At first I thought Asset-Based Thinking had something to do with finance and inventory… but the title, “Change The Way You See Everything: Through Asset-Based Thinking” piqued my interest.
This business/self-help book by Kathryn Cramer and Hank Wasiak offers a transformational philosophy, “which can instill success-oriented habits in even the most die-hard cynic.”
The book starts by introducing Asset-Based Thinking (or ABT) like this…
Just think what could be possible if people focused their attention on:
- Opportunities rather than problems
- Strengths more than weaknesses
- What can be done instead of what can’t
Yeah. I love that approach. It reminds me of the book “Now Discover Your Strengths,” by Marcus Buckingham and Donald Clifton, which helps us understand our personal strengths, but “Change The Way You See Everything” extends to an entire life philosophy.
No, it’s not a feel-good, fluffy, Pollyanna book… (actually it is feel-good)… It’s a realistic what-you’ve-got (assets) approach rather than what-you-don’t-got (deficit) approach.
Here’s how the authors put it…
Asset-Based Thinking is not blind optimism or magical thinking. It does not offer the quick fix or over-promise results. It’s not based on theory alone. It’s based on direct, systematic observation into how a growing minority of highly effective, satisfied people think, feel and act.
Asset-Based Thinking takes “positive thinking” to a whole new level of engagement. While positive thinking calls for a positive attitude about life and the future, Asset-Based Thinking calls for positive action and traction in the present moment. ABT puts the power of personal, interpersonal, and situational assets in your hands so that you can make progress and create the future you most desire.
Action is the key word! Ideas bestowed with ‘positive attitude’ remain just ideas. However, if you take an idea and add ‘positive action and traction’ to it, it becomes innovation.
The book offers true stories, realistic examples, and engaging exercises. The website also offers a good preview of what you find in the book.
You’ll hear more from me about asset-based thinking in the future. I guarantee.