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Book cover of Option B by Sheryl Sandberg — critical summary review on 12min

Option B

Sheryl Sandberg

9 mins

When life doesn't go as planned, how do you find the strength to keep going? Sheryl Sandberg's raw and moving journey offers a roadmap for building resilience and finding joy in the wake of tragedy. Learn how to kick the hell out of 'Option B' and reclaim your life.

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Who it is for

Anyone facing a major setback or loss, and those who want to support friends and family through their darkest moments with genuine empathy.

Key Insights

The Power of Resilience

In 'Option B', Sheryl Sandberg explores the profound concept of resilience and how it plays a critical role in overcoming personal tragedies. Through her own experience of losing her husband, Sandberg illustrates that resilience isn't an innate quality but something that can be cultivated through support systems and deliberate practices. The book emphasizes the importance of building resilience by embracing life's challenges, maintaining a positive outlook, and seeking help from friends, family, and community. This insight encourages readers to view resilience as a skill that can be developed, offering hope and strength in the face of adversity.

Rebuilding Personal and Professional Life

Sandberg's narrative in 'Option B' highlights the necessity of reconstructing both personal and professional facets of life after a loss. She candidly shares her journey of returning to work and parenting as a single mother, shedding light on the struggles and adjustments required in these areas. The book underscores the idea that while the path to rebuilding is fraught with challenges, it is possible to find new purpose and meaning. By setting realistic goals and allowing oneself the grace to heal at their own pace, individuals can gradually reconstruct a fulfilling life despite having to navigate an altered reality.

The Role of Community and Support

A central theme in 'Option B' is the vital role that community and support play in the healing process. Sandberg shares personal anecdotes and research to demonstrate how leaning on others can provide the strength needed to endure difficult times. She emphasizes the importance of open communication and vulnerability in fostering supportive relationships. The book also discusses how friends and family can offer practical and emotional assistance, making the journey through grief more bearable. This insight serves as a reminder that no one has to face their struggles alone and that seeking and accepting help is a crucial step in moving forward.

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About the Author

Sheryl Sandberg is Facebook’s chief operating officer. Before, she was vice president of online sales and operations at Google. She also passed the American Treasury, where she was chief of staff. Sheryl lives in Northern California with her children and has been named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine and the 10th most powerful woman in the world by Forbes.

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Lessons

  • Stop blaming yourself for uncontrollable events by recognizing the trap of personalization.
  • Help others by taking action directly instead of asking 'is there anything I can do?'
  • Celebrate 'small wins' through journaling to rebuild your self-confidence and hope.
  • Moving forward and finding joy again is a tribute to those you have lost, not a betrayal.

Key Takeaways

  • Resilience is a muscle that can be built after facing life's most devastating challenges.
  • The 'Three P's' (Personalization, Pervasiveness, Permanence) are major obstacles to recovery.
  • Breaking the 'mum effect' helps overcome the isolation often felt during times of grief.
  • When 'Option A' is no longer available, you must learn to make the most of 'Option B'.

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