navigate tricky conversations with confidence.
- Contains real-life stories and insightful anecdotes that demonstrate the author's expertise, making the book relatable and applicable to various situations.
- Its engaging and conversational tone keeps readers hooked, turning the potentially mundane topic into an enlightening and, dare we say, enjoyable read.
Best quote from Talking to Crazy
Unless youre the first entirely sane person on the planet, youre carrying around your own suitcase full of crazy.
—Mark Goulston
Who should read Talking to Crazy?
- People with anger management issues
- Anyone struggling with constructive communication in a relationship
- Parents and teachers dealing with young adults
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Talking to Crazy FAQs
What is the main message of Talking to Crazy?
The main message of Talking to Crazy is learning effective communication techniques for dealing with difficult people.
How long does it take to read Talking to Crazy?
The reading time for Talking to Crazy varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Talking to Crazy a good book? Is it worth reading?
Talking to Crazy is worth reading for its practical advice on navigating challenging conversations and relationships.
Who is the author of Talking to Crazy?
The author of Talking to Crazy is Mark Goulston.
What to read after Talking to Crazy?
If you're wondering what to read next after Talking to Crazy, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Asshole Survival Guide by Robert I. Sutton
- The Peter Principle by Laurence J. Peter and Raymond Hull
- The No Asshole Rule by Robert I. Sutton
- How to Talk to Anyone by Leil Lowndes
- The Success Myth by Emma Gannon
- Rewire by Nicole Vignola
- Electra by Sophocles
- The Beginning of Infinity by David Deutsch
- Six Thinking Hats by Edward de Bono
- Get Better at Anything by Scott H. Young