"Human potential at its best is to transform a tragedy into a personal triumph, to turn one's predicament into a human achievement."

― Viktor Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning.

Dedication

I dedicate this workbook to all those whose lives I have touched in a positive way.

Review of Transform Difficulties into Triumphs in 30 Days by Paul McQuillan Director at, Lifechange Therapies, Counsellor, Brisbane, Australia.

"The capacity to turn tragedy into triumph is a logotherapy theme that Carol Knox has picked up throughout her self-help workbook. She challenges the reader to do it in 30 days and hence the book itself is arranged around 30 day by day stories, action plans and personal reflections.

From the organization of chapters there seems to be an assumption that the book will be picked up by someone at the bottom of their trough in life, the first chapter, This too shall pass, implies as much as does the second Finding something to live for is critical. Knox then moves the reader through searching for meaning in life and particularly a focus on Finding meaning from suffering. As the reader learns to be compassionate with the self and to appreciate the life they have, the turning point in therapeutic terms seems to be intended on day 13 Your watershed moment.

However, Knox also suggests that it is possible to select any particular story simply for its inspirational message. Hence the person feeling on top of their game right now might choose to begin at Day 26 Igniting humour.

Although themes of choice and responsibility light and darkness are still approached in the second half of the book the movement is towards the capacity to see beyond the self to a bigger picture so that by Day 25 It is time for self-transcendence. This is a real Logotherapy theme, we can only find meaning ultimately by looking outwards, beyond the self...

...This could be a powerful 30-day journey, or more like 30 weeks, that could change a life. It is most likely to be used by dipping into one or a few of the stories rather than the more demanding 30 day journey. It is a book that all logotherapists might consider putting in their reference library of client resources."

"I would like to have read this more than 20 years ago. It is very useful and helpful for me. If I had read this book when I was young, my life might have been changed." Haruhisa from Japan.

"Carol Knox's story-based workbook is a true gem with highly relatable and relevant stories about human triumphs in the face of adversity and pain. The workbook provides helpful cues for reflection and highlights specific aspects of healing stories that connect to your own life experience. What's more, the workbook prompts you to come up with your personal actions, to put your reflections into practice in your life – thus making your insights immediately – and meaningfully – actionable. Frankl's concepts really come to life – in your life – transforming suffering, pain and difficulties into uniquely human triumphs. Your triumphs!"

Sabine Logotherapy Practitioner and Logotherapy@Work Coach.

"I love your book. I have read it a couple of times and I think it is a rich source of inspiration. Wise words and practical suggestions. I would buy it for myself and give it as a gift. I think it will lead to Aha moments and could be life changing for some people."

Carol Barton, Positive Psychology Coach, United Kingdom

This practical, inspiring, and potentially life-changing workbook will take you step by step through a process towards a more fulfilled and enriched working and personal life.

In this story-based workbook, stories are offered to guide you to discover and unfold your unique meaning and purpose in life, even during difficult times.

It includes personal stories, as well as stories about others such as Viktor Frankl, Nelson Mandela, Beethoven, Helen Keller, Jack Kerouac, James Hillman, Helen Martins, The Buddha, Temple Grandin, Tara Brach, Carl Rogers, a Taoist story, an Indian fable, Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, a story from Logotherapy and Jerry Long.

Acknowledgements

My motivation for creating this workbook grew out of my need to make available to as wide a group of people as possible, the potential to overcome life difficulties and to transform these into triumphs. Initially many of these stories were to form part on a PHD research project with trauma sufferers. Due to ill health, I was unable to continue with this research. I began to think about how I could use this material in a different way, so that it could reach more people and potentially enrich their lives. In this way the workbook came into being. My life purpose is to help others discover and unfold their purpose and unique meaning and calling in life.

My thanks go to my editor Liz Dexter from Libroediting.com. Liz completed the editing quickly and was very helpful in her comments and in discovering accurate references.

My thanks also go to my beta reader David Owens.