If you look closely between stimulus and response, there is a gap.
The reaction happens so quickly that we don't even notice the gap, but if we look closely, there is always a space between the stimulus and the response.
And in that space there is a mind that interprets stimuli and chooses a response.
The size of that space and the angle of thought that occurs within it determines the quality of our life and our destiny.
--- 6p

Let's not waste valuable time and energy worrying about the insignificant comments or glances from people who don't really matter to us.
--- 27p

When it comes to changing someone, the encouragement of "You did well enough" has a much greater impact and resonates deeply than the whipping of "Is that all you can do?"
The same goes for changing yourself.
--- 31p

The reason we can't escape from suffering is because we think the current state will last forever.
Accepting that nothing in this world lasts forever brings much peace of mind.
A bird in flight does not look back.
Let's not let the past, which has already passed, hold us back from the future.
--- 49p

The more you try not to think negative thoughts, the more negative thoughts will appear.
The moment we try to suppress negative thoughts, our brain focuses on the negative thoughts.
In psychology, the more you suppress a thought, the more that thought comes back. This is called the rebound effect.
--- 63p

The best way to prevent negative thoughts from creeping in—weaknesses, hurts, resentments, frustrations, depression—is to allow good thoughts—positive thoughts, gratitude, compassion, love, consideration—to take their place.
This is the so-called principle of replacement.
--- 64p

This is thanks to the mirror neurons in the brain that react like a mirror to the other person's facial expressions.
Just seeing another person's facial expression can change our own, causing emotional contagion.
So, when you meet someone who complains, you will unconsciously become more dissatisfied, and when you hang out with happy people, your happiness index will increase.
--- 72~73p

It's much better for both of us to politely decline something than to do something we don't want to do and then grumble or regret it later.
--- 85p

Lost health is the retribution for the careless treatment we have given our bodies.
Periodically stop what you are doing, take a break, and exercise.
A 10-minute break, a 5-minute walk, and a 1-minute stretch can change your quality of life.
Stop & Rest! --- 96p

The most effective way to change your self-definition is to use the As If Technique, which involves acting as if you already possess a certain quality you desire.
--- 98p

The most fatal problem that occurs in relationships and communication is the fallacy of mind-reading, which is the mistaken belief that one knows the other person's mind.
This is especially true among close friends, such as family.
--- 103p

People react much more sensitively to negative stimuli than to positive stimuli.
In psychology, this is called the negativity effect.
The quality of a relationship is determined more by not doing what shouldn't be done than by doing what should be done.
--- 119p

Many people make themselves unhappy and ruin their relationships through the process of comparison, which is called the comparison trap.
Want to be unhappy? Compare yourself to someone better than you.
Do you want to offend someone and earn their dislike? Compare them to someone better than you every now and then.
--- 122p

The most effective way to change your impressions and attitudes about yourself or others is to replace negative words that describe that person with positive ones.
This is the so-called Mind Flip Technique.
--- 146p

The stronger our resistance to things we dislike, the more difficult our lives become.
So, the more difficult it is to accept something, the more we need to practice letting it go without taking it to heart, saying, “It just happens.”
To remain calm and relaxed even when going through difficult times, you need to live a little dully.
--- 197p

The most effective way to banish negative emotions and enjoy life is to find things to be grateful for in everyday life that you take for granted and feel gratitude deep in your heart.
It is impossible to feel deeply grateful and unhappy at the same time.
Because these two emotional states cannot exist together.
I call this the Inhibition Effect of Negativity.
--- 200p

Sometimes, stop what you're doing and count how many times you have left to do it.
By calculating the remaining opportunities, you can change your attitude toward the task.
The Bible calls this the Wisdom to Number Our Days.
--- 220p

Inverse paranoid thinking is when people think that the world is plotting to do them good, even when they are tormenting themselves or putting them through unbearable hardships.
A victim mentality brings depression, anxiety, and unhappiness, while a reverse victim mentality brings joy, hope, and happiness.
--- 232p

Let's focus on what we have now.
And let's not let what we don't have get in the way of what we already have.
Let's not forget that what we take for granted now is something that someone really wants.
--- 236p

After a breakup, some people become wrecks, while others become poets.
The attempt to find positive meaning even in negative situations is called positive reinterpretation.
--- 242P

Listen to what others say, but don't be swayed by them.
Learn from those who have gone before, but don't belittle yourself.
A tree with deep roots does not sway in the wind, and a person with a clear goal does not compare himself to others.
Be consistent, but don't rush.
There is no talent in the world better than consistency.
--- 269~270p

79 Questions for a Well-Being Life

06 When do you need someone's encouragement?
'The only person who can protect me until I die is myself, and my soul receives its greatest strength when it receives comfort and encouragement from myself, not from anyone else.
--- Self-Encouragement, 35p

16 How to reduce resentment and become more generous?
Even if you give, there are many times when you don't get an immediate reward.
But let's not be too disappointed.
Just because you planted ten seeds doesn't mean you'll harvest all ten plants.
--- The Law of Seeds, p. 238

22 What if I want to get more people on my side?
If you believe that people are fundamentally good and treat them kindly, the behavior of those who used to dislike you will gradually change to become more favorable.

--- Self-Fulfilling Prophecy, p. 257