Peaks and Valleys – Spencer Johnson - Review

This was a helpful book on managing the good and bad times in life. He had tips for getting out of the valley sooner,  staying on peaks longer, and getting to the next peak. Although this was a secular book, it was easy to see Biblical wisdom. An example would be staying on a peak longer (managing your good times): be humble and grateful, do more of what got you there, keep making things better, do more for others, say less, save resources for your upcoming valley.

If you enjoy reading parables, you’ll enjoy reading Spencer Johnson’s latest book, Peaks and Valleys. The author has several number one bestsellers including “Who Moved My Cheese?” He knows how to tell a good story.

The story basically goes like this: A discouraged young man meets a wise old man on a mountain peak. The old man shares his wisdom about life’s peaks and valleys. The young man then sets out to put his newly learned lessons into practice. The key he soon realizes is to find a comfortable balance between the lowest valleys and highest peaks.

How you handle living on a peak or down in a valley is based on what you’re currently viewing as a positive or negative in your life. You have the ability to turn the valleys (negatives) into peaks (positives) by changing your perspective or view of the situation.

Moral of the story: How well you handle the valleys in your life, will determine how much joy you’ll find on the mountaintop. The view from the peak is sweeter when you’re at peace with yourself and your life. By conquering the fear of living, you can truly appreciate the view from the highest peak.

Spencer Johnson believes there is a deeper sense of purpose and gratitude when you pass your powerful life’s wisdom on to others. “Help people make good and bad times work for them too.”

You’ve heard the old saying, “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” Whether or not you’re in the right place in your life to appreciate the wisdom of Peaks and Valleys will determine how much you like or dislike this book. Spencer Johnson shares valuable wisdom in just 112 pages.

This well-written story is a quick read – probably can be finished in an hour or two. The subtitle of the book really says it all: Making good and bad times work for you – at work and in life. The key piece of wisdom I took away from Peaks and Valleys is in knowing how to find an inner peace and balance between the everyday peaks and valleys in my life.

I recommend this book if you’d like an empowering boost of self-motivation and day-to-day wisdom. If you do decide to read Peaks and Valleys, please go to our forum page and share your thoughts and opinions.

"Be humble and grateful. Do more of what got you there. Keep making things better. Do more for others. Save resources for your upcoming Valleys."

For more information please read “Peaks and Valleys: Making Good And Bad Times Work For You--At Work And In Life”