Summary –
“Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy” by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant is a book that explores the topic of resilience in the face of adversity. The book draws on Sandberg’s personal experience following the sudden death of her husband, as well as research and interviews with others who have faced adversity, to provide insights and practical advice on how to build resilience and find joy in difficult times.
The book is divided into three parts, each of which explores a different aspect of resilience. Part one, titled “Breathing Again,” focuses on the initial shock and grief that follows a traumatic event. Sandberg shares her experience of losing her husband and the feelings of confusion and despair that she initially felt. She also discusses the common reactions to trauma, such as denial, anger, and depression, and provides advice on how to navigate these emotions.
Sandberg emphasizes the importance of seeking help from others, whether it’s a therapist, support group, or friends and family. She also encourages readers to be kind to themselves and to allow themselves to grieve. Sandberg acknowledges that everyone’s grief journey is different and that there is no right or wrong way to feel.
Part two, titled “Bouncing Forward,” focuses on how to build resilience and find meaning in the face of adversity. Sandberg and Grant provide practical tips for cultivating resilience, such as practicing gratitude, finding purpose, and developing a growth mindset. They also emphasize the importance of building a support network and seeking out positive role models.
Sandberg and Grant also explore the concept of post-traumatic growth, which refers to the positive changes that can occur as a result of adversity. They provide examples of people who have experienced post-traumatic growth, such as veterans who have returned from war and started nonprofits to help others.
Part three, titled “Taking Back Joy,” focuses on how to find joy and meaning in life after a traumatic event. Sandberg and Grant emphasize the importance of self-compassion and forgiveness, both for oneself and for others. They also encourage readers to find purpose and meaning in their lives, whether it’s through work, hobbies, or relationships.
Sandberg and Grant acknowledge that finding joy after a traumatic event can be a difficult and ongoing process. They provide advice on how to manage setbacks and setbacks, such as practicing self-care, staying connected to others, and reframing negative thoughts.
Throughout the book, Sandberg and Grant provide numerous examples of people who have faced adversity and found resilience and joy in the face of it. These stories help to illustrate the concepts and advice that they provide, making the book both informative and inspiring.
In addition to personal stories and practical advice, “Option B” also draws on research from psychology and neuroscience to explain the science behind resilience. Sandberg and Grant provide an accessible overview of research on resilience, including the role of social support, positive emotions, and cognitive flexibility in building resilience.
One of the strengths of “Option B” is its accessibility. The book is written in a conversational tone, and Sandberg and Grant use personal anecdotes and real-world examples to illustrate their points. The book is also organized in a way that is easy to navigate, with clear headings and subheadings that help the reader to follow along.
In conclusion, “Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy” by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant is a powerful and inspiring book that provides practical advice and insights on how to build resilience in the face of adversity. The book draws on personal experience, research, and real-world examples to provide a comprehensive and accessible guide to resilience. Whether you are facing a difficult time in your life or simply want to cultivate greater resilience and joy, this book is an excellent resource.
About the Author –
Sheryl Sandberg is the chief operating officer at Facebook and an active philanthropist who helps women achieve their goals. She was previously vice president of online sales at Google, as well as chief of staff at the US Department of the Treasury. Her first book was the best-selling Lean In.
Adam Grant is a psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School whose writing has received awards from the American Psychological Association and the National Science Foundation. He is also a contributing op-ed writer for the New York Times and the author of the best-selling books Originals and Give and Take.