Don't Sweat The Small Stuff Trivia Quiz

Answer: Wayne Dyer

Richard Carlson was attempting to get an endorsement for his book, "You Can Feel Good Again", from Dr. Wayne Dyer. Dr. Dyer is a best-selling author of many books ranging from psychology to self-help to spirituality. Dr. Dyer had endorsed one of his previous books, but this time, he could not contact him and finally gave up. Dr. Carlson told the publisher not to use his name and was both shocked and dismayed when the book was released and had Wayne Dyer's earlier endorsement on the cover.
He immediately wrote Wayne Dyer an apology letter, as he was worried about the implications and consequences of using an endorsement without permission. A few weeks later, he received a letter from Wayne Dyer that said the following:
"Richard. There are two rules for living in harmony. #1) Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" and #2) It's all small stuff. Let the quote stand. Love, Wayne."
Subsequently, this became the title and sub-title of this book! This information can be found in the book's introduction.

Answer: 100

There are 100 chapters in this book, each pertaining to a situation that may be irritating or aggravating. The purpose of the book is to look at the situation in a different light and find a way to "let go".
Resentment, rage, and several other negative reactions intensify the problem and subsequently intensify negative emotions stored inside the person. This is similar to Zen philosophy.

Answer: "Do not tell anyone about it."

Acts of kindness are wonderful, regardless of the scenario. However, if you do this randomly, without even expecting accolades, then it is an even purer act of kindness. "It is better to give than to receive" is an old axiom that has a foundation in truth.

This is hard for humans, as we have expectations, and also want to be thanked when we do something nice. An unconditional act of kindness, however, has nothing to do with self-gratification of any kind. The notion that you have improved someone's day or life should be immense gratification.

Answer: Right

In the quest to be "right", many people get their feelings hurt. "Right" and "Wrong" are nothing but value judgments and may have an entirely different meaning to one person than another. Even if you know you are "right" in a certain situation, it may be a better idea to let the other person have the satisfaction rather than to correct them.

This is not to suggest that you have to lay down to anyone's suggestions. It is a case-by-case basis. A good idea would be to see what you are about to argue about and see if it is worth it. If it is going to affect your inner peace...let it go!

Answer: "Wherever You Go, There You Are"

This statement is basically teaching humans to live in the here and now. Many people are wishing that they were somewhere else or banking on expectations that things will get better. However, there is only one real time: now! Live in the moment and enjoy what you have (or do not have, for that matter).

It is uncertain where you will be or what you could have had. However, you know that you are here now, ergo the expression and title of Dr. Kabat-Zinn's book.

Answer: "Turn Your Melodrama Into a Mellow-Drama"

We all create drama in our lives. Many times things get blown out of proportion (sweating the small stuff), and the actual event becomes a soap opera, of sorts. However, if you are aware of your emotions getting the better of you, you can turn the "Melodrama" into a "Mellow-Drama". Once things are in their proper perspective and you are in a better frame of mind, the situation will probably not look as dire or grim.

Answer: True

Yoga has proven to be positive for the body, mind, and spirit. Hatha yoga is the most prevalent kind of yoga that is used in the West today. Yoga has its origins in the East and has been successful for creating and maintaining mental stability for ages. Along with meditation, yoga is a good way to keep a calm outlook on life and not "sweat the small stuff."

Answer: Teachers

When problems arise, most people react with stress or worry. However, life is not problem-free and there are always going to be challenges. However, if you overcome these challenges and do not repeat the same mistakes, you have learned something. This would turn the problems into teachers. Then, when you look back, you can look at "bad situations" with gratitude instead of resentment.

Answer: "Allow Yourself to be Bored"

All of the choices are chapters in his book, but allowing yourself to be bored is the focus of Chapter 18. Personally, I have a hard time with this, as sitting still is not my forte. However, learning to be "ok" with being bored will go a long way to teaching you how to relax and "let things go".

A friend of Dr. Carlson's stated in the book, "People are no longer human beings. We should be called human doings." Sometimes it is better to accept the silence rather than look for another activity.

Answer: "Live This Day as if it Were Your Last. It Might Be!"

We do not know what is in store for us from one minute to the next. This certainly holds true for what is going to occur tomorrow. You may be hit by a bus tomorrow or win the lottery. Chances are that it will be something less extreme, but if you live every moment as if it were your last, then you will be living life to the fullest. You will not have time for petty arguments.

This roughly translates into "Carpe Diem" or "Seize the Day", which can be found in poetry and other literature. I hope you enjoyed this quiz and learned something as well.

As a final note, remember that we are human and will not be able to make these decisions all of the time. However, every day is a new day and you can always choose again or start over.