A ‘normal’ life is not always a ‘happy’ life.
“… grant me the courage to change the things that I can change, the serenity to accept the things that I cannot change, and the wisdom to know the difference between the two”, is a popular motto by Alcoholics Anonymous. Most of us fail in the third part, as we hopelessly try to change things that either are not amenable to change or unworthy of our time and energy.
Dealing effectively with either major life events or daily stressors requires the ability to maintain composure / remain calm under pressure, take a time-out and ‘talk sense’ to oneself.
The book aims to educate, entertain and inspire. In the first part the author discusses stress, its sources and its effects, followed by the ‘Ro’ Method, a simple but complete problem solving process, and a number of examples and real life applications. Then, using a light, humorous and innovative style, the author describes the day of ‘Don Stressote,’ a modern Don Quichote de la Mancha and ‘Ro’ Method graduate, who attempts to apply the theory in everyday life situations. Armed with courage and stoicism, Don deals with the monsters and the dragons (the idiots) of the 21st century: his partner who entered the toilette first and is reading the newspaper insensible to the needs of others, the obese fellow in the elevator, the traffic jam, his stupid boss, the thick-skinned client, as well as the most difficult person among all – his own self and his irrational expectations…
Kind Words
“A scientifically-based integrative approach to dealing with stress, written in the most accessible way! The best of both worlds!” – Dr G. Sideridis, Harvard Medical School
“Your books have been monumental readings to me.” – G. Kyriakides, Training Director, Human Asset Ltd.
“You made me laugh aloud several times. I keep thinking about the cartoons and smile inside me. Congratulations for your wonderful book. You have done an amazing job!” – T. Maria, Lawyer
“A book for a lifetime! I have thought of a few dozens of friends that absolutely need to read it.” – C. Vovori
“A friend recommended that I should follow the Ro therapy. Thank you for your contribution in making our life more beautiful.” – V. Anthoulakis, Army Officer
“This is the first time that a book motivates me to contact the author. It is really a great piece of work. Well organized, combines theory and practice with a lot of humour. It can serve as a guide.” – S. Athina, Lecturer, Aristotle University
“I really enjoy readings your books! They improve my mood. They were exactly what I needed and have helped me in my personal and professional development. Keep writing in the same spirit.” – T. Elissavet
“Incredible writing style, with so much humour that someone may indeed consider changing his or her habits. Check it out. I do not know the author; I was impressed and just wished to express it.” – Andria’s blog
“If you could cast a spell on Angelos Rodafinos, what would it do? … Make him write a third book!” – P. Megremis
Prologue to the English edition
Those who read the title of my book Idiots are Invincible, nod condescendingly in agreement: “Indeed, the author is right, they really are invincible,” thinking most probably of people other than themselves. I do not know who they are thinking of, but no one, until now, has happened to come across my book and agree: “Indeed, the author is right, we really are invincible.” I am beginning to think that perhaps idiots are mythical creatures, as I have yet to meet a single one!
The truth is that when I started writing the book, I also had “the others” in mind: the boss, the professor, the referee, the inept driver, the rude employee, the clumsy waitress, the delayed colleague, the annoying salesperson, the mother-in-law and generally anyone who doesn’t behave “properly,” i.e., “the way we would like them to behave!” [Obviously, I do not refer to mental retardation but to people who simply have a different outlook and behaviour to us].
At some point, however, I realized that as a manager, professor, driver, co-worker, I am often the idiot in other people’s lives. In their opinion I do not always behave properly, i.e., “as they would want me to!” Later, I also realised that more often I was the “idiot” for myself! Irrational thoughts and beliefs such as: “everyone must love me,” “my house must always be clean,” “I must be a good husband, lover, manager, father, son, friend …” create problems and imbalances for us and those around us.
If some books can change your life, I am confident that the present book will change, if not the conditions in your life, at least the way you think and how you see your life – and for the better.
At least this is what several hundreds of the thousands of readers of Idiots are Invincible who have contacted me in the past few years have claimed.
If what you have tried so far has not produced the desired results, and if your approach to life is not working out the way you would like, it may be time to try something new – absorb the ideas described in the following pages and test the “Ro” method for yourself. You have absolutely nothing to lose but a little time.
In fact, if my prediction is right and the claim many readers have made is valid, the immediate benefits of reading this book are likely to include the following:
– More effective problem solving
– Better decisions and choices
– Improved interpersonal relationships
– Less tension, anxiety, worry and guilt
– A stronger immune system
– A feeling of control
– Increased self-esteem
– A healthier body
– A more pleasant and satisfying life
Enough with the promotion.
At www.rodafinos.weebly.com you will find the … Idiots’ Club a.k.a Boneheads’ Academy Blog, where you can share your stories and your ideas for dealing with idiots and adverse situations. Research (e.g., Pennebaker et al., 1988) showed that talking about the problem or confiding, even in the form of a diary or on a simple piece of paper – even if we just throw it away and never show it to the person who caused our emotions – is connected to more efficient operation of the immune system and better overall health. Arm yourselves with pen and paper and … move over Anna Frank!