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Peace of Mind was a book that was number one on The New York Times bestsellers list from 1946-48. I discovered it as I was rummaging through old books at the Walworth County Fair here in Wisconsin in September. I am such a rummager. It was written by a man named Josh Liebman, who died the year it came out at the age of 41.
My stack of books to be read was high, as it usually is, so I didn't get around to Peace of Mind until last week. I have to tell you, I don't like the book.
However...
On the inside of the back cover is an inscription from the original owner. I can't be sure it was the original owner, but the writing, pen used and wear make me think so. No name was left on it so I can't give you that. But the advice is sage, I think. It says this...
To Avoid a Nervous Breakdown
- Work when you work, play when you play, do nothing when you rest. Be sure there's time each day for all three.
- Live today. Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow hasn't come.
- Simplify your life. Worry and hurry are soul-mates.
- Get perspective. Everything isn't the way you'd like it to be. It never will be. Don't fret. Don't try to change the whole world.
- Do the best you can. If you make the right decision more often than the wrong one, that's good. But remember that any decision is better than no decision, worrying and wavering...and a breakdown.
I thought that was pretty good advice for leaders and non-leaders alike to start 2011. The writer must have believed in it a lot to scrawl it long hand at the back of his or her book.
I hope for all of you the very best new year. May it be prosperous, happy and may you avoid...at all costs...a nervous breakdown.
(One question: With all these Nooks and E-Readers and Kindles...you know these electronic readers that are supposed to replace books...where in fifty years will people rummage through old books and find inscriptions that will make them smile? Really. Where? Just a question.)
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