Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy is a book co-authored by Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg and psychologist Adam Grant. The book is a follow-up to Sandberg’s 2010 bestseller Lean In, which focused on women’s leadership and equality in the workplace. However, this time around, Sandberg and Grant team up to explore the idea of resilience and how to cope with adversity, both professional and personal.
Chapter 1: The Loss of Her Husband
The book begins with Sandberg sharing her personal story of loss and grief. In December 2015, her husband Dave Goldberg suddenly passed away while they were on vacation with their children. Sandberg was devastated and struggled to find meaning and purpose in her life after such a great loss. She shares how she tried to find solace in her work but realized that it wasn’t enough to fill the void left by her husband’s death. This chapter sets the tone for the rest of the book, as Sandberg and Grant explore the idea of resilience and how to build it in the face of adversity.
Chapter 2: The Science of Resilience
In this chapter, Sandberg and Grant dive into the science of resilience, exploring research and studies on the topic. They explain that resilience is not a personality trait but rather a set of skills and mindsets that can be learned and developed. They also debunk the myth that some people are just born resilient, arguing that anyone can build resilience with the right tools and strategies.
Chapter 3: The Three Myths of Resilience
Sandberg and Grant identify three myths about resilience that can hinder people from building it. The first myth is the “tough it out” approach, which suggests that people should just power through their struggles without seeking support or help. The second myth is the “bounce back” myth, which implies that people should return to their pre-trauma state as quickly as possible. The third myth is the “resilience is a personal trait” myth, which suggests that some people are just naturally resilient while others are not. The authors argue that these myths can be harmful and provide practical advice on how to overcome them.
Chapter 4: The Four Steps of Resilience
In this chapter, Sandberg and Grant introduce the “Four Steps of Resilience,” a framework for building resilience. The first step is “face your feelings,” which involves acknowledging and processing emotions related to the trauma. The second step is “make meaning,” which involves finding purpose and meaning in the struggle. The third step is “find a new normal,” which involves adjusting to a new reality after the trauma. The final step is “give back,” which involves using the struggle to help others and make a positive impact.
Chapter 5: The Role of Community
Sandberg and Grant emphasize the importance of community in building resilience. They explain that having a support system can make all the difference in navigating difficult times. They provide practical advice on how to build and maintain a support network, including reaching out for help, seeking out a mentor, and joining a community of others who have faced similar struggles.
Chapter 6: The Power of Resilience
In the final chapter, Sandberg and Grant explore the power of resilience, both individually and collectively. They argue that resilience is not just a personal skill but also a social justice issue, as marginalized communities often lack access to resources and support needed to build resilience. They provide examples of individuals and communities who have built resilience in the face of adversity and offer hope for those who may be struggling.
Conclusion
Option B is a powerful and inspiring book that offers practical advice and strategies for building resilience in the face of adversity. Through personal stories, research, and practical advice, Sandberg and Grant demonstrate that resilience is not a personality trait but rather a set of skills and mindsets that can be learned and developed. By acknowledging the challenges and struggles that come with adversity, Sandberg and Grant offer hope and a roadmap for building resilience and finding joy in the face of difficult times.
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